AN: I'm soooo sorry it took some time. I had mid terms to prepare for so I'm REALLY sorry! Chapter 11 is currently in the works :)
Chapter 10:
Hermione waved her wand over her wet curls drying them and they straightened a bit. She tilted her head and glanced at her reflection in the now fogged up mirror in the bathroom, leaning over to wipe the dew off of the surface, she felt her slip dress loosen, sighing she tightened the knot at her waist and glanced out towards the balcony. The sun was barley visible behind the clouds, yet it was still nice and light out.
She walked over to her closet and stared at all the clothes trying to decide what to wear. She scanned the aisles of skirts, dresses and gowns looking for some jeans or trousers. The shelves above the clothes had sliding doors and contained tops, blouses, cardigans, and coats. She sorted through them and pulled out a few tops, most of them: white, grey, black, or striped.
She sighed and dumped them on her bed and scrambled again through the hangers, passing over the tops and coats until her hand touched the wall. She pulled it back slightly and stopped as she felt it brush against another hanger, frowning she grabbed it and took it of the rack, revealing a pair of flared black jeans.
Hermione smiled, tossing them on the bed. She went over to the shoe rack and reluctantly decided on a pair of black-heeled pumps, after not being able to find trainers or flat shoes. She sorted through the pile on her bed and picked out a sleeveless white blouse with small ruffles at the top and rhinestone detailing on the neckline. She hung back all the other tops and got changed.
After some hesitation she applied some eyeliner that was hardly visible and her vanilla lip-gloss. She opened the drawer containing jewelry and decided on a pair of diamond studs and a diamond encrusted silver watch. As she clasped her watch on, she heard tapping on her bedroom window. She turned and smiled as she saw that it was Hedwig, she hurried over to open the window and Hedwig flew in.
"Hey Hedwig," Hermione said softly stroking her wing. Hedwig hooted in response and stuck her leg out. Hermione took the letter and opened it.
Hermione, Just wanted to let you know that dinner at Andromeda's house was great. She and Ted asked about you and send their regards. Remus and Tonks wish you well. They all miss you and send their love and Teddy wants you to give a high-five to his new best mate! Ginny and I really enjoyed ourselves yesterday, can't wait to see you soon…
Hermione broke off abruptly as the letter ended. She frowned; odd Harry normally signed his letters. She flipped the letter over and traced the surface but found nothing amiss. She flipped it over again and her eyes widened with realization.
She grabbed her wand off her bedside table, and pointed it at the letter; "Verbum revelio" and slowly the remaining part of the letter became visible.
Hopefully you figured out that I charmed this letter, I'll be doing it to all my letters and I suggest you do the same, after all we don't it to fall into the wrong hands. Especially now as some idiot leaked to the press that you haven't been showing up for work for the past five days. So they were all holed up outside blocking the Ministry entrance. Kinsley had us issue a warrant now Diagon Alley's swarming with the Press. So just stay clear until I can get it sorted out all right. Harry PS- We need to work on an official public statement.
Hermione groaned, just great. Now what was she going to do? It would look suspicious if she disguised herself. She ran over to the closet looking for a hat or a scarf but didn't find anything. She checked the bathroom, praying for some miraculous gel. However was dismayed as only her face stared back at her.
She gazed at her reflection before parting her hair and letting it fall over her shoulders. She ducked her head and smiled as her hair fell, covering her face. Satisfied she took a deep breath and walked out into the hallway. Her heels surprisingly muffled against the floor. She straightened her blouse and glanced up towards the balcony, stopping as she saw Draco leaning against the rails.
"Morning." She said lifting her hand slightly in a wave, her ring sparkled and Draco glanced at it before he looked up at her.
"Nervous?"
She smiled timidly, "Not really." She wondered if the press would recognize her. She grimaced and Draco noticed,
"Not really? Huh." he said tauntingly and she flushed. He seemed to be acting like the Draco she had known at Hogwarts albeit more reserved.
"Lucky for you, I thought of this" He handed her a black case, puzzled she opened it to reveal a pair of oversized sunglasses with gold mirrored coating. She lifted up the price tag and gaped,
"Gucci! Wow." She looked at Draco, "you know I didn't think you knew Muggle brands."
He coughed uncomfortably, "I didn't, but I do business with Muggle companies and have learned to appreciate their …err.. luxuries."
"I bet you did," she muttered under her breath.
