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Saturday, 8 September 2012

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Hermione woke in her own guest bedroom with Draco's arms around her. She was warm and comfortable. She wouldn't mind waking up like this more often. She turned her head to look at him and saw him open his eyes.

"Good morning."
"And a good morning to you too, Hermione."

They lay there for a minute enjoying the moment. Once again Draco's hand had found her lower back and was drawing lazy figures on it as they just gazed at one another.

"So, is this a thing now?"
"If you want it to be. You don't see me running back to Nott manor."
"Well, I admit that you are useful to keep around. Like my own personal hero."

"Life is never dull around you, Granger."
"Does that mean you're going to snog me today."
"Is that an invitation?"
"Maybe it is."

Draco leaned towards Hermione and pressed a light kiss on her lips. He half expected her to hex him for that but instead she grabbed the front of his t-shirt and dragged him back towards her. For the next eight and a half minutes Draco's lips never parted from Hermione's. The only reason they parted then was because an owl insistently tapping on the guest bedroom window.

"Stay," Draco said as he got up to deal with the persistent bird. Before he had managed to send the first owl away, a second one swiped in. Draco collected both envelopes, opened them and started reading.

"Reading my mail again, are we?"

"This one is Witch Weekly begging for an interview. Preferably today since they go to print tonight. They want to tell the heroine tale of how you were swept away at the last second by your handsome hero. And this one is from Lee about the debate this afternoon. They want to go ahead with it and are trying to get the Aurors to provide extra security."

He threw himself back onto the bed besides her. She took the letters out of his hands and threw them away. Then she lifted her index finger and motioned for him to get closer. Draco smiled and got back under the covers with her.

"As your political advisor I have to say that this behaviour of yours is not very smart at all."

"Well, my political advisor once said that I am allowed to do whatever I want and have as much fun as possible as long as it is in private and no one knows about it."
"Sounds like something I would say."

And then they spent another five minutes exploring one another's lips, tongues, necks and ears.

"We really should stop this."
"Probably."
"Don't get me wrong. I'd love to continue. We just don't have time to stay in bed all day. We need a plan."
"Yes. A plan sounds like a smart idea."
"I think you just fried my brains though. You're either going to have to be the one coming up with the plan or you are going to have to wait until some of my blood returns to my brain."
"Well, I seem to remember promising that I would show up at Harry's for breakfast. Want to join me?"
"Not particularly. But neither do I want to allow you out of my sight. You have a tendency to get into trouble and when you do I want to be there."

"That's my hero."

"I think the big question is what to do about Louis."
"Tell people he got scared and ran off?"

"No, we need to keep him around. My suggestion is that Louis escorts you everywhere for the coming days. Make him your official protector. But that means a lot of polyjuice. I may have to find someone less than reputable to buy from in order not to raise flags with the ministry. Either that or involve Potter in this plan."
"We should go over there and see if he's awake yet. See if he wants to help."

Draco leaned in and kissed Hermione again, which made them lose track of another five minutes. Then he sighed and separated from her. They did not really want to face the day but they knew they would have to. With a sigh Draco sat up, after putting one final quick kiss on Hermione's lips.

"Ok, here's the actual plan. I'm going to go to Nott manor for a bit. I need a shower and some new clothes. I have a couple of polyjuice potion flasks there and I am sure Theo has a few also. It may get us through the day. I can be back in 15 minutes and then you and Louis can go to Potters house together. How's that?"
"Just out of curiosity; How much Louis hair do we have?"
"Enough. I wasn't about to attack some poor muggle and yank out their hair so I went to a barber shop. Louis, or whatever his name actually is, was there for a haircut and I grabbed a bunch of his hair off the floor when no one was looking."

"So I could be stuck with Louis for months?"
"You like Louis. Remember the tattoo? You liked the tattoo."

"I suppose I he's Ok."

"Don't get too fond of him. You're way too good for a guy like Louis."

"Go then. Before I drag you back down and do something stupid."

- # - # - # - # - # - # - # - # - # -

Draco stood staring at the fireplace when Hermione came and took his hand. Now both of them were staring at the fireplace. Hermione had just gotten the message that Harry was finally awake.

"So do you have any idea what to expect on the other end?"

"A yawning and disheveled Harry who looks dead to the world. He won't be any use until at least his second cup of coffee. Ginny being hormonal and pissed off that she missed the action yesterday and was kept out of the loop. Pansy will not be happy to see you but perhaps Ron will be Ok. Oh and to add to the madness there are three kids over there."

"Of course."

"Do we have to go? Couldn't we just stay here?"

"Well we could withdraw your candidacy and just stay in bed until Potter catches whoever doesn't want you alive."

"Sounds good."

"Yes, it does. But I think your bed will have to wait until tonight."

"Kiss me before we do this."

