(A/N - A lot of those who reviewed got who the "mystery" financer was. ;p And so - on with the story!)
Chapter 12 – Worrying the Unexpected
Harry kept on pacing in their living room. He couldn't stay still. Ron and Luna sat side by side on the couch watching Harry fret.
"Will you stop pacing, mate? You're giving me a headache," said Ron while rolling his eyes dramatically.
"Yes, Harry. Hermione will be here any time soon so you don't have to worry much. I'm sure she can handle herself like she said she could," Luna chirped in.
Harry didn't bother to listen but still kept on with his pacing. He couldn't help but worry about Hermione. For some reason, deep within him, he could feel that Hermione is not really out of harm's way (though he didn't believe in Divination).
"I'm going to Riche Magie Hotel," said Harry impulsively, stopping his pacing. He walked towards the front door to their only apparition point when Ron blocked him.
"For Merlin's sake, Harry! Stop worrying and fretting too much!" said Ron, restraining Harry.
"But –"
"Luna, go get Harry a glass of Ogden's Firewhiskey. It's in the cupboard in the kitchen," Ron instructed Luna while trying to get Harry to sit down. Luna hastened to follow and after a couple of minutes returned to the living room with 2 glasses and a bottle of Firewhiskey. She poured a reasonable amount in both glasses and handed both to Ron. Ron took one glass and handed the other to Harry.
Harry reluctantly took the glass from Ron and muttered a soft "Thanks."
Taking a sip, Ron observed Harry through the rim of his glass. Harry looked a bit haggard than usual, and this was not because of Auror training. But there's a gleam in his eyes that says – he is willing to go through any lengths just to protect Hermione. He's shaking a bit and he kept on glancing at the wall clock, every other minute. A couple of hours had already passed since Hermione went to her meeting and Harry is anxious about it. Ron hadn't seen Harry like this, not even when he was in a relationship with his baby sister. Sure, he cared. But not cared like this, to the extent of worrying so much – he's willing to follow Hermione and tail her everywhere she goes.
Ron thought that any bloke who would wrongly cross Hermione should be afraid of Harry's wrath. What with Harry's immense power and his ability to do wandless magic, well – anyone should really think twice before crossing Hermione's path in the wrong way.
Harry sighed, took a tentative sip of his Firewhiskey and laid his head on the backseat of the couch. "I hope 'Mione's fine," he muttered.
Hermione sat uncomfortably at the comfortable velvety couch inside the most expensive suite in Riche Magie Hotel. She couldn't keep still and kept on fidgeting in her seat. Upon seeing who the "mystery" financer was, she suddenly didn't know what to do and how to react.
"Why the sudden stiffness, Miss Granger? I'm having such a good time with your company."
"Oh, sod it, Malfoy. I'm not in the mood for your games," she replied indignantly. "And here we thought we were rid of you forever," she added quietly more to herself. Yes, the "mystery" financer was none other than Draco Malfoy. Hermione couldn't quite grasp this information just yet and knowing that this person sitting at ease in front of her was the one who was financing most of their activities and who was donating to various institutions to help those who were affected by the previous war, well – she just couldn't believe it.
Draco Malfoy kept his distance after their sixth year at Hogwarts, never returning then, like the Trio, even when Hogwarts re-opened. They all thought that he rose among the Death Eaters ranks like that of his father. They even all thought that he was probably dead since it's been 5 years since the war and no word was heard from him.
Little did the Trio know that Draco didn't return to the Death Eaters that night when Dumbledore was killed by Severus Snape (upon Dumbledore's orders though – because of the Unbreakable Vow that Snape made with Draco's mother). Snape took and trained him and fought side by side with the Light (although the Trio knew nothing of these). He became another "spy" for the Ministry like that of Severus. Only Remus and Minerva McGonagall knew of this information.
Since Lucius Malfoy's death during the war, everything of the Malfoy fortune fell into his hands and Draco's done nothing but donate to the cause of the Light, completely renouncing the ways of the Dark side. And by completely, he really means completely – to the point of throwing away everything he was taught and believed in.