"What was that Gra-Hermione?" he said glancing at her and she fought the urge to roll her eyes knowing full well he had heard her.
"Nothing." She said smiling sardonically at him.
"I'm sure." he smirked.
She ignored him as she tore off the tag and put them on feeling rather glamourous.
"Here," Draco lead her over to the mirror by the fireplace and she gazed at her reflection she almost didn't recognize herself. The glasses were slightly over-sized and covered half her face and the mirrored coating hid her eyes.
She jumped a bit when she felt Draco's hand on her neck, "relax Granger," he said and Hermione could hear the amusement in his voice,
"I think you'll be even more unrecognizable if you put your hair on your shoulders." He fixed it and nodded,
"so how did it go with Potter and them yesterday?"
Hermione turned towards him, "it went well. Teddy and Adrian got along fabulously."
"That's good." Draco said his voice lowering "Adrian hardly ever gets to play with other children. Daphne's kids barley ever bother to make an effort."
She smiled sadly poor Adrian, "he wants to go over to Teddy's house and I said I would take him along if I ever went to visit."
She took of her glasses and placed it in her bag.
"I'm sure he'd like that." He smiled in the direction of Adrian's room before turning to face her, "let's get some breakfast while Tonkin gets Adrian ready."
She nodded and they walked down to the dining room. She was glad that was in a fairly pleasant mood compared to the last few days. It made it a bit easier to converse with him.
-
Hermione smiled as Adrian chatted excitedly with Tonkin. She looked over at Draco who was talking to his assistant on his wiz-phone. She pushed her sunglasses back into place as Adrian ran over to her and grabbed her hand. However Draco had ended his phone call and called over to them.
"I think Adrian should stay close to me," he held out his hand and Adrian beamed at his father.
"Okay daddy." He walked over to Draco who lifted him up and he looked over at Hermione. She tried to mask the hurt look that flashed over her face but he saw and when he spoke next his voice was a bit softer.
"The press can get a bit forcible. So we'll go from the Leaky Cauldron entrance as it will be less noticeable and easier."
He grabbed some floo powder from the pouch beside the fireplace and gestured to Hermione to enter after him.
He shouted "Leaky Cauldron" and threw it down igniting a greenish flame and Hermione closed her eyes as they whirled. She opened her eyes as they landed and waved to Tom who waved back slightly confused, before following Draco towards the brick wall.
Draco tapped it with his wand causing the entrance to Diagon Alley open. Hermione breathed a soft sigh of relief as she saw that none of the press was there. She smiled down at Adrian who gave her a small smile back before continuing to chat with Draco.
As they hurriedly continued down the cobbled path Draco glanced over at Hermione.
"I have to stop at Twilfitt and Tatting's to pick up some dress robes. Maybe you can pick up something too."
"But my closet already has clothes…" she trailed off as he gave her look and she just nodded.
They entered the store and three women came rushing over,
"Mr. Malfoy how lovely to see you again and young Mr. Malfoy too," The tallest of the three said.
Her dyed blonde hair pulled into a stylish half up-do; she smiled politely at them, her bright pink lipstick contrasting nicely against her eyes which was outlined by black eyeliner and had three layers of eye shadow; blue, green, and pink.
She extended her perfectly manicured hand out to Draco, who shook it.
"Lovely to see you too Mirabella. Are my orders ready for pickup?"
"Yes they are sir." Mirabella said placing her hand in the pocket of her multicoloured harlequin dress.
"Excellent. However" He gestured to Hermione, "I forget to mention her order, and she needs a few robes and accessories-," he broke off as Mirabella interrupted him.
"Oh but of course!" she exclaimed, "I would be honoured to put together a wardrobe for…" she paused unsure of what to call Hermione who was completely shocked. Another wardrobe!
She barley had room in the closet, how was she going to fit everything. She glared at Draco who was pretending not to notice, what had she done to deserve this. Oh right agreed to be Malfoy's wife.
"My guest." Draco cut in smoothly "She is my guest." Mirabella nodded.
"Yes. It will be wonderful, in fact I've just finished adding the last touches to the Pre- Spring/Summer collection. I'm sure with Chloe and Simone's help we can find something."
She smiled at Hermione who tried to smile back. It was one thing dressing up in clothes that she had an entire closet full of; and another thing to buy an entire closet full of clothes to dress up in, when she already had one.
