Hermione 3 August 2017
This is painful. Painful in its entirety. Both physically, mentally, and emotionally. They are discussing my 'late' husband. Directly, and not even taking account that I am sitting here in the room, hearing details for the first time. My husband that has been missing for 8 months. The man we declared dead two months ago. And he did everything wrong. They were blaming my husband and my best friend for over an hour. How they broke magical treaties, how they exposed themselves, and more problems.
From the sound of it, Harry is lucky not to be in Azkaban. But who would send the savior of the Wizarding World to Azkaban. It was his only reprieve.
I was choking back tears before it was over.
The meeting adjourned, and I stepped out of the meeting room to see one of the last two people I wanted to see.
Harry BLOODY Potter.
I attacked him. I had my wand to his throat. The pain burned inside me. I was going to kill the Boy Who Lived. He who killed You Know Who.
And I wasn't going to have any regrets about it.
"WHAT did you do? What exactly took place that night Harry? Harry so help me!" Tears were in a constant flow down my cheeks. My eyes burned. My chest hurt. My knees went weak.
I felt arms, calming and soothing arms, around me. They were strong, having me lower my wand from Harry's throat.
"You killed him Harry. Why? He was your best friend."
"Not now honey, calm down. Come on, look at me." I heard the words come from somewhere and I felt my body be pulled into his. My head fell onto him, too weak to be held up anymore.
"He killed him."
"Shhhh. Let's get you some tea. Come on honey." He kissed my head.
He was everything I needed right now. Right now I trusted him more than I trusted my own best friend. I let my body be guided by his strong arms to the elevator. He didn't let me go when he got out his keys and inserted one into the panel and turned.
I'm numb. I'm numb from the last semblance of myself breaking into pieces and being thrown to every corner of the world. I put all of what was left of me in his care, and I didn't care. Somehow, I knew he had me.
We exited the elevator on what I can only think is the executive suites. "Vivian is my office open?"
"Yes Mr Malfoy," a mousy brunette said from behind a desk. "Is there anything I can get you Mr Malfoy?"
"Tea please, for both of us."
"Of course sir."
He ushered me into a large office and onto a black leather sofa off to the side. I remember falling into it and him pulling me to him.
I was crying again. My fears had been exposed. My wounds opened. The hurt crashed over me like a tsunami, drowning me and then pulling me into the dark abysmal sea of pain.
He kissed every tear away. He held me protectively, like no one had in years. Truth be told, I don't think even in our worst moments of the war, did someone hold me like this. For once I can be completely vulnerable with him.
"I'm sorry."
"No. It isn't you. You didn't do anything."
"Exactly. I was always the coward. I still am."
"No you're not. Draco, you… you are just what I need right now."
"Then I'll be here as long as you need."
The mousy brunette came back in carrying a tray with two tea cups on it. "I hate to bother you Mr Malfoy, but Mr Zabini is on the phone."
"I'll call him back."
"Miss Trini is on her way."
"Thank you Vivian." I could feel his impatience with the young lady.
He waited until his assistant left and then turned his attention solely to me again. "Drink something. Please." Draco handed me a cup of tea.
"How are you so… strong?"
He sighed. "It's because I wasn't when it was needed most. When you needed it most. Now I am trying to - I don't know - redeem myself."
We sat and his calming words, words of strength and caring, allowed me to get the strength I needed for the rest of the day. His kisses, as few as they were, were gentle and tender. He kissed my head and my hand. Nothing sensual, just caring and concerned. I can linger on those supple kisses for hours. Or at least the couple of meetings before lunch.
"Are you ready?"
"Ready for what?"
"You still have multiple meetings today Hermione."
"I just want to stay here right now."
He looked at me, not with a smirk, but a look. A look that said 'I know you do, but you have a job to do.'
"Go to your meetings. We both have work to do. I probably should call Blaise back before he has a temper tantrum."
"Fine." I'm pouting. Then I start giggling.
"What's so funny?"
"Well, you seem to be surrounded by two year olds right now."
His brows furrowed in confusion. "Please explain."
"I'm here pouting, Blaise is throwing a temper tantrum. We are two kids. And here you are, being the adult through it all."
He pulled me to him again, laying his head on mine. "We all need to be kids - whether to pitch a fit or just cry. And we all need to be adults. It is balancing the two. And I don't mind being the adult right now." He squeezed me tighter. "We'll talk more about this at lunch."
"Okay."
