2 days later, Hermione left the hospital, though Scrimgeour had removed her from Auror duties for as long as she needed. She'd gone to the office just that morning, to ask if her papers were there. They weren't. She was just walking past one of her favourite shops, when she saw him. Before she could move past, he'd stepped in front of her. Stay cool, she reminded herself. For God's sake...
"Help you, Mr. Malfoy?" Her voice was brisk, to the point.
"We need to discuss our divorce," his voice was just as brisk as hers. "If you will follow me?"
"Nope," she shook her head. "I'm not doing it as a Client in your fancy office. Sorry."
"You can make this difficult," he said softly, "but I don't want it to be. I want this to be as easy as possible."
"For you," she said bitterly, "yeah. It always was. I say again, nope."
To her shock, he sighed. "Fine, where?"
"Here," she said, leading him across the road, to a small and homely looking pub. "It's my favourite pub in the Muggle world. No one knows us, what we are, or will listen. Also," she managed a sad smile. "I think you owe me a drink, big shot Lawyer."
He did not object and to her surprise, he bought her the very drink she'd wanted, without having to ask. The tears threatened to sting her eyes, but she pushed them back.
"Hey Herms," the landlord smiled. "You ok?"
"Hey Terry," she managed a sad smile back. "I'm fine, but can I ask you a huge favour?"
"Kiddo, anything for you."
She smiled at him, but it took a huge effort.
"Can I have one of your private rooms, please? I'll pay by the..."
"You'll pay by the nothing," he said firmly, coming around the bar. "Follow me." A few minutes later, she and Draco were alone in a small and comfortable room. "You need anything," Terry had said. "Just yell." She took a second to fight for control. She needed it, or she would just break down all over again.
"My first question," Draco said softly. "Why in Merlin's name did you do that? He could have killed you."
"I told you," she said quietly. "I'd done enough damage. I know it wouldn't fix things, but I wanted you to know how dear to me you always will be."
"Why did you say the things you did to me?"
"Because I knew what I was going to have to do that night, guard an EPL member, they just hadn't said who. I'm going through a lot of stress at work, Aurors on other teams saying how they don't think a Muggleborn should be above them. New ones, low ranked, still in training. I know I should have spoken to you, but it all got too much. I'll always be sorry, always."
"You'll have to wear that badge for life now, you realise this?"
"Yup," she nodded. "But the price is worth it. I only want you to have a choice, seen as I was the reason you did this in the first place, represented them. Now, you don't ever have to, unless you wish to. I know our marriage is over, but if you meet some stunning Pureblood wife," she gave him a soft and very unsteady smile. "You'll both be free to do as you wish. I will always wear this badge for you, even if by a miracle, I fall in love again. Always. That, is my promise. Good luck, Draco Malfoy."
"What did you need from me in a suit and tie, which you lost?"
She stared at him in shock. "I I'm sorry?"
"You heard me, tell me."
She blinked back tears. "I can't," she shook her head. "Please, I'll never get it again, it's to do with dad and it, it hurts too much..." She turned from him, to hide her tears.
"Please," she pleaded, losing the battle as silent tears fell down her cheeks. "Please just send the papers and let me go? I'll do whatever you want, I'll keep it peaceful, I'll give you half or, whatever I'm..." He sighed, standing.
"Hermione," he said quietly. "Do not keep checking your office for papers just yet, as they will not be there. I am not sending them just yet. You will hear from me, so just wait. I will not keep you waiting long, you have my promise. I will contact you, soon." She nodded. It was all she could do.
He walked out of the parker and out of the main doors. She rested her head on the table, and let her pain and grief go.
…
The next evening, she entered Malfoy Inc, keeping her eyes straight on the mahogany desk.
"Hey Chick," Jamie didn't look up. "Just give me a..." Then, she did.
"Wow babe, you look bloody gorgeous."
She did, too. She'd used some of her cash from missions and decided what the hell, she was going to dress up tonight. She was in a beautiful black dress. Her hair was slicked back in to a knot at the back of her head, and she wore diamond earrings and blue high heeled shoes. She even had makeup on, something she only did in the Muggle world. Draco would never have seen it before.
"Thanks," she managed a slight smile.
"Damn, I'll have to change before we go. Or you'll catch every eye. Can't have that, eh?"
Hermione smiled slightly again. She thought of her plan tonight, involving Stuart. This girl deserved happiness. Jamie was too nervous to do it herself, because he was Pureblood. Her parents had died when she was young and she'd been bought up by a very strict Pureblood family, who made her place as Muggleborn quite clear. Hermione had hated them just by being told, and she vowed that Merlin hear her, she would do this for her friend.
Suddenly, Draco's solid silver lift door crashed open and he strode out, just as Stuart Jackson entered through the doors. She kept her eyes fixed on Jamie, who reached over the desk, grabbing her hand and squeezing it.
Jamie had no idea what she was really planning. Maybe they'd both end up happy, somehow. She was meeting Stuart Jackson. Hermione had contacted him, asking him to meet her and he'd agreed. Jamie had no idea what was about to hit her. Hermione had phoned her asking if she wanted to go out, but really, she was hoping to be the one pushing Jamie in to her eternal happiness, which her friend deserved.
Jamie stepped out from behind the desk, putting a tight arm around her.
"Good evening Sir," she said to Draco. "All your cases have been sent up to Kara. Good night."
Draco's cold, grey eyes were dark with anger and seeing them made her flinch.
"Don't look at him," she mouthed to Hermione.
Hermione felt such a wave of love for them both hit her, she had to blink. Jamie deserved this man. God, if she didn't love Draco so and if Jamie hadn't got there first..."
"Hey babe," Jackson stepped forward and hugged her, tightly. "Beautiful this evening, if I may say so."
They walked to the doors.
They'd just reached them, when Hermione felt a hand on her shoulder.
Draco.
His eyes were so dark with anger, she couldn't meet them.
"Check your office in the morning," he snarled. "They'll be there. Now kindly leave my premises."
She gave Jamie a soft smile, then looked in to Draco's face.
"With pleasure," she said softly. "Now I know how much you care."
"How much I care?" His hand had tightened on her shoulder. "Granger, I'm not the one with a new man before the Divorce is even on paper!"