"Indeed." Draco said and Adrian tugged at his shirt impatiently, "Are the collections for the Men's and Children's wear finished?" he asked stroking Adrian's hair gently.
Mirabella nodded earnestly, "oh yes yes! I'll have Sebastiano and Mark show you both." She tapped her black heels against the hardwood floor and two men appeared in front of her. One was extremely tall with dark brown hair and one was of medium height and had dark blond hair.
She gave them directions and they led Draco and Adrian away while Hermione remained with Mirabella who summoned Chloe and Simone. Chloe had wavy blonde hair and clear blue eyes and as she spoke Hermione could see pearly while teeth. Simone on the other hand had frizzy black hair and dark brown eyes and dimples. Both were very slender and pretty.
"May I take your bag." offered Chloe smiling at her. Hermione smiled back and handed it to her,
"Thank you." She said as she took off her sunglasses causing all three women to gape at her.
"y-y-you're Hermione Granger." Chloe said shocked.
"a-and you're engaged" Simone said equally shocked and pointing at Hermione's ring. Mirabella only stared at her in disbelief.
"please don't tell anyone, Draco and I don't want anyone to know." Hermione said hurriedly slightly wincing as she said 'Draco' but the other women didn't notice.
"I can't believe it. This is amazing! We are the first to know about Draco Malfoy and Hermione Granger's engagement." Mirabella said suddenly.
"Please don't tell anyone, especially the press please." Hermione said pleadingly knowing Harry would kill her.
"Oh not to worry. The Malfoys have been our best customers for centuries. We would never betray their trusts." Mirabella said, her tone considerably warmer than it had been few minutes ago, and Chloe and Simone's smiles had widened.
Hermione sighed relieved, "thank you"
Mirabella only smiled, "and now we must get you ready"
They led Hermione to the dressing room and she gaped at the lush taupe coloured carpet, the three way floor mirrors and the soft brown plush sofas with equally plush cushions. The walls were painted in a pale pink shade adding a light contrast.
She stared at the rows of clothing, shelves of shoes, and handbags in every colour and size. They had her pick out accessories, dresses, shoes, and separates from the collection.
Despite telling her that she wanted a bit of colour in her wardrobe, Mirabella had simply picked up another black blazer – this one had gold buttons- and added it to the alarmingly growing pile of black clothing much to Hermione's dismay.
However after picking out a couple of black handbags and clutches in different shapes, sizes, and fabrics. Mirabelle allowed Hermione to pick any coloured items she wanted. Hermione beamed and grabbed all the red and orange items she could find causing Mirabelle to gape at her in shock.
"What is this?"
Hermione glanced at her over the pile of red sweatshirts, "Sorry."
"All this orange and red. Malfoy women can't wear such ghastly colours. She wears only royal colours. And she always has only subtle hints of bright colours, to give off a powerful look"
Hermione stared at her half horrified and half amused, "I can't believe this."
Mirabelle frowned, "my dear" she said gently, "surely you've seen how the Late Mrs. Malfoy, may she rest in peace, dressed?"
Hermione glanced at her somberly as she remembered the dark coloured robes Mrs. Malfoy wore, usually forest green, black or grey- the colour of Draco and Lucius eyes.
She closed her eyes for a brief second surprised that she thought of that, and a bit sadly realizing that she would now in a sense be taking Draco's mother's title. She sighed softly and Mirabella glanced at her apologetically.
"I'm sorry Miss Granger, I didn't mean to upset you-" she broke off as Hermione shook her head.
"It's not that. I'm just realizing what I've got myself into I guess." She sighed and Mirabella looked uncomfortable.
"I'm sure the red and orange is fine." She said hastily and hurriedly packed it into two boxes.
-
Hermione inwardly groaned as she stood on the pedestal, her back straight and tall staring at her reflection in the mirror, feeling sorry for all the models that would probably go through the same thing before walking the runway. She bit her lip as a pin poked into her rib.
"Sorry," muttered Simone and Hermione gave her a small smile,
"that's fine." She glanced back at her reflection and sighed softly so only she could hear.
Finally, after what felt like hours to Hermione they had finished and as a treat- for having endured all that- the girls had given her a huge gift basket full of beauty potion products. Such as forever lasting flavours soaps. Moistures, hair care potions, makeup remover potions, body scents and scented water.
She smiled warmly and hugged them as Draco paid for their purchases and had them delivered to his office. He put his Gringotts card back into his nappa-lined wallet and slipped it into his pocket.
