The skies had cleared in time for the event. It was a special occasion for Britain's Muggle and Wizarding World. After having captured the most dangerous wizard Gellert Grindelwald with special cooperation from the Muggle Ministry, the Ministry of Magic wanted to thank the UK Parliament for their understanding as Aurors worked tirelessly to capture the wizard. It had been a long, hard battle that saw many loses of extraordinary wizards. Some were young and some old that had seen too many duels to last more than one lifetime.
After months of war in the Wizarding World that eventually spread through the Muggle World, putting in jeopardy the long kept secret, Grindelwald was finally captured and now in Azkaban where he belonged. The Ministry of Magic took extra precautions. They added enchantments around the prison island, alongside the Dementors that ensured the prisoners had no hope left in them.
Minister Tom Riddle personally saw to it that Grindelwald would no longer be a threat to anyone. He fought alongside his Aurors when one too many died at the hands of Grindelwald and his army of Death Eaters. No one was more powerful than the Minister for Magic, who was mentored by the greatest wizard to live, Albus Dumbledore, who lost his life due to the betrayal of Grindelwald. Once friends became enemies.
x
The doors of the large estate opened its doors once the weather calmed, letting the cool autumn air in. Its scent filled the manor as the Floo Network began to spark with emerald smoke and mist. The first to arrive was Minister Riddle. He wore a classic black suit with a dark green tie, an homage to his Slytherin House. His black wavy hair was parted at the side. He made sure that not a single strand was out of place. Tonight needed to be perfect, starting with him.
The Floo continued to glow after his arrival. One by one, more arrived. He was followed by other top wizards and witches that worked in the Ministry of Magic. He wanted to be sure that all went well and nothing would go wrong. The night need not be complicated with their special guests. It wasn't often that Muggles were invited inside the Wizarding World.
Minutes after his arrival, the UK Prime Minister appeared and covered in a haze of emerald. Prime Minister Hermione Granger looked around her surrounding before stepping out carefully with the help of a porter.
"Thank you," she smiled at the gentleman, who looked no more than his mid-twenties. By his clothing, she knew that he was a wizard. They all seemed to favour robes that wizards wore for every occasion.
He bowed his head. "Pleasure, Prime Minister Granger," he said. "I hope you enjoy your evening. Perhaps, you may spare me a dance?"
She smiled at his attempt. He wasn't the first and surely wouldn't be the last. Many made advances during official and unofficial business. Not afforded any scandal or mistake as the youngest woman to become the UK Prime Minister, she turned them all down and went about her duty.
"That will be all, Draco. Kindly see the elves in the kitchen."
Draco quickly let go of her hand and took a step back when he realized who the voice belonged to. "My apologies, Minister Riddle. It won't happen again, sir," he said apologetically and rushed towards the corridor leading to the kitchen.
"Right this way, Prime Minister Granger," Tom said, as he grabbed her hand without waiting for her to reply. Though he would never admit that a Muggle had caught his attention.
"He was harmless," Hermione said, as she followed him. Not that she had a choice in the matter. Her heels clicked on the wooden floor with each step as she was dragged along.
Minister Riddle smiled at the others they passed as he led her to the banquet hall where the event was to take place. He stopped once they were alone. "You do not know the Malfoy's and what they are truly capable of. Be wary of who you talk to. Everyone here has a hidden agenda."
"And you don't?" she quipped, glancing at him with furrowed brows. "May I remind you, who spoke to the Members of Parliament on behalf of the Ministry of Magic. Not many wanted to deal with your war that you couldn't contain."
"And without it, you would not be where you are now. You are the Prime Minister because of it. I am merely warning you of whom you should be more careful of. You aren't in the Muggle World."
"I am fully aware of where I am. I came here through a fireplace. I was being polite, unlike you," she said more sternly. The tip of her heels clicked with each tap on the wooden floor.
The two stared without speaking. Neither wanted to give the other an inch or budge from their perspective side. They were both stubborn, yet neither moved away and kept close.
"The guests will be arriving soon," she added, to break the tension. It would be a long night she mused.
He smiled at her without saying a word as he let his eyes wander from head to toe, and noticed that she was wearing the gifts he sent her. "You're missing something," he whispered between them as he leaned forward and cast a spell. Within seconds, a platinum necklace with a teardrop shaped black opal pendant hung on her neck. "Perfect," he said, as he held the pendant between his fingers and thumb, grazing her soft skin.
"Thank you, Minister Riddle," she exhaled as their eyes met.
"Call me, Tom," he whispered in her ear. "Have a wonderful evening, Hermione."