Draco pulled Hermione into a hug and their lips met. A full minute later Draco pulled back, took a deep breath, raised his vile and drank his polyjuice. Immediately his features started to shift. Hermione watched as he morphed into Louis.

"Sixty minutes remaining of this face. Let's go."

Hermione reached for the floo powder with one hand as she grabbed Draco with her other hand and then they stepped into the fireplace together.

At Fourth Hallow it was relatively calm. As Hermione has predicted, Harry was not quite awake. He raised one eyebrow at them when he saw them exit the floo holding hands but didn't comment on it. Ginny was somewhere upstairs with the kids so it was Ron and Pansy who attacked them… although politely since they weren't expecting Hermione to show up with Louis.

"There you are. Are you finally going to fill us in on what happened last night? The Prophet can't be trusted and Harry is still useless."

So they all sat down at the table and Hermione recounted the events of last night as Ron served the coffee. When Ginny joined them she got introduced to Louis.

It was Pansy who finally snapped.

"No offence, but why is Louis still around. Shouldn't you be heading back to Holland or whatever?"

"Belgium, actually. And no. I think I will stick around for a while. I have sort of taken it upon myself to be Hermione's unofficial bodyguard. She seems to be in need of one."

"And why should you be trusted? Seriously Hermione? Who is this guy? Why haven't you kicked him back to wherever he came from."

Harry, slightly too tired to deal with lies and deceptions decided to out them. He was tired and he just didn't want to deal with having to lie about this to his wife and his best friend. And Pansy.

"Louis isn't exactly Louis. He's on polyjuice."

All eyes snapped from Harry to Louis, who just raised a hand and waved at them. Just to top it off he gave a wink to Pansy. Pansy needed no further clues to realise what was going on. She immediately climbed over the table, breaking two glasses in the process as she started screaming: "You bastard! You lying insufferable bastard! I am so going to have your balls for this one!"

She drew out her wand as Draco ran out of the room laughing. With Pansy aiming jinxes at him they heard him run through the house. The jinxes coming from Pansy were increasingly impressive and soon there was a real hex or two in the mix. The house went abruptly silent when the two of them ran through the front door, out of the house and the door slammed behind them. Out the window they could see Draco aiming shield charms towards Pansy who was following him at full speed towards the quidditch pitch.

Harry's only comment was: "You better never piss her off Ron. She will hex you to bits."

"At least you will have an easy time solving my murder."

Ginny was thoughtful as she looked out the window at the spot where the two of them had disappeared.

"I bet that is Draco Malfoy."

Ron just stared at his sister. Then he stared at Harry. And then at Hermione. None of them were denying it. "No! Way!"

Harry decided not to be helpful, sipped at his coffee and left the explanation to Hermione.

"Well, I couldn't very well take him to the gala wearing his own face, could I? Apparently I'm trying to win an election here."

"But. But. Why did you take the ferret to the gala at all?"

"Play nice, Ron. It turns out that we are sort of friends. And he is useful to keep around. He keeps saving my life for one thing. First on Monday and now again last night."

"But it was Harry who saved you on Monday."

"Yes, Ron. And it was you who saved me yesterday."

"What? No. Really? So now me and Harry are covering for Malfoy to keep the world from finding out that he has been saving your life?"

"Well, yes. The public doesn't like him much and He says I would lose the election if people knew I was keeping him around."

"No kidding, Hermione. He's a Death Eater."

"Was. Not is. Was."

"Quick question Hermione: Just exactly how much are you keeping him around?"

"Mind your own business, Mrs. Potter," Hermione shot back at Ginny. Ron and Harry exchanged glances. That look between them basically said that even if they had learned a long time ago that Hermione's personal life was none of their business, this particular boyfriend would be a bit hard to get used to.

Harry coughed to break that particular line of thought. He really disliked thinking about Hermione ever sharing a bed with anyone.

"So what is the plan?"

"Well, that's a bit up to you, Harry. Louis says he wants to stick around and do his best to keep me alive until the election, but Louis only exists for as long as we have polyjuice. If we start buying the one hour version in large quantities it will raise suspicions."

"How much do you need?"

"Well, I have a pretty packed schedule. Interviews and appearances every day. Its pretty bad. We could easily go through two 8-hour viles a day for the entire week."

"Done. I can't be with you myself at all hours and even if you are an extremely competent witch yourself it is useful to keep an extra set of eyes on you. Plus, I expect we would soon run out of Aurors if we tried to watch all the candidates 24/7. So if Malfoy is willing to stick around then I'll provide the potion. I have a couple of bottles here at home that you can take now and then I can bring the rest tomorrow."

"Thanks Harry."

"You can't be serious!" came from Ron.

"Calm down, Ron. Remember that even if Hermione were to kick Malfoy out of her life then he is still one of your girlfriend's best friends. You, my friend, are stuck with him until you go snake-free yourself."