Hermione rolled her eyes behind her sunglasses; only he would carry the card for shopping.
The Gringotts card worked much like a credit card but it also had the option of directly transferring money from your own Gringotts account to the one whom you were paying.
But it was very expensive to purchase and even then it was only given to select VIP's such as the Minister. Harry obviously had one for emergencies. She broke out of her thoughts when she heard a distance flashing noise.
She glanced worriedly at Draco as he turned to one of the assistants standing beside him- she glanced at the nametag which read Mark- and asked him something to which Mark nodded causing Draco to clench his jaw. He walked over to her,
"It looks like the blasted idiots found out that we were here," he whispered to her gloweringly angrily as Mark looked on curiously. Hermione huffed softly and he glanced wearily at her, "Just stay behind me and turn your face away so they can't see, alright."
"Okay," Hermione said a bit worriedly and Draco walked over to Adrian, who was chatting with Sebastiano and picked him up. Hermione walked over beside him, and they both thanked Mirabelle and her team before walking out.
*FLASH* *FLASH* Hermione blinked as dozens of cameras flashed simultaneously at her. She held her tote bag higher hoping to shield herself. She could see that Draco had raised his hand to cover Adrian's face and was whispering soothingly to him.
She was surprised at the amount of photographers that were there, she knew that the Malfoys were quite popular amongst the press and tabloids; all due to their past and the fact that Draco was the youngest and most successful entrepreneur of the Wizarding Community. He owned a million-gallon enterprise and had considerable wealth from his family; but she didn't realize that there would be such a frenzy to get his photograph.
Even when she went out, there would be just three to four photographers, unless Harry was there then there would be five or seven, and they generally them alone after a few photographs and some questions; but this? This was madness.
They were following them and snapping away constantly, and shouting questions, As though they wanted to capture something to cause humiliation. Hermione cringed as one of them shouted from behind her, right into her ear. Who is the lady with you?!
She tried to keep her eyes on the ground as the light was blinding, however it made it difficult to see where she was walking. She struggled to keep up and quickly twisted her face away as a camera was shoved into her face. Draco turned and put his arm around her. She leaned against him gratefully as they continued walking through Diagon Alley.
People were staring at them some with curiosity, some with resentment, and as they passed Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes, Hermione saw Fred and George peering through the window scowling at Draco. She ducked her head praying they hadn't seen her.
Draco tightened his hold on Adrian who had buried his face into the crook of his neck. She saw a muscle jump in his jaw and blinked again as another camera went off in her face.
She held up her hand to shield her face when she heard excited gasps "is that a ring" and shouting and more repetitive flashes and only then she heard the question being shouted, "is she your muggle-born betrothed?"
She paled and glanced at Draco who was ignoring them however his eyes were glaring ahead drawn into small slits.
"Ignore them," he whispered to her and she nodded.
Finally they reached the Malfoy Enterprise office building. She'd never been gladder to see an office building. As they climbed up the stairs, two doormen, accompanied by the security team rushed out. The doormen quickly ushered them inside while the security held back the press.
Draco removed his arm from around Hermione as they walked inside the lobby. He grabbed some water off the tray an assistant had held out for him. He drank some and gave some to Adrian who gulped it down causing Draco to smile softly before talking with two people, one of whom was carrying a clipboard.
They both wore matching black and white ensembles. The woman was of average height, her hair pulled into a tight bun. She was wearing a knee length black skirt with a white collared shirt and a black blazer that had a silver 'M' embroidered on the top-left corner.
The man was wearing black pants with a white collared shirt and a black blazer that also had a silver 'M' embroidered on it. The doormen however had black caps to add to their outfits and the security men had black ties.
The receptionist desk, elevators, mirrored tiles, glittering lights, hall mirrors, and the uniformed staff rushing around reminded her of a hotel. The marble flooring and brightly lit lamps reminding her of Gringotts, the rose-gold accents gave it a timeless feel.
She smiled as one of doormen gave Adrian some chocolate and took of her sunglasses, thankful that the windows were tinted. However when she heard the soft gasps of surprise from around her she wished she had left them on. The whole lobby was staring at her and she bit her lip nervously.
Draco stopped talking and cleared his throat loudly causing everyone to look at him, "It seems introductions are in order. Everyone I would like you to meet my wife to be Ms. Hermione Granger- " he stopped as soft whispers started around.
