A/N: I do not own the Harry Potter characters; I just love the books!
After a VERY long hiatus, I have updated my story! I'm sure you understand how busy life can get:) Please note that I can only update about every week – two weeks. I will update as soon as I can, but this is a very slow processing story.
With that new information under her belt, Hermione decided it was time to prepare for tea with Draco. She quickly ran back home to find Ginny already dressed in a pretty, baby blue dress (that was cut a bit low in the front, Hermione thought).
"Finally, you are here!" Ginny exclaimed as Hermione rushed through the door. Hermione had given Ginny a key when she moved out so Ginny would often meet Hermione at home. "We are going to be late!"
"I know, I just wanted to get some background on the Carney estate." Hermione went into her room and began to change clothes. "Did you know that Draco's family was the original owners?"
"No! Really? That is so odd that we never heard anything about it." Ginny took out some lip-gloss to apply. She stopped, "So, Draco really didn't have an alternative reason for coming here, did he?"
"What? What do you mean "alternative"?" Hermione poked her head out the bedroom door. Ginny mumbled something. "What?"
"Oh, you know – maybe he realized how wonderful you, I or normal girls were and decided to come her to fill our fantasies!" Ginny grinned sheepishly at Hermione. Hermione laughed.
"I don't know about you, but none of my fantasies involve members of the Malfoy family!"
"Yeah, but did you see Draco on that horse?" Ginny signed, "He is so much more handsome than he was at Hogwarts. He is more built and his hair is not so stiff anymore, but lightly drapes across his face and…" she trailed off.
"Yes? Have we gone all a flutter out there?" Hermione called. Ginny giggled and put away her gloss.
"No! I just think he is very handsome now and seems to have some good manners too. Just watch at the manor for his tight, little bum and you may start swooning too!"
"Ha!" Hermione opened the door. "How do I look?" Hermione came out of the room in dark maroon top that v-necked into her bosom modestly. Her skirt was black and slightly flared at the knees, which flattered her figure very nicely. Ginny looked her over once.
"Are you sure you don't think Draco's hot?" she giggled at the look Hermione shot her. "Ok, ready to go?"
"Yes. Let me grab my notebook and I'll be set."
"Why do you need your notebook?"
"To ask him questions, of course."
"NO!" Ginny looked horrified. "You are not going to use our first tea with Draco to bore him talking about the history of his home! This is social, remember?"
"But, his house is so interesting! He must love talking about it!" Hermione protested.
"No. If he wants to talk to you about the history of the estate, he can set up a meeting with you." Hermione didn't look convinced. "Please Hermione, trust me. This is not the way to go to tea with a rich, handsome, single man."
Hermione signed. "Ok, I see your point." They began to walk out the door. "So, what are we going to talk about?"
"Hmmm. Well, we can talk about his great body and how he got it looking so great or –"
About half way through tea, Hermione realized that she could not help but admire Draco's 'muscular body and bum.' 'I am going to kill Ginny when we get home,' she thought as Draco walked to the window with Ginny to show her the garden and she again had to advert her eyes from his bum. Hermione signed and sipped on her tea. All in all, the tea was going very nicely. Draco was in perfect behavior and he and Ginny were keeping a steady stream of conversation about what has been going on since they left Hogwarts.
Apparently, Draco had been traveling around the world doing odd jobs and whatever pleased him since they last met. Now, he was done with his rambles and ready to help with a portion of the family business, which included property management.
"…and I whacked him in the head, knocking him out!" Ginny and Draco laughed as they came back to sit with Hermione. She found it amazing that they were getting along so well, considering their past.
"So, Hermione – you have been very quiet today." Draco stated, looked intently at her. He sure has nice eyes, when there is no evil in them Hermione thought. She smiled.
"I'm sure she is just enjoying your company and estate. It is very handsome." Ginny answered for Hermione. Draco nodded in agreement.
"Yes, my ancestors were very good at designing impressive buildings. I prefer this one to the Malfoy Manor. I think it has more… It is much more interesting." His eyes gazed into Hermione's. The gaze was so strong; Hermione leaned forward toward him to match the stare. "What do you think Hermione?"
"I agree. It is one of the most handsome and interesting estates I have ever seen."
"I am glad you think so." He held her gaze a bit longer and then turned to Ginny. "No doubt Hermione has told you a bit about her history?"
"Yes, she was saying that your family is the original owners of the estate. I hope that you did not come to our town for only that reason." She replied, batting her eyelashes. Draco laughed at her attempt to be coy.
"Of course not! This area is such a prime location for me due to its proximity to London – it allows me to do my business, but still enjoy country life." Ginny's face fell a bit, but she managed to recover.
"Oh, that is very convenient for you." She fidgeted for a moment and then blurted out, "So, are you da-"
Draco interrupted her. "Would you like to see the gardens, ladies?" Again, as his eyes met Hermione's she felt the pull toward him. They stood together, keeping their eyes locked. Hermione smiled.
"That would be wonderful."
"Wow, I never thought that I would see a garden so beautifully designed!" Ginny exclaimed as the walked the paths in the shadow of the manor.
"Yes, it's amazing what a gardner can do. Of course, they were designed by my ancestor Rauma Carney. She had very specific specifications about how the Manor should be laid out."
"Rauma Carney? What a beautiful name!"
"Yes, it's a variation from the name Reima; defined as one who protects."
"Wow." Ginny breathed. The trio walked in silence, taking in the beauty of the gardens. Suddenly, a load voice was heard yelling.
"DRACO!" The trio turned around. "Where are you, mate?"
"In the garden!" Draco yelled back. Hermione and Ginny looked at eachother. Who is that?
Out of the house and down the stars came one of the most handsome men in England. While he was not as tall as Draco, and did not have those sophisiticated maners Draco possessed, he was what most women would call 'a hunk.'
"Wow," Ginny breathed next to Hermoine. "You can have Draco, I want him!" Draco raised an eyebrow, but didn't say anything.
"Hey Draco, what's going on?" the new man came up to Draco and offered a warm handshake and pat on the shoulder. Draco looked very pleased to see him there.
"Blaise! I am very gald that you could join us today!" Draco turned to Ginny and Hermione. "I'm sure you remember Hermione Granger and Ginny Weasly."
"Your kidding!" Blaise broke into a wide smile and bowed to both ladies. "You ladies look wonderful. Aw, give me a hug – it is so good to see Hogwart girls!" he concluded wraping both girls in a huge hug. His spice colone filled the air and Hermione and Ginny blushed at his openness.
"It is wonderful to see you too Blaise." Hermione said warmly. Blaise had been easy to talk with at Hogwarts and by her final year he had become friends with students in every house. At graduation, he was elected by the students to give the final speech of the future. "I don't think I have seen you in over a year!"
"Two years I think. The last time we met was at the World Cup when Harry was playing!"
"Right! Wow, has it been so long? That was such a good game."
"I know! There hasn't been a game like that in about 300 years! We'll see how England does this year – I heard that Turkey had a new Seeker that is breaking all sorts of records in speed and acuracy."
"Blaise, we were just talking a walk. Do you want to join us?"
"Of course!" Blaise offered his arm to Hermione. "Would you do me the honor?"
Hermione laughed, not noticing Ginny's crestfalled face or Draco's slight scowl. "Of course!" Talking the lead down the path they continued to chat about the past and the present. After a pause, Draco silently offered his arm to Ginny who silently took it. They followed the other couple, watching the conversation turn from subject to subject.