He slowly let go of me and took only my hand. "Is there anything that you need for this next meeting?"
"I don't even know what meeting is next? How long were we in your office?"
He chuckled as we stood up to leave, "honestly, I don't know. But not long enough in my opinion." He smiled pushing a few strands of hair back off my face. "If you need anything, even an office to escape to - Vivian, can you give Miss Granger a spare office key for the elevator and my office?"
"Of course Mr Malfoy."
"Draco, I can't ask."
"Nonsense. Even the next Minister needs to run and hide on occasion." He handed me two keys on a M.I.I. keychain. "This will let you in the executive suites of any M.I.I. office - it's yours. This one is my office key here. Now the bathrooms are right there. You may want to - um - touch up your makeup."
His eyes were twinkling down at me like stars in the deepest nights sky, even though I knew he was right. After crying and stressing and - well having a full break down - I probably needed to wash my face in the least.
I open the ornate black door by what I can only conceive is a sterling silver doorknob, and see one of the most elegantly appointed bathrooms I have ever laid eyes on. There is a pair of silver and crystal chandeliers down the length of the room, on the left is a row of onyx black sinks and a wall size mirror, on the other side is a small door, and 2 cubicles. I step up to the mirror and watch as it curves around me, so that I can have a full 360* angle view.
Aw crap, I look worse than I originally thought. My makeup was smeared across my face and even trickling down my neck, my hair was a frizzy mess, and my outfit was crumpled from - well this morning for starters. That brought a smile to me, just thinking about how wonderful that was, until…
Damn you Harry.
My anger flooded through my veins again. The pain hardened my heart.
It is hard for me to wrap my head around that my best friend has become someone I hate, and someone who hated me for so long - and I hated him in return - is now taking care of me and filling my heart. The world has turned upside down, or it may be an alternate universe where up is down and down is up. I would normally sit and have dinner with the Potters, or coffee, or birthdays and holidays; and think nothing of it. They were my family. Now I want to walk away and not come back. The Weasleys, my extended family, are not people I want to see right now, even though I know they would come out just to make sure I'm safe.
All I want right now is to be curled up on the couch again with Draco. Safe in his arms. Not being judged. Being myself. I feel like I haven't been myself as completely as I am with Draco in - I don't remember.
This face staring at me in the mirror is not my own. It is the face that I have had to wear since the end of the war. No earlier. The middle of the war - when we were hunting the horcruxes. It was when I couldn't be a typical teenager, I had to grow up.
I wipe another tear that threatens to burn my cheek.
I had to grow up for my own survival.
Like Draco had to become a Death Eater for his survival.
I look down at my scar.
Like he has his own scar.
We are mirrors of each other.
Balancing each other out.
Trying to erase a past.
Working for a future.
Together the hurt can dissipate.
And in healing can save each other?
It felt like forever before I came out of the bathroom, finally presentable. Exiting I was greeted by Vivian and another lady, who was giving a list of tasks to Vivian.
"Ah Miss Granger, I'm so grateful that Mr Zabini sent me out here. Now we can finally meet. I'm Trini. Mr Malfoy has no idea why I'm really here but I am at your service today." She pulled me aside so we could talk in private, "The real story is that Blaise is beside himself that Draco is sluffing off again. So I am to keep him in line, get him to do some work, and help out you as much as needed. Now let's get you to your meetings." She entered the elevator and pushed a series of buttons. "I have lunch set for you already. Nothing like the place Draco took you yesterday, but the food is equally delightful. Blaise drug us there a few times while we all were here for the Olympics. I never want to do that again, go to the Olympics, I much prefer quidditch."
I chuckle as I listen to Trini go on and on. She seems to be part of the family, the way she talks about Draco and Blaise - not as her bosses, more her peers or best friends.
"So how long have you been with Malfoy - Draco and Blaise?" I ask.
"Too long probably? I was there when Draco got married to Astoria. And I told him he was a pumpkin head for doing it then. When they got divorced, I bought him a 120 kg pumpkin and had it delivered to the office."
I laughed. And laughed. She was a breath of fresh air today. She and Draco, the two of them had a symbiotic relationship and just witnessing this small interaction, made me improve.
"Here we are Miss Granger," she said as she opened the conference room door. "If you need anything, please let me know. Mr Malfoy is grateful to lend his assistance to the Ministry today."
