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: Everything Is Perfect
Draco eyes met Emilio's eyes and he had come to the same conclusion as Hermione. Emilio had staged this entire event. He had somehow known Draco would be at Il Pasto today and probably for what reason. Draco looked as though he wanted to kill Emilio on the spot, but Emilio had one more barb to throw. "I hope to see you all tomorrow evening at the Parker's event. I'm going to try my best to talk the beautiful Miss Granger into attending with me. I'm sure we'll see you all there. Maybe you can make it part of your adventure Malfoy. Have a good afternoon."
Draco grabbed Emilio by the arm, and Emilio had snarled, "Get your hands off me now."
Draco remembered himself and removed his hand.
As Hermione and Emilio turned to go Draco remarked, "Well played Lozier. I'll see you again."
Emilio sniped, "I count on it," as he took Hermione's elbow to guide her out of the restaurant.
When they reached outside, Hermione feigned ignorance asking Emilio, "What was that all about? Are you and Malfoy still fighting each other?"
Emilio replied, "Malfoy is a poser, a bully and a cheat and I just don't like him. That's all. Will you need an escort back to your job?"
Hermione pecked Emilio on the cheek. "No thank you. I'll be fine. Thank you for lunch and the enlightenment. I'll hand your order in for processing as soon as I get back to DLM."
/*/
Hermione apparated back to DLM and kept her professional façade up for the rest of the day. When Carmela questioned if everything was alright, Hermione smiled and answered, "Perfect. Everything is just perfect," and hoped her sarcasm hadn't made it to Carmela's ears.
Chapter 10: Broken
Hermione stayed behind after Carmela left but she didn't dare drop her professional façade because she knew once the façade dropped, she would fall apart. She couldn't even begin to think about Draco. Not there at DLM where her breaking down could be glimpsed by other employees. So she had plowed on.
Her first stop was to go see Willem to insure that Emilio's delivery moved along smoothly. Willem smiled at Hermione as he told her he hoped the new Minister appreciated her hard work because it seemed he was keeping her very busy.
"That's my job Willem," remarked Hermione. "Just bear in mind. I'm stronger than I look."
Willem nodded as he replied, "Of that I have no doubt."
After her visit with Willem, Hermione decided it was time to end her day. She stopped back by her office to retrieve her purse and wand. Hermione had become so comfortable within the confines of DLM she often walked around without her wand and the first rule of magic is to always keep your wand handy. Hermione thought the rule had come to mind because she was in the mood to hex Draco Malfoy if he came within shouting distance of her.
Once she had her belongings, Hermione headed to the floo to go home and her first order of business when she arrived home had been to lock all floo entrances and tighten the wards. She didn't want any visitors because she needed time to decompress and keep herself from exploding into bits.
Hermione plopped down on the couch and wondered why she had been in such a hurry to get home. There was an air of sadness and emptiness about the house. In her state of mind, Hermione felt her house was now just a group of rooms. It was hard for her to think that just yesterday Draco had called this his home even as he had a witch on the side who probably had a house he also called home. Draco had lied right to her face when he said he had fallen in love with her and wanted to be with her when all the fucking time he was blatantly dating another witch. Hermione was both hurt and angry. She knew she would hurt Draco if he came within shouting distance of her. She had fallen for Draco Malfoy and was suffering because of it. How could she have been so stupid? How could she have fallen for such lies? She was an intelligent witch who had acted like a witless bint and was now paying for it. Even though it wouldn't change anything, Hermione continued to beat herself up.
Random thoughts began to cross her mind and she wondered if Draco's staying at her house was his way of ducking his other witch when he didn't want to be bothered. She got angrier. She felt so stupid, stupid, stupid and so used. Draco was dating someone else and being very public about it. How he must have laughed when she jumped into bed with him. Hermione questioned why she kept putting herself in these predicaments and made a promise that this time was the last time and Draco Malfoy would not get another chance to hurt Hermione Granger.
As the implications of the previous day finally sank all the way in, Hermione had to fight the sobs she felt building inside her. Although a few stray tears did fall, Hermione was determined not to give in to tears so she steeled herself and went in to take a shower.
