The Secret Keeper

Chapter 2: All Manor of Festivities

"That's it. That's the one!"

Hermione laughed, "You said that about the last three dresses Emma!"

"But I mean it this time. Scouts honour." Emma cried putting her hand to her temple, "Now give us a twirl!"

Hermione spun around watching the silk material flair out. She did indeed like this dress. It fit snuggly, but not to the point where by she felt uncomfortable. The heart shaped neck line was modest and the vibrant sapphire colouring bought out the colour in her eyes. It was very elegant and not too pricey. It was perfect.

"Oh Madam!" Uttered the dress maker's daughter in a strong French accent, "You look amazing! Incroyable. Tu es Belle!"

Hermione blushed and gave a timed thank you followed by a 'Merci'. As the shop keeper and her daughter continued to dress the mannequin in the window, Hermione examined herself in the mirror. She felt like a different person, even with no make-up and frizzy unmade hair. After spending all morning looking for a dress suitable to wear to Malfoy manor, she had finally found one.

"You're sure it's not too much?" she asked while waving her hand to return back to her normal clothing. The dress floated mid-air beside her and she surveyed it from every angle.

Emma laughed, picking up her bags to leave, "Honey, obviously you don't know the Malfoy's!"

Hermione laughed along. Boy, did she know the Malfoys! Hermione had chosen to withhold the information that she did in fact know the Malfoys very well. Everybody knew the part she played in the war. Being the best friend of Happy Potter didn't leave room for discretion. However, not many people were aware of the role the Malfoys had in the war. In fact, at the end of the war, the golden trio were left bewildered that the Malfoys were allowed free; especially Lucius Malfoy.

Hermione paid the assistant and Emma held the door open for her as they both made their way down the busy streets of Diagon alley. Emma pointed out a more casual chain store she wished to visit later and practically had to drag Hermione away from the recently re opened Flourish and Blotts. As they were passing Rosa Lee Tea Bag, Emma spotted a vender selling pancakes; every flavour imaginable! They stopped and both ordered traditional chocolate crepes before walking down a side street to the nearby park.

Sitting down on a bench Emma asked, "So. How are things with you and Ron?" She grabbed a napkin as chocolate dripped from her fork. "Have you two spoken yet?"

Hermione's heart sank. She had almost forgotten about Ginny's letter from last night and the sight of Ron kissing Lavender yesterday. Even though Hermione had only met Emma at the beginning of the summer, three weeks before, they had become fast friends. A muggle born, like Hermione, Emma had a very strong personality but was a warm loving woman. The two instantly clicked and Hermione felt like they had known each other for years and trusted her whole heartedly, which is why she chose to confine a secret she hadn't told anyone.

"Well after he confessed his feelings to me and gave me that ne drunken kiss, he has decided to shack up with another girl from our year – the Gryffindor slut- actually. I mean, I know he was drunk after the victory over the dark lord, but I thought that he actually meant some of what he said. As I being and naive by thinking that?"

"Oh Honey," Emma started with sympathy dripping from her words, "Of course you're not being naïve. Aww, I'm sorry, I know how much you like him."

Hermione sighed, "I still do. I'm so stupid!"

"Oh no! Don't even go down that road. Take it from me Hon, all men are assholes. Better off without them. That's why he's gone for that girl. Not thinking with his head, is he? Hiss loss. You're an amazing girl Hermione- you'll find your knight in shining armour."

Hermione smiled as Emma's 'words of wisdom'. Although only 8 years older than Hermione, Emma had kissed her fair share of frogs and was more interested in Mr. Right Now than finding Mr. Right. But her words seemed to cheer Hermione up.

"You're right, I guess. It's not like I need a boyfriend. I should be focusing on school and my career."

"Psssh, I'm always right!" came Emma's witty reply, "besides you never know, you might meet someone tonight, Cinders."

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Draco Malfoy sat at his new desk in his new office and surveyed his work. The fire was lit, casting an eerie glow in the windowless room. Above the fire now hung a masterpiece from one of Draco's favourite contemporary artists. He had imported a luxury burgundy leather sofa from Germany to enclose the fireplace, with an antique rug and a delicately cared rose wood coffee table in the centre. His father had imported an identical desk which sat to the left looking just as imposing as Draco remembered. All the files Draco had been sent were neatly filed in the secret system behind the desk, all alphabetically labelled and grouped by subject. Yes, Draco was very pleased with his work.

