Previously on Is This All There Is? Chapter 20: Misunderstandings
The sentence was barely out of her mouth when the bottom shelf of Felicia's cabinet collapsed and brought the other shelves down breaking the cabinet glass as they fell. Hermione rushed over to get the doll out of the broken shards of glass and cut herself. Draco grabbed Hermione by the arm and pulled out his wand to seal the cut. Then he cast a Evanesco charm to vanish all the glass shards off Hermione. When he was sure Hermione was alright, he cast a Reparo charm to fix the cabinet which set it back to good as new.
With the cabinet set back to right, Draco kneeled in front of Hermione and asked her to forgive him for being a complete arse. He explained how jealousy, hurt and disappointment had gotten the better of him and made him crazy enough to think she might want to be with someone other than him.
Hermione was still angry that Draco thought she would see another wizard and didn't comment on what he'd said. She did say, "I'm going to take a shower. One of us did some accidental magic while we were angry. Since I'll be in the shower, it will be up to you to make sure all the glass shards have been removed from Felicia. I wouldn't want to cut myself the next time I pick her up. Will you have time enough to do that before you leave or are you in a hurry?"
"I'll make sure your doll is free of glass, but I'm not leaving. This is where I belong."
Hermione didn't reply and had kept going towards the bathroom.
Draco inspected every inch of Hermione's doll and didn't find any glass. As Draco sat her on the shelf in the cabinet he remarked, "I'm guessing there won't be any smiles for me tonight, eh Felicia."
Felicia just stared straight ahead as any vinyl doll was supposed to do.
Is This All There Is? Chapter 21: Two Things Settled
Hermione took her time in the shower and it was about thirty minutes before she came out wrapped in a towel to find Draco sitting on the side of the bed.
"Had time to think things over then?" asked Hermione. "Does my explanation meet with your approval?"
Draco started to speak, but Hermione held up a hand. "Let me finish Draco. You've told me what you think, now let me tell you what I think. I understand jealousy and I understand hurt as I've experienced both. What I don't understand is why you'd rather think the worst instead of finding out the truth. I sat here all night wondering where you could be and what would keep you away from me. Not once did I think you were with someone. Not once did I think you were doing something untoward. You have told me how much I mean to you and how much you want to be with me and I believed and trusted you. Therefore, my first thoughts were for your well being and not that you were cheating or planning to cheat. It seems it doesn't work that way for you. I was out of your sight for a few hours and suddenly you think I'm lying with another wizard. What the fuck is that Draco? I don't care what you thought you knew or what you thought you heard, you should have come to me. You should have believed in me, but it is obviously easier to write me off as another Astoria. I'm not Astoria and you're not Theo. We've made promises to each other. More importantly, we declared our love for each other. My question is, did you not mean what you said? Will you only love me when it's convenient and straight forward?"
Draco stood, but Hermione stood there holding her towel glaring at him and continued to speak.
"I'm not sure what else you're looking for Draco because I was under the impression you had found what you wanted in me. There's one thing I know about myself and that is I meant what I said. I love you and want to be with you. That declaration does not mean I only want to be with you sometimes and then with someone else at other times. If you had understood that, we wouldn't be standing here at odds. I can't move forward without finding out what is in your mind and we probably won't move forward if you don't trust me. I'll tell you one more thing, misunderstanding aside. You don't have to use an excuse to remove your clothes. Take the bloody things home to Malfoy Manor where they'll be safe."
Hermione paused for breath and Draco took his opportunity to speak.
"Everything I said to you is true. I have fallen in love with you and you are the only witch I want. As we stood there face to face and I listened to you screaming at me, I knew how badly I had screwed up and was terrified I had stepped so far over the line you'd never have me back. I know you love me and aren't looking at any other man, but you weren't home then I tried to call you and… Well you know the rest. It was stupid Hermione. I'm sorry. Theo kept telling me something had to be mucked up and I should try to get to the bottom of it all, but I let jealousy override my good sense. Will you forgive me and let me make it up to you? I can't promise I'll never be jealous again, but I can promise nothing like this will ever happen again."
"I've been through enough Draco," replied Hermione, "and you were by my side for a good bit of it, so you know I won't allow anyone to put me through such nonsense ever again. This is not how people in love act so stop being such a bloody git. If we have questions of each other, we ask not assume. Have I made myself clear Malfoy?"
Draco walked towards Hermione. "You've made yourself perfectly clear my love. This won't ever happen again." Slowly moving closer to Hermione he took her in his arms, leaned down so his mouth was level with her ear and whispered, "Would you like some help with your towel? It really doesn't fit all that well."
