Harry's words play in Hermione's mind repeatedly as she paced around her room.
' He's right.I'm just being a stupid cow about everything, I have everything back home, everything here will be fine.just one night.'
Hermione stopped pacing and sat down at the foot of her bed. A moment later, she got out a bag and began to pack.
~*~
"Mr. Malfoy, there's a Ms. Parkinson to see you."
Draco looked up and saw his assistant's face on holograph system. Giving a curt nod, he said to let Pansy in.
"You've done a good job settling into a nice seat of power, Draco," drawled Pansy as she stepped into his office and shut the door. She cast a quick silencing charm and approached his desk.
Draco remained seated as Pansy took a seat in front of him.
"What do you want, Pansy?"
"Aw, Drakie, now be nice. I was in the neighbourhood and thought I would stop by the see you."
"You never just 'stop by' for nothing. What can I do for you?"
Pansy leaned over the table, her shirt dipping lower giving Draco a full view of her décolletage, courtesy of a former lover.
"I was wondering if you had a date to that fancy party the IFOWC is throwing for Potter and Weasley. See, I would love to see some old Hogwart's chums," she said with a sneer.
"You're mad; no one there would want to see you. Moreover, I do have a date. Hermione is expected to be there that evening."
"Ah, yes, your precious princess of good. How is the little minx doing? And how did she ever snag you? Tell me the truth, how much did she pay for you? Because I can assure you, I can double that sum."
"Get out. Now."
Pansy rose from her seat and turned towards the door. With her hand on the handle, Pansy turned to Draco with a smirk that rivalled his.
"Just so you know, this won't be the last time I come by. And the next time I do, you won't be begging me to leave, I can assure you of that."
The door shut behind her as Draco took out a piece of parchment and dictated a letter that he sent off almost immediately.
~*~
..I assure you that if you said anything at all, our friendship will be null and void. I do not know if the two of you are still chummy, but I am asking you, no---pleading with you not to mention a word about Hermione!
Draco
Draco,
Darling, Pansy and I still correspond occasionally, but she's no longer a confidante. I am most sincere when I say that your secret is safe with me. I don't know why you worry though, it seems as if you have Granger eating out of the palm of your hand (and other places I can only assume). Just watch out Draco, because in the end, this will not be a good thing.
With regards,
Blaise.
Blaise sent her note off and paced around the small flat she found right outside Diagon Alley in a semi-respectable neighbourhood. Now that she was back, she had to get a job.
And she knew just the person to give her one.
~*~
"I'm home!" Hermione listened for sounds of anyone in the house, but Stoneybrooke Manor was silent as a tomb. The curtains were drawn and no lights were lit. She glanced at the clock and saw that it was nearly nine o' clock in the evening. Assuming the Castletons had retired to bed, Hermione made her way up to her suite to settle in for the evening.
Upon reaching her door, Hermione's muggle mobile began to ring.
"Hullo?"
"Hello, Miss Granger?"
"Yes," said Hermione slowly as she drew her wand. She glanced around the dark hallways and listened for any odd sounds, but was just met with silence.
"Oh good, I thought perhaps I had the wrong number. I don't suppose you remember me, Pansy Parkinson?"
Hermione almost burst out laughing once the caller identified themselves.
"Parkinson? Heard you were turning tricks, although that does not surprise me. What the hell are you calling me for?"
Pansy gave a low laugh on the other line, "I was just wondering if you were curious as to what Draco has been up all the time you've been prancing around Monte Carlo."
"I'm not up for playing games, especially with the likes of you. I don't care for what you have to say."
"Just because you're suddenly filthy rich, doesn't mean you can talk down to me," said Pansy, emphasizing on the word 'filthy.' "Just watch yourself Granger."
Hermione heard a 'click' as pansy hung up. Feeling a little worked up after the odd call, she went into her bathroom and drew a bath, deciding that a nice soak would help her rest.
~*~
"Are you sure this is going to work?"
"Absolutely miss. Just one drop."
"Perfect. This better be as good as you say or you'll get hexed so badly you won't be able to bed that lovely wife of yours"
The man stared at the cloaked figure with a mixture of fear and intrigue. It had been bad for business, the dark wizards being all locked up at Azkaban. He smiled and pushed the bottle towards the customer.
"Trust me, it's going to work brilliantly."
"It better."
****************************************
Ha! Trust me, this chapter is leading on to something wicked.
Expect the unexpected, that's what I say.
Thank you again to the fantastic reviewers. As always, you are all an inspiration and a motivation. And as for Hermione being so caught up at work, it's not going to fare well for her at all.
Just a hint, you see;-)
Also, sorry so short---let's call it a half-chapter and move on to the next one, which I am currently re-writing due to new developments in the story. Ciao !
