Hermione hated the sight of him. She hated that he was there on her twentieth birthday when she specifically told her friends not to let him know, but that was the trouble of having the same circle of friends. They attended the same Wizarding schools and landed in the same Slytherin House. It was inevitable that they would run to each other and be in the same events, but not her birthday. She didn't want him there.

It was only two months ago since they broke up. They didn't actually break up. Tom Riddle, her boyfriend of nearly five years, told her that he had something to resolve and that it was over. There was no other explanation beyond that. He cut off any communication with her. She cried her heart out to their friends. She made sure not to attend any events or gathering that he would be attending and made excuses after another.

Since their breakup, she didn't feel like celebrating her birthday. It was them who talked her into it. She finally budged and let them throw her a party. They promised her that tonight would be about her, but there he was pouring everyone drinks at Malfoy's bar. It was as if he owned the Manor, wearing a classic suit and tie. The anger rose every time she caught a glimpse of him, and she had to take a swig of the dark aged Firewhiskey, that burned her mouth and throat before settling in her stomach.

Alas, her date arrived via Floo. Everyone turned to the fireplace when a spark of green flames roared. Within, was a fresh face at the Ministry of Magic, transferred from France. He was handsome and smart, but what caught everyone's attention was how similar he looked to Tom. He had jet black curls, pale complexion as if his skin was barely kissed by the sun, grey blue eyes, and he was centimeters shorter, but was medium built and muscular. It was seen through his white buttoned shirt, and tie to match his eyes. His cufflinks had his initials engraved on them. JNM, Julien Nicholas Monet.

His tie color matched that of her dress. It was backless, which made Tom fumed when she arrived. The front was a low cut that revealed the top part of her breasts, and she wore a gold necklace he had never seen before.

"Hermione," he wrapped his arms around her waist and drew her in to his embrace.

"Julien, you made it."

"There was an emergency. Sorry, I'm late," he leaned down and placed a kiss on her crimson tinted lips.

"These are my friends," she blushed.

He looked around the large room and smiled at everyone, but there was one, who didn't return it. "Who's he?" he tilted his head towards the bar, where most of the men gathered with glasses in hand and a forced smile as a greeting.

"Don't worry about him," she rolled her eyes.

He eyed her carefully and read every minute movement and twitch of her body. "I would love a drink. I'll get you another."

"I'll come with you," she said in a panic and grabbed his hand.

"It's your birthday. Let me," he took her glass from her other hand and walked towards the bar.

"Two," he said and placed the glass down on the bar. "For me and my lady," he placed his hand on the small of her back.

Tom didn't flinch, but there was a twitch on the corner of his mouth before he picked up the glass with her lipstick stain, that matched the one on the male's lips. He poured her a drink and filled another glass for her escort. That's all he was.

"Thanks," he picked up her glass and handed it to her, then picked his up. "Happy birthday, beautiful," he leaned over and kissed her lips. "I notice that you wore my gift," he said as he picked up the pendant hanging on her neck, and let the back of his fingers graze her exposed skin. "Come," he took her hand and led her back to where her friends sat.

They heard the bottle slammed against the wooden bar as they walked away. She scoffed under her breath and smirked at the thought of him being jealous.

She sat on his lap due to the lack of seats, when there was plenty earlier. Her back was towards the bar, which she didn't mind. It helped her forget that he was there, whilst Julien placed his hand on the small of her back. He moved his hand up and down her exposed back, causing her to shiver. She turned to him and whispered something in his ear. He immediately stopped and splayed his fingers, pushing her close against his body.

"If you have had enough of the festivities, I would love to take you home," he whispered in her ear.

Her whole face blushed, and she raised her glass to her lips. The alcohol was soothing and warm as his hand. She stood up and said goodbye to her friends before taking his hand. She prepared herself as she made her way to the bar to thank the host, Malfoy. He hadn't moved an inch since earlier and remained by Tom's side.

"Malfoy, we're leaving early. Thank you for a lovely night," she forced a smile at the host.

"Thank you for making her day special."

"Uh, yea," Malfoy was taken aback. "Leaving so soon? This whole night was for you."

"Let's not kid ourselves, Malfoy. This night was for him," she pointed at Tom. "I'd like to enjoy the little time left of my birthday."

"Come, Hermione," Julien said as he took her hand.

"I definitely will later," she replied before walking away.

xxxx

She stumbled out of her fireplace and was only able to keep upright thanks to her date, who held her as they walked to her bedroom. "Thanks for coming last minute."

"Did you really have to go that far?" he asked, as he helped sit her down on the bed.

She laid down with her legs hanging from the edge. "I was told he wasn't going to be there. Of all the days, he was the last person I wanted to see. I wanted to hurt him as much as he hurt me. Thanks, Julien."

The bed sunk underneath him when he laid down beside her. He turned his head to face her. "I guess that's what it feels like to kiss a woman," he chuckled. "My ex-boyfriend would be rolling his eyes at the thought. You're lucky I'm single and bored."

"And gay," she added. "Thank you so much. I owe you one."

"Yes. Don't forget next week when my parents come for a visit. I'll need a girlfriend for a day to get them off my back."

"Just let me know the time and date."

"Take care, birthday girl," he patted her head and stood up. "Get some water and rest. I'll see myself out."

end.