Is This All There Is?

by Divess

It seems not everyone has learned a lesson from the War. Instead of taking time to relax, look around and enjoy their freedom. There has been a big rush from the war generation to marry and settle down. Many of these marriages will last while some won't. This is drama and this is Dramione. T OOC/OC. Novel length.

36. The Never Ending Story Again

All things Harry Potter belong to JKR. Nothing but the story line belongs to me.

Beware: Rated M for language and sexual situations.

Previously on Is This All There Is? Chapter 35: In For A Penny….

Draco frowned. "Come on love. Just because you've become fond of Alice doesn't mean she is the life witch for Harry."

"Really? You are doubting your brilliant witch? Alice is being drawn to Felicia and Felicia is being drawn to Alice as we speak. I am certain of this. Felicia is already onto Harry. She's been creeping him out. As much as I hate thinking about Felicia not being around, we are duty bound to release her."

"Are you planning to leave me," asked Hermione?

"Of course I'm not planning to leave you," answered Draco bristling up. "You're talking nonsense Hermione."

"I'm not talking nonsense. I'm trying to make a point. Felicia has helped us all she can and there is nothing left here for her to do. Even if it wasn't Harry and Alice, she would still have to go. I suggest we do this sometime tonight to get it done and over. If chapter six is correct and I have no reason to doubt it, we will still have Felicia for a bit before she has to go to Alice. It took us months."

Draco wrapped his arms around Hermione seeking her mouth for a kiss and gave in to her request. He agreed that later that evening they would perform the Homorphus Spell which would release Felicia to the next couple, whoever they might be.

Hermione kissed Draco back as they stood in place realizing there wouldn't be any turning back after the spell was cast. They would soon be losing their doll, their muse, their friend, but they had found each other.

Is This All There Is? Chapter 36: The Never Ending Story Again

Both Draco and Hermione were surprised to find Lucius and Philip had stopped in while they were in the bedroom discussing Felicia and were immersed in a conversation with Blaise and Elias. Draco walked over to join the conversation while Hermione greeted both wizards before heading over to Alice who had returned Felicia to her cabinet and was holding a conversation with Justin.

When Hermione walked over, Justin excused himself reminding Alice she had promised him a dance and a blushing Alice replied that she wouldn't forget.

"You've acquired an admirer or two. Well done. Thank you for putting Felicia back in the cabinet Alice. I like to keep her protected. It wouldn't do for my muse to get soiled or broken."

Alice laughed softly, "Acquired admirers? I think not. I think you have courteous friends who don't like to see a witch standing on her own talking to a doll. She's a beautiful charmer Hermione. Thank you for allowing me to handle her. On another note, I'll be leaving shortly. I really should get home."

"This is Hermione you're talking to Alice. We've already had this discussion. If you are enjoying yourself, there's no real need to leave early. Have another drink. Have another dance, but please stay and enjoy yourself."

As Alice and Hermione were talking, Harry came over. "I wanted to ask you for another dance Alice, but you were tied up with the creepy doll so I waited. Now that you are unencumbered may I have this dance?"

Alice smiled at Harry and held out her hand consenting to the dance. "Excuse us Hermione. I'm going to dance with a hero."

Hermione stood there laughing and murmuring quietly to herself as she watched them walk to the dance floor. "I think the creepy doll may have something in store for you Mr. Potter. And for you Alice, no admirers my arse. I'd bet galleons if Harry doesn't step up, Justin will step in," before walking over to chat with Blaise.

/*/

Blaise was a Slytherin who had spent most of the war in France under the protection of his mother and her family, but hadn't ever been a Gryffindor supporter. Hermione wanted to extend the hand of friendship simply because Blaise used to be one of Draco's closer mates.

When Hermione walked up, Blaise stood and gave her a little bow. "You're looking fit tonight Granger. Congratulations on your relationship with the Prince of Slytherin. If anyone can keep that bloke in line, it would be you."

Hermione smiled feeling that everything was going to be alright. Blaise had accepted the relationship between her and Draco and that was definitely a step in the right direction. She and Blaise had been chatting for about five minutes when there was a commotion at the front door. Hermione immediately thought David Justice had come to the door in search of Alice, but she soon realized it wasn't David at all. It was Ginny Potter and she was on fire.