/*/
The shower had reduced her stress level enough so that she was able to think about her position at DLM. As much as she hated to think about it, there wasn't any acceptable way for her to remain working at DLM with Draco and look his lying arse in the face every day. She had signed a binding contract stating she would stay at DLM for two years, so her first step would be to find a way to break the contract. Hermione loved the job and the people she had met, but she had to leave. Working beside Draco was no longer an option. Anyway, there had to be other suitable jobs in Italy. Maybe Emilio would help her find a position, but if all else failed, she could return to England.
Hermione let out a huge sigh as she poured herself some wine, and after sitting for another hour, realized just what she had to do. Pulling out her mobile she dialed Draco who picked up on the second ring. Hermione didn't extend any kind of greeting and got right down to the reason for her call. "I would like to be let out of the contract I signed with DLM. I realize it's binding, but it can be reversed if you authorize the change."
Draco pleaded, "I tried to floo in, but your floos are locked. I tried apparating in, but you've changed the wards. Can we discuss this? It's not what you think. I don't want you to leave DLM and I don't want you to leave me. Everything can be explained Hermione. DLM needs you. You stay. I'll go. I'll work out of Britain. This all comes down to Lozier. He has twisted everything to his advantage."
Hermione was tired of hearing Draco's excuses. "You tried to get in here? Why would you do that? Aren't I just some second hand bint to you? You've been lying to my face or am I wrong in assuming that the witch you take on adventures is the witch you are currently dating. And Emilio hasn't twisted anything. He hasn't said a word about you except for what I saw myself."
"He wants you Hermione and will do anything to have you. You must realize that."
"Stop blaming Emilio for every fucking dirty thing you do, Hermione screamed. He blamed you. You blame him. It's pathetic. Don't you have special things to show your witch if she is good? Isn't that what she said? You are so fucking full of yourself. When did falling on your dick become an adventure? You fucking poser. The only way I'll stay at DLM is if I never have to see you again. If that can't be worked out, I would like to be released from my contract."
Draco was still pleading. "Please let me come over. I want to explain some of what's going on. It's complicated and I don't want to discuss it over the phone. You may not believe it, but Lozier is behind this. I know you're angry with me, but please don't turn to Lozier. Stay away from him. He is counting on you being angry with me so he can make a case for himself."
"Don't you presume to tell me what I can and can't do or with whom I can do it. If I want to shag the delivery wizard, I will. Just tell me how we will work this. Perhaps you should go in early to collect your things, make your announcements and get the fuck back to England. I will call Carmela to let her know I'll be late. If you are still there when I get there, I will walk out and you can plan to see me in the courts. Then she disconnected the call. Hermione was too furious to cry. She was through with Draco Malfoy so why bother with tears. She had simply laid down on her couch and stared across the room.
/*/
Hermione thought about how her first month at DLM had been nothing but a series of ups and downs. She was happy with the position and she was more than happy to have met the Maida's and Willem and James, but dealing with Draco had taken a lot out of her and she was ready to move forward unencumbered. It also passed through her head that not only had Draco misled her, but he had obviously misled Harry as well.
Hermione fell asleep and dreamed the familiar dream about thousands of owls at her window jostling back and forth trying to get in except this time there was a variation. This time, Emilio was standing at the window shooing the owls away. Hermione shifted her position on the couch and the dream faded away.
/**/
Friday morning found Hermione in a very listless mood as she called Carmela to inform her she had some early business, but would be there by 11:30 at the latest. And by the time Hermione arrived at DLM the building was buzzing. Mr. Malfoy had been called to Britain to oversee a situation which had arisen in his family business. He had left Hermione Granger in charge of DLM and had not given any timeframe for his return.
Draco had kept his word. He had made it appear as though he and Hermione had discussed his move. He left instructions which clearly stated that Hermione was technically the owner until he could come back to resume his proper role. Rather than see her leave DLM, Draco had given up his company. For a very quick second Hermione felt a tug at her heart and wondered if she could be mistaken about Draco. No wizard in his right mind would give up his company for just some witch. Did Draco really love her after all? Hermione didn't have time to think anymore about it because Carmela was gesturing that she had a telephone call.
