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Enjoy Chapter Seventeen!
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THE DAILY PROPHET
Pureblood Pub brawl
Draco Malfoy, Blaise Zabini and Marcus Flint decided a night out would end up in a bloodied mess.
The three ex-housemates left nothing unturned as Draco Malfoy gave out a vicious beating to his ex-Quidditch captain.
Witnesses at the Leaky Cauldron confirm that Marcus Flint pointedly insulted Miss Hermione Granger Nott who is rumoured to be Mr. Malfoy's latest companion.
Wizards have guessed about Mrs. Notts increasing fondness of her late husband's best friend.
Is it a forbidden love of the sinister kind?
Marcus Flint seen at St Mungo's sporting a bloodied face and broken nose.
A Rita Skeeter EXCLUSIVE!
Hermione threw the paper down in disgust.
Rita Skeeter, the bloody bitch Hermione thought fighting the bile that rose to the surface, but the woman was slipping, the article was a day late.
Marcus Flint pointedly insulted Miss Hermione Granger Nott.
But why? She hardly knew Flint.
Is it a forbidden love of the sinister kind? What the hell did that mean?
There was nothing sinister about the love they shared.
A dull throbbing ache crept into her head and settled at the back, pulsating with increasing pain.
She collapsed into the nearest chair.
Why had Draco lied to her?
What was he protecting her from?
The Sinister kind? The words played in her mind unpleasantly.
What was so sinister about her love for Draco?
Nott? They still referred to her by her married name.
Theo, I wish you were here.
Just for a few minutes even.
Perhaps it was time to visit her late husband's portrait.
It had been weeks since they spoke.
The continuous buzzing of her phone distracted her, and Draco's name popped up.
Judging by the mounting miss calls, all her friends had seen the paper.
Sinister? Again, the word crept into her troubled mind, pulling at the strands of sanity, making her question everything.
Hermione had no desire to speak to Draco especially after he had lied to her face.
He had lied by omission, but it was still a bloody lie.
She had every right to know! This was her life too!
Ginny called next, reluctantly she answered and pressed the Muggle device to her ear.
The throbbing at the back of her head increased.
"Mi, are you alright?" Ginny's concerned voice cut through as soon as the call connected.
"I'm fine Gin," came her robotic reply.
Sensing Hermione needed her, Ginny retorted sternly, "I'm coming over now."
Not in the mood to face anymore and having to explain what she was going through, Hermione changed her tone to match Ginny's and said, "Not now, I have to get ready for work."
Accepting defeat, Ginny replied grudgingly, "Ok Mi, I'll stop by for lunch."
It had been close to two weeks since she last saw her only female best friend, the idea of lunch appealed to her and mustering some enthusiasm she said, "That sounds really good Gin, I'll see you then."
Ginny hung up with a frown, staring at the black screen.
Harry questioned in concern, "How is she holding up?"
Turning to her husband, she replied sadly, "I don't really know, she seemed cold and withdrawn."
Harry's face creased with worry.
"Fuck!" Draco cursed aloud pacing around his flat like a caged wolf.
Why the bloody hell was she not answering?
He threw the Prophet away in anger.
Fucking Skeeter would pay.
Rushing into his room, he rummaged through his cupboard and threw a t-shirt over his head and pulled up a pair of worn jeans.
Taking out his wand, without a second thought Draco apparated to Hermione's flat.
Landing on the soft carpet, he straightened to find her on the chair, the Prophet clutched firmly between her balled up fists and staring into space.
The haunted vacant expression in her eyes terrified him.
They had come so far since that look first adorned her face.
No, my love.
Deciding to play it cool, cautiously he approached.
Before Draco got close, Hermione turned to face him and stood up.
"Would you like some tea?" She asked moving towards the kitchen.
It caught him off guard, but it was welcome.
Smiling warmly at his witch, he answered, "Yes darling, please"
Carefully placing the paper on the counter, she attended to the dull task of making tea.
"Hermione…" Draco started to speak.