Hermione smiled, "My towel will take care of itself," as she put her arms around Draco's neck and let the towel fall down. She shivered as Draco ran his hands down her back, grabbed her arse and held on. "I forgive you Draco, but before you become furious with me again over some ridiculous shite, talk to me or I'll have your arse for afters and it won't be pretty."
"I promise," he replied as he turned Hermione around, bent slightly and slid two fingers inside her slit. "But there's this problem I have which only you can fix. May I see you to our bed?"
Throatily Hermione replied, "Our bed it is then."
The interaction between Hermione or Draco in the bedroom must have caused another bit of accidental magic because in the living room a small burst of sparks appeared inside the doll's cabinet and for a brief second it seemed as though Felicia had smiled.
/*/
Theo was pacing his living room and had been pacing since he sent the owl to Harry Potter. He was worried his mate had done something he would be regretting right about now. Theo sighed and poured himself a fire whiskey and leaned back against the couch hoping Potter had acted on his message.
/*/
Harry had just landed when the door flew open and Ginny came rushing down the stairs. Harry grabbed her and told her to slow down before she had another accident. Ginny pulled away and asked what had been so important he had to leave the Burrow at a run.
As hard as Harry tried, he couldn't keep the irritation out of his voice. "What do you have in mind Gin? Where is it you and your mum think I went? You tell me and then I'll tell you both if you have it right. You fly at me as though you think I've robbed Gringott's. I had an owl that there was a dangerous situation which needed Auror intervention. When I got there, the situation had been brought under control so I gave my advice and left. I didn't even have to write up a warning. So there you are. Nothing at all to worry your pretty head over."
Ginny leaned her head on Harry's chest and let out a little sigh. "I just worry is all. I want our son to have a dad who is alive and kicking when he's born."
Harry didn't bother to reply because it would only have led to another round of discussion about something he didn't want to discuss. Arm and arm they went back into the house where more than likely Harry thought he would face another round of questions this time from Molly.
Molly couldn't wait until Harry was seated before she asked her first question, but Harry finished chewing the food in his mouth before pushing his plate away and quietly replying. "Ginny and I have already discussed my absence. What….?"
Reaching out to touch her husband's arm, Ginny cut across him to answer her mother. "It's fine mum. There was an emergency situation which wasn't as bad as first thought. Harry didn't even have to write up a warning. Right love?"
"Right Gin. If you'll excuse me, I'll just go see what Arthur is up to." Halfway to the backdoor Harry stopped and turned to Molly. "On second thought ladies I'd rather stay here and discuss something that has been on my mind for a while. Molly would you take a seat for a moment."
Molly glanced at Ginny and Ginny glanced at Harry, but Harry was determined to talk this out once and for all. "Molly, I know you love your daughter and I'm hoping you love me as well, but there is something that needs to be cleared up. Ginny is my wife as well as your daughter. The time for you to stop trying to run her life is now. I'm bonded to Ginny and it is my duty as well as my pleasure to take care of her. We welcome your advice and the little things you do, but I'm asking you to refrain from stepping in front of me to do these things. Ginny and I will have private matters that should remain between husband and wife. You don't have to know every word said between Ginny and I, so please stop asking. Ginny is your daughter and she will continue to share things with you and her dad, but there are things I don't expect her to discuss with you at all. I'm not cross and I don't want you to think I am. All I'm trying to say is I can take care of my wife and what we don't know, Gin and I will learn together."
The kitchen was very quiet until Arthur spoke up. "I wasn't eavesdropping Harry. I just didn't want to interrupt." Turning to Molly he reiterated what Harry had said. "We've talked about this Moll. I think Harry makes a good point. We've done our very best raising Ginny, but she has a husband who will take care of her from here on out. It's time for her mother to take a back seat to her husband."
Molly was sitting quietly staring down at her hands until Ginny reached over and said, "Mum?" and Molly spoke. "So sorry. I didn't know I was in the way. I was only trying to help my daughter. From now on you won't hear a peep out of me." Then she went silent.
"You're taking this the wrong way Molly," said Harry. "We want you in our lives. There's so much to share especially with the baby coming. I asked you and Arthur for your blessings to marry Ginny and you gave me those blessings. Please trust I can take care of her. We love you Molly. Never doubt that."
Harry went round the table to hug Molly while Ginny and Arthur came around as well and they engaged in a four way hug with a sobbing Molly telling them she would do better.