Hermione put on her smile, pulled up her professional façade and took the call. James Wooley was on the other end telling Hermione that the Minister of Acquisitions was requesting a word with Miss Granger.
Hermione wasn't in any mood for Emilio. "Good morning Minister. What can I do for you?"
Emilio greeted Hermione and asked her a question. "Would you be available to attend a business related function with me this evening?"
Hermione didn't even have to give it any thought. "No Minister. I will be unable to accompany you as I already have plans in place, but thank you so much for extending the invitation. May I also mention Minister that our business will be contained to the daylight hours and within the business day."
Emilio remained quiet for several seconds. "I'm asking for a favor Hermione. I need a witch to accompany me to this event. I would like for that witch to be you."
Without hesitation Hermione replied, "Why not floo Ginny in. She would make a lovely date. The warehouse is calling Emilio I have to go. Have a wonderful time at the event." Hermione disconnected the call.
Hermione looked up to find Carmela staring at her. She tried to smile, but hadn't been able to pull it off. Carmela came around Hermione's desk and asked, "What's going on? Draco has left for London. The Minister is calling for a date. What's going on Hermione?"
Hermione kept her head down. If she looked into Carmela's kind, caring eyes she didn't think she could stop herself from falling apart. With her eyes still on her lap, Hermione told Carmela that everything was fine and she had just hit a small bump in the road. Carmela realized Hermione didn't want to discuss whatever was going on so she had gone back to her own desk.
Hermione finished her Friday looking forward to getting home and being alone. Looking forward to being alone wasn't what Hermione meant. She meant she wanted to get away from people. In her fragile state, Hermione knew she could breakdown at any given time.
/**/
Hermione spent the entire weekend with her floos locked, her wards tight and her mobile turned off. Throughout the weekend she experienced sporadic bouts of crying, but for most of the time she managed as though everything was normal.
During that weekend, Hermione spent time in her closet smelling Draco's clothes. They smelled like him and she had cried. This particular crying spell was a catharsis for Hermione after which she had washed her face and summarily vanished every last piece of Draco's clothing. When she was finished, the only things remaining in the closet were her clothes.
After vanishing Draco's belongings, Hermione found a book she had read at least ten times and read it again. Then she had slept off and on from Friday evening to Saturday evening only getting up a few times to use the bathroom.
At some point, Hermione noticed an owl fluttering outside her window and retrieved the message. It was from Draco. Initially Hermione wasn't going to read the letter, but she had a change of heart because everything had already been said and done. What would it hurt to read it? What could he want now?
The letter,
Dear Hermione, I am writing this off the top of my head because I know there isn't anything I can write which will make you less angry, but I have to try. I love you Hermione. I know it is so much easier to believe our eyes than listen to the truth. I apologize for Thursday. There are things I wish I could have told you, but having another witch is not one of those things because I do not have another witch. My hands are tied on this. I just need for you to at least stop and think about us. I do not have anyone else and I will not seek anyone else. I will have to be patient and wait until I can prove myself. All I ask is for you to be patient with me. I will get this straightened out. Your love forever, Draco.
Hermione didn't even cry. She let the letter flutter to the floor. Draco continued to lie. She had been there and seen and heard for herself. She had seen him with a witch who was just about laid across his lap. Whether or not Emilio had a hand in her finding or not, she had seen it. For every soft feeling that crossed her mind about Draco, another hard feeling replaced it. Hermione picked the letter up off the floor, vanished it and went to make herself tea. Hermione finished the last of her tea and let out a big sigh. It was beginning to look like she would end up an old, lonely, unmarried witch with nothing but a few memories.
Hermione settled herself on the couch to listen to music and had let her song Breathe play over and over. Except for a few trips to the bathroom, Hermione remained on the couch until she fell asleep Sunday night.
/**/
Monday morning Hermione gave herself a pep talk. "I will not remain down in the dumps. I am Head (and temporary owner ) of DLM and I intend to stand my ground and do my job." True to her word, Hermione made it to work at her usual time to find Carmela already properly ensconced at her desk.