"Language, Miss Granger," said Draco silkily, almost lazily, while sipping his champagne. "Does your head know of this – attitude of yours when meeting and talking with your clients?"
Hermione rolled her eyes and had a sudden fleeting image of Lucius Malfoy talking in the same manner with the previous Minister of Magic, Cornelius Fudge, and buying his way in.
"So that's why you've been financing most of the activities going on in the Ministry. You're just like your father! What? You're donating lots of Galleons so that you could be – how did your father call it? Oh yeah – well connected to the high officials in the Ministry," said Hermione, her eyes gleaming accusingly at the young Malfoy.
Draco didn't respond immediately. He gazed at Hermione thoughtfully, his eyes and face bearing no emotion at all except probably amusement at the accusation she gave him.
"I am not my father, Granger," he said quietly.
Hermione was a bit taken aback. She expected Draco to lash out at her and defend his father, like what he usually did during their Hogwarts days. But she raised her eyebrows unbelievingly and said in a mocking tone, "Oh, really Malfoy? Pray tell of how you weaved your way in the high officials in the Ministry. Pretty sneaky if you ask me. Like a snake probably. Learned that from the Death Eaters, I'm sure."
Draco chuckled. "You still haven't changed, Hermione. You're still the same bossy know-it-all I knew back during Hogwarts."
Hermione was startled. That was the first time that Draco ever used her first name in a sentence. She's usually just Granger, or even worse – mudblood.
Draco, upon noticing the look of surprise in Hermione's face, asked, "What? Shocked I used your first name, Hermione?" Then he smiled, really smiled this time. Not his usual trademark smirk. And Hermione thought he look rather good when he smiles. Oh, stop thinking of that, Hermione! He's Draco Malfoy. One of Voldemort's henchmen. Not to mention, your torturer for 6 years at Hogwarts!
"I told you I'm not my father. You never knew what I did after our 6th year at Hogwarts. We never saw each other since then. Well, I did at one point – during the final battle. Though you never saw me. And before you say anything else –" he continued on upon seeing Hermione open her mouth, no doubt to say that he, of course, saw them as they were fighting against each other. "– do not say that we were against each other at that time. You don't really know anything about me."
Silence followed. Then – "I – well – er…" Hermione stuttered. She was suddenly at a lost for a comeback. Did he really change or is he just acting around with me? What is Malfoy playing at?
Draco chuckled once more quietly. "Well, this is a surprise. A first time, really. Miss Granger hasn't a nasty comeback for ferret boy. Cheers, Hermione." And with that, he raised his champagne flute at Hermione and took a sip.
Hermione was still at a lost for words. She just kept on looking at Draco. Although she still doesn't believe entirely everything that Draco's been telling her, she couldn't help but notice how suave and elegant and well-bred he looks. He really was brought up with breeding and manners, no doubt. Although she doubted that when they were at Hogwarts (due to their history).
After what seemed like an eternity of silence between them, Draco stood up, went over to one of his chest drawers beside the grand piano. "So Hermione, I hope you liked how they treated you on your way in here at my hotel. If not, I would talk personally to my personnel. Just let me know," he said while rummaging through the contents of the drawer.
"Your hotel?" Hermione asked incredulously. Then it dawned on her. Draco owned the Riche Magie Hotel. And why wouldn't he? He's obviously filthy rich. And even if it was hard for her to believe it, Draco had been donating to a lot of institutions lately which can only mean that he has the Galleons to spend for it.
"Yes, Miss Granger. My hotel," he said with a bit of an air of pride while gathering several parchments and sitting once more on the couch opposite Hermione. Hermione just rolled her eyes. I guess some things wouldn't really change.
"So, Miss Granger – Hermione – shall we get down to business? I believe that's why we are both here…"
And business they did.
Harry sighed for the nth time that night. Glancing every once in a while at their wall clock. Ron just kept on rolling his eyes every time Harry did that while Luna got out a book and was reading.
After another 30 minutes of companionable silence, they all heard a distinct pop outside which only meant that Hermione just apparated home. Harry wasted no time; he got up and went to open the door before Hermione even had the chance to unlock it. Harry immediately wrapped his arms around Hermione, kissing the top of her head while murmuring, "Oh, I'm so glad you're home safe."