"Malfoy," she said evenly. "I'm not the one keeping me waiting in agony for you to decide if you still love me. Why the fuck should I? You can't treat me like that. If I was Pureblood maybe, but I am not. Now please remove your hand from my shoulder. I have a place to be tonight."
"Yeah, with him," Draco snarled.
"Wow," she looked straight back. "You're surely not jealous, are you Draco?"
"Give me your ring, immediately. But as for tonight, you will not do this. I forbid it."
"Herms," Stuart whispered. Pureblood Culture. The husband is in charge. You're going against every rule, by leaving with another man. If the husband says no, the woman obeys. You're not Pureblood I know, but that's why."
Her hand shaking, blinking harder than ever, she passed her rings to Draco, who pocketed them.
Gently, Stuart tried to pull her to the doors.
They'd just reached them, when they locked. Draco was staring in to Stuart Jackson's eyes, and recognising him.
"You don't wait long, do you?" His voice was cold as ice.
"Malfoy," Jackson looked him straight in the face. "You son of a bitch. Now let us out. Don't be so God damn selfish. Just because you're jealous and can't say sorry. Pureblood pride. Typical. Rich, stuck-up Lawyer. Can't apologise for shit."
"I say again, you will not do this, Hermione. Right now, you are my wife and I say no."
"Right now, you are my husband and I am sincerely sorry I am about to break my honour and obey wedding vows. You don't even know all the facts, and you automatically assume we're together and going on a date."
"Oh so now, you are going to lie to me and tell me you are not? Save your breath. I've said no, that's final."
"You son of a bitch," Stuart said so quietly she almost didn't hear it. "She's not Pureblood. How you dare."
She didn't see both men draw their wands to each other, until Jamie stepped forward, right in front of Stuart, and with one move, Hermione was in front of her husband.
But neither man saw them, glaring at each other in pure hatred.
"There are 2 beautiful Muggleborns in here," Stuart said very softly. "Your wife and your receptionist. You treat them like this? You can't talk to your wife as a Pureblood woman, as she is not. Not once, but twice. Uh uh Mr. Malfoy, I won't let that happen. Duel me like a man, you bastard."
There was a second of total, complete, silence.
"Stuart," Jamie suddenly shouted, her voice wavering towards tears. "Please, please, don't! Stop, I beg you. I know I'm a Mud blood and you're a Pureblood," she was sobbing now. "So I can't tell you, it's your decision alone, that's why I've kept so quiet. It's not my call and that hurts me so much. All those times I've asked to meet you for coffee? All those times I've asked for dinner? Damn it Stuart Jackson, you kind, hansom Pureblood, I love you, I need you! Alright? But you're out of my reach, I know it! Please, don't do this!"
The silence was total now, complete.
They all heard Hermione's quiet, but clear. "Ha!" Seeing the ghost of a smile touch her lips.
"Shit," Jamie was deathly white. "Oh, my, God..."
She ran for the locked doors.
Until she was gently grabbed in a tight embrace.
By Stuart.
"What's this I'm Muggleborn bullshit?" he said very quietly.
Jamie tried to struggle against him, but he was too strong.
"Uh uh," he said very gently. "Don't struggle against me, answer me, please, Jamie."
Jamie looked at no one, as the tears coursed down her face.
"Fine!" She shouted finally, her voice shaking with agony. "I guess you just want an answer in front of my probably very soon ex-boss and the man I wish with all my heart could have been my someday husband! Don't say I didn't fucking warn you! My real parents died when I was just a baby! I was adopted by 2 of the most Pure-blooded Purebloods you'll ever meet! I'm Muggleborn, I was treated as such. I was nothing better than a slave! Ever need help with household spells? Ask me! My father told me that as a Mud blood, I wasn't to go near a Pureblood man. If I fell in love with him, tough shit! It wasn't my decision; I was just there for sex! If he didn't even look at me, I was to keep silent, never tell him! When my mother was tired after Pureblood engagements and my father was, in need, who did he turn to? Then in their Pureblood dress with those gleaming platinum Crests, his snobbish friends. Ordering me to clean the platinum while I unrobed them, then they'd undress me like a piece of meat, fuck me against the wall! I wasn't worth a bed, you see! Sometimes 5 times a night. I was constantly bleeding, but they didn't care!"
There was total silence.
"So why the hell," she said very softly. "Would you, a hansom kind Pureblood, love a woman like me? As my father said, you're out of my reach, it's not my choice. The man is in charge, always. So tell me, Mr. Jackson, why do I stand a chance?"
Stuart's eyes were dark with an anger so total, Hermione shivered. Now, he pushed Jamie gently to the wall and his lips claimed hers. He kissed her with such intensity, she staggered. But his embrace was steady, firm. He gently pushed Jamie's head to his shoulder, as his kiss intensified, in the way it seemed only Pureblood men knew. Then, still kissing her, he handed her a beautiful bunch of flowers. The red rose, a symbol of a Pureblood man's love and loyalty, as he gently kissed the hand she was holding them in.
"You will never," Stuart's voice was firm, in between his kisses, which had softened to pure love. "Call yourself Mud blood again in front of me. Never put yourself down that way. They are wrong, my beautiful Jamie, not you. A Pureblood man is here to care for you as you should be cared for. That's me. I'm here for you, for the rest of my life. I've loved you from afar, but was sure a woman as beautiful as you, was already someone else's. But it would seem I am luckier than I deserve, as you are not, and are now mine. Your someday husband? Count on it."
"Oh Stuart," Jamie couldn't speak through her tears. "I..."
"Shh," he murmured. "I know. Don't speak now."
Jamie glanced at Hermione.
"You planned this, didn't you? You intended this to happen."
"Yes," she answered softly. "just, not like this..."
"We really will go out," Jamie said softly, as Stuart held her close to him. "Tomorrow night, ok?"
"Ok," Hermione said back.
A few seconds later, the doors slid open and Jamie and Stuart left. Hermione turned slowly, looking in to her husband's eyes.
"A date?" She murmured. "Ha. Yeah, sure."
Without a word, his eyes dark, he gestured towards the doors. She looked back at him, acceptance in her eyes, as she headed out.
The doors slid closed.
The next morning, she went to her office and there they were.
The Divorce papers.
