A/N: Back again - I wanted to finish the whole Chianti trip and move on to the new developments to come. This is the final wrap for Italy. Enjoy!
Chapter 22
Hermione had finally found the sun-room. It seemed to be an addition to the old palazzo, the glass being a dead giveaway of its modernity. Yet, the view was definitely something, as she looked out at the pool and terrazzo tiling, and the great potted plants casting shadows which gave an impression of a mini-oasis. She spotted Draco sitting casually on one of the cane chairs, sipping on his coffee.
"Hermione! We thought you'd left!" Padma seemed genuinely relieved as she set her tea-cup down on the table and beamed at her. Draco looked over his newspaper at her, nodding before setting it down, his eyes beholding amusement. She could see his lips curl behind his coffee cup as he lifted it to his lips.
"I woke up early and decided to go for a walk. Sorry to worry you." She took a seat at the table opposite Draco. Even the table top was made of glass, supported by a stone based structure. It was brutal yet elegant. Hermione made herself a cup of tea, and filled her bowl with muesli, fruit and yogurt. She was famished.
Blaise walked into the room, sitting next to her. "Morning Hermione, Draco tells us you were out talking to the employees. I didn't know you spoke Italian." Hermione almost choked. She wanted to kill Draco for not divulging that bit of information. She looked at him, trying to shield the horror on her face, thinking of what to say. "You must have been talking to Ricardo, he's the only one that speaks English," he winked. Hermione exhaled in relief.
"Yes, I didn't realise you hired muggles, Blaise," she was taking a risk by relying on what Draco said, but really, she had drawn the short straw on her alias.
"Well, they're the wine experts, I am just learning about the whole industry in the region. I'm only here on the weekends so they tend to the operations. Mother was into it, she's known Ricardo for years, but she's moved to Florence. She says it makes her feel younger to be in a city."
"She's right, all you have here are your thoughts," Padma added. "So, Hermione, I was thinking of going to Siena for the day, they have some great little boutiques, maybe you wanted to check it out with me?"
"Yeah okay," she said between mouthfuls of the deliciously creamy yogurt, fresh berries, and muesli. She caught Draco watching her lick her spoon clean as she savoured the flavours.
Hermione turned to Blaise. "Will you and Draco be coming?"
He shook his head, "I have some business to attend to. Sebastian's gone back to London so I need to stick around for him to send me some information I was waiting for. Draco, maybe you can be their chaperone for the day?"
"I'm sure Draco doesn't want to be tagging along with a bunch of girls shopping," Padma cut in.
"Actually, I don't mind at all." He folded The Prophet, set his coffee cup down on its saucer and looked over at Padma.
"Really?" Padma seemed genuinely pleased. "Great then, a man's opinion does count for something. I'm so sick of wearing my healer's uniform I'm desperate for some retail therapy."
"I thought that might be the case," Blaise replied. Hermione found his comment rather unusual, and looked at him questioningly. "Draco, mentioned he needed to pick up a few things earlier," he offered. She wasn't convinced. Hermione had a feeling that Blaise was not as ignorant as he appeared.
"Too bad Sebastian left, I'm sure he would have loved to come, Hermione." Padma assured, sending glares to Blaise. Hermione almost choked on her tea, and was violently coughing behind her hand.
"Alright, Granger?" Draco asked, smirking. She nodded, coughing away.
"Padma, I don't think Hermione appreciates your implied matchmaking," Blaise reproved. Draco stood up, poured water into his glass and walked over to hand it to her.
"Thanks," she managed to let out before he walked back to his seat. She finally composed herself and looked up at him. He seemed to be having a silent conversation with Blaise while Padma was talking about Sebastian.
"Sebastian is a good looking, very smart, and a nice guy. Any girl would go for him, don't you think, Hermione?"
"Give it up, Padma, you're pressuring her about nothing," Blaise huffed.
"He was nice," Hermione shrugged, trying to prevent any spats between the couple. She could feel Draco's eyes on her but she didn't look at him.
