Hermione 18 August 2017
This isn't going to be an easy day. I have to go to the hotel where my husband left me for someone else, and meet the magical government overseeing this part of the globe. We have already butted heads on a few issues - like magical and Muggle marriages. I am completely offended with this backwards idea. But that is not the issue at hand. No it just gives a backdrop for more disdain for me in the future.
I stopped off at the Potter's house with Hugo and Rose before leaving. I have a couple of hours before going to the Ministry and then onto Chicago Illinois. A cup of tea and my best friend would be helpful before I leave.
"Auntie Gin" my two cheerfully ring out upon entering their home through the fireplace.
"In here kids. Just know we have a guest too."
"Ginny who could you…" I paused when I left the library and entered the dining room. I recognized the platinum blonde hair and molten grey eyes. "Good morning, Scorpius isn't it?"
"Yes ma'am. I'm Scorpius Malfoy." The young man stands and strides over to shake my hand. He really is Draco's mini-me. "I believe you know my father."
Please don't blush, body don't fail me. "Yes, Draco and I are good friends." I see Ginny snort tea out her nose.
"Understatement" she coughs violently. I can only glare at her. "Scorpius stayed the night last night."
I take a mental note: 'have my husband let me know ahead if his son is having a sleepover with the Potters. Especially if Rosie is staying over.'
I look over at my daughter, who is trying to avoid the look and blush of Scorpius, and vice versa. I motion for Ginny to follow me in the kitchen under the auspices of getting a cup of coffee myself. "Did you see those two?" I whisper to her.
She is the color of her hair, restraining her laugh. "Yes. The moment she walked in, he got the goofiest grin on his face. I've only seen it on Harry, my brothers, and um…"
"My husband? Yeah I've seen that same face before."
"Your daughter and" she starts giggling again. "I can't."
"Yes I know. Trust me I know. I need to sit Draco down and discuss this with him."
"Discuss what with Draco?" Harry casually strides in and kisses his wife.
"The lovebirds in the dining room." His wife replies still trying to control her schoolgirl-ish giggle.
"We have multiple lovebirds or is Dra" Ginny and I jump on him and cover his mouth.
"No. He's not. His son, my daughter." I quickly and quietly explain.
Harry, still gagged by his wife's hand, is tearing up. His eyes are laughing for him. When he is finally freed, "can I bring popcorn when he explains that to his grandmother? And Ron? Or better yet, sit down with the two of you. That is a family home video for posterity."
"Only if you get Draco and I a large amount of firewhiskey," I rebut. I look over to Ginny, "when, praytell, is he leaving?"
"Draco said he'd swing by and take Scorp to the Manor to spend some time with Astoria." She leaves to hopefully chaperone the children.
I decide that my coffee has been neglected long enough and I chug it. And pour myself another one.
"That bad of a morning 'Mione?" Harry studies my facial expression with extreme intent.
"Not looking forward to this trip. That's all."
"I spoke to Kingsley yesterday afternoon. Tony is going with you from our department, and I guess Theo is going from Malfoy Industries. He's escorting a gal from their acquisitions department or something. Either way, he'll be there if you need it too."
"That's not what I mean. MACUSA, well we're not on the best footing to begin with. Now you and Ron involved with this mess. It just makes it worse."
Harry thought for a moment. "Hey if you ever need to lighten the mood, you can always think of a certain blond gentleman. You face - shit even now - brightens just at the thought of him."
As on cue, I hear him calling from the library, "Scorpius, are you ready yet? I promised your mother I'd get you there before I go into the office."
And I'm blushing. Harry reads it and calls out, "Draco, don't you have time for a cup of coffee in the kitchen before you head out?" before pecking the top of my head. "Just promise me you won't in my kitchen. I still have the mental picture in my head from Rio."
"Potter I would love a cup of coffee," my husband says striding into the kitchen. I thank Ginny for putting a large, thick door between the kitchen and dining room at this moment. One that you can't hear through and one that creaks when being opened. "Hello beautiful. What brings you here this early?"
I motion for Harry to leave, which he does at a pace slower than a snail, while I reach up and grab a coffee mug for Draco. "Dropping off the kids before I leave for Chicago. And we need to talk."
"Scorp and Rosie. Yeah I caught on."
"You 'caught on'? Draco Malfoy," I say as sternly as possible crossing my arms across my chest, but it is very difficult when I am lost in his eyes and his arms seem to be calling to me.
"Rosie's thank you note sent him upstairs in a flash. No other girl has had that effect on him. It reminded me of me with a certain beauty," he wrapped his arms around me, "that is in my arms and in my heart right now." He leaned his head down, "I've missed you, my love. But we'd better be good. The kids are in the other room."
"And Harry already told me 'not in his kitchen'."
"Sunday can't get here fast enough. I just want to kiss you. Over and over and over."
"You're terrible Draco Malfoy."