"Thank you Trini." I blushed as I walked in, obviously late for this meeting. The looks I got from the members at the table, though, said not only they understood, but they honestly believed that I was working on something with Draco. Something probably more important than this - well - ridiculous meeting.
Just as I thought, the two meetings that were remaining were utterly useless. There's a saying in the Muggle world, "I survived a meeting that could have been an email." I survived two. But I left with the most obnoxious headache…
Trini greeted me as I left the second meeting. "Your lunch and dinner have been scheduled, you have a massage scheduled this afternoon - at Draco's insistence. He thought you needed something relaxing after the stress of this morning. And here are your messages. And Mr Potter is going - honestly - bat shit nuts right now. Draco instructed me to keep him away from you, and he's threatened to hex me more than once." She looked at me knowingly, "I called his wife. She gave him a verbal lashing."
At this statement I was laughing. Of course Ginny would give him a piece of her mind. Ginevra Weasley-Potter was not a witch to be messed with and it is known within the whole wizarding world.
"Is there an office I can return these messages from?" I ask once I regain my composure.
"Right this way." She led me to an office opposite of Draco's. "This is the office of the CFO. He's been here once. Ever. He never leaves London honestly. You can use it as long as you need. I'll be with Vivian if you need anything further."
"No I'll be fine. Thank you Trini. For everything."
Honestly, I want to clone Trini. I think Kingsley needs a Trini also. Heck Trini needs a Trini. I giggle a bit.
Looking over the messages that I have there are about 3 from the Weasleys as they are concerned that I am going to kill Harry or am having a nervous breakdown because Draco is taking care of me. Or both. I think George's is implying both.
Two are from the Ministry, one is basic updates and one is from Kingsley informing of a last minute schedule change for this morning. I love getting messages after they have already occurred. I need to send a message to Percy Weasley informing him of all the information left out of my dossier for this trip. This is completely unacceptable.
I laugh a little harder now. I can hear Draco's voice 'my father will hear about this' go through my head.
The rest of the messages can wait until after lunch as my stomach is telling me that it seems to be that time.
I do pick up the phone and dial hit one number that for the last few months has been on my speed-dial. "Weasley's Wizard Wheezes" I hear on the other end coming from a polite young lady.
"Hello. Is George Weasley available? Tell him Hermione is calling please."
"Of course," I hear her attempt to cover the phone, "GEORGE! PHONE!"
"Yes Angelina dear."
Ugh they're kissing I can tell. But eh, if you put up with George as long as she has, there must be perks.
"Ello."
"Hey George. It's Hermione."
"Where on Earth is Hermione Granger Weasley now?" he jokes. "Has Harry called off the Ministry's search team for you yet? He threatened to have Charlie bring a bunch of his trained dragons."
"No I'm fine. Still in Rio. Harry's actually here. It's kinda what I want to talk about."
"How mad are you at him this time? Since I know you aren't mad at Ron."
"I'm actually mad at both of them. I just heard this morning what happened the night Ronald went missing. George, they weren't careless, they were completely reckless and dangerous."
Our conversation lasted quite a while. To the point that Draco popped his head in to check on me.
"Lunch?" He mouthed.
"One minute. Let me finish." I returned as I was listening to George give me some much needed 'big brotherly' advice.
"And WHATEVER you do, don't let Percy know what's going on." He concluded.
"Oh no, I have a bone to pick with Percy. He should have got my message by now. There was a great deal of information left out of my packets for this trip. Made me look ridiculous. Well in the beginning. It's turned out pretty good from there."
"REALLY? Do go on," he crooned. I can mentally picture George sitting down in a comfortable chair putting his feet up, preparing for a load of juicy gossip.
"No time. I actually have to go. Lunch meeting to attend."
"Well our Miss Big Shot has lunch meetings. Make sure you eat, and not just do work through them. And eat. Not just pick at a damn salad like girls do. Promise?"
"Yes George." I laughed. No matter what I can trust George with telling me straight away. "Now go make the big bucks, Mr Businessman."
"I'm not the one calling from Malfoy Industries, Hermione."
I looked down and realize I'm calling from the business phone and he probably saw the caller ID. "Well yeah, this is where my meetings are." If he saw my face, he would absolutely notice that I was blushing.
"Not buying it, but have fun. And eat! Let me know if you need anything on this side. Even if it is just keeping Harry tied down. I think Ginny would enjoy that a little too much though."
"EWWW GEORGE! I'm hanging up. Talk soon."
"You'd better, Granger."
Next thing that happened was me getting hijacked.