He looked down at his expensive watch, a gift from his mother in celebration. It was 1.30pm. Guests will be arriving soon and he still needed to change. His father requested smart casual for the afternoons festivities and Draco didn't think his Weird Sisters T-shirt and jeans would cut it.

Draco stood casting a final glance at the open record of Hermione Granger on his desk. He had read all his employees records but this particular one, he had read several times. He felt guilty for prying but that didn't stop him. He was Draco Malfoy after all.

With a flick of the wrist, the file flew through the air and dissolved into the wall while the fire extinguished itself, leaving him cloaked in darkness. Draco found the hidden door and the light flooded in as he moved into the library. As he twisted and turned through the library, he heard the distinct tones of his father's drawling voice.

"…work out well. After all everyone is still walking on egg shells. The war only ended 2 months ago and already Malfoy Enterprises is coming out on top. No one knows who to trust and many places have gone out of business or are unable to reopen. My Company has been seen to help others, this takeover of the Magick Centre ensures the Malfoy name is no longer tarnished. It the saving grace for us."

Snape responded, "You're lucky they didn't try you as a Death Eater. After your short stay in Azkaban and your escape, I thought for sure…How did you get out of it?"

Draco rounded the corner. He wasn't sure but thought there was a hint of bitterness behind his Godfathers words. There was undoubtedly suspicion laced within.

"Draco! Come and join us for a drink." Lucius stood rather abruptly cutting of any further conversation. He started pouring what looked to be Dragons scotch. "We have to get ready, Gentlemen, the guest will be arriving soon. Have you rehearsed what you want to say when the minister arrives?"

As he said this, there was a loud chime that rang throughout the mansion, signalling the arrival of the first guests.

Bloody early birds!

Lucius transfigured all of their clothes into the appropriate attire and walked away, expecting the two to follow,

"Show time…"

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Hermione walked up the path to Malfoy Manor with bated breath. It looked the same as the last time she saw it. Just as daunting, just as regal, holding just as many secrets- if not more. Hermione had not only neglected to tell Emma her past with the Malfoys, but also about the events that had occurred inside those very walls. Not very many knew of the night she had spent screaming in agony while she lay on the floor bleeding.

Hermione's hand unconsciously traced the scar on her arm, forever branding her a Mudblood. The hairs on the back of her neck rose despite the knowledge of Bellatrix's demise. She's dead, she mentally shook herself, Molly saw to that. Calm down!

"Wow!"

Hermione turned to Emma who was clearly in awe of the place. She turned back to the manor and tried to imagine how she would feel if this was her first experience of the stately home. It was a magnificent house, grand and foreboding. The house stood at the top of a hill overlooking a small magical similar to Hogsmeade. The iron gates creaked as they swung open. What Hermione was unable to see on her last unfortunate visit, being in the dead of night, was the beautifully pruned flower beds lining the path up to the house, filled with an array of bright colours.

They walked briskly down the path with a few other colleagues engaging in idle chat. When they reached the door, they were greeted by Narcissa Malfoy and a long line of maids who silently took peoples belonging and stored them. Hermione could tell from the filled cloak rooms that many people had already arrived. Narcissa led their group through the house and out to the grounds where, what seemed to be, a carnival had been set up.

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Draco surveyed his mothers work. She was always perfect at arranging events for the company but this time she had outdone herself. With only 24 hours' notice, Narcissa had turned the grounds of Malfoy manor into a festival. Amazingly she had landed Second Location, the most popular boy band among teenagers, along with many well-known supporting acts. There were various vendors scattered across the field; selling sweets, toys, potions, make up and charms. Others giving out all kinds of food and drink, free of charge, naturally. There were even stalls set up with carnival games and amusements, fortune tellers and a petting zoo of magical creatures – all free of charge to guests.