Interrupting him, Hermione asked, "What did Flint say about me?"
Fuck!
Draco propped up against the counter and replied cautiously, "It wasn't about you love."
Her tone changed to anger, "Don't lie to me. Tell me what he said."
Taking a deep breath, he confessed reluctantly, "He called me a disgrace to Slytherin and brotherhood for having an affair with you."
Hermione felt her breathing hitch uncomfortably.
Laughing maniacally, she responded with disgust, "Is it because I'm Theo's wife or because my late husband is your best friend?"
His tone softened and he tried to reach for her, "It doesn't matter what a criminal like Flint has to say, Hermione."
"IT MATTERS DRACO!" She cried out suddenly.
He nearly spilt his tea at the intensity of her cry.
The need to comfort her was back, "Why does it matter love?"
Tears she held back split over the corners of her eyes and down her cheeks.
Draco sternly told her, "Hermione, we are going to have to endure the taunting and cruel comments."
He continued lovingly, "I will be right by your side darling, it changes nothing about how we feel about each other."
Hermione stared into his face, hanging on every word.
His anger returned as he remembered the article and he viciously spat out, "They are a bunch of bigoted fools who have nothing better to do than gossip about others."
Desperately, Draco pleaded with Hermione, "I love you with my life. Please don't read too much into this."
Reassuringly he pressed forward, "Besides they are only beginning to speculate that there is something between us none of them knows for sure."
"Theo..." Hermione muttered weakly.
He held his hand up and stopped her from finishing the sentence, "Theo would want this for us, his last words to us are proof of that."
Wearing his heart on his sleeve, Draco implored, "I'm here to stay Granger, nothing can take me away from you this time."
Closing the distance, he took her in his arms and held her close to his chest.
"Can you feel that?" He asked lovingly.
She could hear the soft drumming of his heart.
Dropping his lips to her ear, he placed a soft kiss to it and whispered, "Each beat is for you and only you."
Her arms went around him, and she held him closer to her body.
His warmth spread through her.
She called him her own personal sun because his warmth spread throughout her body.
"I love you so much Draco," Hermione sobbed against his chest.
The love she currently felt for him, had always felt for him was above anything else.
Forgive me, Theo.
Running his long fingers through her hair soothingly, he cooed words of comfort, "We will get through this together. I will never leave your side again."
"I know Draco," Hermione replied. She was desperate to make the same promise, but it evaded her.
Cupping her face, he kissed her tenderly caressing and holding onto her tear-stained face.
When he lovingly tried to undress her, she stopped him.
"What's wrong darling?" Draco asked earnestly.
Hesitating, Hermione mumbled, "I err...I'm bleeding."
Smiling warmly, he hugged her again and said, "Oh, not that it matters to me but it will be uncomfortable."
Bringing his lips to hers, she kissed him passionately.
Breaking away, Draco pulled out his wand and brought out a frying pan, "I'll make you some breakfast, go change for work."
The hot water washed over her, it got into her hidden crevices.
Looking down she saw the water mix with blood.
Purposely, Hermione stepped away from it.
After the suicide attempt, the smell of blood and look of it nauseated her.
It trailed down her long legs, swirled around her toes and disappeared down the drain.
Shuddering, she controlled the vomit that rose in her throat.
Hermione felt herself crumble, hugging her legs close to her body, she curled up on the floor of the tub and apologized repeatedly to her dead husband.
The article made her feel unclean and damaged
Please believe me, Theo, I did love you!
Let me be free from this pain.
Sinister?
My love for them was, is and always will be pure.
Her eyes flew open, igniting a fire within herself.
Draco whisked eggs adding cheese and fried a few sausages.
Hermione walked into the kitchen dressed in a light blue dress with cap sleeves.
Tying her hair back into a high ponytail, she fastened her watch and sat across the handsome man cooking for her.
Turning away from the stove, Draco flashed his signature grin and carefully balanced the frying pan.
Hermione got up and fetched the plates from the cupboard.
The kitchen smelt amazing, he piled her plate with a fluffy omelette and toast.
