After Hermione returned from Berlin, she and the girls worked really hard on Gilbert's exhibition. Time was flying fast and she was starting to get a sinking feeling they wouldn't be ready in time.
"Mione, relax! You're going to make yourself sick!" Ginny scolded her on their way to the hall.
"I know, it's just… I want everything to be perfect." she quickly explained and took a deep breath trying to smile "How do you stay so calm?" she huffed indignantly. Ginny smirked coyly at her friend.
"One of the best lessons you can learn in life is to master how to remain calm." Hermione thought for a moment…where she had heard those words before…They sounded so… familiar to her.
"Besides, I called for help." winked Ginny before they entered.
"Really? Who?" Hermione wondered aloud, but in that moment, she saw Harry, Luna, Pansy, George, Neville, and… Ron.
All of a sudden it was like she couldn't move. She was frozen in place. Paralyzed in shock. She hadn't heard from him since before their break up, and she still felt quite upset. Before she could even stop herself, she rounded on Ginny.
"Did you call him because I called Pansy?!" Hermione asked in abject horror. The red headed mastermind shook her head and exclaimed "No!" in a panicked hurry, and then decided it was going to be in her best interest to explain, and fast.
"We will need some extra wands…but the main reason is that you have to get over it! You can't hide forever. He is my brother, and I love him dearly, but he's not worth it! He broke your heart not once, but twice! Besides, you deserve someone who will love you unconditionally; someone who will respect you, who will keep you on your toes. Most importantly, you deserve someone who will want to want to share their life with you! For Morganas sake Hermione…someone who will want a family with you!"
Ginny's speech almost made Hermione cry. Deep down she knew her friend was right, besides, there were worse situations. She was strong and determined, Ronald Weasley shouldn't hold her back from moving on, and being happy. She pulled herself together and welcomed everyone who had shown up to help.
"Hello everyone! Thank you so much to coming. We really need some help since the event is in one week, so we should probably hurry up." Hermione joked with her largest smile and began to give instructions. They worked in pairs, and Hermione though it will be funny if she put Ron with Pansy. The expression on his face was priceless. Pansy on the other hand looked surprisingly intimidated, but after an hour they were getting along just fine. Ron was even making her laugh.
"Is Pansy laughing?" whispered Harry in Hermione's ear.
She turned around to see Ron waving his hands animatedly, apparently explaining some joke to Pansy who was laughing sincerely. She had never heard Pansy laugh before. They had met almost every day the past few weeks, and each time she was always serious, modest, and a bit private. It made Hermione feel really good about bringing Pansy into the project.
After some time, and lots of sweat and spells, Hermione decided to call it.
"Thank you everyone for the help. I really appreciate that you found time to come and support us. We will see everyone again on 20th at 2 o'clock and don't forget to bring some friends! The more the better!" Hermione told them and waived as the group dispersed. Now that they were done, she wanted to speak to Pansy.
"Hey, Pansy, can we talk?" she said grabbing her attention before the girls left.
"Sure" she nodded and they sat on the bench outside the building.
"I want to thank you for your tireless efforts for the cause, you've done a great job!"
"It's nothing… actually I wanted to thank you. I needed this in my life…something…anything really…you see… I've been in a deep depression lately…" Pansy explained as the mask of happiness fell away
"I know you must be wondering why would I be depressed…" she laughed sarcastically "I am rich, independent, and young but…all of those things mean nothing if…if I don't have somebody to share it with." she stopped and took a breath almost painfully. Hermione felt sorry for her.
"I'm so sorry Pansy? Did someone die?"
Pansy took a deep breath and explained.
"No one died…2 years ago I confessed my feelings to someone I loved very much, and he didn't love me back, but he was willing to try… one month later I realized he was cheating on me…I can't explain the pain, it was terrible! He told me that he was in love, and he was sorry, but I couldn't forgive him…" She paused and closed her eyes, trying to make it through without completely breaking down.
"He broke my heart that day…No…He broke me. Something inside me died in the moment I knew he was unfaithful…Since then I've just been falling deeper and deeper into depression. For the longest time, I refused to go out places, to eat, even get out of my bed in the mornings. When I heard you had founded a charity organization, I felt the need to help. I needed to be…useful. For once in my life, I wanted to do good for hopeless people… and the feeling is…amazing so, thank you for letting me Hermione."