Abbey hugged her close, as she signed to end her marriage, unable to control her tears.
After the papers were signed, there was a 2 week cooling off period, before the rings shattered and the Divorce was complete. She did not contact Jamie, as she was sure she would be with Stuart. But to her shock, Jamie was there, as she walked out of her office. In a second Hermione was in her little sister's embrace, as she sobbed on her shoulder.
"I thought I had a chance," she said quietly, hardly able to speak. "I don't know what finished it. I seriously thought he was considering reconciliation."
"He's a jerk," Stuart snarled.
Jamie and Hermione went out that night as promised. She hardly touched her food, but did drink a lot.
That night she stayed at Jamie's, too drunk to apporate. As she and Stuart helped her in to bed, Jamie looked sadly at her.
"What a son of a bitch," she said quietly. "My God damn boss, too. It's not like I can say a damn thing, but God I wish I could."
"You can't," Stuart murmured. "However babe, I can."
"Alcohol won't numb the pain forever," Jamie murmured. "I did try to tell her this..."
"It's not your fault," Stuart gently kissed her. "You were there, as her friend and sister. That's all you can do."
"I know," Jamie sighed, "but I still feel bad. I can only imagine what she's going through right now."
…
3 days later, Hermione was starting to accept her Divorce. On the third night, she was trying to sleep in her comfortable bed at Jamie's.
But she couldn't.
Because to her complete shock, someone was occupying her mind, and it wasn't Draco.
It was Mr. Iago Daulton.
God, he was gorgeous. She tried to push those thoughts away, knowing he would kill her if he wished, in a second. He'd said as much.
"Stop it!" She scolded herself. "You were thinking this when you met him! For God's sake woman, don't be so stupid!"
It was no good.
She woke Jamie, as her sister had told her to do, if she needed her, no matter what.
"Chick," Jamie said immediately. "What is it?"
Hermione took a deep breath, and began to speak. To her utter gratitude, Jamie didn't laugh, judge, or criticise her. Hermione loved her so much.
"You sure you're not just desperate for physical attention?" Jamie said softly. "Yeah he may be gorgeous hon, but he's the head of the EPL. You'd be dead instantly if you tried to tell him this."
"I, I know," Hermione said softly. "I just don't get it. Maybe it's because of the way Draco has left me, but..."
"You're wearing his protected badge," Jamie said quietly. "Right? So if you really want to tell him, tell him. But I really wouldn't trust him, Herms. I doubt Stu would like this; you know. But I won't tell him, it's your call."
Stuart wasn't at Jamie's, he insisted on treating her as a proper Pureblood woman, so he was at his house, until she was ready.
"You," Hermione stared at her, shocked. "You're not telling me I'm stupid, crazy. You're not trying to stop me?"
"Babe," Jamie said quietly, "you are a grown woman, I would never try to control you. Never. Yes I think you're bloody mad, have you got a death wish? But it's your call, hon."
In the end, Hermione knew she had no choice. It was now 2AM. Quietly, she slid from her bed, certain she would never return to it again.
"Stop," she warned herself again and again. "Just stop, you do this, there's no going back, no 2nd chance...
But she couldn't.
Soon, she was outside the magnificent and intimidating EPL HQ.
Turn back! Her mind screamed. Just go back... Move...
But it was too late.
The doors opened and 2 EPL men strode out. They saw her, then her badge.
"Help you, Mud blood?" One said quietly, knowing they could not attack her.
She opened her mouth, without a clue what she should say. Eventually, she spoke.
"I," she swallowed. "I would like to speak to Mr. Daulton, if I can? The agreement for my safety is between him and I."
The men smirked, but Daulton was their head, it was his choice and decision.
A few seconds later, one of them reappeared.
"This way, Mud blood," he said softly. "You are treading on hallowed ground. You are the first Muggleborn to do so. Mr. Daulton must respect you."
As she stepped through the huge building, she saw the Pureblood Crest everywhere she looked. They entered a small meeting room.
Daulton was standing against the wall, his Crest gleaming, his wand in a leather holster on his right arm.
"Dismissed, Ans teen," he said shortly. The man nodded and left, the door swinging closed.
"Well well, Muggleborn," Daulton said very quietly. "We meet again so soon. As you have entered correctly and by asking, I shall not remove our agreement. So tell me, Muggleborn, why?"
She swallowed hard, looking in to his eyes.
"To tell you the truth Mr. Daulton," she said softly after a moment. "I'm not totally sure myself, except that..."
"Except what, Muggleborn?" She didn't even realise he'd stepped closer, until she smelt his expensive aftershave, which seemed to cloud her head. Think, her mind yelled. Think or you could die!
"Sir," her voice shook. "I know this is your call, but I ask one thing of you, please. Just one. It's simply, can you," she swallowed again. Shit he was gorgeous... "Please can you listen to me?"
To her complete shock, Daulton nodded once.
"Yes, Muggleborn, I will do so. I'm listening. Why are you here tonight?"
She took a deep breath and raised her wand, pointing it at the opposite wall from him.
Softly, the song she knew would explain this perfectly began to play. She took a deep breath, her heart thudding so fast, she was sure it would stop, and before she knew it, she was singing the lyrics, to the head of the EPL.
"I shouldn't be alone with you tonight,
Desire was too strong to put up a fight,
I don't understand the way I feel
Although it feels so right,
I really shouldn't be...
Here tonight
In your eyes there's a sign of intensity
I sense an atmosphere
No need to hide from the way that you feel inside
There's nothing left to fear
If only for tonight
don't be a stranger
I want to take this chance
Risk it all for you
Knowing what I'm going to do
If only for tonight
(don't be a stranger)
I want it all from you
Tonight
You're on my mind all of the time
I really shouldn't stay with you tonight
But the more and more I think of it
The more it just seems right
That's why I shouldn't be...
Here tonight
Now I find out I know who I really am
I'm lost without a trace
So take me high, take me low or how you know
And help me if you can
If only for tonight
don't be a stranger
I want to take this chance
Risk it all for you
Knowing what I'm going to do
If only for tonight
(don't be a stranger)
I want it all from you
Tonight
Why I don't know
I'm in too deep, to say no
Hold me close, don't let me go
I want to take this chance
Risk it all for you
It's what I'm going to do
If only for tonight
don't be a stranger
I want to take this chance
Risk it all for you
Knowing what I'm going to do
If only for tonight
(don't be a stranger)
I want it all from you
Tonight."
