Chapter 1 – Hardships and Happenstance

Did he really think she would forgive him? How could she? After all this time together it turns out he was two timing "want-to-be wizard" and husband for that matter! A cheater! The term "seeing Red" brought on a whole new meaning to her now. Weasley's had red hair and all she saw was red when she thought of the Weasley who betrayed her! She was furious and hurt and just plain old mad!

Sure lately she had been working later than normal and yes she had her own life outside of their marriage, seeing her friends, going to the gym, etc. but really, did he have to let her down like that? He had said he was fine with everything she was doing, that he was happy that she saw her friends, was staying fit and was fine with how she was progressing so quickly at the Ministry, but clearly that was a lie. Apparently he was happy she was working late for other reasons. He wasn't' happy to support her and cheer her on at her job or her personal self-esteem, it was to get his rocks off with that blonde bitch! She didn't even know her name, but really did her name matter? No, her name was irrelevant but if he thought she would just let this go, he was wrong.

Thinking back on the events that had just transpired, she - Hermione Granger, the brightest witch of her time, had just come home a little early from her job as the top curse breaker for the Ministry of Magic and she was hoping to surprise her husband with a wonderful home cooked meal and romantic evening in their small flat upon his arrival home. Only fate had other plans for her. Clearly he had not heard her enter the home but she could faintly make out the tell-tale noises of the most intimate act between a woman and a man. Walking to their bedroom door, she pushed it open gently, only to find her husband beneath a petite little blonde being ridden like a thestral! She hadn't really meant to make a scene, but before she could stop herself she let a high pitched shriek escape her lips. The two immediately stilled and Ron's head peaked out from behind the blonde's back. She saw him for only a brief moment as he tried to hurriedly move the blonde off of him and move the sheet over himself as he stood up muttering "how it wasn't what it looked like" and he was "sorry". The words barely had a chance to leave his lips before she had disappeared from view and apparated out of their flat.

Truthfully she was surprised that she didn't just let him have it right then and there. She was no witch to back down to anyone, but this was just too much. How could he do this to her? Was she not a good wife? She had made an effort to please her husband as best she could not only in their marriage but in the bedroom and in their professional lives as well, why was that not enough? She didn't like that he decided to work for the Quidditch league of the UK and had to travel multiple times a month for nights on end but she put up with it because it made him happy. She kept the flat clean and tidy and tried to do whatever he wanted when he was home to make him happy and make him want to be home and be with her, but as time went on, her efforts seemed pointless. He was so disinterested in her and her advances. A woman can only be told "no" so many times before she gives up. But in reality, he didn't need her at all, he had that stupid bimbo back in her bedroom - "well it's not my room anymore I guess" Hermione sadly thought to herself.

Bringing her thoughts back to her present state, she faintly shook her head trying to gain her bearings, her curls lightly tossing in the breeze. She had left in such a hurry that she forgot that she was still dressed in her work attire. It was a bit chilly wandering around Diagon Alley in late September, not cold enough to wear a jacket but the light fall wind was a little crisp. Her hair was down and gently curled in what Witches Weekly called "beach waves". She had tamed her once frizzy hair and her skin was still slightly tanned from all the sun she had gotten this past summer. She wore a white top that just covered her shoulders and came to a halt in a V in between her supple and round breasts, dipping just low enough that she could get away with it as "professional attire" at work. A thick black fashion belt hugged her hips hiding where her shirt was tucked into her black knew length pencil skirt. The belt was held together with two decorative gold rings and a small gold chain that glimmered in the setting sun. There was no need for her to be wearing any pantyhose since her legs were also kissed by the sun and were a delicious golden brown. As she walked on realization of what she just saw was beginning to set in and it was just sad and her gaze lowered from the shops of Diagon Alley to the cobblestone path in front of her and down to her feet. She let a small smile peak through her gloomy demeanor. On her feet she wore her favorite pair of black Jimmy Choo Patent Leather Pumps - she had gotten them with her first bonus from the ministry. After all she had worked hard, and deserved to spend it on something she really wanted and truthfully she had not regretted buying these shoes.

The smile soon disappeared from her face though and once again as she lifted her gaze to see all the happy couples and families shopping. She watched as people happily shopped and chatted away without a care in the world but all she could do was think about everything that had just transpired, a vicious reminder that she was alone, walking the paths of Diagon alley. She hadn't shed a tear. As she saw it, there was no point in shedding tears, what was done was done and what was seen could not be unseen.

Slowing her walk slightly, she internally started to make a list of things she knew were going to happen now: 1) her marriage was over and she would need to file for divorce, 2) her relationship with the entire Weasley family would be awkward now (after all blood is thicker than water and Ron was their kin), 3) she needed to find a new place to live and fast 4) her friends may be supportive to a degree since it wasn't her that was unfaithful but Ron was also their friend so that would be weird and 5) she needed a drink!