Greeting no one on her way in, Ginny headed straight for Harry and tried to slap him across the face screaming about him chucking her out of her own home. Harry wasn't called the fastest wizard in Britain for nothing and grabbed Ginny's hand before it got anywhere near his face, but that hadn't been the end of it because Ginny saw Alice standing in close proximity to Harry and decided to take issue with her.

"Who the hell are you," snarled Ginny? "I hope you haven't planned on taking my husband home with you tonight because that won't happen. Get away from him and stay away from him or I'll….."

And while Harry was having a set to with his wife, a clearly embarrassed Alice hastily bid Kay good night and left. Lucius and Philip chose this moment to say their goodbyes as well with Philip remarking to Lucius that their visit had certainly been an interesting one.

/*/

Hermione hadn't noticed Alice leave because her attention was directed elsewhere. She was fuming over Ginny's intrusion and wasn't about to take any of her shite especially not in her own home. Drawing her wand Hermione faced Ginny down. "Or you'll do what Ginny? This is my home. How dare you bring this trifling shite to my door. You aren't welcome here, you haven't been invited and I want you out. I understand you've made your choice, so why not go to Portugal, Brazil, Wales or wherever he is and pull this on Dean? Harry doesn't want you. Evidently being put into the streets bare arsed isn't enough for you to get it through your thick head that Harry is through with you," and pointing her wand at Ginny's chest Hermione gave her five seconds to get out to avoid the medi-wizards having to come carry her out.

Draco and Elias stepped between Ginny and Hermione nudging Hermione into the kitchen and as they nudged Hermione into the kitchen, Ginny pulled her own wand and hit Harry with a Double Bat Bogey Hex. As strong as they were, Elias and Draco had been hard pressed to hold Hermione back after Ginny cast the spell. Draco immediately reversed the spell off Harry and watched as his mate headed to the bathroom to clean up and calm down oblivious to the fact that others were keeping Ginny from following him. Turning back to an out of control Hermione, Draco asked Elias to step away for a moment so he could talk to her.

"Hermione love," said Draco softly, "I know you're upset, but things are being managed and I need for you to calm down right now. Harry is fine. He's a grown wizard and he will handle this. So STOP."

Hermione turned her back to Draco, placed both hands on the sink and began to take deep, soothing breaths. "You're right Draco. I have no right to be angry. That slag bursts into my house and accosts my guests and I should not get involved. I understand."

"You know that isn't what I said. Don't you even try to put this shite on me Hermione. You're upset and I understand, but don't you fucking act as though I'm steering you wrong. It's enough. Harry can handle his own business. I've said my piece and I'm going back into the living room to see to our guests. If you want to tear down the entire bloody kitchen, have at it."

Hermione weakly called after him, "Draco," but he was good to his word and had gone back to the living room to see about their guests without a look back.

/*/

Hermione had calmed down some, but was still sitting at the kitchen table when Harry walked in. "Thanks Hermione. After all this time you're still stepping in between me and danger. I apologize for all this. It was supposed to be a celebratory party for you and your team and Ginny ends up turning it into a brawl."

Hermione gave Harry a small smile ignoring most of what he said. "Draco's angry with me. He gave me a right good telling off. He thinks I should let you take care of your own business and stay out of it."

Sitting down in the chair next to Hermione Harry took her hand. "Draco's right Hermione. I love you and appreciate your concern, but I'm a grown man and need to take care of my own problems."

"So you think I was wrong as well? Maybe I was. I'm sorry to have stepped into your business. It won't happen again. It just pissed me off the way she jumped at Alice. Alice hadn't said or done anything which would make anyone think she had plans to take you home with her. I need to apologize for how she was treated while in my home."

"I believe Alice left after Ginny's tirade," guessed Harry. "But it's not you who owes her an apology. It's me. Do you have her address? She seems like a good person and I don't want her to think badly of me so if you'll pass me her address, I'll go make my apologies."

"You going to Alice's flat might not be such a good idea. I'll go. There are issues."

Harry raised his eyes so they were level with Hermione's. "What did we just talk about Hermione? You aren't everybody's keeper. Just give me the bloody address and I'll go apologize."

Hermione froze where she sat. Draco had told her off and now Harry was giving her a telling off. It was obviously time for her to step back. Reciting the address from memory she gave it to Harry and then sat back in her chair trying to figure out how she could go back into the main rooms without bringing undue attention on herself.