There was complete silence.
She raised her wand again and a piece of parchment floated out, hanging in the air.
I don't have a death wish,
I just can't ignore what my head says.
I am a Divorced woman as of a few days ago,
So, I have nothing in my way.
I don't know what it is I feel,
But I know I'm desperate for your touch.
You could pull out your wand and kill me right now, this I know.
Or, you could torture me, I know this too.
Believe me, I tried to ignore this, I was afraid to approach you.
With damn good reason.
I am fully aware this could be the last night of my life.
Sir, I could beg you to let me just walk out of here, but I know that would not happen now.
You said you had a Mistress a million times more beautiful than me,
All I'll say is, she's lucky. She's Pureblood, within your reach.
I'm not.
The parchment disappeared.
Daulton stepped closer to her. Automatically, she looked, but there was no wand in his hand.
She opened her mouth, but was unable to speak.
"Silence," he commanded, just as he leant forward to claim her lips with his.
She staggered, but Daulton's arms had closed around her, as he kissed her, his lips moving against hers in a way only Pureblood men seemed to know.
Next second, he was disappearing them in to darkness.
When they landed, they were in a huge bed chamber, which she was sure was his. Wordlessly, he gestured for her to remove her clothes, which she did.
With a gentleness she'd not expected, he lifted her in to his bed.
He lay at her side, pulling the covers over them, then her in to his arms. He was holding her to his chest and she was surprised he'd even taken time to do this. Wouldn't he just want her body?
Again, their eyes met.
She tried to deny the feelings, but for a reason she could not explain, this man could kill her and yet, she felt safe where she was.
Holding her close to him, he still didn't move.
Eventually however, she felt him gently ease her to her back.
But nothing could have prepared her for what happened then.
His lips took hers once more, gentle, soft, slow, as his fingers moved and slid in to her.
Still kissing her, he began to move his fingers. His touch was so soft and gentle, she felt electricity travel through her whole body.
Eventually, she felt pleasure so strong hit her, as his fingers sped up. she felt her head slam in to the soft pillows.
"Sir," she gasped, not even aware she was doing so. "Sir. Please..."
She felt Daulton's smirk through his kiss, as he slowly climbed on top of her, then gently slid in to her.
Iago Daulton made love to her so gently, she hardly felt it. Was this the man who hated women so much? Really? As he did so, she felt his hands gently take hold of her nipples, rolling them softly between his fingers. Why was he making sure she was pleasured too? Was it his respect? The only way he could show it?
All the time he was doing so, his lips continued his gentle kiss.
Unable to hold it back, she eventually pressed her head against his neck, as for the second time, the most powerful sexual pleasure she had ever felt hit her.
A few seconds later, he quietly ordered her to leave his bed. She knew she had to.
Without a word, she did so. He was letting her go?
She left the EPL HQ and went back to Jamie's. Her mind was in complete shock. Had that really just happened?
The next morning, she told her little sister everything.
"Bloody hell," Jamie breathed. "I can't believe you're still alive, hon. Don't worry, I will tell my boss nothing. Good on ya kid." She smirked. "But God you're brave. Fair play."
When Jamie had left for work, Hermione went to her office, and asked to speak to Scrimgeour.
A few minutes later, she was leaving, wearing her body armor.
Auror Hermione Granger was back at work.
To her shock, when she got back to Jamie's that night, there was an EPL Crested letter waiting for her.
A meeting request, from Iago Daulton.
"No, way," Jamie breathed. "Bloody hell... Be careful chick, I think you could be his new Mistress."
Hermione smiled slightly, as she left.
Jamie was right.
Iago gave her just the same attentions she'd begged for the night before, before asking her to leave his bed once more. Again, she obeyed, heading back home.
Was this helping to keep Draco safe? Or did he just respect her and didn't want to voice it?
It continued. Hermione didn't want to, or dare refuse him.
Then, one night, with Iago's letter was the paper she'd accepted.
Her Divorce was complete, as of that day.
She was Hermione Granger.
She showed Jamie, expecting to feel pain.
To her shock, there was none.
"Son of a bitch," Stuart snarled. "You're better off out of it, Herms."
She took a deep breath.
"Stuart," she said very softly. "Please can I talk to you? I need to tell you something..."
"I say the same as Jamie," Stuart said quietly. "You're crazy, Herms. But you're still alive. Do you have another from him tonight?"
She nodded. "But but this is what I don't understand," she said quietly. "Please listen to me, please. It's almost as if, I want more than just his touch now. I," she swallowed. "I want to know him. I know there's no way in hell it would happen, but..."
"Hermione Granger," Jamie said, her voice incredulous, but gentle. "You're falling in love with Mr. Daulton, aren't you?"
"I I can't be," she stammered. "I..."
"Yes, you can," Stuart said softly. "If you weren't, answer me this. Why do you want to know him? Why do you keep going back? It's not fear he'll kill you if you don't, not anymore, is it?"
She shook her head, once.
"You are tense, Muggleborn," Daulton murmured, as he held her close that night, before they made love. "Why?"
She stared in to his eyes. Shit, how did he know? No, she couldn't fall in love with him, she just couldn't...
"I," she stammered. "I've had a lot going on lately. It's, it's ok..."
"Muggleborn," Daulton said quietly. "You will stay still, and talk to me. You will not move until I am satisfied."
She stared at him in total shock.
"Sir?" She could hardly speak. "You, you want me to..."
"You heard me," he said very softly, his eyes darkening. "Talk to me."
She took a deep breath and next second, it was flooding out of her, she couldn't stop it. How she'd just got her official divorce papers, how she was back at work and under colleague pressure, how she constantly felt tired and drained, but she managed not to mention her feelings for him, which now had just strengthened dramatically.
When she was done, he looked at her for a long moment, his eyes emotionless. Then, pulled her gently against him.
A few minutes later, he made love to her so gently, she felt tears in her eyes. This could not be happening, there was no way.
Then, he held her close for a few minutes, letting her feel his warmth, before speaking the usual 2 words.
"Muggleborn, go."