"See?" Padma defended, "There's nothing wrong with looking out for a friend, especially if I know that he likes you, Hermione."
Hermione smiled meekly. She could see Blaise fuming next to her, trying to keep calm. It was amusing to see how they interacted as a couple.
"It's not like there are many other young eligible wizards out there, it won't hurt to go on a couple of dates." Hermione knew Padma meant well so she let it slide, inwardly laughing.
"C'mon Padma, that's not fair, I'm sure Hermione knows plenty of eligible young bachelors," Blaise defended on her behalf.
"What, Draco?" She turned to him. "No, offence," she assured, before continuing. He just shook his head, bemused. "With their history?" Hermione promptly bit into a nearby apricot danish to save herself from speaking. "Besides Draco, you are the perpetual bachelor. You will never marry." Hermione swallowed her half-chewed mouthful as she reacted to Padma's comment. She avoided the eyes of all three of them.
A momentary silence swept through the room, and Hermione could definitely feel the elephant's presence, before Blaise guffawed, shaking his head. "Padma darling, you are forgetting the small detail of the heir. Draco will have to marry…eventually." He shot Draco a grin, one that perhaps had more connotations attached to it than Hermione or Padma could pick up on. Nevertheless, despite Blaise's save, Hermione's suspicions were confirmed.
Blaise knew.
"Eager to move away from the topic of conversation, Hermione spoke up. "I thought the Vinesi's were wonderful, have you known them long?" she asked Blaise.
"Only about a year. They moved into the neighbouring estate a few years back, but I only started coming down here to oversee the operations last year after my mother sought a change of scenery. It's kind of hard to juggle with my work at St Mungos so I like to delegate," he reasoned.
"He's just being modest." Padma affirmed, standing up and walking over to her fiancé, hugging him round the neck as she kissed his head. "I don't mind though, I like coming down here."
Hermione smiled, shifting a little uncomfortably in her chair. She was not used to dealing with affectionate couples, which was probably why she and Harry had become closer after Ron and Luna's marriage. She missed him, her mood turning sombre at the thought, as she looked over at Draco who was staring at the table, his expression pensive. Everyone seemed pre-occupied with their thoughts.
"Shall we go then?" Padma finally announced. Hermione smiled and nodded.
"I'll just go grab my bag."
"We'll meet you in the courtyard."
OOO
Draco and Padma seemed to be laughing about something as Hermione walked down the stone steps from the second floor into the courtyard. Padma was almost in tears, and Draco was trying hard to contain his laughter, but his eyes were lit up with amusement. Hermione felt like she had just observed a snapshot in time, of Draco's most at ease state. She knew what he was like behind closed doors, but generally, in public, he maintained a protective distance in his mannerisms.
She walked up to them, a look of curiosity across her face.
"Oh, Hermione, I have never heard anything so ridiculous. Draco is onto his fifth assistant. The last got upset when Draco told him off for falling for a journalist. Can you believe that was the tipping point for the poor boy? Not the hard arse, workaholic Draco making impossible demands. That is just too funny, Draco," she wiped her eyes.
"Mac left?" Hermione asked, surprised.
"Oh, you know him?" Padma inquired.
"He greeted me once when I went to MC."
"I haven't seen him in a week, so I am guessing he's fallen in love and pissed off somewhere. Haven't told his father yet; I'm waiting to see how it pans out for him." Draco Malfoy had cruel sense of humour. Hermione shook her head worriedly. She felt slightly sorry for Mac but could see the lighter side of it all.
"Shall we?" Draco held out both arms, Hermione raised an eyebrow at his gesture. "Granger, I am your chaperone, after all," he drawled.
OOO
Siena was vibrant, yet it had a more relaxed atmosphere than the bustle of Florence. Hermione stood in the main square, admiring the architecture of the basilica. Pigeons flocked around them. Hermione was not particularly fond of pigeons.
Padma was already on a mission, as she walked ahead of them, leading them to the purported best boutiques.
Draco and Hermione followed, a little less enthusiastically.