Hermione put a smile on her face as she greeted Carmela. "Good morning. How was your weekend?"
Carmela smiled back. "We missed you on Sunday. I thought you were coming to dinner. What happened?"
Hermione cast about for some reason which wouldn't sound false. She didn't want to lie to Carmela, but neither did she want to explain what had happened between her and Draco. At least not right then while the wound was still draining.
Hermione pulled on her professional smile and replied, "I was very tired Carmela. I just wanted to stay home and relax. My apologies. I should have sent an owl."
Carmela simply nodded.
There was one other thing Hermione wanted to set straight. "Carmela. Until further notice, I will not be accepting calls from Minister Lozier. We are taking good care of his account. If he needs anything, he can speak to Willem or Gas. I will speak to him if it becomes a problem, but not until then. If his assistant James calls, I will take it. Thank you."
Carmela didn't question anything and had only replied, "Okay Hermione."
Carmela was not stupid. Something was going on or had gone on and from Hermione's instructions, Carmela believed Minister Lozier had somehow caused problems between Hermione and Mr. Malfoy. She didn't know how, but it was the most obvious answer as to why Mr. Malfoy had to suddenly leave for London and Hermione was refusing to speak with the Minister. Perhaps Hermione had done something with the Minister and Mr. Malfoy had found out? Carmela sighed. Hermione wouldn't cheat on Mr. Malfoy of that Carmela was certain so it had to be something else, but she couldn't begin to fathom what it could be. Whatever happened had hurt Hermione and made her resentful and angry. She might be fooling everyone else, but she wasn't fooling her. Something bad had happened.
On her way out on Monday, Carmela asked Hermione if she would like some company that evening. Hermione thought about it for a minute and replied, "I'd love some company. Around 6:00 then? Will you call me before you come? With Draco gone, I don't like leaving my floo unlocked. I'll see you later." Hermione felt a tad bit better after her conversation with Carmela, but wasn't one hundred per cent convinced she really wanted company. She had to get her life back on track and tonight was as good a time as any to start.
Hermione was home by 5:30. She threw a quick supper together in case Carmela hadn't eaten and also pulled out a couple of bottles of wine for company and after. Carmela called at 6:00 to tell Hermione she couldn't make it, but Sal and Gas wanted to stop by if that was okay. Hermione told Carmela she was fine with the guys coming by.
Five minutes later, Sal and Gas were there. Sal picked Hermione up and swung her around as he joked, "We missed you yesterday. What's more important than us?"
"Put me down you git."
With a big grin, Sal set Hermione back down, after which, Gas stepped forward and kissed Hermione on the cheek. He lingered a tad too long which made it necessary for Hermione to step back. Sal realized what had just happened and tried to clear the air by asking if she was going to feed them because they were hungry.
Hermione grabbed both wizards by an arm and led them into the kitchen. The three friends had a great time talking and laughing. Near the end of the meal Gas finally asked, "Why didn't you come over yesterday? Mama was disappointed.
Sal kept his eyes on his plate as Gas pushed on. "Did it have anything to do with me Hermione? I apologize if I've made you uncomfortable. There's no need for you to stay away because I'm not the only one in the Maida household who loves you."
Sal stepped in. "Gas. Why don't you get us a drink? Something other than this girly wine Hermione has out."
They all laughed when Gas went to the liquor cabinet to find something suitable and came back with three muggle beers. Hermione turned up her nose, grabbed her white wine and invited them to bring their drinks into the living room.
They had talked and joked until 10:00 when Sal stood up. "We know you have to work tomorrow as do we. I think we should be getting back home. Come on Gas." Gas stood as well and both men gave Hermione a quick peck on the cheek and headed out. As she locked the floo, Hermione admitted it had turned out to be a right nice night after all.
That night she had dreams of Draco saying, "She means nothing, but I can't say anymore." Then the dream shifted. Draco who was standing between two witches smirking, "It's not so funny when witches are in my face." And Hermione sobbed in her sleep.