"What? So I have to start hanging out with snakes? When did this happen?"

"Fair is fair. Pansy is hanging out with lions now. And have you noticed that your sister has almost mastered the art of not wanting to curse her. Everyone is making an effort. Now it's your turn to make peace with her friends."

At that Alice screamed from somewhere and Ginny got up to deal with whatever disaster the boys were certainly causing. Before she disappeared she called over the shoulder; "Hermione. Come with me."

Harry smiled at his friend. "You're in trouble."

Hermione just sighed as she got up and followed after Ginny.

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After making an appearance at Purple Palace, which had now become a popular place for people to meet and play wizard chess and other board games, Draco and Hermione headed over to the Wizarding Wireless Network where Lee was waiting for them. He had called Hermione in early to record an interview about the events of the night before and Draco thought that the extra publicity would be good. Hermione and Lee sat down by the recording equipment and chatted. They had about 20 minutes before the other candidates would start arriving and the general debate would start.

Once again Hermione was forced to repeat the lie about who Louis was, where he had gotten the portkey and how he had activated it when he thought they were in danger.

Meanwhile Draco had found a reasonably comfortable chair where he expected to be sitting for the coming couple of hours.

[Theo:] You didn't sleep in your bed last night.

[Draco:] Very observant of you.

[Theo:] Well, are you planning to be here tonight?

[Draco:] Probably not, no.

[Theo:] Where are you?

[Draco:] Nowhere.

[Theo:] What or whom are you doing?

[Draco:] Lay off it. Just because you and Emily are imitating bunnies in heat doesn't mean everyone is.

[Theo:] So what? You are off drinking and being moody?

[Draco:] I'm fine. Stop worrying.

[Theo:] Is this about Granger and that Leo character I saw in the papers this morning?

[Draco:] Granger is a grown witch and can do what she wants.

[Theo:] Seems mean of her though to falls for this guy right in front of your face.

[Draco:] I am not her keeper. Just someone trying to give her some advice every now and then.

[Theo:] You can't fool me. I've seen the way you look at her. I have eyes you know.

[Draco:] Just back off, Theo. I'm fine.

[Theo:] Come home so I can confirm that for myself.

[Draco:] Not right now. I'm in the middle of something.

[Theo:] Just don´t do anything stupid.

[Draco:] Stop worrying. I won't.

[Theo:] Tell me when you get back here. I just want to see that you're alive.

[Draco:] I'll be there for breakfast tomorrow. I promise.

[Theo:]. You better be.

[Draco:]. Yes, mum.

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Hermione and Draco had decided to have dinner in Diagon Alley after the debate. It had supposed to be just the two of them but when they got to the restaurant Neville was there with Hannah, Susanne Bones and her muggle husband Albert Aicken. Neville waved them over and they joined the table.

"Come sit with us."

"Just grab some chairs."

"We can push these tables together."

"Aren't you going to introduce us to your friend?"

Hermione smiled. It was sweet how enthusiastically people wanted to be friends with her now a days. Of course she was reasonably close with Neville and Hannah, but she rarely saw Susanne and Albert.

"We heard you on the Wireless today."

"Yes, I seem to be there a little too much lately. And in the papers. It's a bit of a circus, isn't it."

"I think it's fun. We haven't had elections like these, practically ever."

"I never used to listen to the Wireless. Now I keep it on all the time."

"Did you hear Rowena yesterday talking about wand regulations? She wants to make annual wand checkups mandatory."

"That's just ridiculous though. What are they going to do? Confiscate our wands when they get a little worn?"

"It's not that bad of an idea. Remember what happened to Kingsley. I was scared to pick up my wand when I heard the news. Took it to Diagon Alley and got it tested, just to make sure."

"Rowena seems to want to implement a whole bunch of new regulations. Last week it was something about the Centaurs and now this."

It was a good evening. It wasn't often that Draco got to socialise with people outside his own little circle and he enjoyed the experience. But when it was over he was exhausted from constantly being on the lookout for new assassination attempts. Once the two of them got back to Hermione's house he took Hermione's hand and dragged her towards the sofa.

"Time to thank me for keeping you alive all day. Come and snog me, witch."

Hermione laughed at his antics but allowed herself to be dragged along. When Draco had managed to get them reasonably comfortable on the couch with her almost lying on top of him, she looked at his face, stroked his lips but did not kiss him.

"It's a little weird when you are wearing this face."

"You don't like Louis?"

"He's not bad looking. You picked well. But the thing is that I snogged a blond wizard this morning. If I start snogging Louis then it feels a bit like cheating."

"Well, I guess I should be happy that you are opposed to the idea of cheating."

"I have a bit of experience with that so no, my tolerance for cheating is extremely low."

"What happened?"

"You know what happened. Baby Annabelle happened."