When they got back home that night, Ginny hugged Harry calling him brilliant and telling him how proud she was of him. Harry let out a big sigh of relief as he wrapped Ginny in his arms silently thanking Merlin that things had turned out so well. If Molly kept to her word, life from here on out would be beautiful…until December when Ron came home.
/*/
Things were also going well at Hermione's house. Hermione had immediately gotten busy taking care of Draco's problem. When they reached the bed, she turned Draco on his back, climbed on him and looking into his lust darkened eyes she shagged him in a manner she hadn't ever used and he hadn't ever seen. For every upward move Draco made, Hermione rode him back down. By the time she brought him to orgasm Draco was practically screaming and after Hermione pulled every last bit of liquid from him she slid off and laid on her back.
Draco took five full minutes to pluck up the courage to say what he wanted to say. Turning on his side he laid his hand on Hermione's stomach, not with a sexual touch, but more of a lover's touch. "You are so incredibly sexy and tonight you've outdone yourself. I know I made a promise less than thirty minutes ago, but I swear by Merlin Hermione if the day comes you want to be with someone else like this, I will use my wand and be glad to go to Azkaban for it. You are mine as I am yours and nothing or no one will come between us."
Hermione laid both her hands over Draco's hand smirking all the while. "Well that was the shortest promise known to the wizarding world. We'll be alright love. We're still working things out. All you have to do is remember the seven words you just spoke to me, you are mine as I am yours, and we won't have any problems."
They snuggled down for the night, but Draco sat back up. "Granger, could you possibly cast a Tergeo over the bed to remove some of the cum you've left all over the place?"
Hermione whacked Draco on the arm as she called for her wand, cast a Tergeo and then snuggled back down beside him.
/**/
Monday morning was there all too soon and Draco and Hermione scurried about getting ready for their day. Draco kissed Hermione and asked if she wanted takeaway, to which she replied, "No thanks love. I'll need you to meet me at the Leaky Cauldron after work. After that, we can decide what we want to do." They kissed each other again and were off.
/*/
Hermione's day went well. She was chuffed about several very impressive students in the law class she was overseeing who would be perfect candidates for Kingsley's programs. Hermione made a mental note to send Kingsley an owl with their names.
The day would have been perfect had it not been for David Justice. This professor she had thought so highly of while she attended classes was turning into a complete prat. Everywhere she turned he seemed to be there. Sometimes he didn't say a word. He just stood there smiling at her and other times he wouldn't stop talking about how brilliant she was. David invited himself to her table at lunch and hadn't stopped extolling the virtues of every upscale restaurant in a hundred mile radius, but he stopped short of inviting her out. Hermione felt an invitation would be next so she left the lunch area as quickly as possible.
Hermione was busy for the next couple of hours as she had a few papers to grade and one student to counsel, so the next time she glanced at her Wonder Witch Watch, it was almost 5:30. She quickly tidied up her desk and headed off to the apparition area where as luck would have it she ran into David Justice. However Merlin must have been smiling on her as David was in the face of another professor and didn't really notice her. Hermione's last thought before taking the London apparition route was what a bloody git.
As Hermione landed by the Leaky, Draco who had been leaning against the building walked over, kissed her and asked why they were there.
Hermione answered. "You'll see. Let's go in," as she grabbed Draco by the arm. The bar seemed to go silent for several seconds after Hermione and Draco walked in together, but Hermione walked straight to the bar where Sean was serving a customer. As soon as Sean spotted Hermione he came down the bar to take her order. His eyes flicked over Draco and returned to Hermione.
"Hello Sean. I'd like for you to meet Draco Malfoy. Draco is the wizard who seemed to irritate you by dialing my mobile. First, you owe him an apology and second you can tell me why you took it on yourself to answer my mobile in the first place."
Sean reached out his hand to Draco who shook it then put his hand back down by his wand. Sean apologized for answering the mobile. He told them he had done so because it wouldn't stop ringing and admitted he hadn't put the mobile away because he thought Hermione would come back for the phone as soon as she noticed it missing.
Hermione had her answers and there wasn't anything further she needed from Sean except for him to give Hannah and Kay her regards.
With a satisfied look on her face Hermione turned to Draco and told him they could go find some supper.
Sean apologized again before Hermione and Draco walked away.
Draco nodded at Sean as he took Hermione's arm and whispered in her ear. "Hermione Granger walked into the Leaky Cauldron on the arm of Draco Malfoy. It's out there now unless you can pass me off as your long lost brother."