As luck would have it, she looked up and noticed that she was passing by the Three Broomsticks at that very moment. She picked up her speed to catch the door as a wizard left. As she entered the pub a sigh escaped her lips, it was warmer in here, and in her shirt and skirt she had been a little chilly. Looking around the room, she noticed that all the tables were taken, but there was room at the bar and really that would do she just wanted a drink. As she made her way over to Tom at the bar, she gracefully weaved between the tables, seeing some witches and wizards she knew from the Mistry but none well enough to join for a drink, but she made it to the bar easy enough. Little did she know that her cute little saunter through the crowd had caught the eye of one particular wizard who sat in the corner of the bar.

She pulled out the bar stool as Tom asked her what she would like to have? "I'll have a Witches Heart Martini please?" Tom nodded his head and got to work on her drink. It was strong but that's what she felt she needed tonight. The purple elixir was served to her quickly and with her first sip she sighed in contentment. The Witches Heart had quickly become a favorite of hers – especially on days she just needed to relax! It was a mix of apple vodka, blackberry shimmer liqueur and grenadine and was served in a martini glass with dry ice and two blackberries on a skewer for a garnish.

"Oh fuck Ron!" Hermione thought taking a second sip of her drink. She didn't need him. They had gotten married 2 years ago, 2 years after the final battle but maybe it was just because they thought they should stay together with all the trauma they had both experienced. She shook her head again; she just wasn't sure anymore. She thought she loved him and was sure he loved her but clearly she was wrong.

Her back straightened in the stool and she crossed her long legs, the right leg over her left, as she thought about her options. She could move on. She was still young and attractive. Or at least she thought so. She was smart. She had a great job. What wizard wouldn't want her? At that thought, her mood and confidence suddenly diminished It was obvious she wasn't enough for one wizard, one who swore to be with her for better and worse, in sickness and in health until death did them part…. her shoulders slumped and she turned back to the bar and continued to sip her cocktail.

A masculine voice broke her out of her train of thought, "Now this is sight I never thought I would see, Hermione Granger drinking a martini alone."

Turning in her stool slightly she glanced to her left and caught sight of the unmistakable blonde hair of a Malfoy. God what was it with blonde people today?! She turned back immediately. She did not need to get into it with him right now, "Look Malfoy, I have had a pretty shitty evening and I would really rather not get into it with you here. I just want to enjoy my drink in peace" she said as she took a sip of her martini and did bother correcting him on her last name – it would be changed back soon enough.

"Who said I was here to get into it? I just came by to make conversation Granger." Malfoy replied pulling out the stool next to her and sitting down. Hermione turned her head to look at him while her body stayed facing the bar. For the first time since the final battle, she got to actually look at him. He had changed as well over the last couple years. His hair was cut differently now, short along the sides and at the back but was a little longer on the top. He had styled it to be pushed back off his face and parted on the right slide. His hair looked so soft, the strands of hair moved freely with him as he turned to face her, almost begging for someone's hand to run their fingers through it. His eyes were still that brilliant ice blue that just seemed to peer through your sole. Hermione noticed that he must have just gotten off of work as well. He was wearing a grey designer suit jacket that was unbuttoned exposing his black button up shirt that had the top two buttons undone and matching grey pants.

"So pray tell, why would you want to have a conversation with me Malfoy? You may have been forgiven by most of the wizarding world for your actions during the war against Voldemort and sure all the charges against you were dropped because you helped us in your manor and gave Harry your wand, but you have never tried to speak to me before? We have passed each other at the Ministry so that wouldn't have been too hard to do." She took another sip of her purple cocktail.

"Tom, can I get a Fire Whiskey on the rocks please?" Malfoy asked the bartender ignoring Hermione's comment for the minute. Tom nodded and brought the drink to him. Malfoy took a long deep drink and then looked at her, "Well, it's not like you are ever alone when you are working at the Ministry. Most of the time you are off working in either the library or out on assignment. And it's not like I am there on my free time just to chat, I do have a business to run and appointments to go to." He took another small sip of his drink. "But for some reason you are alone now, why is that? Where is your husband Weaslebee?"

Hermione scoffed "Right, my husband…." She took another sip "well about 30 minutes ago I walked in on him with some blond bitch in our bedroom so I have no idea where or who is doing right now" she replied and finished her drink with a large gulp. Hermione motioned to Tom for another which he mixed and brought right away. "Sorry about the cursing. I don't know why I just told you that, but I guess it's only a matter of time before The Profit gets a hold of it and tells everyone what happened in all its despicable detail." She rolled her eyes and took the blackberry screwier from the drink and pulled the berries off with her teeth. "I can just see the title now, 'Ron Weasley has sordid affair with gorgeous blonde witch leaving Hermione Granger single again, clearly unable to please her husband'."

"Well that's a terribly long title for an article now isn't it?" She rolled her eyes and snickered in response "Maybe something more like 'Stupid, poor Weasley loses the best thing that ever happened to him'?"