Hermione laughed albeit a little tiredly, "Harry, I'm fine, really. Come on, stop."
Ron looked on although a bit smilingly at the couple at the door. "She's right, mate. Let her go lest you want her strangled by your big, hairy arms."
"Hey! I'm not hairy!" said Harry indignantly while turning around to face Ron and in the process, releasing Hermione. Although not entirely because he still had his one arm around her.
Hermione giggled and Ron started to laugh with Luna giggling as well. "We know that Harry. But that way, you finally released 'Mione from your death grip. And it's good you're finally home," said Ron, looking over at Hermione. "We're going crazy here because Harry's going crazy already over you!"
Harry turned back to Hermione. He led her to the couch and once they are all seated, summoned from the kitchen a butterbeer, almost hitting Ron in the head in the process.
"Merlin, Harry! I wish you'll let me know when you do that!" said Ron, ducking while the bottle passed him.
Harry just ignored him and turned his full attention now to Hermione. "So, is everything all right? How did your meeting go? And who is this "mystery" financer that you've been talking about? Were you able to close the deal?"
Hermione laughed. "Everything's all right. My meeting went well. The "mystery" financer was Draco Malfoy. And yes, I was able to close the deal. Did I answer all your questions?" she cocked her head to the side while smiling at Harry.
But both Harry and Ron suddenly stood up, not really hearing everything that Hermione said save for just a couple of words.
"YOU WHAT!" they both bellowed and started talking at once.
"You met with Draco sodding Malfoy!"
"Of all people - !"
"He was the "mystery" financer?"
"And you met with him?"
"You were with him for almost 3 hours!"
"Why would Malfoy finance these activities that the Ministry has?"
"Draco ferret boy Malfoy!"
"And we all thought he was dead or –"
"Guys, guys! STOP!" Hermione shouted. And only when she shouted "stop" did the two men stop their incessant talking. Luna looked on curiously, not uttering a single syllable during the exchange. Finally, she said, "Draco Malfoy? The blond haired Slytherin who always made fun of you, three? Well, that's no surprise then as to why Harry and Ron were mad."
The Trio ignored her. Harry and Ron looked at Hermione expectantly. "Well?" said Harry.
"Well what?"
"Well! Are you going to tell us why you're meeting Malfoy of all people?" asked Harry impatiently.
Hermione finally sighed and gestured at the two men to take their seats first. When both Harry and Ron sat down, Hermione began her story, retelling everything that they discussed, and how he called her by her first name throughout the entire meeting, omitting the part however about the roses in her office and the way he made her find out who he was.
When she finished, no one spoke for a while. But Harry, who noticed the roses perched on their coffee table said, "These are from Malfoy, aren't they?"
"Erm –" Hermione hesitated.
"I know, 'Mione. You told Luna a while ago that these were from one of your financers. And who else would it be but Malfoy since he's the only one you met tonight."
Hermione sighed again and scooted over closer to Harry, took his hand in hers and squeezed it lightly. "Yes, Harry. Those are from Malfoy. But it's just roses. It's meant to be a token for the business that we were about to discuss. It's nothing – personal. Plus, I won't be meeting with him anytime soon again. We've just closed a deal."
"All right, 'Mione. But take care especially around him. I doubt it that you won't be meeting him soon, now that he's made his appearance after a while," said Harry, squeezing Hermione's hand back.
"A bit dodgy though. After all these years, he finally makes an appearance and to 'Mione nonetheless. He made anonymous donations unlike his father. What is Malfoy playing at?" Ron mused over. Luna walked around his seat and started to massage his neck.
"I know, mate. That's what's gonna keep me worrying about Hermione, now that he's kept in touch."
Hermione opened her mouth to argue but thought otherwise. Something had been bothering her also all night about her meeting with Malfoy. Then it dawned on her. The note! His anonymous unsigned note! What is Malfoy really playing at?
(A/N - Thanks to all my readers and reviewers (especially to those who point out my mistakes. ;p). You are all my inspiration! THANKS THANKS THANKS A LOT!)