"Right. I forgot about that. Well, I could get you a signed permission from set blond wizard that you are allowed to do whatever you want with Louis."
"I guess. People do it all the time."
"What do you mean?"
"Why do you think they sell so much polyjuice? It's basically a sex toy. Specially with the older witches and wizards. But also just for couples wanting to try something new."
"You can't be serious."
"Perfectly. Ever wonder what it is like for the other person? With polyjuice you can become one another. And if you visit some of the less reputable places in Nocturn you can buy hair from famous and historical witches and wizards. Ever wanted to know how it is to get naked with Voldemort? Or Snape? There's your chance. I bet your aunt Bellatrix is also popular with the S&M crowd."
"Ok, now you're just being gross. That's horrible. I mean, I knew about the hairs, but I thought that was just basically for dress up or something. It never occurred to me that people were using it like that. Eww."

"Someone once offered Harry 4000 galleons for a lock of his hair."

"Seriously?"

"Oh, yes. And I once lost my hairbrush. I keep wondering if it was stolen and if people out there have been using me for their sick fantasies."

"I should ask around about that. If your hair is being sold somewhere then I will buy the whole stock of hairs. You're mine now."

"Good."

"No regrets about snogging a Death Eater this morning?"
"Ex-Death Eater and no. I have no regrets. You're my hero."
"I once had my hair pulled by a random wizard. He apparated immediately so I didn't even see who it was."
"Someone who wanted to mount a Death Eater, for sure. Probably got off on playing with your dark mark. I could see that being popular in certain circles."

"That is just disturbing. What is wrong with people?"

"Oh, I don't know. You look rather mountable."

"Do I now? Maybe that's something you would like to try at some point?"
"Possibly. But do you see my problem with polyjuice? You're wearing the face of some poor Belgian muggle who may not want me to be getting off on his good looks."
"No bloke in his right mind would have anything against getting you off."

"Maybe. But it's still weird."
"Ok, Ok. I get it. So what do we do instead?"

"Want to watch a movie?"

"Can I feel you up during the movie?"

"Maybe a little bit."

"Ok, then. Let's go."

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An hour and a forty three minutes later Louis's features finally morphed into Dracos. There were still a few minutes left of the movie but they didn't care. Draco attacked Hermione and she attacked him right back.

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Sunday, 9 September 2012

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Hermione and Draco woke up late the following morning. They decided to start with breakfast, but somehow they ended up in bed again after that particular hunger had been satisfied. When their other hunger, the one for one another, had also been satisfied they found themselves, once again, naked in one another's arms and slightly out of breath.

"We seem to have lost our clothes somehow."

"I'll buy you more clothes."

"Not the point here."
"I know. You're right. We have to get you elected and with only a week to go we have things to do."
"That was my point, yes."
"We also have another problem?"
"Which is?"
"It's hard to be two people at the same time. People are noticing that Draco is nowhere to be found."
"Good to know you have people who care."
"I may not be as popular as you, but I do have friends. Plus, I am sure my parents are expecting me to attend dinner. I usually go over there on Sundays. But I could get out of it if you need me to."
"We need a detailed plan of when you are you and when you are Louis."
"And we should check with Potter about his progress. Life would be so much simpler if I could take my eyes off you without worrying about assassins everywhere."

"Well, considering both attempts have been in crowded places we can assume that either my dear assassin wants a large audience for my demise or that he is so far removed from my inner circle that his only opportunity is to attempt something when I venture out in public."
"It could be a witch?"
"What do you mean?"
"Well, you said 'he'. I don't want you to discount the possibility that it is a witch. I learned early that witches can be just as dangerous as wizards. There was this one witch who punched me in the nose once for example. Dangerous, that one."

Hermione chuckled.

"If you think I am going to apologize for that then you are delusional."
"Oh, I wouldn't dream of it. I had it coming."

"So, we should get dressed and make a plan?"
"Yes, and I promised Theo I would go over there for breakfast."
"You could do that while I make an appearance at the Burrow. I can't see anyone coming after me while I am there."
"No, that place, Potter's place and Nott's are probably safe. And this place probably too. But I am not convinced anywhere in Diagon Alley is safe for example. So don't go to Purple Palace without me."

"You just like to play the hero, don't you?"

"For you? Always." Hermione got a kiss on the nose at that.

"How about this. I go face Theo and calm him down a bit. He probably thinks I am suicidal. He has this theory that I like you and he thinks I might be a bit depressed over how you are all over this Louis guy that suddenly appeared out of nowhere. Meanwhile you can make an appearance at the Weasley's and enjoy yourself."

"What are you going to tell Theo?"
"I was thinking that I could tell him that I am still trying to get you elected, which is the truth. And that my objective was also to keep you alive. Which is also true. But then tell him I was following a lead on who was trying to off you and needed to spend some time undercover to try to see if I was right. Which is close to being true, and has the additional benefit of explaining why I stole his polyjuice supply."