"I understand that it is very surprising news but I hope you all will contain your excitement…" he glanced at them sternly. Hermione had to admire his people skills. He sure knew how to command the crowd.
"And I hope I won't have to hear about any of this information leaked to the public because believe me I will know and I will hunt down the person and the consequences will be most unpleasant."
He paused and stared at each of them deeply and the two girls standing by the desk squirmed under his gaze and he continued, 'so I strongly suggest you keep this information to yourselves. Is that clear?"
He stopped as choruses of "yes sirs" rang through the room.
He nodded satisfied "excellent. You are dismissed." The lobby cleared out as everyone went back to do their jobs though the assistant and the man and women stayed.
"Hermione this is Gordon and Olivia they control the PR." Draco said introducing them to Hermione.
"Nice to meet you." She said.
"It's an honour ma'am," said Gordon stepping forward as he shook her hand.
Hermione blushed as he stared at her in awe. Draco rolled his eyes and when Gordon turned back to his clipboard, Hermione pinched him on the arm hard. He glared at her, rubbing his arm and she ignored him.
"Pleasure ma'am' said Olivia.
"And that's Jade the secretary and Kim my assistant." Draco said a bit surly nodding towards the two girls by the desk and Hermione smiled at them and they smiled back nervously.
"So what's on the agenda for today?" He asked and Jade quickly replied.
"You have to schedule a meeting with the Ministers of France and Italy as they want to discuss the expansions and you have to send Mr. Zabini and Mr. Nott the blueprints beforehand." Jade paused momentarily to catch her breath and Draco held up his hand,
"Let's get that done first before we continue." He placed his hand lightly on Hermione's back and she turned to face him, "Let's go on upstairs I'll have Kim and Adrian give you a tour."
He stopped as Adrian interrupted him, "can I show mummy the rolly daddy can i? can i?," he asked excitedly.
Draco chuckled softly and shook his head at Hermione who smiled down at Adrian. Her heart warming as he called her mummy.
"of course. How can I miss that?" she said mock gasping as she reached over to lightly tickle Adrian. He giggled and held her hand as they followed Draco and the others to the elevator.
As they stepped into the elevator Hermione glanced at her reflection in the mirror and saw Draco looking at her. She flushed and dropped her gaze to Adrian who was peering at the dial tones on the clock.
*Ding* the elevator sounded and they walked out and Hermione glanced around the floor curiously as they followed Draco out.
It was smaller than the lobby but more spacious with a large office at the end of the hall, a small kitchen with a lounge room, bathrooms, and a receptionist desk with a waiting room.
"Good morning sir," the receptionist said smiling up at Draco as he walked up to the desk. She twirled a lock of her dark blonde hair around her finger.
Hermione bit back a laugh as Adrian made faces at the receptionist but she hadn't noticed as she continued to talk to Draco and touch him as she passed him the papers.
Hermione grinned as Draco snatched his hand away and nodded coolly at her, "all right, Tina I'll send them over to you later and you can send them over to Blaise."
Tina nodded, "of course sir, right away sir."
Draco nodded and walked towards the end of the hall, Adrian ran over to open the door to his office and Draco's nameplate glistened in the sunlight that streamed through the window. He ran over to the desk and scrambled up on to Draco's office chair.
Draco stepped in after him and held the door open for Hermione who stepped over the threshold onto the off-white carpeted floor. The others followed behind her and Gordon held the door for Draco who walked over to his desk and rummaged around in his drawers and motioned Hermione to have a seat.
She sat down and placed her bag on the chair next to hers. Draco grabbed a folder and a quill; dipped it into a bottle of red ink and wrote, "Private" then dipped it into a bottle of black ink, "Blueprints for expansion 04."
He glanced at the papers and crossed a few things out, sighed the papers, placed it inside the folder and passed it along to Olivia, "make sure to give it to Tina."
Olivia reached over and grabbed them, "of course sir." She turned and left from the room and Draco passed two sealed parchments over to Gordon.
"Here are the confirmation invites to send the French and Italian Ministers."
Gordon took the invites from Draco and smiled slightly at Adrian and Hermione on his way out.
Draco turned to Kim who was standing by the door, "I'll just finish up in here and you can take Adrian and Hermione-"
"No." Adrian interrupted, Daddy you come with us."
Draco smiled at him, "I have work to do Adrian, Hermione's coming with you."
"But I want you to come too Daddy."