/**/
Tuesday was only a little better than Monday. However, Hermione did thank Carmela for sending Gas and Sal over admitting they had a very nice time. Carmela smiled.
There were two messages from Emilio. They weren't business related so Hermione had thrown them away. If the messages had been business related, Emilio would have made sure James called to find out why Hermione wasn't responding to his requests.
Emilio held out until mid afternoon at which time James called for Hermione and she took his call. "Hello James. What can I do for you?"
"Could you floo over and kill me please? Minister Lozier has seen fit to confide that you are not responding to his messages. May I ask a favor Hermione? Please speak with him."
Hermione told James she would speak with Emilio if it was business related. Otherwise he could get over himself."
James sighed. "Come claim my body because I'm a dead wizard. Thanks Hermione."
Hermione turned to find Carmela laughing so hard she had tears in her eyes. This in turn made Hermione laugh. They laughed for a good five minutes with neither witch knowing what she was really laughing about.
"Now there's a wizard who doesn't know how to take no for an answer," Carmela remarked as she wiped the tears from her eyes,
Hermione replied, "He fancies himself in love with me and I've had enough of what passes for love." Hermione had said too much.
Carmela asked Hermione if she wanted to talk about it and Hermione replied she would love to have a shoulder to lean on, but it wouldn't be at DLM. Carmela understood and suggested they meet on Friday evening. Hermione thought Friday night was as good a night as any and invited Carmela to her house asking her to leave the men at home. Carmela assured Hermione she would come alone. And the remainder of the day had been very pleasant. Carmela and Hermione parted at the floo at 5:15.
/**/
Hermione began to fall into a pattern. She didn't eat unless someone came to visit and share her meal. If she didn't have a visitor, she sat on the couch listening to Breathe…..over and over or reading some book she'd already read.
So went Wednesday and Thursday. In addition to not eating, Hermione had yet to answer any messages or accept any calls from Emilio which weren't business related.
Carmela asked Hermione if she was losing weight, and Hermione laughed as she told her friend she still weighed the same as she had the previous day,. But she had told a direct lie. She was losing weight because she didn't have an appetite anymore.
/**/
When Hermione arrived at work Friday, Carmela told her she had a surprise visitor and for a moment Hermione's heart started to beat faster. For all her blustering, Hermione did want to see Draco. She wanted him to come for her and if she were to tell the truth, she missed his lovemaking. She missed him. Then she thought, there you go being stupid again Hermione. Forget about Draco.
Hermione raised an eyebrow as Carmela went to get the visitor and stepped back through with none other than Harry Potter. Hermione grinned as she hugged her good friend, but Harry was beside himself.
"Your bloody floo was locked and your wards are tighter than wards we set when Voldemort was alive. I had to take two bloody port keys to get here. I'm going home through your floo. Just so you know."
Hermione laughed as she asked Carmela if she remembered Harry. Carmela shook Harry's hand and told him it was nice to see him again.
Harry tried to smile at Carmela, but he was still pissed off. Hermione grabbed her wand and bag telling Carmela she was leaving early and would see her later. Carmela wanted to know if they should cancel until Saturday, but Hermione shook her head and set a time for 7:30 that evening.
Carmela said 7:30 was fine as she waved Harry and Hermione out.
/*/
Harry and Hermione stepped out of her floo five minutes later, but before they got all the way into a proper room, Harry was questioning her about Draco. "What's going on? Why is Draco going back to California? Why isn't he here with you? Why don't you have at least two babies?"
Hermione couldn't help herself. She laughed. Harry was doing all this ranting and it was about Draco.
Hermione calmly told Harry. "First. I didn't know Draco was going back to California, but that's his choice. I'm not sending him. Second. He's not here with me because he has other things which need his attention. Third. In order to have babies a couple has to shag which brings us back to my first answer."
Harry stared at Hermione and replied. "Cute Hermione. Really cute. Now why don't you tell me if I'm close. All this has been precipitated by you getting back with Lozier." The surprise must have shown on Hermione's face because Harry asked, "If all this doesn't have anything to do with Lozier? Then what?"
"That's Draco's story to tell Hermione replied softly. You'll have to ask him."