Finally, Hermione understood Pansy's actions, and her motivation for helping the victims. She also understood her pain.
"I understand, Pansy" Hermione empathized. "More than you can imagine…my heart was broken too, but not due to cheating. It was still by someone that I loved very much. Someone with a very special place in my heart. But I found a way to recover, and to move on… I'm glad you did the same."
"Weasley?" guessed Pansy.
Hermione nodded slowly, but didn't want to ask Pansy who her ex-boyfriend was. She knew it was Draco. It wasn't hard to guess since she had been in love with him since Hogwarts. What a jerk! To offer her a chance and then to cheat on her! She remembered about 2 years ago he had so many witches around him, but lately there was only one young blonde who consistently waited for him after work. Who was that girlfriend of his?
"Destiny knows better than us. We just need to trust her. I am sure that we will find love, and we will find someone who is worth waiting for!"
"Yes, we will." agreed Hermione.
The team that Kingsley had created was working on the contract for one very rich, very influential client. His name was Richard Gream. He and his younger brother had inherited the rich family business out of the USA, and now they were looking to expand into England.
Draco had just finished preparing all of the papers for them to sign the contract. They were about to meet in the conference room to read over it, and eventually to agree on the conditions. Draco was nervous because every time he and Hermione began the negotiations, the brothers kept getting distracted by her and he had to explain the deal all over again.
Five minutes before the meeting, Draco saw the younger brother in the corridor.
"Good morning, Mr. Malfoy. We can't wait to close the final deal."
"Good morning, we have prepared the final stage of the agreement per the prior negotiations. We are only waiting for the others to arrive." said Draco as he shook the businessman's hand.
"I suppose your beautiful co-worker will be here as well…" he said with a predatory wink.
Draco controlled the urge to roll his eyes and to punch the grimy man in the face. Then he had a better idea, smirking, he said "Well. She's more than that. She's my fiancée…"
"Oh, really?" the businessman was surprised "You've never acted like that's the case." he said accusatorially.
"We are very private, especially in the work place." explained Draco. Sebastian Gream nodded a few times, and finally said
"...Great catch."
When the elevator opened, Hermione stepped out, hands full of folders and walking toward the conference room when the Minister stopped her.
"Miss Granger, wait… I want to say something before we enter."
"What's wrong Minister? Did everyone arrive?"
"Almost, the brothers are waiting for their lawyer… , but I wanted to congratulate you on your recent engagement!" said Kingsley with a proud smile.
Hermione thought she hadn't heard right, and walked closer to him.
"I'm sorry, what?"
"I just heard Mr. Malfoy present you as his fiancé to Sebastian Gream." explained the Minister.
"When did that happen? I thought you two could barely stand each other…well now I see it was all an act to hide your love."
Hermione was astonished. What kind of a sick joke was that? Why would Malfoy have said such a lie to their clients? Her blood boiled. She didn't need this drama before such an important deal.
"This is some misunderstanding, Minister, we are not engaged…" she told him trying to stay calm, but inside she was writhing with anger. She looked behind Kingsley, and saw the blond wizard "Will you excuse me for a moment…"
Hermione quickly reached Draco who was speaking with the Gream brothers saying something about the bank.
"Draco, darling… can I speak to you for a second?" she said with the fakest smile in the world, and pulled his hand. When they were far enough away, Hermione asked through clenched her teeth.
"What are you doing you bloody idiot? Why are you lying and saying that I'm your fiancée?!"
"Don't flatter yourself, Granger, I did that because of the deal." said Draco with an arrogant tone which only enraged her further.
"What?! That's the most pathetic excuse I've ever heard" Hermione said sarcastically.
"Don't be so defensive…or…or you do you like one of the brothers? My, my Granger, do you perhaps want to make a different kind of a deal...?" Draco smirked, but on the inside a little monster called hope was praying for a negative answer.
"This is so inappropriate …" began Hermione "I don't have time to deal with you right now! Their lawyer is here…but I am warning you, this lie will have big consequences in your future!" Hermione hissed and headed towards the conference room.
When they all entered the conference hall, and the meeting started, Hermione couldn't think about anything, but their argument. When he stood up to speak, she looked at him- confident, bold, self-assertive, a little cocky, but very eloquent. If only he wasn't such an arrogant prat it would be great! He had the ability to make her blood boil and make her lose control. Every time he pushed her buttons, she had to do her best not to slap him or to curse him. He kept her on her toes.
