Eggnogs and Fruitcake

By: tweety-src-clt9

CHAPTER TWO – Jealousy, Yelling, and Matchmaking

9th November 2010

Harry James Potter, the Vice President for Operations of the Potter Group's hotel chains, glared at the interaction he's been watching since the monthly board meeting earlier. Draco Malfoy, the son of his father's associates, now working as one of the civil engineers under the Construction and Design Department, has been getting rather chummy, borderline flirty, with his superior, one Hermione Jean Granger.

While it's not his business to intervene in his best friend's love life, he hated that the git Malfoy was clearly charming Hermione to maybe gain favors. Or worse, use her to advance his standing in the Potter Group. Draco who was very much like his father, Lucius, was a cunning and ambitious man who was on the prowl for the perfect trophy wife.

Hermione Granger, Director for Architecture and Interior Design, consistent top performer in the Potter Group, is the most ideal candidate for a trophy wife. She was brilliant, successful, graceful, classy, and well-known in high society through her involvements with charity. Since his mum liked his best friend a lot, Hermione was like an adopted daughter to his parents. So, she had always been involved by his mum when she spearheaded charity balls and whatnot.

Bottom line, his best friend was the perfect trophy wife that a git like Malfoy was on the hunt for.

However, it was also a fact, well, er, in his opinion at least, that his best friend was way out of the git's league. No bloke could ever deserve the Princess of Architecture, Hermione's moniker in the Potter Group. Her designs for their hotels and real estate business made the Potter Group an even more profitable conglomerate. In short, Hermione was the darling of the board of directors and major shareholders. Hence, Malfoy wanted her.

Harry frowned as he watched Malfoy trying to make some lame joke. To his utter annoyance, Hermione chuckled. She wasn't supposed to laugh at that git's jokes, damn it!

Suddenly, he had an idea. He pinged Colin Creevey, his executive assistant, an IM.

Harry Potter: Colin, please check if Ms. Granger has time for an emergency meeting in my office.

Colin Creevey: As in, right now, sir?

Harry sighed. In as much as he found Colin's hopeless crush on Hermione amusing, he really didn't have the patience for his EA's antics now. Colin had been a Hogwarts scholar under the Marauder Foundation, the charity organization that is headed by his parents and their best friends. The foundation sent Colin and his younger brother to Hogwarts and after that, the older Creevey decided to apply as his assistant. The younger Creevey, Dennis, worked for Longbottom Industries as a mechanical engineer. Neville's family was involved in the shipping business from building them, transportation and logistics, as well as providing the luxury cruising experience. Just like him, Neville is now holding a key position in his family's business. Since Neville married their school mate, the nature magazine heiress, Luna Lovegood, he will be taking over as CEO and President of Longbottom Industries next year.

Colin Creevey: Sir?

The sound of his new message from Colin broke his reverie. He was reminded of what's important. He had to get Hermione away from that git, Malfoy.

Harry Potter: Tell Ms. Granger's EA that I need to see her ASAP. Thank you.

Colin Creevey: Noted, sir.

Feigning interest in the bulk of documents on his desk, he hid a smirk as he noticed Hermione and Malfoy being interrupted by Ginny Weasley, Hermione's EA. Ginny was a close friend of Hermione's, who was supposed to be destined for the performing arts but an ankle injury crushed her dreams of being a prima ballerina three years ago. Hermione being the kind and helpful friend, asked him if she could hire Ginny. For many years, even as she climbed the ranks, Hermione never desired an assistant claiming it was an unnecessary cost. But when Ginny was distraught, she asked him if he could approve an additional headcount for her team. He reluctantly agreed because he knew that having an assistant could be helpful to Hermione. He just wished she hired someone who's not so close to her, to avoid conflict and all that. Ginny Weasley, just like her brother, one of his dear friends, Ronald, was never known for being a diligent student at Hogwarts. He could only hope that Ginny was actually doing her job as Hermione's EA because if she didn't, then it could be detrimental to his best friend's formidable reputation.

In his peripheral vision, oh how I love these glass walls, he could see Hermione excusing herself from Malfoy. She was making her way toward his office, with Ginny hot on her heels. Colin, ever efficient, immediately opened the door for both women. There was a slight blush on his face as Hermione thanked him.

"Good afternoon, Harry. You sent for me?" Hermione greeted him.

"Hello, Hermione… Please have a seat. Ms. Weasley, there's no need for you to take notes. I will just be asking Hermione a few questions on the Amanpulo project. You may return to your desk," he addressed the other woman.

"Of course, Mr. Potter... Ms. Granger, I shall be at my desk," Ginny said respectfully before leaving his office.