"Not bad."

"It's either that or to tell him the truth."
"Well, he is your best friend. We could just tell him what's going on."

"I'll consider it. I would if it wasn't for the Emily situation. I don't know how much he is telling her these days or how trustworthy she is."

"Well, it's up to you either way. I'm fine with him knowing about us."

"Not ashamed of me?"

"Not really, no."

"You really aren't as smart as they say you are. Is Potter going to be at the Weasley's?"
"I assume so."
"Then he can watch over you while you are there. Also, ask him how the investigation is going."
"You know I am perfectly capable of defending myself."
"Well, it doesn't hurt to have a trained Auror around. Makes me feel better about leaving you for a bit. Even if he is an idiot sometimes."
"Be nice."
"I'll try. What else to we have to do today?"
"Witch Weekly wanted that interview, and I got something from Luna that I suspect is a request for a quibbler interview. Or possibly another photoshoot. Don't remember if that was for today or tomorrow. Also; I should be seen at Purple Palace once or twice and check in on the gang to see if they need anything. Then there is Parkinson's event at five. I also need to finish the last two Reflections pieces."

"Remind me. What was Parkinson planning again?"
"Apparently he and Pansy's father have invited people for a picnic at Parkinson manor. A great big "bring the family" event. There will be some magical maze for the kids and a "magical zoo", which I may have issues with. But I checked and he has ministry approval for the animals he has on display. All the candidates have agreed to attend and give speeches so I really should be there."
"When is that?"
"Starts at four."
"So if we meet up here and I take the polyjuice at around noon then we should be able to do everything in the following eight hours and be back here around dinner when the potion wears off. Then I can make a brief appearance at my parents for desert while you work on your articles."

"Sounds like a good plan."

"Oh and I need you do adjust your wards so I can apparate to here. Relying on the floo could become a problem."

"I have an apparition point on the roof terrace that is pretty much open to anyone who has been up there. I'll show it to you."
"Excellent. Oh, and one more thing before I forget; it might also be time to start ordering your articles for the book and maybe write an introduction and a conclusions so everything is ready for the printer in good time."

"How are we going to survive this week?"
"I have no idea."

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Monday, 10 September 2012

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Hermione knocked on Lunas office door at the Quibbler. She didn't wait for an answer, but just walked straight in. Luna looked up from her work and smiled when she saw her.

"Hi, Luna."

"There you are. I was hoping you would come by in person and not just owl it in. Which one is it this time."

"Reflections on forgiveness."

"Sounds like a good one."

"It's about the war and how its time to forgive those who wronged us over a decade ago, no matter what side people were on. You know, let the past be the past and stop it from destroying the present."

"Excellent. Did Tom catch you about pictures?"

"Yes, he attacked me as soon as I entered the building. I think I have a few minutes while he gathers his supplies."

"He told me he wanted to take pictures of you at your house."

"Yes, he tried to pitch that idea to me too. I shot him down though. My house is off limits."

"I figured as much. You like your privacy."

"I try desperately to hold on to the little I have left."

"So where are you going instead?"

"Well this one is about war so he suggested Azkaban. I am not sure what he is thinking, but sure. It is better than going to Hogwarts and reminding people of what happened there."

"Interesting choice. It could work."

"I also have Thursday's article, which will be the last one. Reflections on authority."

"Interesting choice. No 'Reflections on assassination attempts'?"

"No, we have no information on what is happening or who is behind it so there really isn't enough to reflect over. I chose 'authority' as my last piece and I'm hoping people will read more than just the title. It's about democracy and how anyone elected by the public gets their authority from the people and is therefore in principle serving the public. It's rather mushy and humble."

"You are a good pen, Hermione. If you get elected you should consider keeping this up. Writing about your time in office, the challenges and accomplishments. It would give people a better insight into what it is that the Minister of Magic actually does."

"IF I get elected, then I will consider it."

"So about this Louis character."

"What about him?"

"Any chance I could interview him for the Quibbler?"

"I would prefer to keep him out of the papers, Luna. We're barely together yet. I mean, I know it's stupid to start dating someone five seconds before the election, but it's a little nice to have someone to dance with att all these events."

"You have been bringing him to quite a few places in the past few days. You can't blame people for being curious. Everyone is talking about him."

"What are they saying?"

"That maybe you two have been secretly dating for years, or maybe he has you confunded, or that maybe he is involved in the attacks."

"He's not. Don't worry. Harry has approved him. Well, as much as Harry ever approves of anyone I date."

"So Harry knows him?"

"They're not close friends or anything, but yes, Harry knows him."

"I thought you met Louis at Cambridge."

"Well, you should know that there are very few people in my life that aren't also in Harry's circle."

"I wish you would let me interview him. It would make a good new angle on you."

"Isn't gossip like that something more fit for Witch Weekly?"