"So, what's wrong with dating a journalist then?" Hermione tantalized. Draco looked at her and rolled his eyes, exhaling. She was hitting him with a double entendre.
"Granger, do you remember everything down to a tee?"
"Just intrigued that's all," she shrugged innocently.
"Yeah, right. Are you asking me about Mac, or about Sebastion Parker?" the disdain apparent in his voice at the latter reference.
"You tell me."
"I don't think so, Granger. How about some shoe shopping instead?" He gestured toward the most elaborate window display of shoes Hermione had ever set her eyes on. Padma had already disappeared inside. The wizard beside her laughed.
"I didn't expect it to be that easy," he reflected. Hermione was oblivious to his remark as she walked in after Padma, who appeared to have already requested the services of one of the shop assistants.
ooo
"Oh, and I love these!" Padma had two different shoes on each foot, and was holding on to another. Hermione had to admit, they were rather exquisite but she wasn't prepared to settle yet. Her manner of shopping was, look first, then decide, whereas Padma was more inclined to keep adding to her list.
The fit-out of the shop oozed a dark opulence, with velvet black curtains acting as the back drop for the shoe displays. The shelving was of clear plastic that had crystals embedded into its thickness. It gave the impression of floating shoes surrounded by falling jewels, capturing a moment frozen in time. Velvet purple chaises in the centre were occupied by many drooling women and frazzled service assistants. Hermione looked up at Draco. He had found himself a clear spot and was standing, checking out a young woman who was prancing about in the highest pair of platform pumps Hermione had ever seen. They must be Laboutin, she reflected. He caught her staring and walked over to her.
"Granger, I would like to see you in those," he whispered huskily. She elbowed him. He was too distracting and she had to concentrate. The expense of these shoes meant she could only let herself buy one pair, and that would be a splurge.
"Only I have a say in the shoes I wear," she clarified with haughtiness that arose when one was in their element. She also required a smidgen of practicality.
"We'll see," there seemed to be some finality to his statement, as he wandered away, leaving Hermione feeling rather flattered that he was thinking of her while checking out another attractive woman.
Padma was driving the shop assistant to exhaustion.
And then, she spotted them. Hermione rushed over for fear of it being an illusion and picked up one of the shoes. Patent grey, with black trimming, almond toed, nice heel, albeit a little higher than desired, with a belt like ankle strap that would sit at the thinnest point of the ankle. Hermione's eyes glazed over.
"Did you want some help, seniorina?" Hermione nodded, smiling eagerly, like she had just caught her prey. She managed to inform the assistant of her size, hoping that they had a pair in stock.
"I will check," she responded efficiently. Hermione walked over to Padma.
"Hermione, I can't decide," she whined, looking lovingly at a pair of fever red suede platform sandals in her hand, before gazing down at her feet.
"You know in your heart which you love most," Hermione responded, patting Padma on the arm reassuringly as she sat down next to her. The whole seriousness attached to shoe shopping was laughable. Where was Draco?
"You are in luck, the last pair in your size," the shop assistant had returned and her announcement was music to Hermione's ears. She slipped them on and stood up, feeling rather sophisticated, and sexy. She loved shoes that strapped around the ankle.
"Hermione, they look hot!" Padma declared. It was decided, Hermione nodded to the assistant who beamed at the simpleness of the transaction.
"What the hell, I'll take all three, Blaise doesn't have to know." Hermione smiled. If only it were that easy.
"Where's Draco?"
Hermione shrugged, "I was thinking the same thing."
"Shall we purchase outfits to match our shoes?" Padma directed.
"Naturally," Hermione laughed. She couldn't recall the last time she had shopped with a friend. It was always in haste during lunch breaks, if ever.
Draco was standing outside, hands in pockets, looking rather smug about something. "What happened to you? Don't tell me you're bored already?" Padma questioned.
"Not at all, I just had to pick up something. Where to next ladies?"
The morning and the early afternoon continued so, with Padma leading Hermione on a frenzy, and Draco following. He never once showed impatience, even when Hermione was starting to feel drained. "Cheer up, Granger, you're shopping. I thought all women loved to shop?" he teased, as Hermione had decided on her final purchase for the day.