Hermione just grinned as Draco led her out of the Leaky Cauldron.
/*/
Draco's day had been pretty normal. He worked closely with the CW and gained a bit more insight into the inner workings of the Wizengamot. Although it was interesting work, Draco knew the Wizengamot was not where he wanted to end up. His relationship with Hermione was on the right track so he didn't think he'd remain at the Ministry more than the one full year. His ultimate goal was to join Malfoy Investments which would make his father very happy.
He had spoken to Olivia and Elias at different times during the day and each seemed different, happier. Olivia had complimented him on his watch and asked where he purchased it. He had simply replied the watch was a gift purchased in France. Olivia moved to touch it, but Draco moved his arm and continued on his way. Draco smiled as he held his arm out to look at the watch. Hermione had good taste in watches as well as wizards and he did love the watch. He hadn't seen another like it.
Draco ran into Harry while checking on some correspondence for the CW. Harry raised his eyebrows, but didn't comment on any of the prior day's goings on. Draco clapped Harry on the back telling him everything was fine and it had all been a total misunderstanding…..on his part, but it was settled and Hermione loved him again.
Harry mumbled. "She never stopped."
"I know that Potter. I was just making conversation," laughed Draco. "By the way, why were you at Hermione's on a Sunday anyway? I figured you'd be at the humble Weasley abode in Ottery St. Catchpole."
"I was at the Burrow," quipped Harry. "However Theodore Nott sent me a person to person owl asking me to check on Hermione. You must have given Nott quite the scare if his only option was owling me."
Draco looked down at his feet. "I was acting the arse, but Theo had no right bringing you into it. I'll be speaking to him."
"Come on Draco. Nott probably didn't want to get involved in your personal matters. Give the wizard a break. He probably realized you wouldn't hurt Hermione, but if there really had been another wizard involved, he imagined you would not hesitate to curse him. He was looking out for you."
"I'll take your thoughts regarding Theo under consideration. I saw Arthur Weasley earlier and he seems incredibly happy. He must be chuffed to be back to the Ministry. Two weeks of sitting around the Burrow must have taken a toll on the man."
"Thanks for the insight Malfoy, but you might want to mind how you speak about how the Weasley's live. I have to make a late stop. I'll see you later."
Draco waved and continued on his way. As he waited for the lift, Terry Boot and another MLE officer Draco didn't recognize walked up and nodded at him. They were discussing cases when the other MLE officer asked Terry if he'd heard Ron Weasley would be visiting his family in December.
Draco's ears perked up as the other officer joked that Ron was probably tired of Romanian women and was coming back to claim his wife. Draco bit back the retort he wanted to throw at them both, but Terry had glanced Draco's way and nudged the other wizard.
As hard as he tried, Draco couldn't refrain from sniping, "I'm pretty sure my partner would find it offensive to know wizards are discussing her private business in front of the lifts."
Glaring at the other MLE officer Terry stepped up to offer an apology. "You're absolutely right Malfoy. No harm meant. It won't happen again."
They stepped out of the lifts with Terry growling at his mate, "Bloody arsehole. You can expect Hermione at your desk if Malfoy mentions this to her. Next time keep you pie hole closed about her when we're in public spaces."
Satisfied he had put the fear of Merlin into the two posers, Draco entered the chamber of Chief Warlock Bates with a big smile plastered on his face. Draco checked his watch to find it was already 5:15, so he tidied up his area, said goodnight and left to meet Hermione at the Leaky Cauldron.
In the back of his mind, Draco did wonder why Hermione wanted to meet in such a public place, but was sure he would find out once he got there. He landed a bit early and decided to wait outside the pub for Hermione.
/*/
After finishing with Sean, Hermione and Draco had stood outside the Leaky Cauldron for several minutes before Draco decided they should have dinner in midtown London at the muggle restaurant La Trattoria. Hermione liked Italian cuisine and readily agreed with Draco's choice. Hermione and Draco stepped back out of sight to remove and put away their robes. They had both become accustomed to wearing muggle garments under their robes and once the robes were removed they looked like any other muggle couple. With robes off, they apparated to a spot close to La Trattoria.
The restaurant was very trendy with tons of muggle art on the walls and nothing but fit, beautiful servers, male and female. They ordered Grilled Lamb Chops with side orders of Roasted Cauliflower Risotto and Parmesan Broccoli.