"Oh, I expect their next issue to be full of speculations about Louis, your mystery man. They will probably have to add extra pages to the paper this time because I doubt they are done with the whole Ron and Pansy story."

"Who reads these stories? Don't people have anything better to do than to gossip about other people's personal lives?"

"This is what happens to the rich and famous. Never any peace."

"It would be nice to have some privacy about these things. I mean, I don't even know if it's going to work with Louis and me. It may all fall apart tomorrow you know."

"I doubt it. He looks at you like there is no one else in the world. Like he would give up the stars and the moon for you. I have a feeling that he wants to keep you around for quite a while. The question is what you want."

"What do you think I want?"

"I think you are considering your options, but as you said. It's too soon to tell."

"It's just complicated."

"Try not to always over analyze everything Hermione. If he makes you happy then you can deal with 'complicated' together and figure it out."

"Maybe. We'll see."

"He's cute. You look cute together."

"I suppose."

Luna looked carefully at her friend.

"If I didn't know any better I would say that there is someone else in the equation."

Hermione decided not to answer that one. Luna had always been too perceptive for her own good.

"Hermione! Have you seriously gotten yourself a love triangle six days before an election?"

"No. There is no 'love triangle'. Please don't talk as if you are the publisher of Witch Weekly. There's just… complications."

"Who is he? Are you secretly dating a muggle on the side? And you are taking Louis to events because your muggle can't know about the magical world. And poor Louis then fell head over heels for you. And all the while your muggle boyfriend sits at home and doesn't know you are living a double life."

"Stop it. Now you're just making things up. I am not living a double life. I barely have time to live the one life. You're no better than the Prophet. You better not print any of this rubbish."

"Don't worry, I wont."

"Good. I would have to stop being friends with you if you started printing made up gossip."
"Oh, I think there are quite enough papers printing gossip and lies."
"Hear, hear."

"But as your friend, and not as a reporter, I do want you to tell me what happens with Louis and anyone else you may or may not be dating."
"I'll tell you when I figure it out. Don't worry. Now, tell me; How are you and that belly of yours doing?"
"So far so good."
"No nausea?"
"Not for a couple of weeks now. But I was quite bad for a while there."

"Maybe I should throw a baby shower for the two of you."
"You don't have to, Hermione. Not yet at least."
"No, I suppose it's more amusing to throw one when you get properly big and start walking like a duck."
"Stop making fun of me. Don't you have a photoshoot to go to?"

"Yes, I better go find Louis and Tom and get this photoshoot over with."

"Who? Louis? Is he here? Did you bring him?"
"Yes, he's in the waiting room."
"You really are something! You just left him out there and told him to wait for you. He's not a dog, you know."

"I know. But he wanted to tag along while I ran my errands. So here he is."
"And now you're bringing him to Azkaban for a photo shoot?"
"Apparently so."
"Can I get him to pose in a few pictures with you?"
"No, Luna. And definitely not in Azkaban. We will just go there, take some dark and dreary pictures to accompany the forgiveness article and then get out of there. Azkaban is creepy. Even without the dementors."

- # - # - # - # - # - # - # - # - # -

"So where too now?"

Draco and Hermione had gone to Purple Palace after the photoshoot and joined a game or two of wizard's chess. Then they had gone for lunch, much to the paparazzi's delight, and now they were wandering up Diagon Alley.

"I wanted to check in at Weasleys Wizard Wheezes, if that's Ok. I need to talk to George and see how everything is going with F.R.E.D.. Not that I really have time to help with anything this week, but I just haven't really been there lately."

"Ok. Let's do that."

"What are we doing tonight?"

"Is there anywhere we have to be?"

"Not really. There is the Bulstrode gala tomorrow night, but tonight is just a normal Monday. My political advisor once said I should always eat out on Mondays."

"Well, that was before someone was trying to poison you. Someone who may or may not have connections in the catering industry, considering he or she managed to tamper with the floating chandeliers. Maybe you can skip going out just this once."

"Do you want a night off and go see what Theo and Zabini are up to? I could just go eat at Harry's."

"I probably should. If I don't make regular appearances someone is bound to start looking for me. Can I come over later?"

"Of course. You know where the apparition point is."

Draco took Hermione's hand and squeezed it a little. There were not many people around Diagon Alley today. The weather was a bit gloomy, as if it could start raining any minute.

Suddenly they saw an extremely blond pair exit a bookstore right in front of them. The witch spotted them and her eyes glanced towards their intertwined fingers for a moment before Draco managed to release Hermione's hand.

"Ah, Miss Granger. How lovely to meet you."

"Likewise, Mr. and Mrs. Malfoy. And thank you for the flowers. They were lovely. And so was the chocolate."

"I'm glad you liked them. It was the least we could do. And vote for you, of course. You have our support in the elections on Saturday."