"He let you talk?" Jamie gasped. "He actually asked you to talk to him about what was wrong? Holy, shit..."
"I know right?" Hermione said softly. "I was as shocked as you."
"Please," Stuart begged. "Please be careful, Herms. If amazingly he's genuine, great. But please, I beg you, be careful."
She smiled at him.
"I will," she hugged him close. "Promise."
But the next day, before Iago's letter arrived that evening, it all came to its head.
"Auror Malfoy," Scrimgeour's voice said urgently over her radio. "We need you at the Ministry. Now, please!"
Within 2 minutes, she was there, with Stuart and other colleagues.
Then, her heart seemed to stop, as 10 EPL members entered the Ministry.
Within seconds, the EPL were fighting the Muggleborns at the reception. Aurors were rushing to join them, but the EPL were too strong.
Then, it happened.
An Auror ran forward to supposedly arrest an EPL member.
Hermione.
Graham Alderson.
In a second, his wand was on her. She opened her mouth, flashed her protected badge and breathed 2 words against his ear.
"Trust, me."
With speed and strength, she cuffed him, but led him to the back-safety exit.
Stuart and Abbey shared a soft nod, and sad smile. They knew.
She disapporated him in to darkness.
They landed in the EPL HQ. Alderson was injured and bleeding badly.
"Auror," Alderson managed to whisper, his eyes shocked. "What the..."
Without a word, she dropped to her knees at his side, pulling out her medical kit.
"It's you, aren't it?" Alderson gasped, finally seeing her badge. "Auror Granger. What the hell? This organization wants your kind dead. You're a Muggleborn. You were guarding me with our Lawyer a while ago. So why..."
She gave him a sad smile. Alfaro's blood had covered her body armor. Suddenly, the heavy doors swung open.
Daulton entered.
Draco, was right behind him.
Hermione didn't even look up. She was working as fast as she could.
"Don't," Alderson gasped. "Call a Healer in here woman. You do that, I'm dead."
Softly, she touched his lips.
"I know," she murmured. "Don't speak now, Sir."
She glanced over her shoulder then, seeing the 2 men. Her heart seemed to fail. Her ex-husband and the man who, if she wasn't mistaken, she was falling in love with? She only felt one emotion when she saw Draco's face.
Anger.
To her total shock, when Alderson stood, he hesitated for a second, then kissed her hand.
"Sir," Alderson murmured to Daulton, stepping back from him respectfully. "I owe this Auror my life. Without her, I'd be dead."
Hermione smiled a little, turning to the door.
"Auror," Alderson said. "Stop. You're covered in blood."
He flicked his wand, once. The blood cleared.
"Auror," he said softly. "I have to ask, why? We are your worst enemy. You are wearing our badge to remain safe. Why?"
"Auror Granger," Daulton's soft voice spoke. "This is a question I myself require you answer. But not here, not at this moment."
She understood.
She gave him a small, almost unseen, nod.
The heavy doors swung open. He was letting her leave, again. But why? Why was he not letting her answer? Was it because Draco was there and he'd guessed? Not good. Or, did he just want her alone?
Alderson looked as if he was going through a struggle. Hermione had just reached the doors, when he called out.
"Auror Granger?"
She stopped.
Silence.
"Thank you," Alderson said very quietly. "I am in your debt."
She gave him the Muggleborn to Pureblood salute.
Suddenly, a truly stunning woman in Pureblood dress entered, smiling at Draco, as she walked up to him. Hermione felt an iron brick of hatred drop in to her heart.
A Mistress.
She tried to step through, but the stunning Pureblood was in front of her.
Their eyes, met.
Draco stepped forward, putting his arm around the Pureblood, pulling her back. Hermione was sure the woman could not disobey.
"Sir," she heard the woman breathe and felt a smile touch her lips. Poor Pureblood women. Thank God she wasn't one of them.
Then, the Mistress looked back at her.
"Tell me something, Auror Granger?" Her voice was sweet, but in the wrong way. This woman hated her. Hermione felt very uncomfortable. She was surrounded by Purebloods; she was in the HQ of the EPL for Merlin's sake and she felt utterly alone. One wrong move, she'd be this bitch's laughing stock.
She met the woman's eyes. "Don't you feel uh, afraid in the HQ of the English Pureblood League? They hate you. Well, several Purebloods do."
"No mam, I don't. I would kindly ask you, not to ask questions about which you do not have the knowledge, or the business, to receive the answers."
"Can I ask you," the woman breathed. "How you dare to talk to a Pureblood woman that way, when you're surrounded by Pureblood men? My Master, one of them?"
She didn't see the wand rise.
Until the orange light hit her.
Her Auror body armor saved her, but she was still thrown to the ground by the power of the spell.
Alderson ran forward and helped her to her feet. Unexpectedly, she staggered. Then, she felt something she would never have expected. She couldn't move, for shock. Daulton's arms were around her, in the middle of the EPL. Not in private where he could not be seen, in front of everyone. They were soft, gentle. As they drew nearer Draco and his Mistress, Hermione was sure they tightened.
The Mistress began to laugh. Soft, mocking. "Oh, you're so dead," she smirked at Hermione. "You stupid, foolish, Mud blood."
"Counsellor," Daulton said shortly to Draco. "We are done tonight. Good evening."
Daulton disapporated them in to darkness.
When they landed in his bed chamber as so many times before, he looked in to her eyes. "Answer me, Muggleborn," he said very quietly. "With the complete truth. Are you ok?"
She managed to nod, holding back tears. This was a lie. "Uh uh," he warned. "You are not being honest with me. Why did you save Graham's life? I sense it was not because of our agreement, and I would be correct, would I not? We agreed not to touch you, if you did not challenge us. But you pulled Graham out of danger. That was not in our agreement that you would protect us. Muggleborn, I ask you, why? I want the truth, I want to know why you would do such a dangerous thing for him, I want to know what is hurting you so."
She tried, but filed. Now, the tears did fall, she had no chance of holding them back.
She turned from the head of the EPL, not wanting to see the disgust in his eyes. "You could guess for a life time Mr. Daulton," she said very quietly, her voice raw with emotion. "You'd never come close..."
He turned her back to him. "I do not intend to guess," he said very softly. "I intend you to tell me. Nothing further will happen between us tonight until you do and only if I like your answer, and you are also not leaving until you have done so."