Harry went about his way and letting out a huge sigh, Hermione got out of the chair and went back through to face Draco and her guests.

Not sure if Draco was still angry with her Hermione approached him slowly, but as she came within his reach he stretched out his hand, pulled her to him and kissed her on the forehead. Draco didn't mention their conversation and neither did she although she remained a bit pink in the face for the next several minutes. Hermione joined in the conversation with Draco, Elias and Olivia, but wondered what else had gone on while she was in the kitchen.

Olivia seemed to realize what Hermione was thinking and suggested they go get a wine. As they crossed the room, several voices called out, "Alright then Hermione?"

Parvarti growled in Seamus' ear after he called out, "You give the best parties Hermione," but after Parvati's warning Seamus followed up by saying, "And I mean that in the best way."

Hermione smiled as she cheeked back. "I strive to keep things interesting Seamus," and she and Olivia went to get their wine.

The two witches grabbed a bottle of wine and two glasses taking it into the dining room where the food was set up. After they both had a glass of wine in their hand, Olivia told Hermione what had transpired while she was out of the room.

/*/

Hermione and Olivia took seats and Olivia started off with a giggle. "If Ginny wasn't so ugly and volatile, it would have been funny. What with her hair flying all over the place and she as red as a beet. She looked like a red Hungarian Horntail on one of its worst days. Anyway, George and Lee had moved quickly to get Ginny under control with little result and Ginny was still tussling with them as they finally grabbed her none too gently and dragged her from the house with Angelina following behind apologizing and bidding everyone good night."

"I wish I could have seen that" Hermione interjected.

Olivia took a sip of her wine and continued her recitation. "After Lee and George dragged Ginny out, there was a bit of whispered conversation throughout the room as the guests tried to make sense of what had just gone on, but five minutes after that the party was back on track with most thinking Ginny Weasley had always been somewhat mad. It was during this time that the ever nosy and gossipmonger extraordinaire Seamus Finnigan shared the news that Harry and Ginny had separated because Ginny was in an affair and possibly because Dean is his best friend Seamus did not name the wizard Ginny was involved with."

"Fucking Seamus," Hermione snapped. "Harry is not in any mood to be played with. He will cut the bloody balls off Seamus if that wanker isn't careful."

"I don't think Harry has to worry because an angry Michael Corner stopped whatever whispering that was going on by calling Seamus out for spreading rumors and telling him whether it was true or not, it wasn't up to him to comment on it. Michael had then advised Seamus to hold his fucking tongue or he would hold it for him. And that had been that. A chastised Seamus let Parvarti lead him to the dance floor where he got another earful. I'm actually glad you were in the kitchen because with the mood you were in, I believe you would have hexed Seamus without a thought."

Hermione took several sips of wine before responding. "Thank you for telling me this. I'm just glad it's over and I will be happy when Harry brings his arse back here."

Olivia raised her eyebrows without commenting. She had relayed the story to Hermione and it was time for her to get back to Elias. Excusing herself, Olivia took her glass of wine and told Hermione she'd see her in the main rooms.

It wasn't long before Hermione followed Olivia out.

/*/

Harry was on a mission. He had apparated to the address Hermione gave him and looked forward to getting the entire mess straightened out and possibly asking Alice out to tea. He knew he didn't have to seek Alice out to apologize because he could apologize the next time he ran into her, but he was a stand up wizard who did not want a new acquaintance thinking she was embroiled in his problems. Alice deserved an apology.

Alice's flat was located in a multi unit building so Harry wandered about a bit before finding a door labeled Alice Ward, but just as Harry raised his hand to knock he heard voices, one of which was male. Realizing Alice was otherwise engaged, Harry stepped away from the door and turned to walk away, but just as he did Alice let out something between a squeak and a scream. Harry wasn't sure if his ears were playing tricks so he knocked again this time calling out to Alice.

An angry, male voice shouted. "Sod off. Alice is engaged for the evening. Perhaps you should try back tomorrow."

Who the fuck was this sot shouting through the door Harry wondered? Neither Hermione nor Alice herself had mentioned she had a boyfriend. Harry didn't want to step in where he had no business, but he was still on edge from his run in with Ginny and wasn't taking kindly to anyone spewing shite in his direction. If push came to shove, he would not hesitate to hex a fuck. Knocking again Harry called out to Alice. "Is everything alright Alice. Are you hurt?"