"Why do you think I'm here Hermione, Harry shouted? The git won't tell me anything. He just walks around like he's dying."
"Maybe it's time you left it alone Harry. I know you mean well, but some things just can't be fixed."
"Bull shite Hermione. Anything can be fixed if you want to fix it."
"Just leave it alone Harry, Hermione murmured. I'm telling you. Some things just can't be fixed."
Harry sat back on the couch in silence because he didn't know what else to say. He had been sure Lozier had something to do with Draco and Hermione's separation. If Lozier wasn't the cause, it had to be something just as personal. It couldn't be a misstep by Draco because he was in love with Hermione. That he knew for sure. Harry thought maybe it had something to do with the git who kept getting his phone programmed. Then he discarded that notion. Hermione wouldn't do that. She was headstrong, but not silly. Harry fumed that he had come all this way to be wrong so he asked the question anyway. "Does this have anything to do with phone boy? You know the wizard who needed phone help two nights in a row?"
Hermione stared at Harry before replying, "Grasping at straws are we Harry? No. This has nothing to do with Gas. It has to do with Draco. Are you happy? He didn't want a real relationship. He implied he did and he said he did, but the truth of it is he wanted to sleep around. Now you have your answer. I'm puzzled that he hasn't introduced you to his current paramour. Don't let him pull the wool over your eyes anymore than he already has. I'm still trying to figure out why he involved you in the first place."
Harry jumped up. "Are you sure about this Hermione? Are you absolutely sure. For someone who wants to sleep around, Draco has a funny way of showing it. He won't talk to witches. He barely talks to us. He sleeps alone and that's it. Could you have made a mistake Hermione? Have you jumped to conclusions without listening to his explanation?"
Hermione shrugged. "You're a good friend to me and Draco Harry. This time I think you're mistaken. I don't want to talk about this anymore. Would you like a drink or something to eat?"
Harry stood up. "No thanks Hermione. I'm going to get back to London. I think I will step out of this. You two are grown and don't need me fishing around in your lives. I just had this feeling you two would be in love with each other for the rest of your lives. I love you Hermione. Be well."
/*/
Hermione decided she didn't really want to discuss her life with anyone else. Harry had worn her out. Picking up the phone she rang DLM and when Carmela answered Hermione asked for a rain check for their meeting. Carmela said she understood before hanging up.
Hermione then went through what had become her standard routine. She locked her floos and sat down to listen to music. It was a ridiculous routine, but she couldn't help herself. Her most prominent thought was she would snap out of it sooner or later and until then this is the way it was.
Draco sent another owl message which Hermione vanished without opening and then she had basically slept the weekend away. The difference this week was she went to Sunday dinner at the Maida's and had a lovely time. The visit had done her a world of good.
/**/
Monday turned into Tuesday and so on down the week. Then it was Friday 9/18 the day before the Ministry ball. The entire staff with a few exceptions had taken Emilio up on his invitation. Carmela, Fausto, Gas and even Sal were attending as well.
Carmela insisted Hermione come shopping with her so they could get new outfits. Hermione agreed because she really needed something fresh to wear to the event. She and Carmela went shopping after work and Hermione had been surprised to find she was down two dress sizes. She found a plain, gold, fitted gown, sleeveless with a high neck which showed off her slimmer figure in an amazing way. She had chosen her shoes and accessories with care and made a stop at the beauty shop to have her hair trimmed and highlighted. When it was all done, Hermione felt great and felt she looked amazing. Her Friday excursion had been a fruitful endeavor.
/*/
It wasn't until a few hours before the ball that Hermione even remembered her own birthday. She laughed at herself because she was channeling the old Hermione Granger who had gone five years without acknowledging her own birthday once in all that time. So she had a drink of wine with herself before she showered and dressed. Looking at herself in the mirror after she was dressed, Hermione realized she was a knock out. She did manage to smile at herself in the mirror. "Happy Birthday to me."
Hermione had received two birthday owls. One from Harry and one from Draco. She read Harry's and smiled. She laid Draco's on the table thinking she would look at it later. Right then she didn't want anything to spoil her fairly decent mood.