"So… what part of the Amanpulo project should you wish to talk about?" Hermione asked in a very professional manner. He comfortably leaned against his chair as he let his eyes roam on his best friend. He wanted to get an insight regarding her feelings for Malfoy. He was just sitting there, quietly observing her.

Hermione was dressed very professionally. She always wore loose trousers to work since she wanted to be prepared in case she had to visit construction sites. She wore a white silk shirt with a navy-blue coat on top. Her clothes were very simple, not meant to attract any attention to her physical beauty. She was a woman in an executive position leading a group of engineers, architects, and construction workers who were predominantly men. She was dressed like the formidable lady boss that she truly was, her long curly hair tucked in a bun with some loose tendrils framing her face. She didn't wear much make-up unlike other women in the office. Her beautiful chocolate brown eyes were hidden underneath her rectangular glasses, with the black frame making her eyes pop.

To the rest of the world, she looked like the Princess of Architecture. She was the genius behind the modern, cost-saving, and environmentally sustainable buildings of the Potter Group.

To him, she was gorgeous, stunning, so damned sexy…

And also, so damned unreachable.

Sigh.

Hermione just wasn't interested in him. She only wanted to remain his best friend. This bloody gorgeous Princess of Architecture was his first and only heartbreak. The worst part, the bloody woman was oblivious about all of it.

I wonder what you're now hiding underneath those formal clothes, Hermione, he couldn't help but smirk as he recalled the sweet innocent teenage Hermione writhing under him. Sure, they were slightly tipsy then, but he would never forget their one and only tryst between the sheets. It was a Halloween after-party at Hogwarts, she was seventeen, and he was sixteen. They lost their virginities to each other. When morning came, they agreed to take the time to think, and then they would talk about the status of their relationship the next day.

He was prepared to confess his feelings and to ask her to be his girlfriend, but no! His best friend merely said, "I think we should just be friends… You're my best friend, and I don't want to lose you. Besides, we're drunk. You're Harry Potter, the future Duke of Richmond. You can have any girl you want."

And just like that, Harry James Potter, who had been carrying a torch for his female best friend ever since he was ten, was rejected and heartbroken. Because of that, he vowed to never allow himself to fall for another girl ever again. It worked out for him. Hermione was still his best friend and he could shag other women, with no feelings. A win-win situation.

"Harry, what do you want to know about the project?" Hermione asked.

"Malfoy… Is he working with you on the Amanpulo project?"

"No, he's assigned to another project. The one in Germany."

"I see… Then why is he always hanging around you?"

"Excuse me?!" Hermione exclaimed. Her eyebrows furrowed and there was a deep frown on her face.

"You do remember that he was a git to you when we were kids, right? Calling you beaver face and – "

"And your point is?" he could hear the annoyance in her voice.

"My point is, no matter how charming he seems to be now, you shouldn't trust him," he said firmly. His gaze holding her own. He refused to back down. Malfoy didn't deserve her.

"So… You think I'm a gullible, naïve, and desperate woman? Is that it?" she snarled.

"What?! No! Of course, not! I'm just saying that since you're his superior, you shouldn't fraternize – "

"Fraternize? Excuse me!" Hermione's face was flushed with anger.

"You deserve better, Hermione. Besides, Malfoy's only after one – "

"Oh, that's rich! Malfoy's only after sex. Is that what you're saying?" she stood from her seat. Her brown eyes were glaring daggers at him. He chose to be calm as he met her gaze.

"Well yes, but more importantly, he's just after you because you're the perfect trophy wife!" he countered. His tone laced with anger.

"Trophy wife! How dare you, Harry Potter! You may be my best friend and my boss, but how dare you! As if I am some silly woman who would just fall for the charms of anyone, let alone my subordinate at that!" Hermione leaned over his desk. Her hands angrily plonked on the oak wood.

"Well, lucky that you're not someone silly to fall for just anyone then," he retorted sarcastically. It may have been a long time ago, but it still hurt his ego that she didn't even give him a bloody chance.

"What's that supposed to mean?" she hissed.

"It means that no man will ever be good enough for the great Princess of Architecture, the perfect student, Head Girl, and overall ice queen, Hermione Jean Granger!" he stood from his seat and leaned closer to the beautiful woman yelling in his office.

"That's rich! Well, I'd rather be a frigid and boring ice queen than to be some horny gigolo who collects women like – "

"What in the world is going on here?" the booming voice of James Potter broke Hermione's rant. Harry and Hermione's eyes were blazing fire at each other. Green met brown. They were challenging each other, neither one willing to yield.

"Harry! Hermione! My office... Now!" James Potter's voice was cold as ice. This broke the spell of their death glares.

"I – I am sorry, sir," Hermione recovered as she pulled away.

"My office. Now," James repeated.