"Ahhh but you love it Hermione Malfoy," he whispers into my ear sending shivers and hot flashes up and down my body. "But thank you for the coffee Hermione, I'd love to chat but I'm afraid I do need to go," he winks. The shithead winks at me after getting me all flustered like this. He takes his coffee and walks out the kitchen, "child are you still not ready? You're as bad as - well - me."
"Dad please." The embarrassment is obvious in his tone. I can tell those two have a much closer relationship that Draco had with his father. Their relationship was based on fear, mental torment, and pain. Draco's relationship with Scorpius seems to be based in love and understanding.
"Al," Ginny states as I linger in the doorway, "why don't you help Scorpius with his belongings. And dear," she's looking caringly at my stepson, "you're always welcome here. You're practically family." Draco, Harry and I exchange glances. Mine reading she's going to pay. Draco's is laughing into his coffee as he's causally leaned up against the buffet in the opposite corner from me, the sun from the window next to him making his blond hair almost glow. Harry is just shaking his head looking down to avoid my glare knowing that both the Potters will hear about this - sooner rather than later.
"Granger, how long are you going to be in the States?" my dear husband tries to change the topic from the uncomfortable mention that Ginny let not so subtly slip.
"Only today and tomorrow. Did I hear an acquisition team is going to be there from Malfoy Industries?"
"Ah I believe so. I know Christine is going to Los Angeles. I guess they are the front runner for an upcoming Olympic games. And we did so well in Rio, that we are looking to repeat the idea in Los Angeles. Plus a little urban revitalization is almost always welcome from the local governments. Anything to improve an image that they don't have to spend money on." He thinks for a moment. "Maybe we can look at a future hemi-finals in Los Angeles. I don't think there has been one held there since the late 70s. I think your godfather went Potter. I remember mother saying something about all the Blacks going to Hollywood in the late 70s or something."
"Draco are you trying to influence the Ministry for your own financial well being?" I scold.
"Of course not Granger. I am just stating a fact." He is still just hanging out, like we have been friends since school, and his tone it reminds me of that first day in Rio. "Unless you prefer Mexico City? Wait we have a large stake there too. Hmmm where don't we have a large footprint? Ah Nova Scotia and the Northwest Territories. But from what I gathered, no one is going to look at either location ever again."
"Yeah I took that out from the meeting too. There was some discussion on Cuba."
"I don't think the government has opened to the Wizarding community yet, even with Castro's death. There are still a lot of muggle-borns that are being persecuted there from what I've heard on my last business venture there. I actually am working on a program with MACUSA to get refugee wizards and witches to the States. It's off the books, but for the safety of our world, I couldn't say no."
"Malfoy, the knight in shining armor." I tease. I hope my face doesn't give away too much. So it isn't only Trini and me that he goes out of his way to save. He really has changed, since I'm not the only muggle-born he's trying to save. Something his father never would have even considered. "Since it's off the books, I assume I shouldn't bring it up at my meetings?"
"Please don't. I don't need any undue publicity. For the refugees' safety."
"Of course, but we should discuss this also. Off the record. And Malfoy, how much do you have 'off the record'? I did get the spreadsheet, which was quite extensive, but what are you holding back?" I say with a hint of sarcasm in my voice. A playful hint. I decide to tempt him slightly by licking my very dry lips.
"Ah Granger, that is for you to find out." He said with his signature smirk as his son and my nephew walk in.
"What did we miss dad?"
"Ahhh Granger - or Mrs Weasley to you - and I were just discussing some possible business opportunities. And some good old fashioned banter. Right Granger?" I see his smile encroach his smirk. I've got him now.
"Whatever Malfoy." I say as snooty as I can. Which is nothing like I would have at school and my fellow adults take notice.
Harry and Ginny have just been sitting there watching us, kinda like a tennis match. I am grateful that the kids are either completely oblivious or they are focused in on their food - like Hugo is. I look for Harry's other two kids. James hasn't come downstairs yet and I only hear Lily singing quietly in the other room.
Scorpius on the other hand is whispering something into Rosie's ear. I look over at Draco, who only mouths 'I'll talk to him again.'
I mouth back 'Like father like son.'
To which he only shrugs, giving me an innocent look.
Scorpius gave his thanks to the Potters and the two Malfoy men left.
I tell Ginny to keep an eye on Rosie and Scorp for me and if she could stop by and check on Padfoot. She had other ideas; dragging me into the library. "You two, you need to talk to your kids. Soon. I mean I love having Rosie and Hugo, and Scorpius was great last night. Such a gentleman. But no way can we have the two of them together. And how is it going to work at your house? Or are you going to stay in two separate homes? Talk to me."
"Draco has a house, for us. But that's all I know. He said he'd talk to Scorp again. And no you won't have to play middle man. We'll make sure someone is home if we have work trips going forward."
James pokes his head in, "Mum - woah I interrupted something. Sorry aunt 'Mione. I was just going to ask if there was still food or if Hugo inhaled it all." His face was that of pure fear of his mother. I know she would do nothing to her son, but the fear she's instilled in the three Potter children is that of legend.