"I can't Adrian."
"pleeeeeaaaaaaaaaassssssseeeee daddy." Adrian said pouting up at him.
"Alright fine," he sighed, "you win. Let's go" He got up from his desk and Adrian happily reached for his hand and grabbed Hermione's with his other one.
"I'll need you to make sure that the monthly reports are written with the tax receipts labeled properly. I don't want any problems with the transactions alright." Draco said as they stepped out of his office.
"Yes sir I'll send them to you later." Kim said.
He nodded "perfect. Also a couple of orders will be arriving from Twilfitt and Tatting's, send it straight to the Manor.
"Alright Sir." Kim said and Draco turned back to Adrian and Hermione.
"After all the departments are done with their tasks they send their reports here to the top level where I view them and make any changes before releasing them." he said to Hermione as they walked down the hall. Adrian lightly swinging their intertwined hands as he glanced up at them.
"How many departments are there?" Hermione asked.
"A few. It may seem rather confusing at first but you'll get used to it." He said as they rounded the hallway. Right. She thought that phrase was becoming more over used than ever. She nodded as he led them to a large picture on the wall. As they got closer she read the title, 'Malfoy Enterprise Map'.
"There's the technical department, on the first floor above the lobby." Draco pointed over to the bottom of the map,
"It deals with the designs and developing new products as well as codes for security and programs. It's fully equipped and it's where we make most of our money. Many Muggle companies have brought our security systems and codes and just last week we closed a deal with Research in Motion and Vodafone. The second floor is for potions research. We have our own lab and have created our own remedies and also have modified some to make it more efficient. St. Mungo's orders daily shipments for our labs and we've worked with them on several occasions."
Hermione started at him mouth agape. was it she had never known any of this. He must have seen the look on her face because he responded.
"I don't want people to know what exactly the company does especially our potion developments."
He looked uncomfortable and Hermione seized her opportunity, "Why not? If they knew that you made the potions and they owe they're lives to you-"
"Exactly." Draco cut her off. "If they knew a Malfoy," he scoffed, "was responsible for the medicine they get at St. Mungo's. They'd be an uproar about me poisoning them or something. No. The Minister and St. Mungo's board of directors trust me and that's enough for me. I don't need to let it become public knowledge, at least not for a while."
He trailed off and Hermione nodded processing what he'd told and wondering if Kingsley knew this. Then why did he ask them to investigate in such drastic ways and if maybe Malfoy really was innocent in all of this…
She was really confused she needed to get more information before she acted. That's right Hermione don't jump to conclusions make sure you have all the clues first. She glanced back up at Draco and he continued.
"The third floor is for business ventures and setting up locations worldwide. We also help set up business for people who want to own a share of the company or want to start their own company provided with 15% royalty fees. They work with our team and whomever else they need such as lawyers designers and managers suppliers the whole lot. We also allow the to lease some of our office building in other locations both Wizarding and Muggle."
Hermione had no idea how complicated his work was no wonder he worked late. No wonder he was wealthy. The War and his business had really broadened his views and increased his tolerance of muggles, probably because he learned many things about them and from them.
"After our initial success here Malfoy Enterprise had no other choice but to expand into the Muggle world, and thankfully it has been a huge success there."
Hermione couldn't help but agree.
"And of course the fourth and top floor is my office. Blaise is in charge of the branches in Italy and Germany and Theo heads the ones in Switzerland and China. While I manage the one in France and here. Were currently in the process of expanding them and will have a location in New York City by next year."
Hermione's head was reeling after all he'd told her and she almost missed what he said next,
"this is the file room. All the company records are placed here and they have charms against spells on them."
Hermione glanced around the room taking in all the shelves with aphetically arranged sighs and smaller shelves reading classified; trying to contain her excitement she was sure to find the missing documents here.
"There's a password to enter so we needn't worry about intruders." Draco said as he closed the door.
Hermione quickly masked the look of disappointment on her face; she hardly paid attention as he showed her the staff room, her mind fully preoccupied on how she was going to get the password into the record room. It had the missing files she was sure of it.
- - - - -
Hermione groaned as she rubbed her aching feet, it had been a long day. After the tour Draco went back to his office to finish up and she and Adrian had gone to the staffroom for a bit before going back to the Manor. Thankfully there were no more photographers. Despite it Draco insisted they use the back entrance and Apparate directly to the Leaky Cauldron.