"You need someone who will keep you on your toes" the voice of Ginny echoed in her mind. She immediately shook it away! No, no, no he is selfish, arrogant, sarcastic brat who is only using girls for pleasure, she didn't need that! She appreciated his qualities, but she couldn't, she wouldn't allow him near her.
After about an hour the deal was finally closed and the champagne was popped.
"Cheers, Miss Granger!" Sebastian Gream stretched his glass to hers.
"Cheers" Hermione gave him a small smile.
"I believe we made a perfect choice" he told her as he sipped from his flute "I want to congratulate you as well Miss Granger; you've made a perfect choice. He's a great man…"
Hermione decided not to ruin the day, looking at Draco who was speaking with the Minister and the other brother not far from them.
"Yes, thank you! Perfect choice indeed!''
"When we get back from the states, we should meet for dinner or something." suggested Sebastian. Hermione almost choked and then blushed.
"Yeah, yeah we could do that." Unknowingly, he created her own personal hell when he waved over Draco. He nodded and came to them politely smiling, put his hand gently on her waist. Hermione felt chills from his touch but tried to act as normal as possible.
"So, Mr. Malfoy when will the big day be?" Sebastian continued to raise questions.
"Next year, it will be a very private ceremony with only family." said Draco so convincingly that no one could guess it's a lie. Sebastian asked them about the honeymoon and before Hermione could tell another lie, Draco did it first.
"It's a surprise, I already arranged it, some place she will never forget."
"I'm sure I won't, darling." She faked her smile and cursed him in her mind, things couldn't get any worse…
"Do you planning on having big family?"
"No!" Hermione said at the same time as Draco said "yes." Sebastian looked confused at them and them Hermione explained.
"I want to focus on my career and if I have more than one child, it would be impossible."
"Isn't that funny, Malfoy? Your wife to be is your boss too!" laughed Sebastian. Draco whose hand was still resting on Hermione's waist laughed
"Yeah, well, we all know who is the real master of the house, so…"
They all laughed and Sebastian excused himself, wishing them eternal love and happiness. Hermione sighed in relief and then said.
"Get your hand off, Malfoy! We are done playing house." Draco just smirked at her; his face was so close to her it made her feel slightly intimidated.
"Don't act as if you didn't enjoy it or are you complaining because I ruined your chance to catch a rich business man?"
"One more word, and you are fired!" Hermione scolded him.
Draco rolled his eyes and left her. He went to get another glass, he needed a drink. He had never gotten so close to her before, and hated to admit that just her sheer presence lit a fire inside him.
I can't let that little, annoying, bitch get under my skin he thought.
As she walked away, she too was having similar thoughts about the blond whose head was full of her. He is out of control. I will do everything in my power to have him removed from my team! Hermione was still having chills on her body because of his touch or... I am the one out of control when he touches me… no, no, this is unacceptable, he can't get under my skin!"
Narcissa and Draco were headed out to the charity event, when a house elf informed them that Draco had a visitor.
"Blaise, hello!" welcomed Narcissa and he kissed her hand "Long time no see."
"Hello, Mrs. Malfoy you look amazing are you going somewhere?"
"Yes actually, Draco and I are about to attend an event." explained she
Draco came in wearing one of his best outfits, and was surprised to see Blaise.
"Mate, what brings you here?"
"I wanted to talk to you, but I see you are busy." said Blaise as he checked Draco out "You look good, what's that event about?"
"I don't know, some charity event"
"It has to be special this time, because we both know you never attend such things."
"Pansy sent that invitation to my mother, and she insisted ..." explained Draco but his friend interrupted him with wide eyes.
"Pansy?" he asked intrigued. "Is she going to be there?"
"Yeah, she is one of the organizers I assume" said Draco as raised an eyebrow "Why are you so curious?"
"Blaise, why don't you come with us, we can talk and catch up, it will be lovely!" Narcissa chimed in to offer.
"Of course, I'll coming with you." Blaise answered sounding very excited.
When they arrived, the hall was full of people, all of them were elegant and refined. On the walls, multitudes of paintings were hung. There was a simple, but stylish décor and a catering for all kinds of tastes. Draco felt uncomfortable, he knew he didn't belong there. A few people were turning to look at him and his mother with strange look. Guilt struck him. He knew that most of the victims were from Bellatrix Lestrange's deeds. He knew deep down that people would never accept him, and his black scar on his arm reminded him every day that some mistakes can't be forgiven. He wanted to leave, immediately.