After giving off another little shriek, Alice answered with a question. "Is your sister with you? I'm sorry I had to leave so early."

Harry was at a loss. What? My sister? He and Alice had discussed his lineage and she knew he didn't have a sister unless she was referring to Hermione. What in Merlin's name was she going on about and why would she think Hermione was with him?" Suddenly Harry knew. Alice was giving him a signal that all was not well, so he knocked again and this time the door flew open and David Justice came face to face with Harry Potter's wand. Harry backed the sputtering wizard back into the flat at wand point where he found a very disheveled Alice holding her arm.

Without turning away from David Justice, Harry asked Alice if she was hurt to which she quickly replied. "My arm. He's taken my wand so I can't even try to mend it."

/*/

Justice recognized the most famous wizard in the British wizarding world and began to backtrack. "Alice is having a little joke. We had a misunderstanding. She tried to attack me and in the process injured her arm. No worries though. I was just on my way out anyway."

And just like that without any apology, David Justice tried to leave the flat, but found himself still on the business end of Harry's wand. "Only a fucking tosspot would put his hands on a witch," snarled Harry. "Alice is a friend. Do you really think I'll allow you to get away with hurting her. You may know my name, but you don't know me at all."

David Justice tried to decide if he should try to bluster the famous Harry Potter, but just glimpsing the look in Harry's eyes told him he should sit down, shut up and hope Alice would not tell everything.

Harry was still unsure of what was happening, but he knew Alice's arm needed attention. Casting a healing charm, Harry quickly set her arm right and softly asked who David was, what was he to her and what was going on.

Alice put her hands to her face and began to sob. "If it's all the same to you Harry, I don't want to discuss this. I appreciate you healing my arm, but shouldn't you be somewhere trying to straighten things out with your wife?"

"That's why I'm here Alice. I came to apologize for Ginny's behavior. Ginny and I are separated and I have filed for divorce. There isn't anything left for us to discuss. I most wholeheartedly apologize and I hope it won't stop you from accepting future dances with me."

Alice removed her hands from her face and smiled at Harry, "I promise to accept another dance with you as long as you don't bring that mad woman."

Harry nodded. "That goes without saying. May I suggest you accompany me back to the party and finish the night the way it was supposed to finish. I'll wait right here while you change into something not so….. torn."

/*/

When Alice left the room, Harry turned to David Justice asking what business he had in Alice's flat. David responded in as friendly a voice as possible. "I lease this flat and allow Alice to stay here."

Harry went red as he surmised what Alice probably had to offer up to live here. "Are you serious you bloody fuck? You allow her to live here so you can take liberties with her whenever you wish or hurt her if she refuses your attentions? Go ahead. Open your mouth and tell me this is what's going on so I can hex you to a bloody pulp. Speak."

David spit and stammered without acknowledging anything which infuriated Harry even more. "I'll take that to mean yes. Let me tell you something you may not know. You have put your hands or any other part of your body on Alice for the last time. My best suggestion is you stay far away from her. She has friends who will help her find a flat so she doesn't need anything for you. If you try to approach her in any shape or form, I will enlist the biggest, dirtiest wizard lover to make your life miserable. I'll let you discover how it feels to be fucked. Have I made myself clear? Now. You should get the fuck out of here before I decide you don't deserve any chance at all.

David Justice was aware Harry Potter didn't make idle threats and quickly made his way out the door dropping Alice's wand as he went.

/*/

Alice didn't bother asking what happened to David. She walked over, picked up her wand and plopped down in a chair. Knowing Harry was looking for some kind of explanation, Alice wasn't sure she wanted to gain and lose a friend all in the same night, but offered a weak smile as she admitted to getting herself into a bad situation and didn't know how to extricate herself.

Alice was uncomfortable and Harry didn't want her to feel any worse so he changed the subject. "Why don't you fix us a tea and then the wizard with two left feet will try to help you fix whatever is wrong."

Getting up from her chair Alice whispered to Harry. "Thank you Harry. I hope you won't think badly of me after we've talked."

David Justice had admitted what was going on, but Harry wanted to hear it from Alice's mouth. Then they could discuss it, dissect it and relegate it to the land of never speaking of it again. David Justice was a lowdown piece of shite who needed to be hexed within an inch of his life, but Harry had meant what he said. If the bastard so much as looked at Alice wrong, there would be something very nasty in his future.