Hermione inhaled deeply and cut herself a piece and hungrily devoured it, "You spoil me."
"Always," Draco responded taking a large bite off the omelette.
"Are we good babe?" He asked seriously.
Reluctant to burden him with the truth of how she really felt, Hermione, smiled weakly and nodded.
She came to a few real conclusions.
He was right, it would get worse before it got better.
If he was going to be strong for her, then she would do the same.
With a lingering kiss, Hermione reluctantly left Draco casually standing in her kitchen.
She walked into the Ministry with her head held high and a large file tucked under her arm.
The whispering got to her first, wizards purposely looked away when she approached.
Damn the Daily Prophet to hell.
Brenda smiled sympathetically and offered to get her a coffee.
Grateful for the warm gesture, Hermione wholeheartedly agreed.
Moments after she settled into her seat, a familiar face poked their head into her small space and she visibly relaxed.
Walking in, Harry closed the door behind him.
Pulling out the chair, he sat down and leaned forward, "Are you, ok love?"
Looking at him, she replied stoically, "Yes I'm fine Harry."
Narrowing his eyes, Harry called her out, "You don't look fine."
Hermione played with her fingers nervously, months after she wished for her ring,
It kept her sane, the cooling metal calmed her.
But now Draco calmed her.
Sighing in exasperation, Hermione listened to Harry, "It wasn't even about you, Flint has always been a right bloody prick, I'm sure he deserved the beat down."
Despite Draco's forget about it attitude for her benefit, Hermione knew it affected him, his behaviour that night was solid proof of that.
Reaching over he squeezed her hand reassuringly, "If you need to talk, I'm always here."
Hermione returned the pressure and held onto his hand, "Ginny said she would stop by."
Letting go, Harry leaned back in the chair and smiled warmly at the mention of his wife, "Yes she did, I'll come to get you for lunch."
She was about to reply when she was rudely interrupted.
"Well if it isn't the femme fatal of the wizarding world," Ryan greeted her cruelly.
Getting to his feet, Harry glared at the American, his interruption was clearly unwelcome.
Locking eyes with Hermione, Ryan continued, "Heard your boyfriend got real, defending your honour."
Harry almost reached for his wand but instead, he warned darkly, "That's enough Spencer."
Beyond furious, Hermione got to her feet aggressively, "No Harry let him gloat. Go on you absolute horrid human being, do your fucking worst."
Ryan stared disbelievingly into Hermione's face; the woman was clearly deranged.
Something was off, this confrontation was unlike her.
Obviously, he had taken his sarcastic mockery too far.
"I..err...Granger...listen," Ryan stammered trying to salvage a thread of decency.
Unable to control her anger, Hermione yelled, "If you have nothing to say or require nothing from me, kindly get the fuck out of my office."
Wizards and witches outside her office stopped dead in their tracks trying to crane their necks to get a glimpse of what was going on.
With a curt and embarrassed nod, Ryan turned and walked purposely away, his dark blue robes rustling behind him.
The small crowd that gathered quickly stepped out of his way and dispersed.
Her whole body shook with the rage coursing through her body.
Harry stood wide-eyed and impressed by Hermione's justified outburst.
"Well done, that put him in his place," Harry smirked.
The hours passed by and unfortunately, the day was plagued by many calls from the press.
Brenda fielded calls from reporters who were anxious to know her view on the fight.
Politely and firmly Hermione declined to make any comment.
She heard Brenda say for the twentieth time, "Miss Granger is in a meeting and cannot be disturbed."
They locked eyes and exchanged a look of frustration.
Her anger crept up again, pushing the feeling away, she focused on the newest case.
Kingsley had a few meetings with the Muggle Prime Minister and Ryan would go with.
Thank Merlin for that.
She frowned at the thought of him, perhaps she had been too harsh earlier.
Damn her need to be nice to everyone.
Making up her mind to apologize the next time she saw the insufferable wizard, Hermione opened the file and got lost in the world of planning.