I went to lunch, thinking it would be Draco and I; maybe discussing the hemi-finals that still needed some additional planning.
Then our third wheel showed up - Harry.
The moment he sat down at our table, Draco was a gentleman. Trying to keep the conversation light and on point - the point being having Harry and I talk our issue out.
"Hermione, talk to him. He was there. If anyone knows anything it's him," Draco said softly when Harry stepped away for a moment.
"But what can he tell me that wasn't in the report."
He starts laughing. "You know Harry as well as anyone, and everyone knows he leaves some details out of his reports. The only ones he completely opened up to were you, Ron, and Dumbledore. Be honest with yourself." He took my hand in his, "would you like me to leave you two? I could feign an important phone call or something."
"No, please stay," my eyes and voice were pleading to him. "I kinda feel like I need you right now."
"Sorry. Ginny. She's worried about you. Can you call her later? Rose and Hugo miss you." His face was resigned, downtrodden.
"What are you leaving out Harry?"
"What?" He looked like a deer caught in the headlights of a car. Terrified. "What have you heard?"
"Harry," I took a deep breath trying to keep my composure, "tell me. Please. I'm his wife and your best friend."
"Draco, I don't know if you should hear this." He looked questioningly.
"I told him to stay."
"Fine Hermione. You don't know how hard this is." His head hung low, his shoulders slumped. He wasn't the Harry I knew. "You know the basics, we were tracking some dark magic that was surfacing across Ireland. Somehow they lead us to a small town in Iowa in the US. There was maybe 30,000 people in the whole area. A lot of nothing. Ron said he knew someone that could possibly help and well they were close. So we both followed that lead.
"Hermione, trust me I never wanted to hurt you. I was in a terrible position." His eyes were glassy with tears.
"Why would this hurt me?"
"I was put in a position between my two best friends, and both related by marriage. Our families are so tied, I was put in a bad situation."
"Harry, I don't understand." I pushed for more information "Tell me. Tell me everything."
He was shaking. "We apparated to Chicago, that is where it all went south. It was one of the main streets, I don't remember the name. But we were almost hit by a bus when we apparated and a number of Muggles saw. We had the Magical Congress on our arses. We raced into a hotel, Ron knew exactly where he was going. He hit the elevator button and then he ran down the hall and said something before I caught up to him.
"Hermione, I am so sorry." He continued. "It was a lady's hotel room. I had no idea who she was. Ron didn't even introduce us. He looked at me and told me to get home. He would contact me in an hour or so.
"I did what he said, Hermione. But three hours past, I admit I fell asleep. I was absolutely exhausted but that's no excuse. I went back to the hotel and the Magical Congress had people combing everywhere. I got my dad's cloak and went up to the hotel room, but it was empty. Completely destroyed actually."
His tears were trickling down onto the tablecloth. I felt Draco's hand reach for mine under the table as I was wringing them on my lap. He looked over to me with the reassurance that he wasn't going to leave me.
"I found out later that she wasn't a contact. She was his girlfriend or something. They had met in Ireland a few months prior when we were on another assignment." The look on his face was of self disgust, "I can't tell you how sorry I am. She was a Muggle, I believe. She had seen him do magic in Ireland and kept in constant contact with him. They started…"
My tears were flowing, but I noticed my head being pulled into a comforting position from Draco's arm around me, pulling me into him.
"They had started seeing each other regularly. He had asked me to cover for him for a number of late nights, but I didn't know until then. When I went into the hotel room in Chicago, I looked around. I found a message that was meant for me explaining everything. He said not to look for him, but I couldn't do that to you and the kids. I don't know why he threw it all away, or what he has done exactly, or where he is. It is against the Magical Congress's laws for a wizard to be involved with a Muggle, so he was breaking another damn law. I've been looking for any trace of him, or her. But after everything and all the time that past, we had to declare him dead." His eyes plead for forgiveness. "I hoped it would help you move on for your benefit and the kids. You didn't deserve this. If I see him, trust me, I will curse him."
"No you won't Harry Potter." My voice was unwavering. It was solid, determined. "Think of Rose and Hugo. For them, you won't. I don't know if I can forgive him, ever, but you won't hurt him. I can't have my children be fatherless."
"One thing Hermione: only us three know what happened. I haven't even been able to tell Ginny." He still looked like a scared little boy, "I was so afraid something happened to you too, I'm sorry if I went overboard. But the kids… they've been through so much and I can't imagine having them lose their mum too."
