Chapter 18

Harry and Hermione's brutal break up was splashed all over the news stands as soon as the news of the relationships untimely demise. Weather or not the stories sympathized with Harry or Hermione the only fact they left out was the fact they still were very much in love with each other.

Hermione went threw the motions of her life a shell of her former self. Her skin ghostly white from lack of sleep and food, if she weren't so numb to the world her sharp observant wits dulled, she would have noticed the black BMW following her wherever she went. The car was without license plates and had dark tinted windows, in front sat a driver behind him a wood panel concealing the back seats of the car.

Sitting in the back, comfortably on the Italian black leather was a man with slightly messy brown hair, and deep evergreen eyes. He had boyish good looks but his eyes held a maturity and wisdom that seemed to surpass his young features. Phineas Brinks, a staple in British society his parents were killed when he was only 10.Phineas had but one family member, his younger sister Torrance was 15. When he took over his families already prominent business, he not only made it in to a worldwide conglomerate, increasing his already large fortune.

The car pulled over and Phineas quickly exited the vehicle a charming smile plastered on his handsome face. "Miss?" he said calling Hermione's attention.

"Yes?" she turned to face him his smile seeming to have no effect on the girl who's once sparkling chocolate eyes were now dull and empty.

"I'm sorry to bother you but can you point me in the direction of Miss Hermione Grangers office?" Of course Phineas knew exactly where he was going and to whom he was speaking with.

"Of course, just go up this street then take the first right it's the building with the door man in the red uniform, just ask him he'll direct you to the privet elevator." She paused "What business do you have with Miss Granger?" she dared asking.

"Oh, I need a good business consultant and I was told he was the best." He smiled. "I didn't catch your name?"

Hermione was about to walk away but glanced at him from the corner of her eye "I didn't give it." She ten proceeded down the street not giving him a look back.

It was a good 20 minutes before Phineas entered Hermione's office. He smiled at her fully aware of the fact that Hermione Granger was in fact the girl from the street.

"Sorry I'm late a girl gave me piss poor directions," he winked at her extending is hand, "Phineas Brinks, pleasure to make your acquaintance." He smiled again extending his hand.

She took it locking eyes with him "Hermione Granger, how can I be of service to you Mr. Brinks."

"I was told you're the best business consultant around, well..." he paused giving her a smile "I need consulting."

"You? Phineas Brinks, business genius, youngest mogul this side of the pond need consulting?" she said attitude filling her voice. This reminded her painfully of how she'd spoke n to Harry when they'd first met after the polo match.

"Is that a no?" he looked generally disappointed.

"Not at all, honestly I'm just surprised." Her cold expression faded in to a sweet one.

A good 5 hours later, Chinese had been ordered, phone calls made, consulting on Hermione's part, and a pleasant conversation wasn't out of the ordinary. Phineas was as smart, charming and handsome as they say.

At the door of building as they were both departing, Phineas surprised her "Hermione I would be delighted if you would attend my Birth Day dinner next Wednesday." This party was a like a legend in it's own time she'd heard many stories and frankly was caught off guard by this.

"Of course." She gave him a dazed smile he returned it and walked to his black BMW waving to her briefly before he entered the car.

Wednesday night

Hermione stepped out of the black limo sent to pick her up, she felt as if she was at a celebrity award show. There was a long red carpet littered with celebrities, socialites, business legends, and unfortunately those of noble birth. Cameras flashed in her direction as reporters flooded her wit questions.

She stopped momentarily putting on her bet imitation of her once brilliant smile. She found it hard to smile like she once did since her incident with Harry. Ignoring all questions she quickly made her way in to the large ballroom. No sooner had she descended the large marble staircase. She'd so wished she wasn't so damn polite and had rejected his offer. Hermione much prefer staying at home reading or just watching a movie with Avery and Dria.

She'd raided Dria's immense closet, Dria was very impulsive and bought designer clothes like there was no tomorrow. After what seemed like an endless abyss of designer clothes she found the perfect dress. It was vintage Valentino black evening gown; it was backless with criss-cross straps, higher in the front exposing her black stilettos with a long train in the back, and a sweet heart neckline. Her dark chocolate hair was pulled in to a mid height pony tail her hair in her classic soft curls, her side part bangs hanging ever so slightly in her eyes. As usual the make up was minimal a soft gold on her eyelids, and a sheer shimmering lip-gloss.

People were mingling talking and pleasant chitchat. Hermione didn't know many people she'd wished Avery 'd come along but she had a prior commitment with Ron.

Phineas soon interrupted her loneliness; he was smiling happily his evergreen eyes dancing. "Hermione you made it! You look absolutely fantastic!" He took her hands and gave her a friendly kiss on the cheek.

"Happy Birth day!" When he pulled away she saw a very pretty petite girl with a pale complexion, long straight dark cinnamon hair that went down past her chest. She had familiar evergreen eyes, they told her who she was.

"Hermione this is my little sister Torrance," Torrance smiled at her as Hermione took her black gloved hand. She was wearing a simple strapless silk evergreen dress, and black heels. "Torrance was anxious to meet you after our meeting the other day."

"Well I'm honored," she smiled at the younger girl whose already classic good looks intimidated her. Phineas slowly backed to leaving the tow girls to talk.

"I'd like to apologize in advance for my bluntness, but what was dating Prince Harry like?"

"Wow I wasn't expecting that," she let out a laugh but then looking at the girl's expectant face she couldn't escape so easily. " Harry was an amazing kisser." She wasn't the least bit surprised when Torrance giggled like the 15-year-old girl she was.

"I'm glad you think so Hermione." Came a familiar voice that sent shivers threw her entire body. Torrance looked behind her and her jaw dropped.

"Please Torrance tell me that isn't who I think it is?" she hissed her eyes shut tight.

"Do you want me to lie to you and tell you that isn't Prince Harry."

"Oh bugger!" She reluctantly turned around to see Harry as handsome as she remembered or more. He was dressed in a simple classic tuxedo.

"Can I talk to you?"

"That depends..." she said her face unreadable.

"Depends on what?" he asked.

"Weather or not I want to hear what you have to say." Harry smiled and too her hand leading her into what seemed like a deserted hallway. Hermione stood her back to the wall Harry standing in front of her.

"Hermione, I know what I said hurt you. But when I realized what I said to you it killed me to think how much I'd hurt you," his hand started caressing her cheek. "Please find it in your heart to forgive me."

Hermione looked up her chocolate eyes searching his for a moment before she opened her mouth to respond.

To be continued......