Draco leaned back against his chair; the press was being a massive pain in his rear end.
Helen was trusted with dealing with the calls and owls that flooded his office.
The fucking parasites, Draco thought angrily.
A loud knock on the door made him glare at it in frustration.
The door opened and Blaise strode in, his face like thunder.
"These fuckers are flooding my stores," he thundered.
Plopping himself down on the large black sofa, the smart man let out a frustrated growl.
Walking over to the small bar he kept in his office, Draco poured two glasses of bourbon and handed one to Blaise.
He took it graciously; a quick clink of glasses and they took a gratifying sip.
"How is Hermione?" Blaise asked, his growing concern apparent.
"Upset but dealing with it," Draco informed him sadly.
"The poor woman, it's been a year and a half since Theo's been gone and they still refer to her as the grieving widow," Blaise retorted clearly upset at the content of the article.
"She's no longer a Nott," Draco muttered against his glass.
Perplexed Blaise raised an eyebrow, "She's not a Malfoy, is she?"
His best friend was known for his impulsive behaviour, he wondered if the couple had eloped without telling anyone.
With Draco anything was possible, but Granger kept him grounded, Blaise thought fondly.
Shaking his head Draco took a sip and replied confidently, "Not yet but she will be."
Eyes widening in shock, Blaise asked curiously, "You've been thinking of marriage?"
Locking serious eyes with his best friend, Draco responded happily, "Yes I have, we've not officially been together long but I think nine years of loving the same woman is pretty much a clear cut sign that she is the only one for me."
Well, that much was true. Blaise nodded in agreement at once, "When?"
"On her birthday, it'll be nearly a year for us and over two since Theo passed," Draco informed Blaise excitedly about his plan to propose to Hermione.
"Wow mate, you really have given it some thought," Blaise retorted overjoyed and impressed that Draco was ready to finally settle down.
"Of course, I have, I love her Blaise," Draco responded seriously, his eyes lighting up at the prospect of making Hermione his wife.
Forever his.
His face split into a bright smile, Blaise got up and gave Draco a brotherly hug.
Just like that, they heard Helen answer another round of calls from annoying reporters.
His handsome face darkened with fury, "What are we going to do about these bloody reporters?"
Draco sneered a malicious glint to the blue in his eyes, "You want to go down to the Prophet and use a few threatening tactics?"
Rolling his eyes, Blaise asked, "And give them more ammunition?"
Letting out a low laugh, Draco said, "Let it be mate, it will die down."
A beautiful owl distracted them as it flew in through the window he had for his owl and perched itself next to his magnificent owl.
The owl was beautiful and snow-white, it rubbed it's beak along the black owl affectionately.
Draco visibly paled, it was his mother's owl and he cringed at the small envelope tied to the owl's leg.
Draco frowned, "Brace yourself mate, my mother's sent a howler,"
"Ah fuck!" Blaise replied holding onto his head.
Gingerly taking it from the snowy owl's leg, he popped a treat into its mouth before the letter flew open and Narcissa Malfoy's loud voice echoed through space.
A PUB BRAWL, HAVE YOU STOOPED SO LOW?
DRACO MALFOY, HAVE YOU LOST ALL SANITY?
IS THIS HOW A GENTLEMAN OF YOUR STATURE CONDUCTS HIMSELF?
I AM ABSOLUTELY FURIOUS!
YOU HAVE EMBARRASSED HERMIONE, ME, AND YOUR NAME.
I EXPECT BLAISE AND YOU AT THE MANOR AT FOUR PM SHARP.
They flinched at the harshness.
"I think I'm going to be sick," Blaise responded holding onto his stomach.
Draco fixed him with an icy stare, "Don't you fucking dare! If I am going down, I'm taking you with me."
Throwing a look of disgust at his blonde-haired friend, he replied with contempt, "Fine! Misery loves company."
Laughing heartily, Draco retorted, "That's the spirit mate."
"I'm bloody glad, my mom's away with her sodding boyfriend," Blaise told Draco happily.