With as much dignity as they could muster, Harry and Hermione followed the CEO to his office. They were in for a major scolding for breaking professionalism at the office, with everyone on the floor hearing their argument.

Hermione's eyes were downcast as she stared at the floor preparing for Uncle James, in this scenario, Lord Potter's reprimand. She was prepared for the repercussions of her actions. She would gladly accept a suspension, or worse, a demotion. Looking back, now that her temper has cooled off, she realized that she should never have allowed her temper to get the better of her.

Harry, on the other hand, had his eyes focused on his father who was clearly trying to remain calm. The first rule of business was to never let your personal affairs get in the way of your professional dealings. He and Hermione had clearly violated that. Worse, he alluded to his pain. The first time he had done so, ever since Hermione rejected him after their passionate night between the sheets. He just couldn't help it!

After Hogwarts, Hermione left Britain to study architecture at Harvard University while he remained in Britain to study business at Oxford. Since he was busy with school and his internships at the Potter Group, he barely had time to focus on his jealousy and heartache. He hated to admit it, but there's no other word. He was jealous. Jealous of that git Malfoy who was cozying up to the only woman he'd ever loved.

He heard from his mum that during her Harvard days, Hermione dated only one bloke but they broke up after six months of dating. After that, she never dated anyone else. She was just too focused on her career and the charities she was supporting. He was certain that there were blokes who fancied her but because of her intimidating profile, they chicken out. Because of this, he never felt jealous since there was no reason to be.

He actually thought that he was over Hermione. He never thought about her romantically ever since their one-night stand debacle. But now, seeing Malfoy all over his best friend, he realized he was being an idiot. He never got over her. And he probably never would.

Sigh.

"Harry?" his father's voice broke his thoughts.

"Yes, dad?"

"According to witnesses, you summoned Hermione into your office. Care to tell me what happened?"

"Yes, I did ask her to see me. Er, I was, you see I was concerned about something," he tried to explain. Hermione snorted while giving him a death stare. He would have found it quite cute if he weren't being grilled by his father.

"Concerned about what?" his father prodded.

"It's a personal matter, sir," he replied. He was losing confidence in himself the longer he tried to explain the situation. This argument they had was entirely his fault. He was unable to restrain himself from letting his jealousy over Malfoy get the best of him. Meanwhile, Hermione being Hermione, she just had to fight back. I'm an idiot!

"Hermione, care to explain?"

"Harry was making unseemly remarks about the possible ramifications should I start dating a subordinate, sir."

"I see… And pray tell me, who is the subordinate in question?"

"Draco Malfoy, sir."

"I see… Are you two – "

"No, sir. Absolutely not!" Hermione was adamant. Harry stopped himself from grinning. Of course, Hermione would never date Malfoy. I really am a hotheaded idiot!

"Very well… You may go, Hermione. I just hope this will not happen again. Can I count on that?"

"Of course, sir."

"Good. Thank you, Hermione… You and Harry can settle this issue, on your own time. You may now return to your office... I'll just have to talk to my son."

Hermione stood from her armchair. "Thank you for your understanding, sir. I'll see you later, Harry," she was the epitome of formality as she nodded to the father and son duo before leaving the CEO's office.

When the door closed, Harry looked at his father. The younger Potter gulped. He knew that look. His father had this wicked gleam in his eyes. He was in bigger trouble now.

"So… Since when have you been in love with Hermione, son? Or rather, since when did you realize it?" James teased.

Harry sighed. He was in for a long talk filled with innuendo, teasing, and silly father-son advice.

"Come in!" James Potter called out to whoever was knocking on the door.

When Lily, his wife of twenty-nine years, entered the room, he smiled. He had big news to share.

"Hello, darling! You seem rather happy, despite it being a long workday," Lily said after sitting on the armchair across his desk.

"Harry just realized he's in love with Hermione," James reported happily.

Lily squealed like a fangirl. "So, he'll ask her out? Should Lizzie and I start planning the wedding – "

"Jesus! Hold your horses, woman!" James rolled his eyes. Lily and Lizzie have been lamenting about the lack of progress between their children, or as they called them, Harmony. The two women expected their children to get together after finishing university but a long time had passed, Harry and Hermione were still just friends.

"How long will it take for our son to finally snatch that girl up? They're not getting any younger… Besides, the board wouldn't allow Harry to step up as CEO if he's unmarried. You know how investors are about single men," his wife sighed.

"We can't just force these things, my love," James chuckled.

"Maybe not... but we sure can help speed things up," Lily grinned mischievously.

"Oh? Do tell?"

And with that, James and Lily brainstormed on how they could give their son the perfect Christmas gift this year – the chance to be with his one true love.

A/N: So... thoughts on Chapter 2?

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