Hermione flooed through to the Maida's where everyone including Fausto commented on how beautiful she looked. Hermione had blushed like crazy at the compliments. The family had a small birthday cake for her as well. Hermione was delighted and had laughed so hard at Gas and Sal trying to sing Happy Birthday.
Hermione took Sal's arm as she and the Maida's apparated to the Ministry. The Ministry looked fantastic. There were more lights and colors than Hermione had ever seen in her life. Hermione felt like a princess when she entered the ballroom on the arm of both Sal and Gas and even more so when they were shown to their table by hired staff.
As they were being shown to their table, Hermione noticed a great many DLM employees and was glad DLM had made a good showing. Several employees waved to Hermione and she had waved back. Hermione caught a glimpse of Emilio who looked quite handsome in his jet black robes and he must have felt Hermione looking at him because he had turned in her direction to smile and bow. Hermione also saw James who had smiled at her from his table. Hermione had smiled and waved.
The food was delicious and the service couldn't be equaled. Hermione had a fun time dancing with Sal and Gas and even Carmela and Fausto went out on the floor to dance. Hermione had been surprised when quite a few people waved or stopped by the table to speak to Fausto.
/*/
There were only two new Ministers and they were the first to be introduced. Both Emilio and the other new Minister made short work of their speeches and were finished in under ten minutes. Emilio had charmed the audience with his speech. Everybody seemed to like him, especially the witches.
Heads were introduced next and then it was the Suppliers.
Hermione frowned when she realized it would be up to Emilio to introduce suppliers so she asked Gas if he would walk her up. Gas was happy to escort her to the stage.
There were only two new suppliers. Emilio called a wizard from Magical Perishables up to be introduced. The wizard spoke for several minutes after which Emilio called for the Head and Owner of DLM. Hermione and Gas stood with Gas offering his arm to guide her up to the platform. Walking forward Hermione noticed Emilio frown at the sight of her on Gas' arm. When they reached the platform, Gas stepped aside and returned to his seat.
Emilio introduced Hermione to the room and she spoke for about five minutes finishing to boisterous clapping from DLM. Before Hermione could leave the stage, Emilio reached out for her hand and because it was a Ministry function, Hermione did not pull away. She stood there and smiled as Emilio announced her birthday and had a cake brought out. Hermione remained in place with a full blush covering her face.
When Emilio moved closer and laid his hand on her back, photographers suddenly came out of the woodwork and cameras began flashing. Hermione was uncomfortable, but there was nothing she could do about it. After a standing ovation, Hermione started back to the table only to find Emilio had her by the waist. He walked her all the way to the table with the birthday cake enchanted to follow along behind. At the table, Emilio greeted the Maida's by name and shook Fausto's hand and before walking away, Emilio turned to wish Hermione the happiest of birthdays.
Hermione knew she was as red as a beet and kept her head down until she felt the blush subside. With a broad grin on his face Sal remarked, "What a prat. Still after you then?"
Hermione laughed, "Yes. Still after me."
/*/
Hermione had danced several times with Gas and Sal when Emilio appeared at the table to ask Hermione to dance. Hermione gave him her hand and stood up. Once they were on the dance floor, Emilio pulled Hermione as close as possible but still within good taste. As she and Emilio swayed back and forth, Hermione was embarrassed to feel a full erection rubbing against her and had snapped, "I see that thing still doesn't have any manners."
Emilio snapped right back, "I apologized once for my state. Should I apologize again? I can't help that it knows what it wants. Just to let you know Hermione, I'm not giving up and I will do it right this time. You know how I feel about us and I know how you feel about us. I made a misstep. We will get past it."
"There's no us Emilio and there never will be."
"We'll see Hermione. The first time we make love, it will all fall into place.
Hermione tried to pull away, but the song had ended and Emilio escorted her back to the table only excusing himself after making sure Hermione was seated.
Fausto who usually saved his voice for yelling at Sal and Gas exclaimed, "They don't get any more polished than Minister Lozier." Carmela and Hermione smiled at each other.