In amongst the chaos, were interactive booths set up. Once activated, a hologram form of Draco would appear to give information about the Magick Centre, facilities and future plans that Malfoy enterprises are implementing for the improvement and expansion of the Magick Centre. It was even comprehensive enough to answer questions asked in live time. It was a very clever spell that Severus had invented; using a variation of the patronus spell, he was able to replicate Draco in a shadowed form that carried all the information required to provide the multitude of information. The Malfoys thought it would add a personal touch.

Draco watched as multiple families poured in. The invites had specified that any immediate family of the service users and the employees were welcome. Many had obviously taken them up on this offer. Mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, families of 2 or 6, all sizes. Some of the people had come solo and were accompanied by other guests. It was rather touching to watch or it would be if he wasn't Draco Malfoy. Although, he had to admit, he was curious to see who Hermione Granger had bought with her.

"Here he is – Man of the hour!"

Draco turned to find Kingsley Shacklebolt, Minister of Magic, standing a few feet away from him with his hand already outstretched.

"I'm Kingsley Shacklebolt. Pleasure to meet you, Draco."

Draco's eyes shifted past shacklebolt, where his father stood next to a photographer and a man who was presumably a reporter for the Daily Prophet. Draco extended his hand to meet the minister and they both turned to look at the camera as the flash went off.

"The pleasure is all mine, Minister." Draco quickly replied.

The minister chuckled slightly, "I'm very pleased with all the work you're doing. Your father has already shared your plans with me. All sounds very promising."

Draco smiles confidently, "I'm glad you like out plans. The stability of our world rests in the hands of the next generation. A generation raised in war. A generation that has seen to most, lost its innocents and lost its way." He took a pause from his well rehursed speech to take a dramatic look over the grounds, a chance for his words to set in, "We at Malfoy Enterprises wish to improve the lives of future generations by fixing the current generation that our world has managed to mess up. We not only want to continue the work of Mr. Kent, but expand it as I am sure you've already been told by my father. If you like I could have the project proposal drawn up by…close of business Friday?"

The minister looked bamboozled by this mere 17-year-old.
"Friday, why that's only 2 days away!"

Draco smiled expecting this reaction, "This is just how serious I am about this project sir."

Kingsley shook his head with an amused smile, "very Good, Mr. Malfoy, Friday it is then. Now I must try another Crab cake. Excuse me."

The minister took off to the nearest food tent and the reporter who was still scribbling away, took no notice as Malfoy sr. strode up to his son.

"That was perfect son. You did not disappoint me."

Draco though he detected a hint of surprise but did not let that take away from his father's back handed compliment, "Thank you, Father."

Lucius' reply was short,
"Don't thank me yet. You still have the interview to get through..."

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"Don't look at me like that! There is nothing wrong with liking as much food as I do!" Emma exclaimed as she was pulled out of yet another food tent.

"I want to look around. We can get more snacks later."

Emma sighed but did not disagree. As they passed a stilled hologram of Draco Malfoy, it sprang to life, "Want to know more about my future plans for the company? I'll tell you all about it! Just say Yes or No."

The shadowed figure waited a reply. Both Hermione and Emma turned to look at each other before Emma finally shrugged and said, "Yes."

The hologram went on to tell them all about the plans to open multiple centers that specialise in specific areas while using the current center as a base line for assessment.

"Interesting, isn't it?"

It took Hermione a moment to realise that it was not the shadow that had spoken and spun to find herself inches away from her arch nemesis.

"Mr. Malfoy!" Emma gushed, "So nice to meet you."

Draco flashed a charming smile her way, putting on his best charm, "Please, call me Draco," he purred, "Mr Malfoy is my father."

Emma smiled, "Of corse, Draco. I'm Emma Longings and this is Hermione Granger."

"Well I hope you enjoy yourself Emma," He flashed a playful smile, "and you… Hermione."

The way he said her name, he was mocking her. His eyes lingered on Hermione – daring her to say something. She didn't. She remained calm to his childish taunts and watched as he sauntered away.

"Oh my Lord! I wouldn't mind a piece of him while I'm bent over the office desk!"

"EMMA!" She threw a wink at Hermione who was in stiches of laughter.

Emma gave an innocent look, "What? I'm just saying he is one Hot boss. Can't wait for the next office meeting!"

Hermione rolled her eyes, "You know he is my age right?"

Emma Shrugged, "So he is legal…"