Dizziness clouded her head. She was right. Daulton only saw her as a Mistress, an object of, all be it gentle, lust. At the start, that was what she'd craved and didn't even know now, why. But not anymore. When he knew, she was dead. She battled with it; unaware her face had gone completely white. Next second, Daulton was lifting her in to his bed, her clothes gone with a single flick of his wand. He lay beside her, holding her close to him. At the same time, he handed her a glass of cool water. The irony of who she was drinking from did not escape her and she gave him a small smile. "Don't be stupid, Muggleborn," he snapped. "If I'd wanted to kill you, I would have already. It would have been only too easy."
The words stung, she was a good Auror, but she knew he was right. He was very powerful and all her training probably wouldn't save her. She nodded, drinking from the glass.
"Thank you," she said weakly, as she handed it back.
Both his arms came around her, holding her to his chest, as so many times before. "I warn you," he said very softly. "If I do not sense you are telling me the truth, I will find out what it is. I do not like being lied to, Muggleborn. Fair warning."
She knew there was no way out. She nodded, visions of the Cruciatus curse flashing across her mind. She shivered.
"Woman," Daulton's voice was still soft, but dangerous. "I repeat. If I was going to torture you, I've had more than enough time to do so. Don't be so ridiculous."
"Mr. Daulton," her voice was just above a whisper. "As I have already said, you could guess for a lifetime and you'd never come close to why I saved Graham's life, why I've done the things I've done. At first, I won't lie, I was attracted to you, just as you've stated, countless women are. I, I was lonely, Mr. Daulton, I was afraid. Not that I ever used it, but my ex-husband's protection was invaluable to me. When he left, I," she smiled slightly. "I was one scared Mud blood. When I came to you that first night, the first thing my friend said was, "do you have a death wish?" I knew it was crazy, you could kill me with one curse and I knew this. But it didn't stop me. I took the risk, just as the song said. Risk it all for you. That's what I did. I'm not sure how I expected you to react, maybe give it to me once, then kill me. Or do it and then let me go, I had no idea. But you did the one thing I did not expect. You kept communicating with me and I," she swallowed. "I kept coming back. At first, it was because I didn't dare refuse you, Mr. Daulton. I know who you are, you are the head of the EPL. I knew I'd be dead, or lose my badge if I did so. Mind, after the way my ex was today, I don't really care anymore, even though I promised I'd do it for life..."
She took a deep breath and now, she was shivering in earnest, the tears once again falling. She made no effort to stop them. Daulton pulled her against him, holding her tightly. This made her tears fall harder, but they were silent. She tried to look away from him, but his gentle but firm hand stopped her. "But then it all changed," she could hardly speak, her voice shaking very badly. "It started for me, the night you asked me to talk to you about what was wrong. I went home and I was asking myself over and over again, why did he do that? Why did he care? That was the last reaction I'd expected. I didn't dare ask you, I accepted it with thanks. But it wouldn't leave my mind. You were always so gentle, even though I am a Muggleborn, the very kind of woman your organization wishes only to have hard, uncaring sex with, most often without her consent. Oh yes, I knew this, and yet you touched me as if I was glass. I don't know what would have happened if I'd tried to pull back, but you were so tender, I never wanted to..."
She took another breath, knowing it was time. Again, she tried to look away, but she saw his eyes darken, as again, he held her to his gaze. "You ask why I saved Graham," she could hardly speak now, her heart was thudding at double speed. "You ask why I went above our agreement; you may think it's fear of losing my badge. Oh no Mr. Daulton, no way. It was because I knew it would be the only way I'd ever be able to show you, ever be able to let you know. It could never happen, not in a million years. For reasons I know only too well. We're too different, I'm not Pureblood, you're the EPL head, the list goes on. So, I showed and told you the only way I could, hoping it would not come to this, when I'd actually have to say it. Mr. Daulton, I meant to keep our agreement, I meant to save Graham, but there is one thing I did not mean to do." She paused for a fraction of a second, then whispered the last 10 words. "I did not mean to fall in love with you."
There was total, complete, silence. She stared straight in to his eyes, certain she was about to see the jet of green light.
"I tried to fight it," she breathed. "God knows I did. I know only too well where this puts me. I'm not supposed to love you. I'm not supposed to need you. I know, Sir, I know. Well now I've told you, all I would beg you now for is my life."
"Give me your badge," Daulton said very quietly. "Your protected badge." She stood immediately, pulling it from her body armor. Well, what had she expected? She'd lost her agreement, just as she'd known she would. She walked back to him, dropping it in to his hand.
"Uh uh," he said very quietly, as she turned to where her clothes were. "Have I asked you to leave?"
She shook her head. Slowly, she walked back to his side. Then, his warm hand rested on her arm, pulling her slowly and gently up on to the bed, then back in to the warm covers on her side, then back in to his arms.
"Do not speak further," he said quietly. "Silence." She nodded.
Then, he pulled her close against him and to her total disbelief, she felt him gently take her lips with his. He had never kissed her, except during sex. Never. He kissed her, again and again and she slowly moved, starting to respond, as she kissed him back. Still kissing her, he eventually eased her to her back and released her mouth from his. Next second, she felt it softly close around her right nipple and start to tenderly suckle it. She drew in a sharp breath. He'd never done this before either and it felt so good... As he did so, he climbed on top of her and slid in to her, his every move gentle.
For the first time, they both finished together, something he had never let happen before.
Again, he held her close in his arms. She looked straight in to his eyes, braced for the moment when he'd tell her to leave, as he usually did. His next 2 words were so softly spoken, she could have sworn she'd miss heard, as tears again blurred her sight. He'd never spoken either of them before. Not once.
"Hermione, stay."
"I," she couldn't speak. "I'm sorry?"
"You heard me," he said softly, as he pressed her head to a pillow, another first. "You heard exactly what I said. Silence now, close your eyes." It was the best night's sleep she'd had since the whole thing started.