"That's only until he gets his clothes off, Gas muttered. Then he's probably a pig."
Hermione thought she was the only one who heard the remark, but Sal leaned over and told Gas "Don't fucking start Gas. I mean it. This is not the time or the place." Gas huffed as he got up to ask a witch at the next table for a dance.
/*/
Hermione sat for a while chatting with Carmela still thinking of her conversation with Emilio. Emilio Lozier, another wizard with a plan.
When several wizards stopped by the table to offer their regards to Hermione and Carmela, Hermione realized she should be up networking as well. She told Carmela she would be back in a bit and began to make her way around the tables. She systematically moved around the room, but seemed to find herself in close proximity to Emilio each time she stopped. At one point, Emilio had taken her arm to introduce her to several high ranking Ministry officials who had showered her with compliments. Walking away from the table Emilio whispered, "We make such a handsome couple."
He next steered her to a table where Hermione was very surprised to see the older witch who had been at Il Pasto with Draco. The witch pretended she hadn't met Hermione before and nodded when they were introduced. Hermione was even more surprised when Emilio introduced Hermione to the husband. The husband? How could she have a husband and be dating Draco? Emilio seemed to have realized his faux pas as he hurriedly ushered Hermione away.
Hermione stopped in mid stride to ask Emilio "How is it possible for Draco to be dating that witch if she has a husband?"
"I don't know what you mean Hermione, Emilio replied. Perhaps not all witches are faithful. I don't know."
"You were pretty damn sure at the restaurant Emilio. If I'm not mistaken, it was you who said she and Draco were dating."
Emilio led Hermione back to her table, kissed her on the cheek and said, "We can talk about this. Please don't worry yourself over small matters."
Hermione frowned as she watched Emilio walk away. Draco had not only cast her aside, he had cast her aside for a married witch. Hermione was angry as hell with Draco, but even so, she knew he had been brought up well. Dating a married witch was not something Draco would do. Hermione pushed the thought away. It may not seem to her like something Draco would do, but he had. Hermione shivered as she thought, that's just nasty.
/*/
Hermione cast Draco out of her mind as she was asked to dance by Lorenzo, James, an MLE officer and an Auror named Philip in that order. Each time she looked up, Emilio was frowning at her over the heads of the many witches who were seeking his attention. Hermione thought to herself that Emilio was beginning to believe his own bull shite about them becoming a couple.
She wanted the night to be over so she could get from under Emilio's stare, so at 11:30, Hermione decided to leave. She let everyone at the table know she was leaving and they stood to leave with her. Hermione who insisted they stay and enjoy themselves made one quick circle of the room before making her way to the door.
There were a few errant thoughts floating around Hermione's head as she walked across the room. What was going on? Why would the witch pretend she hadn't previously met me? Why would Draco be dating a married witch? Where was the proof Draco was dating anyone? Had she jumped to conclusions without hearing Draco's explanation? And why the hell wouldn't Emilio move on? These things had flit quickly through Hermione's head, but she just pushed them aside and made for home.
/*/
Hermione put on the kettle first thing when she arrived home, and once she had her tea in front of her, she sat down to open the present from Draco. He had sent a lovely, diamond heart necklace with an attached message which read, Please hold this for me. You now have my heart in your hands. I love you Hermione. Happy Birthday. Draco.
Hermione put the heart and the message in a bedroom drawer as it was too beautiful to vanish away. Hermione suddenly felt the need for a drink, so she brought out fire whiskey, the big guns. The fire whiskey warmed her and turned her thoughts to sex. Hermione wanted a wizard in her bed. She missed making love. With one thought in mind, Hermione got up to make sure her floos were locked then headed to her bedroom to take care of her needs. With her legs spread, Hermione pulled and rubbed herself until she felt her body tense up for orgasm and in the middle of her release, called out to Draco.
Hermione laid there for a few minutes gathering herself realizing she had called Draco's name. Pissed off with herself, Hermione spoke out loud. I'm calling out for Draco and he's probably somewhere pushing into his witch and fucking her properly. I really need to get over myself. It's time for me to find a wizard who will fulfill my needs.