Warm breath cascaded down her neck as he remained close. She needed to take a step back from him. Of all people, he was the one she needed to stay away from. She had heard the rumours about him and how he charmed his way through many situations. "Enjoy the rest of the evening, Tom."
x
Hermione stood alone in the foyer of the banquet hall, greeting guests as they arrived. She wore a long white gown, hugging every curve of her body. It had thin straps on her shoulders revealing the swell of her breasts, and had a slit on the right side of her legs, baring her thighs as she walked. Her hair was neatly tied up in an elegant bun that was held together with a diamond encrusted pin, shaped of two wands crossed together. The dress was a gift from the Minister Riddle. It wasn't exactly quite to her liking, but she had to admit that he had great taste in both fashion and jewellery. If she had a choice, she would have worn something more simple. It was quite grand and not something she was used to.
Her makeup had been lightly done. She didn't want it to take away the attention from her dress, there wouldn't be too many occasions where she could wear something so extravagant. Her freckles could still be seen underneath the thin layer of foundation, which she liked, and red lipstick finished off her look.
The evening saw many guests from the Muggle and Wizarding World, as they filled the banquet hall. As the Prime Minister, she made it her to duty to make everyone feel welcome. It was an unusual event, and she hoped that many enjoyed the festivities.
Many of the younger wizards hung around the foyer, standing near the Prime Minister as she greeted arriving guests with a smile. Those who dared to come closer, complimented her looks and how the dress fit her nicely. The look in their eyes were more than just praises and flattery on how beautiful she looked, but she knew how to handle them.
"Enjoy your evening," another added behind her.
"Yes, Minister Riddle," the group of wizards quickly walked away without looking back.
Hermione quickly spun on her heels to face him. With arms crossed, she glared at him. He was overstepping his boundaries.
"What exactly is it do you think you're doing? First Draco and now them. How many are you going to send off?"
"As many as I have to," Tom replied before walking away from her.
Hermione huffed in annoyance and returned to her duty, welcoming the remainder of guests that arrived. Every so often, she saw the Minister of Magic from the corner of her eye when men lingered around her. She quickly thanked them for coming and sent them inside the hall before he could cross the room. She didn't want the attention he brought with him.
x
The Floo Network closed exactly on the dot, not permitting any guest to come or go. Both the Ministers were escorted to the same table. She wasn't aware that they were to be sat next to each other. He helped pull her chair out and pushed it in, brushing her bare shoulders with his fingertips. It caused her to shiver when their eyes met, and she couldn't quite thank him with words. He simply nodded and sat beside her.
"It was my pleasure," he whispered.
Now and then, she felt the heat of his palm hovering on her thigh when he leaned closer to talk to the other Member of Parliament sat on their table, but he didn't dare touch her. He had been courteous and friendly with the others, smiling at them occasionally when they had his attention.
Dinner was served without the need for waiters. Food appeared in front of them, which Muggles weren't used to. There were chats when more arrived and filled the table. Soon it got quiet as everyone ate and enjoyed their meal.
"Try this," he spoon-fed her a slice of steak that the Wizarding side of the table greedily took without asking others if they wanted any.
x
After dinner, tables disappeared as quickly as they appeared. Chairs lined the walls for those who were too exhausted. Lights were dimmed and a temporary optical illusion of the night sky appeared above them.
"That's amazing," Hermione looked up and stared at the stars.
"The night is still young," Tom smirked.
Music slowly filled the hall as many gathered around the dance floor. "Why don't we have the two Ministers share the first dance as a stand of solidarity," an announcement came, then quieted again.
All eyes were suddenly on them. She felt the pressure of the attention. There was no turning back or walking away, and she wasn't sure if she wanted to.
"May I have this dance?" Tom held out his hand.
Hermione smiled, and nodded. She placed her hand in his and was led to the dance floor as the music began to fill the hall. Tom placed his right arm around her hip, pulling her close. He took her other hand and raised it in the air. Their bodies swayed to the rhythm of the music as he took the lead, sliding his leg to the side then back. She moved her hips with his, following every step he took, as their eyes never left each other.
He held her closer as others began to join them on the dance floor. Breaths mingled when their bodies touched. Her bare legs grazed the soft fabric of his trousers when they continued to move together. Their bodies swayed daringly to the music, pressing against each other. For a moment they forgot they were in a hall filled with many others until the music came to a halt.
They reluctantly pulled away from each other. His fingers slowly let hers go, and his other hand remained still on the small of her back, keeping her close.
"Thanks for the dance," Hermione broke the silence as she dropped her hand to her side.
Tom took one final look at her before letting go and stepping away. He needed to remind himself that she was a Muggle. It could never work between them.
The night continued with more dancing, but every other partner she had either slipped on the floor or stepped on their foot. From the corner of her eye, she saw Tom smirking as he danced with a witch. Frustrated, she stopped dancing with others.
x
At the stroke of midnight, every wizard and witch took out their wands and pointed it at a Muggle closest to them.
"I wish I didn't have to do this," Tom said, as he looked at her. "It has been a great pleasure working with you, Hermione," he whispered, and hesitated for a moment. "Obliviate."