"Thank you, that is much appreciated."

"So, who is your companion today?"

"Oh, this is a friend of mine Louis Gérard Lasalle, an old friend of mine from Belgium."

Draco stiffened slightly as he first shook hands with his father and then with his mother, who greeted him in french. He responded politely and she smiled.

"Well, we shouldn't keep you two. But it was lovely to meet both of you."

"You too, Mrs. Malfoy. Always a pleasure."

The two Malfoys bowed their heads slightly before they turned and started walking up Diagon Alley leaving Draco and Hermione behind.

+ Crap! They know. +

Hermione turned to Draco with an eyebrow raised, waiting for him to answer the obvious question.

+ They know it was me. +

"Are you sure?"

+ She projected at me. It's not like I can hide my magical essence. She knows and I am fairly sure my father also checked that it was me, although he didn't project anything. +

"Should I be worried?"

+ No, they won't say anything for a few days at least. They will want to give me a chance to come clean about whatever I'm up to. +

"So what do we do?"

"Just ignore it for now. I'll deal with them sooner or later. Preferably later."

"If you say so."

- # - # - # - # - # - # - # - # - # -

"Spike! Toad!"

Hermione called for her house elves as she was getting ready to go over to Fourth Hallow for dinner. Both of them popped up to in the hallway outside her room and respectfully walked in. To her surprise Batty appeared behind them.

"There you are. I am going to go have dinner with the Potters tonight. Would you guys like to come with me to visit Miffy and Crux? They have been with the Potters for a while now and I am sure they would love to see you."
"Yes mistress. That would be good. Toad misses Miffy. Miffy is a kind friend to Toad."

"Then we should all get going. Would you like to come with us Batty?"

"That is very kind of you, miss Granger. Batty would be delighted to come with you to Fourth Hallow."

"Should we all take the floo or would you like to pop me over there."

"Spike can pop everyone to Fourth Hallow, miss," squeaked Spike excitedly.

So they all held on to Spike, and with a pop they landed in the kitchens at Fourth Hallow. Miffy was there and when she saw the new arrivals she squealed with delight. Hermione left the house elves to get reacquainted and left in search of Harry. She found him in Lily's room sitting on the floor pretending to be a Christmas tree. Lilly was hanging small paper decorations on him and then running back to her desk to make more. There was even a big yellow star in his hair.

"Hi Harry."

"Hi. Come in and join the fun."

Hermione sat herself onto the floor next to Harry. Lily immediately declared that she too was a Christmas tree and placed a few pieces of paper in her hair.

"So this is what you do when you come home from work."

"Well, sometimes I get to be a patient. She likes playing healer."

"Not the worst career choice."

"I doubt it will last. It will be something else next month."

"Maybe an Auror?"

"Albus is the only one so far who has gone through an Auror phase."

"It's still too soon to speculate where they will end up."

"But it's fun to wonder."

"You have a weird definition of what constitutes as fun. Tell me how it's going with my case instead."

"Well, the first attack seems to have been extremely well executed. No clues to be found anywhere. We interviewed everyone and scanned the area were you were but at the end of the day we don't even know how you were poisoned. Malfoy's memories were the best thing we had, and at least we have been able to exclude a few theories based on them. We never found the source. It really had been the perfect crime if Malfoy hadn't destroyed their plans by saving you."

"So you have nothing."

"Well, not exactly. If we assume that the same person or persons is behind the falling chandelier then we have a little something. We found a magical signature on the chandelier and we are almost certain that the wand used to manipulate them had a core of unicorn hair. But until we have a suspect we can't compare the magical signature with anything. We are stuck."

"So the Auror office has no wand database like the police has fingerprint databases?"

"Not officially at least."

"And unofficially?"

"We may have a list hidden somewhere. But it only lists those wands we have examined as a part of some case or other."

"So all the usual suspects have been ruled out."

"Exactly."

"So where does that leave us?"

"I don't know. Honestly, I was working on other stuff today. Johnathan is still working on your case hoping to come up with something useful."

"I just wish I knew why. Is it because I'm muggleborn? Or did I insult someone in one of my reflections articles? A disgruntled Death Eater I cursed during the war?"

"Please don't lose sleep over this. It could just as well be a psycho without a motive. And even if it is likely that you are the target, you may not have been the intended target. We can't take anything for granted at this point."

"So am I bate now? Are you guys just waiting for him to strike again?"

"You and the other candidates are all bate in some sense. Security will be pretty serious from now on. All we can do is watch and wait. Just try to be safe. Don't go anywhere alone, for example. And call me at the first sign of anything vaguely suspicious."

"I have one thing that I thought about and wanted to mention."

"What?"

"I am not usually prone to headaches, but whatever they poisoned me with gave me a killer headache."

"Ok."

"Well, there was another incident a few weeks ago. Remember that charity auction for endangered magical species?"