Draco nodded in understanding; Blaise's mother made his mother look like a fairy princess.
They had a few hours to go before they were expected at Malfoy Manor, and Blaise decided to hang around until such time.
Pulling out his phone, Draco punched in his text:-
My mother has requested my presence.
I will come by after.
Hope you are ok darling.
I love you always.
Hermione glanced at the phone and grabbed it quickly because of the name that appeared.
Narcissa requested his presence?
Frowning at the message, she typed her reply:-
Hounded by the press.
Going to have lunch with Ginny and Harry.
I love you too!
Draco frowned at the press comment but smiled at Ginny's name, it was always nice when she spent time with the Potter's.
His thumbs moved across the keypad in reply: -
Have a good time darling.
Do you need me to bring anything later?
She sighed and gazed at the phone lovingly,
Only yourself!
Reading the message, Draco realized he missed Hermione and put his heart and soul into the reply: -
I have always been only yours Hermione.
She was about to reply when Kingsley and Ryan walked in.
Pulling up chairs, they sat across her.
Hermione felt Ryan stare at the snow globe on her table.
Leaning back against her chair, she regarded the men in front of her and asked seriously, "What can I help you, gentlemen, with?"
Without skipping a beat, and without much thought, Ryan replied huskily, "There's so much you can do for me," his eyes dropping to her luscious lips.
Kingsley creased his brow in annoyance and shot Ryan a look of disgust, "Mind your attitude, Spencer."
Feeling her temper rise at the inappropriate comment, Hermione balled her hands into fists to control herself.
Ignoring the American, Kingsley spoke, "We need you to help us with the Auror legislation, weapons and procedure documents."
Ryan pulled out a file and handed it to Hermione, "Harry has added Muggle techniques and firearms to the training manifest."
Flipping the papers in the thick file, she skimmed through it and answered, "Sure, I'll sit with Harry and sort it out."
"Thank you, Granger," Kingsley thanked his voice echoing in the small space.
When they made to move out of her office, she timidly said, "Ryan...err...listen...I wanted to apologize."
Turning to face her, he held up a hand to stop her from talking any further. Staring intently into her eyes, Ryan replied, "I deserved it, I'm sorry too."
Hermione stared at him in disbelief. She had not bargained on him apologizing, mainly because she thought him to be a cruel and devious little shit.
It threw her off completely.
With a cocky smile, Ryan followed Kingsley out leaving a very confused Hermione to ponder her thoughts.
Moments later Harry came by with a cheerful Ginny.
Hermione smiled brightly, got up and hugged Ginny tightly.
She had missed her fiery red-headed best friend.
Ginny returned Hermione's enthusiasm and Harry looked at them fondly.
Looking around them, Hermione asked curiously, "Where is James?"
Putting her hand through Harry's, she replied with a smile, "He's with my mother."
"I needed a break," the fiery redhead added laughingly.
Patting his wife's hand, Harry asked, "Shall we get going then?"
Hermione nodded enthusiastically and grabbed her purse.
Wanting to try something different they settled on an Indian curry house.
Ordering the least spicy of the dishes cautiously, they sat back and enjoyed the calming ambience.
Soft music played in the background and colourful paintings and authentic Indian furniture adorned their surroundings.
The food arrived and their mouth watered.
Just the aroma was heavenly.
Eagerly tucking in, Ginny delicately broke off a piece of bread (Roti) and asked, "Are you, ok love?"
Hermione played with her hands nervously, "I don't know Gin, I honestly did not expect this much of hostility towards Draco and me."
Harry reached over and served himself a bit of thick chicken curry, "As I said earlier, it was not directed at your relationship, they don't know you guys are together."
Hermione sighed, "It's only a matter of time and then the real fireworks will start."
Harry exchanged a grave look with Ginny.
Hermione's body language gave them cause for concern, she was withdrawing.
Purposely stirring the conversation away, they chattered animatedly about James, Ron and Luna.
Charlie and Luna had set a wedding date and were busy getting ready for the upcoming nuptials.