"She's safe Potter, I can guarantee that. Remember it wasn't that long ago that I learned from the darkest of dark wizards." Draco had been silent through all this, but he stood up for me. "You and Ginny watch the kids, especially if he comes back."
Harry nodded. "Is there anything you need 'Mione?"
I shook my head. "No. Just go home, watch the kids. Keep this from them, but you probably should tell Ginny. I can't ask you to keep this from her too."
Harry turned to Draco, "Malfoy, please."
"I have her Potter. Have a little faith."
"It's hard when your best mate has burned you so bad. And now I am supposed to trust a Slytherin? A former Death Eater?"
"Like I said, I will keep her safe from dark magic. I know it better than most aurors." Draco stared him down, like there was more to the conversation between these two men than they were actually saying.
After lunch Harry returned home, hopefully to discuss these events with Ginny. I need to make a mental note that when Ginny calls, be prepared for anything or everything.
Draco informed me why Blaise was beside himself: he was going to be a dad, again, any moment. He only had 5 kids already and was anxiously expecting his sixth. So when Pansy Zabini went into labor, Draco would be left doing the majority of the day to day operations and Blaise was worried that Draco wouldn't be ready.
Completely understandable.
Trini had everything taken care of for me, including the afternoon massage. Draco's idea for scheduling me one was - well it was needed after the day I had. I even followed my sister in law's advice on the other spa treatments to try. Both of them. I came upstairs in the early evening, completely relaxed which is a miracle after today, to see a beautiful sunset as Padfoot comes bouncing my way. I feel bad for her that no one took her out.
"Mrs Weasley,
Don't worry about your sweet dog. As soon as Draco came to his room, he made sure that someone took her out to the nearby dog park. She may be a little tired. I have a dog walker scheduled for her three times tomorrow, and another trip to the park.
She really is a cute sweet dog.
Trini
P.S. Dinner reservation is for 7:30 a valet will be arriving at your room at 7:15 to take you, an outfit is appointed for you in the closet."
I'll look at it later, right now there is a bottle of Bodega Catena Zapata 2011 White Bones Adrianna Vineyard Chardonnay with my name on it. I pour myself a glass and rest on my suite's patio with Padfoot at my feet.
I don't know how much time passed, this was bliss, when I heard a gentle knock at the door. "Who's there?"
"Draco Malfoy."
I chuckle. "Draco the door's open. Come on in."
He came barging in. "Hermione, what the hell? Why is your door unlocked? Don't you realize that you are…"
"Draco, I'm the brightest witch of our age, yes I know there are nutters after me all the time. I also have certain protections on the room here. You're just allowed access." I turned around to him and winked at him. His face relaxed, and on it came his signature smirk.
"Really? Granger is there something you're not telling me?"
"Yes. No. You need to find out." I can see this teasing is turning him on. "Oh Draco, just so you know I want one."
"EXCUSE ME?!" The look on his face will be priceless in 10 seconds.
"Yeah I want one," I teased. "I want…"
"What do you want Granger?" He approached the patio slowly and OMG seductively.
"I want … a … Trini."
I watched his face go from complete desire, to utter confusion, to disappointment, to surprise, to laughing. "That's all you want?"
"No, but that's all I want right this second. Ask me when I'm done with my wine - do you want a glass? - and it might be different."
"Is our sweet little perfect Gryffindor Princess getting tipsy?" He sat down next to me and poured himself a glass.
"Not yet, I'm just really relaxed. Thanks to you. All to you. Thank you so much Draco."
"Anything for you."
Did he just say that?
"Draco…" I was blushing. I closed my eyes to feel his fingers intertwined with mine. I leaned over, laying my head on his shoulder. "Can I be honest with you?"
"Of course. You can trust me. At least you seemed to trust me earlier." I felt him smirk against my temples.
"You've changed. And I don't know how to explain it, but it is - hmm - hot."
"Really? Go on Granger."
"I mean the way you've been, no one has ever been that way with me. And it is - well - a turn on."
"Granger, I never."
"I thought you'd figure something out this morning. I didn't take you for someone that slow." I teased him further, gently punching his arm with my free hand.
"I'm not. I'm just, how should I say, it's a little unexpected. Coming from you that is."
"Draco, I want to know, what do we? I mean where do we?"
"Honey, why don't you get ready for dinner. We can both gather our thoughts and carry this on at dinner."