With tea in hand, Harry listened as Alice explained how a lack of funds had led her to make a poor choice. He bristled as she told him how David Justice offered to help her then ended up getting her into a predicament. Harry understood enough and when he finished his tea, he was finished listening. Alice had been in a disgusting position, but now she was out. There wasn't any need for her to degrade herself by discussing private matters. He had accepted her as a friend and that was that.

The two had sat quietly for a few minutes before Harry ran an idea across Alice. "This is Justice's flat. You don't belong here and I wouldn't feel comfortable leaving you here. I suggest you collect your belongings, leave here and speak to Hannah about letting a room in the Leaky until you can find a flat of your own.

It was a good idea which Alice wouldn't have been able to pull off alone as David would have surely found her and did Merlin knows what. She now had the backing of the famous Harry Potter and the famous Hermione Granger and would willingly strike out on her own. Telling Harry she would be packed in less than ten minutes, Alice went about stripping the flat of all her belongings and true to her word she had everything shrunk and packed in nine minutes.

/*/

Hermione and Draco had completely made up and were on the dance floor indulging in their normal sexual banter with Draco getting the better of Hermione leaving her with a beet red face as they moved about the floor. It was fortunate for the both of them that other couples were on the dance floor as well. However, Draco was completely undone when Hermione slowly reached down and grabbed him by the dick and began to rub. Hermione laughed as she asked Draco if he had anything he wanted to share at the moment. A spluttering Draco grinned and told her he was out of words for the moment, but if she didn't remove her hand forthwith he would tear off her clothes in front of their friends and shag her unconscious. Hermione removed her hand and excused herself to the bathroom to wash off the liquid which had begun to drip down her leg.

Draco drawled. "Hurry back love," and then had hurried to the bathroom just beyond the dining room. He too had to clean himself before it leaked through his trousers. There were still about ten people moving about the living room as Draco left the bathroom. His and Hermione's bit of foreplay had worked him up and he didn't want to be any place other than in the bedroom spreading Hermione's legs.

When Hermione returned from the bathroom she had cast a smoldering glance at Draco as she headed for the drink bar and he had been right on her heels grabbing her from behind. While Draco was squeezing her nipples, Hermione unzipped her jeans guiding one of Draco's hands down between her legs. Breathing heavily, Draco asked if he had made her that wet and she replied she thought it was Blaise who had done it. With a growl, Draco bent over, pushed two fingers against Hermione's clit while he sucked on her neck. Hermione leaned back against Draco and let him play with her pussy which he did right up until she was ready to cum. At that time, Draco stepped back, smacked her on her arse and told her she should go tell Blaise that. It had taken a good five minutes before the sexual tension subsided and she could walk normally back to the living room where she passed Draco softly calling him a git which had only left him grinning.

By midnight, most of the guest had said their goodbyes and it was down to Olivia and Elias remaining, but by 12:30, they too said goodnight and took their leave.

Hermione got up to tidy up, but Draco grabbed hold to her hand and pulled her back down on the couch unbuttoning her jeans trying to slide them off. "Shall I call Blaise back or do you want to settle for me?"

"I want you or no one," replied Hermione.

"Good. See that it remains that way," replied Draco as he nuzzled her neck.

/*/

Draco had just gotten the word good out of his mouth when one of their mobiles rang. "I have words for anyone who rings a mobile at this time of night and whoever it is won't like them," Striding into the bedroom, Draco picked up the phone and growled. "This better be good." Draco came striding back into the living room and shoved the phone at Hermione. "It was your mobile and it's your good friend Potter on the other end. Tell the git exactly what time it is before you sign off just so he'll know when not to call. In addition love, earlier you were very insistent we cast the Homorphus Spell so get your lovely arse off the mobile quickly. It appears we have two things to do."

Hermione took the phone and waved Draco away as she listened to what Harry was saying. When Hermione remained on the phone, Draco huffed at her and told her he would be in the bedroom. Hermione waved him away once more and began assuring Harry something was fine. Draco didn't wait to hear what it was and went to lie down. As hard as he tried to stay awake, he couldn't, and in five minutes was dead sleep.

When Hermione got off her mobile she went to tell Draco what was going on, but he was already sleeping so she did a quick wash, changed into pajamas and went back to the living room to wait for Harry…..and Alice.

Thanks for reading.