"Oh, I do have some news," Hermione chimed in, popping a piece of bread into her mouth.
She closed her eyes and savoured the rich texture of flavours that burst in her mouth.
Harry raised his eyebrow and Ginny stared at her waiting her to continue.
Clearing her throat, she informed them, "The Foundation is having a ball and auction end of the month,"
Perplexed Ginny asked interestedly, "Like an auction of antiques?"
Hermione hid a smirk, "Well not exactly, we will be auctioning off a dinner reservation with a selected person."
Harry choked on his water, "What?"
Ginny patted him lightly on the back, but her eyes shone excitedly, "That's a brilliant idea Mi, I can't wait."
They spent the rest of lunch talking about the auction and who was being auctioned.
"It's your Manor, you go in first," Blaise offered, staring at the imposing ancestral home.
"Pussy," Draco replied with a laugh.
They walked into the living room where Narcissa sat reading a book.
Draco bent to give his mother a peck and she gestured the chairs in front.
Cautiously taking the seats, Draco spoke first, "Can we explain what happened before you rip us to shreds?"
Narcissa shook her head exasperatedly and let out a sigh, "Son, your relationship is going to come under scrutiny, but you cannot be punching everyone who says something disapproving."
Draco hung his head in mock shame, "I know mother."
Looking at the grown men before her, Narcissa retorted seriously, "Grow up boys!"
Turning to Draco again, she added sternly, "I told you that you need to be strong for her."
The article infuriated her, despite the men fighting, it was Hermione who got criticized. It was always the women who got the short end of the stick.
Finally turning her attention to Blaise, Narcissa spoke, "You are usually the voice of reason. What happened?"
Blaise flinched and sunk further into the chair, "Err...oh...I lost my cool."
Narcissa looked him over with disappointment, "Clearly."
Speaking to both, she added a guilt trip, "Theo trusted both of you with Hermione, there was a reason for that. You would be wise not forget it."
Draco's head snapped up and his tone turned serious, "Yes we understand mother, it won't happen again."
"You have my word," Blaise promised equally serious.
Smiling at the men before her, Narcissa inquired, "Good, have you boys had lunch?"
At the mention of food, their stomachs growled in unison. They had drunk their way through a good bottle of bourbon but not stopped to eat anything.
Narcissa raised her eyebrow in question and much like children the men feebly shook their heads.
Sighing, Narcissa summoned Dotty and gave instructions for a late lunch to be served.
Draco landed without noise and Hermione looked up with a smile at her handsome boyfriend.
Dropping a packaged box on the kitchen counter, he strode towards her.
Taking the book out of her small hands, he gathered her in his arms lovingly.
Claiming her lips, he lifted her in a passionate embrace.
She tasted faintly of spices and curry.
Her fingers found its way into his hair caressing the soft locks.
Breaking away, she glanced at the package, "Is there anything in there that's smothered in chocolate?"
Draco laughed warmly, "See for yourself."
Eagerly, Hermione jogged over and flipped the lid open.
She gave a small squeak of delight, everything was either glazed or stuffed with chocolate.
Picking up a delicious looking chocolate doughnut she bit into it, a generous portion of chocolate landed around her mouth.
She sighed.
Without hesitation he bent to her mouth and licked off the chocolate, smacking his lips as he broke off.
Picking up a chocolate croissant, Draco took a large bite and savoured the chocolatey goodness.
After a warm shower, he walked back into the living room to find only a few crumbs in the box. She had licked the box dry in his absence.
Looking over at his witch, his heart slammed against his chest, she cuddled up on the sofa with the earlier book.
Taking the seat across, he pulled out a leather-bound book on alchemy.
Hermione winced and rubbed her stomach; period cramps were the pits.
Draco looked over his book at her in concern and got to his feet.
Sitting down next to her, he gathered her in his arms and settled her firmly on his lap.
Using his hand, he moved his fingers in a gentle circular motion across her stomach.
Sighing in content, Hermione remembered how Draco had done the same thing back at Hogwarts when it was her time of the month.