"Is that Draco Malfoy, and his mother?" asked Ginny
She, Hermione, Luna, and Pansy were in the center of the hall, giving people a memory card for buying paintings.
"What?!" marveled Hermione as she searched for him.
"I invited only Narcissa, she must have convinced him to come with her… I'm going to welcome them; he must be feeling uncomfortable" Pansy mused before she left.
"I can't believe his nerve!" said Hermione. "First, he humiliates me in front of our clients in the Ministry, now he is coming to my charity event?"
Ginny looked at her friend and asked sarcastically "Didn't you say that we should give people a second chance and used them to raise money?"
"This is totally different" Hermione denied. "He came here to mock me as he usually does, but he is wrong this time, I'm going to ask him to leave!"
"Hermione don't do this." advised Luna "You will give people the wrong impression by kicking the Malfoys out. Most of the families here are good friends with them… let Pansy handle the situation."
Hermione breathing deeply nodded and tried to relax.
"Merlin, he is under your skin! 'Mione you become a different girl when it comes to him… do I smell sexual tension here?"
"Ginny, don't! It's not the time or place for this kind of jokes."
"But it's all over your face and…you're shaking!"
"I am good." She told her with a tone of finality, but she was still breathing heavily trying to regain composure.
Pansy reached the Malfoys, and to her surprise Blaise was with them, but she decided to ignore him.
"Narcissa, Draco… I am so glad you came! Have you gotten a change to look at the paintings? A few have already been purchased."
"Pansy, dear... thank you for the invitation." Narcissa hugged her "Hans Gilbert is one of my favorite artists. I love his work! I will definitely be buying!"
"Pansy…" Blaise said and took her hand to kiss "I wanted to talk to you."
"Hello, Blaise" she said coolly "I am busy right now, we can talk some other time…"
He came closer to her and whispered in her ear "I would like to talk to you in private, I have something important to say. You sent away all of my owls, so I decided to come to see you here."
Pansy blinked few times and then said with the same cold voice.
"After the event, if it so important to you…"
"Draco and I will take a walk to see all of the paintings, dear" said Narcissa feeling the sudden tension between Blaise and Pansy.
"Good, and I have to take care of some things… enjoy the paintings" she told them and left.
Tonight, is not about him, it's about the poor children and the homeless! she thought, walking as far as possible from Blaise He is not worth my time nor my good mood, I am here to help."
One hand stopped her and she jumped.
"Wow, Pansy… I'm sorry... I didn't mean to scare you, I wanted to say what a wonderful job you've done."
"Ron… hello, I was just… thank you. You also helped with the decoration, so…I can't really take all the credit." she smiled at him.
"Are you ok? You look distracted." asked Ron.
"I am fine, I just met someone I wanted to avoid, to be honest." said Pansy quietly.
"You do not have to whisper; you are safe here. We have almost 10 aurors scattered throughout the premises. It is quite an honor for us to protect beautiful girls." Pansy blushed and didn't believe that he was flirting with her.
"You are so sweet Ron, I am feeling quite safe now, thank you." Ron tucked her hair behind her ear and said.
"You are the sweet one…" Pansy didn't say anything and just stared at him. Had been quite some time since a man had flirted with her or given her a compliment. It was nice to feel special again.
"Can we… go somewhere private?" asked Ron.
Pansy looked around and then nodded. They went on the balcony and he said
"Listen, Pansy… all that charity and stuff showed me I need to leave the past behind and to… to live a new life, so I was thinking… can I take you out sometime if you.. if you think it is ok?"
"Take me out? As a date?" she asked feeling a bit insecure.
"Yeah, I like you." confessed Ron.
"Well, I'm flattered… really but… Hermione and I are on good terms, I can call her my friend. She trusted me and helped me when I needed her, I am afraid that if I go out with you, I will hurt her feelings." Pansy explained calmly "She told me about you two…"
Ron looked disappointed but tried to convinced her.
"We are over, it didn't work out… she is wonderful, but we are better as friends than as lovers. I am sure that she will understand, she has a good heart. One thing I learned recently is to not allow anyone to ruin your happiness, so just think about that, ok?"
"I will." nodded Pansy. Ron pulled her in tight against his body and whispered close to her lips.
"Promise?"
Ron kissed Pansy gently...