"Right that'll be the day!" She sneered "and since when do you think I am the best thing that ever happened to him?" Hermione countered continuing to drink her Witches Heart.

"Well I'm not stupid Granger." He stated simply, "You are brilliant after all you didn't get to be the top curse breaker at the Ministry if you weren't. You were pretty back at school and now you are just breathtaking – just look at you". Hermione couldn't help but blush, "and might I say you have great taste in liquor" he motioned to her martini "just because he is too stupid to see all of your potential and support you in it, that's not your fault". He slung back the rest of his drink and motioned to Tom who refilled it.

"Thanks I guess, but seriously Malfoy, why are you here, why are you being nice to me?" She questioned.

"Honestly, I just saw you sitting here alone and thought it was odd. I was sitting alone at the table in the corner over there and thought you could use some company. You rarely come in here, let alone all by yourself. I should know, I am here regularly with some of my clients and sometimes it lines up with my travels for my work. Staying here is easier rather than coming here to have a meeting then to go back home for the night and rush to pack the next morning."

"Well I don't really know where else to go. I can't go home – that much is clear. I can't go and file for divorce until tomorrow morning and I a refuse to go back home to speak to that jerk who will try and convince me to stay with him, and while I can forgive a lot of his stupid childish antics, I cannot forgive him being with another woman while married to me! So I guess I'm here because I can have a couple drinks, drown my "sorrow" and then get a room and just stay here until I sort things out."

"As good an answer as any I guess" Malfoy replied.

"Why are you here alone Malfoy? From what I read in all the magazines, you are doing well for yourself at Malfoy Enterprises building new real-estate for fancy hotels and retail venues and you're expanding over Europe. All the little witches must be chasing you and throwing themselves at you. So why aren't you with someone enjoying their company?" she eyed him up and down while she took a sip.

"I wanted to enjoy an evening alone tonight. Sure I have wealth and my own company, but everyone I am surrounded with are either 'yes men' or women who are too stupid to know which way is up. Sure they are nice for a good time or a roll in the sack, but after that's done and you want to have a conversation it's like talking to that brick wall over there" he motioned to the seat he had previously occupied across the room that conveniently enough was in front of a brick wall. "Sometimes it's nice to just be alone or maybe run into someone you might actually be able to converse with" he replied taking another slip of his Fire Whiskey. "I'm at that age now where I want more than a pretty witch on my arm for the evening" He admitted.

Hermione was taken by surprise and almost spit out her drink, "Really? YOU, Malfoy, most 'desirable bachelor in the Wizarding World" want to settle down? That's news." She smiled and let out a little laugh.

Malfoy smiled and laughed with her. She was so straight-laced all the time, it was nice to see her let go a little. She was cute when she smiled. "Well not right away! It's not like I want to get married tomorrow or anything but I wouldn't mind finding a witch who is smart, pretty, loyal and has initiative of her own" he smirked while eyeing the woman beside him, "someone like you maybe?"

"Don't look at me like I am piece of meat Malfoy, I am a married woman!"

"Well you won't be for much longer from what you just told me, if I understood you right? And I'm not asking you out Granger, just saying you have certain traits of what I think would make a good partner, and maybe one day, a wife for any wizard".

Ok this was weird Hermione thought as she slipped her drink a little more. Why would he every be nice to her? Sure he was good looking, wealthy, smart, driven. She shook her head. What was she thinking!? This was Malfoy! The boy who mocked her in class and called her "mudblood". The boy who made it his sole mission to ruin her life as well as that of her soon to be ex-husband and best friend Harry.

She paused and looked up from her drink at him. Ok, she may have been a little wrong, he wasn't a boy anymore. He had grown up. And not just physically because it was clear he took care of himself. His shoulders were strong and he had clearly defined muscles in his biceps. He was tall, handsome and clearly had taste for good clothing. She mentally slapped herself! Damn it! She could not be attracted to him! It had to be these drinks, was Tom making them stronger than normal?

She heard him chuckle beside her "I can see the wheels turning in your head Granger, stop trying to think so much. Relax, I'm not going to hurt you or call you names. I'm not 15 anymore. We're just talking."

"Oh, that's not what I was thinking about…" She muttered under her breath.

"Sorry what was that?" He questioned.

"Nothing." She quipped back a little too quickly.

"Can I buy you another?" He motioned to her drink that suddenly was almost empty. No wonder she wasn't thinking straight.

"No I better not, I do have to work tomorrow and should get to bed." She replied. "Tom can I get a room from you for the next few nights?" She asked the busy bartender. Tom merely nodded and handed her a room key before heading back to take more orders. "Thanks, and thanks for the conversation Malfoy but I really should head up to bed. I have this new client I am meeting with tomorrow and I really can't miss it, apparently they are pretty high profile."

Malfoy nodded "You're welcome and who knows, maybe we will be seeing more of each other soon enough." And with that he tossed some coins on the table to cover his tab, turned and left the pub with a smirk on his face. Oh he would be seeing her soon enough….