It seemed like another lifetime ago.
"Is that better?" He asked affectionately, kissing the top of her head.
Leaning against him, she exhaled, "Yes very much. Thank you, darling."
Draco continued his actions, gently kneading her stomach.
Back in their dorms, he had done it till she fell asleep.
Slowly placing airy kisses to her neck, Draco muttered, "Do you want to watch a movie?"
Entwining her fingers through his free hand, Hermione whispered, "Sounds good."
Without getting up, he picked a Muggle movie called "Remember the Titans" and used magic to plop it into the DVD Player.
He had heard the positives reviews but never got around to watching it.
The movie came to life and Hermione snuggled further into Draco's embrace.
American football was indeed violent but no more than Quidditch he thought.
As the movie progressed, he deeply regretted his choice.
The movie itself was brilliant but emotional. In Hermione's current state it was not the best pick.
She cried at the smallest sad scene and wept uncontrollably about racial discrimination.
"It's based on a true story Draco," Hermione sobbed repeatedly into his chest.
The emotional yet amazing movie was finally ending, and Hermione dozed off.
Switching off the TV, Draco gently scooped up his witch and headed for the bedroom.
Laying her down carefully against her many pillows, he slid inside the covers and fell asleep next to his beloved.
Days passed and a week later Draco stopped by the Ministry to take Hermione out for lunch.
After their confrontation, Ryan stirred clear out of her way and stuck mainly to Kingsley's side, much to the Minister's delight.
Justin had been gone for weeks visiting areas with distressed and injured magical creatures.
She missed their animated chatter over stale pudding cups.
"Are you ready darling?" Draco asked impatiently looking at her arrange papers into neat little piles.
Hermione looked up and smiled, "Yes love, let me get my purse."
Ryan strode through the open door straight into Hermione's office unceremoniously.
She narrowed her eyes at the man in front her, couldn't the idiot knock at least?
Standing his ground firmly, Draco eyed the barging intruder with contempt.
He sized up the tall man wearing brown robes and concluded that he was a fucking moron.
Curiously, he watched the exchange between the new guy and his witch with growing interest.
Who the flying fuck was this fucktard?
"Hermione, where the hell are the past reports I asked," Ryan asked sternly.
Draco narrowed his eyes, he was beginning to lose his patience fast.
Holding her head high Hermione replied through clenched teeth, "It's with Kingsley why don't you ask him, instead of barging in here like some imbecile."
Staring her down and hoping to frighten, Ryan replied, "Right."
A small cough diverted his attention and for the first time since he entered his eyes fell on the tall blonde man in the corner.
Glaring at Draco, Ryan turned to Hermione and spat out, "I didn't know you had company."
Smirking triumphantly, Hermione graciously introduced them, "How rude of me, Ryan Spencer meet my boyfriend Draco Malfoy."
Draco raised a quizzical eyebrow at Hermione.
She adamantly kept their relationship from prying eyes but openly introduced him as her boyfriend to this man.
Something was definitely off. Draco could smell the bullshit.
"Assistant to Minister of magic in Washington," Ryan deepened his tone and added with an air of importance.
Draco grinned in amusement.
Hermione snorted trying to hide the laugh that bubbled to the surface, she knew Draco would not give a flying fuck who Ryan was.
For all Draco cared, Ryan could have fallen from the moon and it would still fail to impress and intimidate him.
Ryan did not bother to hide his displeasure, his little declaration did not have the desired effect. His mind started to work.
Malfoy, the name sounded familiar, he had definitely heard it back home.
Reluctantly, Ryan extended his hand and Draco took it in an iron-clad grip.
The man winced inwardly but did not show the pain he felt.
"Good shake," he muttered under his breath.
Looking over Draco sceptically, Ryan sneered, "So you are the boyfriend."
Draco raised his eyebrow and pulled himself to his full height and replied confidently, "Yes, I am."
"Good to know," Ryan replied sarcastically, his eyes travelled down Draco's arm and settled on the fading Dark mark.