"Vaguely. I think I got an invitation, but I didn't go."

"Well I was there and I got a rather bad headache. Pansy gave me a potion that got me through the night, but it was unusual for me to be that bad. It may have been the stress, but what if it was their first attempt."

"It's with looking into. I can check who was at all three events. It might narrow down the list of suspects. When was this?"

"Early August. It was a Tuesday if I remember correctly. Possibly sixth or seventh of August."

"Quite a while ago then."

"Don't read too much into this. It might be nothing. It may just have been a perfectly normal headache."

"We have a whole lot of nothings so far. This can become yet another item on our list of nothings."

"You know, you make a pretty Christmas tree."

"So do you. I especially like the pink rosette on your ear."

"Maybe we should get downstairs. I suspect dinner might be starting soon. Is anyone else coming?"

"Ron said he was busy tonight, but I think Ginny mentioning that George would stop by."

"With Iris?"

"No clue. Let's go find out."

When they got downstairs George informed them that they would be eating outdoors. The fresh air would help to reduce the probability of his dear little sister throwing up all over their dinner. Luna may have been over her morning sickness period, but Ginny was definitely still suffering. George sent Harry out to set up a warming spell on the patio while he and Hermione went to hunt for dishes and cutlery.

"So what's up with you filling the gossip pages of every magazine? Are you just being nice and trying to cover up the Ron and Pansy fiasco?"

"Don't they say that all publicity is good publicity?"

"You really think gossiping housewives are more likely to vote for you if you show up with a mysterious foreign wizard on your arm."

"What can I say. He matches my dress."

"So it isn't serious?"

"With Louis? I doubt it. But it's nice to have someone to bring along to all these galas. Saves me from having to dance with half the wizarding population. Which I can't do anyway until we know who wants me dead."

"What does Harry say about all of this?"

"He says that it's good that I have an extra set of eyes looking out for assassins."

"Is that your way of telling me that Louis is an undercover Auror?"

"Not quite, but he has agreed to being a little bit of extra security."

"Is he any good?"

"Well, he reacted quicker than I did when there was a falling chandelier attacking me."

"That's true. I guess the real question is: Is he any good in bed?"

"Get your mind out of my panties, George. I will have you know that it is actually possible to spend time with people without constantly ending up naked. Besides, Louis isn't really my type. He'll probably go back to Belgium sooner or later."

"You keep holding on to this notion that relationships have to lead somewhere. That there has to be a future and a happily ever after. You should at least consider having some fun with the handsome wizard now I'm not taking care of you."

"I'm fine, George. Don't worry about me."

"I always worry about you. Specially when you have assassins after you."

"I love you too, George."

"Just platonically though, right?"

"As if you were my brother."

"Considering our history, that is a very disturbing comment."

"Ok. I take it back. But just platonically, yes. By the way; Where is Iris?"

"Having dinner with her parents. We're meeting up later."

"So it's going well?"

"I think so. But what do I know. I'm not really an expert at relationships."

"My advice is to try to stay faithful, make her feel special and whatever you do; don't suggest that you go join a threesome or an orgy."

"I guess that's where I lost you, eh?"

"Pretty much. A girl wants to feel like there is no one else in the whole world worth looking at."

"I'm trying."

"And I'm proud of you for trying. Now go get some wine glasses. Bonus points if you find a wine bottle."

"Do you think that is safe with Ginny around?"
"What? She wants all of us to suffer because she got herself pregnant again?"
"I bet that according to her logic Harry should suffer because of his involvement in getting her pregnant, I should suffer because she is having twins and you should suffer because you're neither pregnant nor nauseous."
"That sounds completely insane."
"Don't you remember what she was like last time? Pregnancies and logic really do not mix well when it comes to Ginny."

"Whatever. Go get some apple cider for the glasses then."

- # - # - # - # - # - # - # - # - # -

[Draco:] Where are all the house elves?

[Hermione:] Here with me visiting old friends. Why?

[Draco:] Your house is creepy when it's this quiet. You don't even have portraits that can entertain me.

[Hermione:] You're at my place?

[Draco:] You may have locked the floo, but I can aparate and pick a simple muggle lock.

[Hermione:] It's fine. You're allowed. Just make yourself at home.

[Draco:] Hanging out with Theo isn't as much fun as it used to be now he has Emily.

[Hermione:] I guess I should come home, shouldn't I?

[Draco:] Not on my account. I'm fine here.

[Hermione:] Ok. I'll be there in about an hour then. I hear there's dessert on the way.

[Draco:] Sounds good.

[Hermione:] You could come join us.

[Draco:] That's Ok, I'll just go look for your diary or something. You just have fun with your friends.

[Hermione:] Good luck with the diary hunt.

[Draco:] See you whenever you get here.

[Hermione:] I won't be too late.

[Draco:] Good. I have plans for you.