She shook her head and sighed happily as she soaked her feet in the bathtub. She reached down and gently massaged her toes. Her mind wondering back to the office, she needed a way to get into the file room. But how? Frowning she pulled the plug and let the water drain. She pulled on a pair of gene pants and long sleeved shirt.
Her stomach gave a rumble and she grinned as she walked downstairs towards the dining room, and stopped surprised when she saw no one there. She looked down at her wristwatch, 6:51 pm. Time sure went by fast. Strange though, Draco was usually here by now. She shrugged and decided to find Adrian or Tonkin.
She walked down the Hall when she saw felt someone walking behind her, startled she turned around and saw a small elf peering up at her.
"Hello" she said and the Elf blinked.
"Miss needing Daffy?" It asked in high-pitched whisper.
"Yes." She said smiling kindly at it.
"I need to find the kitchens can you show me please?" she asked and Daffy nodded and began waddling down the hallway and Hermione followed surprised at the speed.
"Here it is"
Hermione glanced up slightly out of breath. The door was small compared to the other doors in the manor and painted in a light grey colour almost matching the colour of the wall. It had a small brass handle, which the elf pulled and the door swung open to reveal a brilliant kitchen done with white marble flooring. The cabinets were painted a light cream. It had small white tables with matching chairs and a large white fireplace.
She saw that it had rows of tables and even more of stoves of cooking foods and elves busily chopping away. Some were bringing in ingredients from the gardens and others washing the dishes all the while chatting amongst themselves.
"Miss?"
Hermione looked up as Daffy spoke. "We is already sending Little master food." She placed a plateful of food in front of Hermione who nodded, picked up the fork and started eating.
-
She sighed to herself and crossed Frawley off the list. They were done. Pansy had suggested they start from the bottom of the list and work they're way up. They had just started when Draco came back from work. That was an hour ago. She was glad Adrian was asleep, it was really late. She flexed her fingers and Pansy looked up at her from where she was sealing off the envelope to the Flint's.
"So have you picked a dress yet?"
Hermione shook her head "no not yet"
"So about you come with me. I have to get one as well."
Hermione wasn't so sure that was such a good idea. What if something happened and she wasn't hear to record it in her notebook? She couldn't risk a chance for collecting information. She opened her mouth to decline but stopped as she saw the hopeful look on Pansy's face.
"Oh okay sure." She said a bit uncertainly deciding that she could ask Pansy some questions. But the idea of shopping with someone you hardly knew was a bit awkward. It was different with Malfoy since she knew him from before, but she'd never had that much interaction with Pansy.
Pansy beamed "You'll have fun don't worry."
Hermione smiled back slowly but stopped at the look of concern on Pansy's face, she followed her eyes to see her looking at Draco.
He too was leaning against the sofa with his legs drawn up, however his eyes were trained on the name written below the Flint's.
Greengrass. Hermione looked at him and saw that his eyes were closed. His hands clenched into fists. She felt something akin to pity for him. He swallowed before opening his eyes and writing the name down, the ink slightly splattered on the corners of the envelope. He didn't seem to care as he threw it on top of the pile of addressed envelope.
After a few minutes of silence Draco interrupted "Why don't you take Potter's wife with you I'm sure she'd like to come."
Hermione looked at him surprised that he noticed her unease and Pansy nodded at Draco.
"That's actually a good idea I think Hermione would be more comfortable if she came along." She said and Hermione flushed embarrassed but it didn't last long as Pansy smiled kindly at her.
"Well looks like were done." she said cheerfully as she cleaned up the carpet. Her wand levitating the inkwells, quills, and envelops onto the table. "I need to send the invites now Draco and they'll reach them by early morning." Pansy said glancing at Draco.
He looked up at her, "have Tonkin take it to the owlery and the owls will take it."
Hermione was surprised; she didn't know that the Manor had an owlery.
He snapped his fingers and Tonkin appeared before him.
"yes Master?"
Draco handed him the stack of envelopes, "Have these delivered by tommorow morning."
Tonkin took them and nodded before apparting.
"I'll see you two later then, Blaise will be waiting" Pansy said as she leant forward and kissed Draco's cheek.
"Tell him I said Hello." he said hugging her and Pansy smiled,
"Of course." She reached forward and hugged Hermione before stepping into the fireplace and shouting, "Zabini Manor!"
AN: So how was it? I dunno if the ending was a bit abrupt or not but?