To her shock, back at work, no one asked her about what had happened with Alderson. She didn't say a word either. Stuart and Abbey smiled gently at her and she had breathed 2 words at them. "He knows." Then, 3 weeks later, she saw the announcement in the daily prophet, which she'd expected. Draco Malfoy to re-marry. His new wife, stunning Pureblood, Isabella Cantera. She smiled sadly, but didn't read the article. She'd known it was coming. Meanwhile, Daulton was now standing outside the Ministry, as soon as she finished work. As their agreement was still valid, the Ministry would not touch him.
"Bloody hell," Stuart had murmured. "Hermione, I think he..."
"No," she'd begged. "Please, don't say he loves me. Please."
She was sure she would never hear Daulton say so, and didn't want anyone else to either. He was taking her out to fancy, luxurious dinners. She was seeing a glimpse in to Pureblood society. The other EPL members were all civil to her if she saw them, too. Sometimes giving her a soft smile. She didn't know if he loved her, didn't dare ask. But she wasn't going to stop it.
…
Then, came the day she'd been partly dreading. Draco and Isabella's wedding. They'd asked for Auror protection. Someone, as a cruel sick joke, had assigned Hermione and Stuart. Stuart had tried to appeal, but by this point, Scrimgeour had left and the new boss would not budge.
"Son of a bitch," he snarled. "Herms, I don't think Mr. Daulton would like this..."
"Don't," she begged. "Please Stu, don't tell him, it's my job."
Stuart had looked at her for a long moment, before , they were standing at the back of the huge, beautiful Pureblood church.
"Do you," the Pureblood Minister murmured. "Draco Thomas Malfoy, take Isabella Alexis Cantera, to be your lawfully wedded wife? She has promised to honour and obey you in the role of the good Pureblood wife, do you promise to cherish her for life, as a Pureblood husband should do with his property?" Hermione didn't look at them. She couldn't. These were Pureblood wedding vows and God, it was painful.
"I do," Draco said very softly, just as he'd said to Hermione once.
Tears clouded her eyes then, and Stuart pulled her tightly close immediately.
"Shh," he soothed. "Oh babe I'm here..."
She blinked fast, but could not stay in position. She ran for the doors, as quietly as she could. At the reception, Stuart was close by her side, when they knew Mr. and Mrs. Malfoy approached them. Hermione tensed automatically straightening her Auror badge. She was at work, nothing more. She even managed to smile at the bride, who really was stunning. Suddenly, she felt a hand on her arm. Draco. She automatically made to step away, but Stuart gave her a sad smile and shook his head.
"Darling," Isabella batted her eye lashes at her new husband. "I think this Auror is requesting to dance with me. May I take him up on his offer?" Hermione smirked at Stuart. He hadn't even asked.
"Yes," Draco said quietly. "You may do so." Draco and she were alone.
"Hi," she said quietly, not able to meet his gaze. "Congratulations, she's beautiful."
"Hermione," he said softly. "Will you step outside with me for a moment?"
She hesitated, the nodded. He was the groom; he was paying them to be there. Also, she felt she owed him this last request. They stepped outside on to beautiful paths, surrounded by gorgeous, softly playing fountains and every kind of flower.
"Is," she swallowed. "Is it an arranged, you know, marriage? On contract?" He nodded. "I," she looked in to his eyes. "I think she does care, though. Even if you don't fall in love, I think she cares for you."
"Well I do not love her," Draco said softly. "I never will."
She nodded. "Pureblood property, huh?" She breathed. "Poor woman." He didn't answer.
"I," he said eventually. "I wanted to just wish you well, and good luck. If, if you wish to remove your badge, you may do so."
"Thanks," she said quietly, not caring to point out she already had.
"Have a good marriage, Mr. Malfoy," she walked back towards the doors.
"Hermione, please." The sound of her name from his lips made her blink fast. "I just ask to shake your hand. Please, will you allow me?"
She took a deep breath, then extended it. He took it gently in his, as they shook. A few minutes later, they had re-entered the huge reception hall, Isabella had re-joined her husband.
"Herms," Stuart radioed. "Your man's looking' for you, babe."
"We're working though," she radioed back. "I," she swallowed hard. God, she needed him right now. Whether he loved her or not. "I can't..."
"Let him in," Draco said very softly. "Let him come in."
"Stu," she said in to her radio. The groom says let him enter."
Over her ear piece, she heard Stuart's quiet chuckle and soft, "uh oh."
A few seconds later, Iago Daulton was walking towards them. She breathed a huge sigh of relief it was obvious she was working. Everything seemed to freeze, as Draco looked up and saw him, at the same time as his wife.
"I'm sorry Mrs. Malfoy," Hermione said quietly to Isabella, as their eyes met. "You might want to stop doing that. That's not Pureblood, is it?" Draco's new wife could only stare, in shock.
Without a word, Daulton's arm had closed around her and he was turning her in to his shoulder.
"Oh I know," Hermione smiled sweetly at Mrs. Malfoy. "He's gorgeous, isn't he? Also very powerful. But you have just made wedding vows. I don't think your husband will like you looking at another man, now will he?"
Pretending it was a normal gesture, but her heart thumping fast, she rested her arm across Iago's shoulder, then, leant in and took his lips with hers. Daulton did not pull back.
"Auror Granger," Abbey Harding's voice said both over her radio and right beside them. "I'm here, you're relieved. Night night," she smirked and winked.
"Goodbye Mr. and Mrs. Malfoy," she kept her sweet smile in place. "Have a good marriage. Congratulations, once again." Draco opened his mouth, but Daulton was already leading her fast to the exit.
"Tada," Jamie yelled from next to Kara and Stuart. "We'll catch up soon chick, ya hear?"
"You got it," she yelled back.
They were disappearing in to darkness once again. But this time, when they landed, they were in a beautiful garden, just like the one she'd just been in. She knew exactly where she was, Iago Daulton's estate. She'd never been here before.
"Hermione," Daulton said very softly, only the 2nd time he'd used her name. "Look at me." She did so. "Step to my side." She did so again, and he pulled her in to his arms.
"Now just listen to me," he said very quietly. "Do not interrupt me, listen." She nodded. What he said next was the longest she'd ever heard the EPL head speak.