"Go in the dining room and check for yourself James Potter. Your aunt and I are in a serious conversation."
Don't irk Ginny Potter. And don't interrupt her when she's either gossiping or scolding someone else. Backing out slowly, and not taking his eyes off his mother, James disappeared down the hallway towards the dining room.
"Furthermore, Draco? If you think you were being sly, think again. I may know you as well as Harry, but anyone with any eyes can see that the two of you were insanely flirting with each other. It was nauseating. Don't go in public with that man unless you want the Prophet all over the two of you before Sunday."
"Yes mum."
"Don't get all condescending with me. Gah! I swear I'm running a nursery. Get now. Go on your trip. Get home. Tell the kids and then start thinking about more babies. Because if he were my husband, I would be pregnant in a day."
I finally make it into the Ministry office and one of the first people I come across is my boss, the Minister himself.
"Good Morning Hermione. Are you ready for this trip? I understand that the personal connection might make it difficult."
"Kingsley, you know me. I will not let my personal connections get in the way of my work if I can help it. It might give me some additional insight as to what happened too."
"I'm sorry for putting you in this situation. But it is best to get used to uncomfortable situations before you become the Minister. It is part and parcel for the job. I assume you're packed. I heard the weather seems to be unusual this year."
"Yes, I guess there were thunderstorms yesterday and rain for Saturday. And hot. 28* Celsius? It isn't a place that I think I would like to live. But I guess what my - um - husband bought recently will work."
"Did your husband go shopping? I hear his shopping trips are legendary. And the man has style."
I blush. I would never thought my husband to go shopping like he did. When we were in the safehouse, the closet was filled with all sorts of stylish and colorful outfits. He might have bought out a Lilly Pulitzer store. Even now I'm wearing one of the dresses - the Eliana shift dress - because it isn't too outrageous, but it is professional and classic looking. And having Kingsley say he has style, well it says something.
"You can say he went shopping. This is a new addition to my wardrobe."
He looks at it approvingly. "Well I just wanted to see if you were prepared. Both with your outfits and mentally. Because this one, the mental strain will be the hardest. It might be harder than the war, or at least parts of it, for you. Oh and I heard that you're going to some high end steak house. Tell me your opinion when you get back, because I'm always looking for a nice place to take my wife."
"I'll let you know then Kingsley. I can give you some recommendations in Rio, thanks to my husband."
"Well since the hemi-finals will be there, I will take you up on that. If there is anything that you need while there, even a friendly auror, let me know and it will be at your disposal."
"Thank you sir. I'll see you on Monday then."
I look over any additional paperwork that could be necessary. Grabbing the files and placing them into my attache'.
"Percy can you please come here for a moment," I send a message to my brother in law. It is hard working with such an extended family. After Rio and now Manila, I need to make sure we have all the information possible before I leave.
"Hello Ma'am, what seems to be the issue. Shouldn't you be on your way?"
"I still have time Perce. Please sit and you know not to call me ma'am."
"Hermione, you're my sister in law - yes, but here we need to be professional." He attempts to scold me. He may be Ron's older brother and kind of a suck up, but still.
"Percy, I just want to make sure nothing - and I mean NOTHING - is missing this go through. I was made a fool of in Rio, and in Manila it turned out to be dangerous."
"Yes, mum won't let me forget that. I think ever. Besides Ginny, I think you're her favorite."
"Shut it. But is everything there?"
"Everything I have been able to ascertain. Do you think you'll find out about Ron and what happened?"
"I know a little more than what was in the official documentation. Have Harry's calendar cleared, I might need him to come out at the spur of the moment. But I do hope to find out about Ron. Just - if anything - as closure."
"You think he's… dead?"
"Not so much. I don't really know what to think." Why the hell would he leave me and the kids for starters? What was so great that he couldn't even say goodbye?
"If the kids need a place, let me know. They are welcome over anytime. Audrey and I love them." Audrey is Percy's wife and somewhat mousey if you asked me. She doesn't have what is needed to be married to one of the other brothers, like Angelina or even Fleur.
"Give my love to your wife, and I might take you up on that later. Something has seem to come up in the last few days that was unexpected."
"Really? Is everything alright with the kids?"
"Rosie seems to have a crush on one of Al's friends."
"She's barely eleven. Isn't that a little early?" I can see the fear in his eyes. He has two daughters - 12 and 13 years old - and the thought of them liking boys is the fear of every father.
Every father except Rosie's apparently.
But it seems to be the fear of her stepfather. Even with his son being the cause of the fear.
"But if I have all the information, no leaving out that Malfoy Industries - I don't know - owns half the contracts and buildings in the area?"
"I can do a quick title search, but that might take awhile. Malfoy Industries does have multiple names associated with them."
"Please. And get me the information as soon as possible. I don't need to be taken off guard again." Though it seemed to work in my favor the last time around.