While they sipped red wine and waited for their food, Draco mentioned what he had heard at the lifts. "Terry Boot and another bloke from MLE were discussing your ex-husband. It seems he will be coming back to London in December for a bit of a stay. The blighter just can't stay away. Just so we understand each other Hermione. I will turn him to dust if he tries to accost you in any way."
Hermione who had her wine glass halfway to her mouth stopped in mid action. "I've said all I have to say to Ron Weasley. I don't think they'll be any reason for us to cross paths. Besides Draco, I will forever be on my guard in his presence. He won't ever catch me out nor will he be in a position to put his hands under my dress again."
Draco stiffened. He knew Weasley had attacked Hermione. He had seen the results, but he wasn't aware the piece of shite had tried to sexually assault her. At that moment Weasley couldn't sink any lower in Draco's eyes.
Hermione suddenly realized Draco must not have known the extent of Ron's attack on her. She reached across the table and laid her hand on Draco's rigid hand. "He didn't succeed. Harry pulled him off before anything happened. Please don't get yourself upset over something which is over and done. Please. I promise I won't put myself in a position where I'm alone with him."
They remained silent as the server placed their food and asked if they would like more wine. Draco thanked the server and asked that she bring the bottle and leave it. After the server had brought the wine and left, Draco who looked as though he'd lost any appetite enunciated very clearly. "We were not involved at that time Hermione, but we are now. I will fucking hurt that bastard if he gets within fifty feet of you. I won't even discuss what he can expect if he tries to put hands on you."
"Draco. Please eat something. We can discuss this back at the house. Anyway, what does Terry Boot know? It might all be hearsay. Ron has burned just about every bridge he had here in London and may not have any intention of coming back. Let's not worry about it now. Shall I feed my handsome wizard or will he eat on his own?"
Draco remained scowling until Hermione picked up his fork and tried to push a bit of grilled lamb chop into his mouth. He took the fork from Hermione giving her a small smile before taking the food into his mouth. Draco remained fairly quiet for the rest of the meal, but did give compliments to the server on the food and the service. Hermione knew the discussion wasn't over and didn't look forward to spending the night with a furious Draco.
It was still early when they arrived back at the house so Hermione decided she would try to keep Draco's mind off Ron by showing him the new TV she purchased for him on Saturday. Hermione set out wine and whiskey, showed Draco how to use the remote control then snuggled herself up against him. Hermione felt Draco relax as he put his arm around her and began rubbing her shoulder. From time to time, as Draco sifted through channels he leaned down to kiss Hermione on her head and from time to time, Hermione leaned up to kiss him on his neck. After a lot of sifting through channels, they finally settled on an old BBC program called Upstairs/Downstairs which was running a marathon. They watched for three hours until Hermione fell asleep at which time Draco turned off the TV, carried Hermione into the bedroom, removed her street clothes and put her under the covers. He was still a bit upset and not quite ready to get in bed.
Draco went back into the living room to sit on the couch and reflect. Finding out that fucking blighter Weasley had touched Hermione inappropriately made his blood boil. He didn't care that Hermione was still Weasley's wife at the time. A wizard putting his hands on his witch in anger just wasn't fucking done. Draco took a deep breath, downed a whiskey in one and was leaning back against the couch when his eyes landed on Felicia. With a wave in her direction Draco gave her the facts. "We have to keep your mum safe from harm. I'll expect you to do your part."
Draco closed his eyes and Felicia smiled.
Hermione woke to find herself in bed alone and it took a second for her to think where Draco could be. Getting out of bed she padded into the living room in her bra and knickers to find Draco sound asleep on the couch. Hermione gently shook him awake and told him to come to bed. Mumbling and stumbling Draco followed Hermione into the bedroom where he fell across the bed and dropped right back off to sleep. After a bit of tugging, Hermione got his clothes off and went back to lie down. Sometime during the night Draco moved himself into the bed because Hermione woke laid across his back.
/**/
On Tuesday morning Draco told Hermione he would be stopping in at Malfoy Manor after work to pick up any messages from his father and check on the house elves.
When Draco mentioned Malfoy Manor it reminded Hermione she wanted to ask about the different floos. "Draco, when I was hunting you on Sunday I tried to floo call you, but the elf who answered told me I was calling on the wrong floo and wouldn't give me the correct floo. How many floos are there at Malfoy Manor?"
"I'm sorry love. It's not that there are all these different floos, it's just that you have to be specific if I'm not on the ground floor. I mean to say, if I'm in my room you would have to say, Malfoy Manor, Draco's bedroom, or Malfoy Manor, Draco's study. I should have made that clear, but I never imagined you having to chase me down. That won't happen again as I have no plans to be separated from you where you have to look for me."