"You talk about love, Hermione. You are right, you should not love me, you should not need me. I am the EPL head, by our rules, you should have been dead a long time ago. I allowed our agreement, because you gained my grudging respect. I satisfied your desire for me, for the same reason. Although at the start, you were just a Muggleborn to me, it meant nothing. I was gentle because you'd pleased me. But it was not meant to continue. Why I kept contacting you, I do not know. Do not ask me, I cannot and will not answer you. You will also notice; I no longer call you Muggleborn. I address you by name. I do not trust love, Hermione. To me, everyone always has a motive. I fuck women, I use them, I kill Muggleborns. That is all. I know what you want to ask. Why do I do so? Because I was raised that way. They should not be here, not in charge, not even in our country. I did not get close to them, I fucked and killed them. I was going too that night. But I couldn't. The agreement was all it was, at first. I didn't want to break it. So Hermione, I will soon know if you are serious about everything you have said. This will tell me everything I need to know."
He stepped back. Hermione's hands flew to her mouth and tears sprang to her eyes, as Iago Daulton dropped to one knee. The ring in its leather box was stunning. Gleaming platinum, surrounded with diamonds and gleaming in the soft starlight.
"Hermione, if you mean as you speak, take this ring from me. I will take you as my wife. But I do not love you, I know not how and it will take me a while to release my Pureblood principals and if Muggleborns go against us, they will die. But not you. You do not need a badge, because you are mine. Someday, I may love you. I do not know. If you accept what I'm telling you, take this ring."
"For the 2nd time in her life, Hermione whispered the thing she'd longed to say, as the tears fell from her eyes and she knelt at his side, taking his lips in a soft kiss. "Yes, Iago, yes!" He slipped the ring gently on to her finger.
"I," he met her eyes. "I think I could start to care for you, Hermione., in time." She smiled at him, as her tears fell. "Oh, Iago, I know..."
"My, holy, fucking, hell," Jamie gasped, as Hermione showed her and Stuart the ring. "No, way..."
Hermione Granger did not have to wear a badge. She could walk in to the EPL HQ at will. She could approach them if she was in trouble or needed help. She could call Daulton by his first name. She was still staying at Jamie's, at her sister's insistence. When she and Daulton met, he would always ask her to stay now. But on nights they didn't, she was at Jamie's. She guessed if she was Pureblood and this was an arranged marriage, she'd have been with him all the time. Would he ever love her? She doubted it. Care, maybe. That would be a start.
A few weeks later, her radio crackled and her new boss ordered her in to the Ministry. A group of dark wizards were on the run, it was her job to catch them, with Stuart, Abbey and 6 others. 2 days later, after constant tracking, they located them. That was when the fighting started. They managed to get them back to the Ministry and right there in the reception of Auror HQ, one of them, who still had a wand the Aurors hadn't located, was duelling one of the Aurors, while their colleagues tried to cuff the others quickly to stout holding posts. The Auror, was Hermione. The others tried to run to her aid, but Antiknock spoke 4 words.
"Back, or she dies."
Only Scrimgeour saw Daulton enter the Ministry and the reception of Auror HQ. He'd been told the mission was complete. He entered, as Hermione and the hated and feared dark wizard Antiknock, were fighting to kill.
"Come on Mud blood," Antiknock jeered. "Give me your best."
She struck out with her wand, aiming to hit him with a stunning spell. He blocked it, with a lazy flick, and raised his.
"Crucio," he said softly.
The curse smashed in to her chest. Her body armour could not save her. She fell back, screaming as she had only screamed once before. Daulton lifted Hermione in to his arms then. She was white with pain and trying to catch her breath. Until his soft lips pressed gently in to hers. She raised her wand and looked straight at Antiknock, who looked for a second completely shocked. Leaning heavily on Iago Daulton's shoulder, something she never thought would ever happen, Hermione Granger gasped the 2, fatal, words.
"Avada Kedavra!"
The jet of green light smashed in to Antiknock's chest. Aurors had been trying to kill him for months and one second of shock, had saved her life. The reception, rang with applause. Hermione felt a wave of dizziness hit her. Iago held her tighter, gently lifting her off her feet, and in to his arms. She felt the tears in her eyes. Was it really, truly, possible? Could he be starting to... She shut the thought off. She had to; it was too painful in case it was a lie.
"Auror Granger," her boss said. "You'll be alright. It's your first kill. Go home, your off duty for a week. Go. You may not sleep tonight, so here is some sleeping potion. Take it if you need it, that's an order. If you still struggle, call a Healer." She nodded, her face pale, as Daulton turned and began to walk fast towards the exit.
When they landed in his bed chamber and he helped her in to bed, as he held her, she felt the sting of tears. She had killed a man, no matter who it was, she had killed him. Unable to help it, she let the tears fall. As before, she tried to turn from Daulton to hide them from him. But this time, he held her tighter, so she could not move. Then placed his lips to hers, a soft handkerchief against her eyes, his hand softly stroking her hair. Again, she didn't dare hope.
"I'm so sorry," she said eventually, looking up at him through very red eyes. "I..." His lips silenced her.
"Enough," he said very softly. "Do not apologise, just come to me."
Immediately, she did so, pressing close against his chest. "Iago," she said very softly. "I killed a man. I know who he was, I know what he did, but I killed him..."
"Hermione, answer me this. If you had not, he would have killed you, would he not?"
"Yes."
"Well then, it's a good thing you did so, is it not?"
"I," she looked in to his eyes, her heart speeding up.
He kissed her again, his lips stroking hers, as he held her to him. He'd never kissed her this way, not once.
"It is," he said very quietly. "Because if he had done so, I would have killed him."
She drew in a harsh breath of shock. "What?" She gasped. He kissed her again, and again.
"Do not ask questions," he said very quietly. She gazed in to his eyes and could not hold the tears back now.
"Oh, Iago," she breathed, hardly able to speak. "You, you love me, don't you?"
"Hermione," he said very softly, as he moved to claim her lips with his again.
"Please," she begged, in between their gentle kisses. "Please, tell me..."
"Hermione, marry me, tomorrow?" She could read between the lines.
"Yes, Iago," she sobbed. "Yes..."
"Hermione," he murmured, as their eyes met. "I came straight to find you, I kissed you during your pain. I held you as you killed him. Hermione, work it out."
"Iago, you..."
"Silence," he commanded softly, "enough." Gently, he pulled her to him and began to make love to her, his every touch gentle, just as he knew she loved. The next day, Hermione Granger, became Hermione Daulton.