Draco followed Ryan's intense gaze and sneered.
Purposely, he flexed his firm arm muscles making the macabre snake come to life.
Hermione's eyes darted from one man to the other.
"Did you want anything else?" Draco asked cutting through the tension in the room.
Ignoring Draco, Ryan turned to Hermione and said, "See you at dinner tonight."
Her eyebrows shot back into her hairline in surprise, "What dinner?"
Draco narrowed his eyes, seriously who the fuck was this?
Moving closer to her desk, Ryan drawled suggestively, "Yes darling dinner."
Watching the man's movements intently, Draco balled his hands into fists.
The slimly fucker was hitting on his witch!
Hermione stepped back and crossed her arms across her chest and responded angrily, "It's an Auror meeting and I'm not required."
Ryan laughed cynically, "I will decide if you are required or not."
Matching his tone, Hermione shot back defiantly, "If Kingsley wants me there, I will be there and not otherwise."
Narrowing his eyes and eyeing her with contempt, Ryan dropped his tone to a deadly low and said, "Oh, is that so? Then consider this as he wants you there."
Anger getting the better of him, Draco stepped in and interrupted darkly, his grey eyes pierced into the brown of the other man, "Mate, pick up this conversation later, we have a reservation."
"She's working mate," Ryan shot back.
Closing the space between them in two strides, Draco got right in front of Ryan's face.
He was a good foot taller than Ryan and the Americans scared eyes darted to the dangerously pulsating Dark Mark.
Without hesitation, Draco held out his hand for Hermione to take.
She took it at once, lacing her fingers through his.
Pulling her to his side, he spoke in a deadly tone, "I don't care who you are and I don't give a fuck where you're from but Hermione works for Kingsley and not you."
Ryan involuntarily took a few steps back and stared at the imposing man before him.
Never one to hide his anger, Draco's displeasure radiated off him in waves.
Placing his hand to the small of her back, Draco navigated Hermione out of the office leaving a flabbergasted American to stare after them in fury.
They sat across each other in the posh and lavish restaurant.
Hermione purposely avoided Draco's piercing eyes.
Unable to stay quiet any longer, he asked sternly, "So are you going to tell me what's going on or do I have to guess?"
Shrugging her shoulders, she reached for her pumpkin juice, "There's nothing to tell, Ryan is a prick end of story."
Draco studied Hermione's face and body language, she was easy to read, "He's a fucking piece of shit but is he harassing you?"
He waited impatiently for her answer.
She tapped her fingers on the table nervously and avoided making eye contact, staring at the space behind his head, she mumbled, "Nothing I can't handle, just harmless flirting."
Laughing sarcastically, Draco narrowed his eyes, "What I fucking saw was not harmless flirting Granger."
Rolling her eyes, she ignored the furious man staring at her face.
"Do you want me to speak to Kingsley?" Draco asked suddenly, he was dead serious.
Hermione was indignant, and she cried out angrily, "Most certainly not, I am quite capable of fighting my own battles thank you very much."
His temper reached it's high and split over, "Oh I know that, but don't expect me to sit on the bloody sidelines and watch another man hit on you."
Fucking American fucktard.
Ryan leaned against the plush chair, his head deep in thought.
Potters reputation was well deserved but of course, Voldemort's reign of terror had not reached across the ocean, but they all knew who the key players were.
The Golden Trio as they were known.
Hermione had come as a complete shock, the pictures did her no justice.
The red-headed man known as Ronald Weasley worked at a family-owned joke shop. Ryan frowned, that was a major disappointment.
Malfoy! The name finally hit a chord, he was a wealthy businessman with operations in New York and Texas.
The name had come up in passing at the Ministry in Washington.
But the man was a branded Death Eater.
It disturbed him that a fucking Death Eater was walking in and out of the Ministry so freely.
Moreover, the Death Eater in question was currently dating a high-ranking Ministry official.
That was not acceptable.
He would soon see to the end of it.
Smiling smugly to himself, Ryan got to his feet.