Hermione continued to eat her toast as she smiled at Draco. "For a short while I thought you might be ducking me."
Walking up behind Hermione and nuzzling her neck Draco clarified the situation. "Never. Now I've got to get going. I'll see tonight."
Hermione leaned back so Draco could kiss her on the mouth and then he was gone. Hermione remained where she was for a few minutes more before gathering up her wand and purse and apparating to the Law School.
/*/
One of the first things Draco did Tuesday morning at work after he performed his morning requirements was seek out Harry. He wanted to hear directly from one who should know whether Weasley was really coming back to London. Draco nodded at Anthony Goldstein and Michael Corner as he headed to Harry's office. The office was empty so Draco left a note asking Harry to see him when he could. Corner told Draco that Harry was in the field and would return later in the day. Draco thanked Michael and kept going.
Draco stopped in to chat with Elias for a bit and he again got the feeling that Elias was happier than he had been in the past. Elias was chuffed due to the feedback he had received from Kingsley and excitedly explained to Draco he was hoping to secure a position on one of The Minister's special commissions. Draco was very interested in what Elias had to say as it would play right into the suggestions he had written up for his father. Draco knew Elias Cooke would be a perfect candidate for a spot in his father's plans. Draco left Elias, nodded at Olivia and headed back to his office in the Wizengamot area.
Chief Warlock Bates was in court and Draco decided to lighten his load by double checking all work placed on the CW's desk for his review. He was into his fifth case when Olivia stopped by to drop off other material which would be needed the next morning. Olivia smiled sweetly, left the cases and waved on her way out. Draco watched the witch walk down the hall and thought that something had definitely changed. In prior times, Olivia wouldn't go an entire day without making some kind of gesture towards him. Draco was glad she stopped, but was curious as to why. He put Olivia out of his mind and was back concentrating on his work when he looked up to see Harry coming down the hall. Draco stood and stretched out his hand to Harry. They shook hands and Harry took a seat.
"I saw your note mate. What can I do for you?"
"I'm hoping you can help me verify something I heard out of school. Is Weasley coming back to London next month? If he is, how long is he staying and last, does he remember he is divorced?"
Harry was surprised this is what Draco wanted to speak with him about because he didn't think anyone but he, Ginny and the Weasley's knew about Ron coming back to London. He understood Draco's concerns so he told him as much as he knew. "Ginny did receive a letter from Ron telling her he would be using his holiday time to visit London. As far as I know he didn't give an exact date or the length of his stay. Ron knows he is divorced, but I'm not all that sure a divorce means anything to him. He did ask about Hermione in his letter, but as I asked Ginny, what could he want with Hermione now that he didn't want when they were married. Ron's just a foolish prat. I will be keeping an eye on him while he is here."
Harry hadn't placated Draco's anger at all. "Thanks Potter. I appreciate you'll be keeping an eye on Weasley because I'll be keeping an eye on Hermione. If he so much as breathes on her, I'll have his ginger arse. Another thing, Hermione let slip that Weasley tried to have his way with her the night he attacked her. Merlin forbid he try anything like that now. There'll be no wizard touching Hermione in that manner except me. I'll leave it at that."
"All I can ask is that you maintain control," sighed Harry. "Don't give me any reason to arrest you. We can handle this as reasonable wizards. How did you hear about Ron coming to London anyway?"
"I will maintain control as long as Weasley stays away from Hermione and to answer your question I learned about him while standing at the lifts. Two MLE officers were discussing it right out in the open for anyone to hear."
Harry stood up, "I want their names. This is fucking unacceptable. I hope you gave them a telling off."
"One was Boot," Draco replied. "I didn't know the other. Boot wasn't the one doing the talking and he did tell the other git off for talking out of turn. As for telling them off, I told them Hermione wouldn't be pleased to know her name was being bandied about at Ministry lifts."
Harry was beside himself. "You didn't tell me they mentioned Hermione as well. Pucey is still out on suspension, but I will bring this to Bob's attention right after I speak to Boot. I swear by Merlin that everyone in MLE is a fucking wanker from Pucey on down. I'll catch up with you later Draco. I have business to attend to."
Draco nodded and went back to reviewing the CW's files which were finished in short order. The CW came through just as Draco was leaving for the night so Draco spent a few minutes telling him everything needed for the next day had been reviewed and was ready for court. CW Bates clapped Draco on the back and wished him a goodnight.