"I just don't have the stamina that Padma seems to possess in the art of shopping," she defended, sitting down opposite Draco in the waiting area of the change rooms. He had been discreet enough to maintain a cool demeanour when Padma had insisted he give his opinions on their outfits. She could tell from his eyes though, whether or not he approved of an outfit. He cocked an eyebrow at her terminology.
"And what about in other recreational activities?" he suggested.
"I think you know the answer to that," she returned, matter-of-factly. He leant forward, ready to say something, when Padma walked out of the change room.
"Okay, I'm ready," she stated definitively. "I think it's just about time for lunch."
Hermione sighed with relief.
"Do you need me to hold some of your bags Granger?"
"Thanks, but that won't be necessary," she checked to see if the area was devoid of muggles and promptly shrunk her bags and placed them into her charmed handbag.
"That thing must carry your whole life," he replied, overwhelmed by its capacity.
"It's possible," Hermione offered, vaguely. She could see Padma talking animatedly with the cashier and sat back in the chair for a moment's rest, closing her eyes.
She heard Draco walk over to her, she opened her eyes. He held out his hand.
"You're really playing up to the role of chaperone, aren't you?"
"If you think so," he shrugged. She took his hand and he pulled her up so quickly she crashed into his chest. Their eyes locked briefly, and then he did something he was yet to do. He kissed her softly on the mouth, in a public place, before letting go of her and walking over to Padma. That small gesture left her breathless.
ooo
The three spent the afternoon lunching at a restaurant in the main square, indulging on traditional pizza of three authentic toppings: cheese, basil and tomato, before heading back to the Zabini estate.
"Thank-you for your services, Draco; you were quite the gentlemen this afternoon." Padma joked approvingly. "You and Hermione seem to be getting along great these days, I am proud of your maturity."
"You lead by example, Padma. You are marrying Blaise, after all. He was a right prat back at school." Their light banter was refreshing as Hermione walked behind them through to the gardens. It was true though, even when he was frustrated with her, he had not challenged her once this weekend.
Blaise was lying on a sun chair, his sunnies on, snoozing with a butterbeer in one hand, and a pile of documents resting on his chest.
Draco walked up to him and nudged him on the shoulder before sitting on the edge of the chair. Blaise awoke with a fright almost dropping his drink. "Shit, Draco!" he reprimanded, sounding half asleep.
"I see you've been working hard."
"Leave me alone," Blaise muttered.
Hermione laughed at the exchange and sat on one of the iron garden chairs.
"Where's Padma?" Blaise lifted his glasses and looked around.
"Right here, darling," she walked over and kissed him on the lips. "Draco was very good to us today, not like you when you come shopping."
"Yeah, well, he doesn't do it as often as me, the novelty of checking you out while you try on clothes hasn't worn off yet," Blaise defended. "What did you think of Siena, Hermione?"
"Loved it," Hermione smiled. "I have quite a few new wardrobe items that I'm quite excited about."
"Hermione bought some sexy shoes," Padma revealed.
"I won't challenge you on that Padma, I am very pleased with them." She caught Draco's eye and he sent her a knowing smirk.
The four of them lazed about until sunset, drinking and talking. Padma and Hermione had their girly exchange of overzealous shop talk, Hermione discussed medical advancements with Blaise, and finally, managed to goad out of Draco, with a little assistance from Blaise, when the Pureblood Slytherin had actually started using muggle devices.
ooo
The sun had finally set and the satisfied drowsiness of an eventful day had finally overcome Hermione. She wondered how on earth she was getting home, trying to catch Draco's attention to ask him about it. He seemed to catch on as he looked up at the sky and then at Hermione.
"I'm taking a portkey back; you can head back with me Granger, or go with Padma and Blaise later on." he shrugged.
"How soon is shortly," Hermione queried.
"In about five minutes," he surmised, half smiling.
"I might head back with you then; I have a few things to do before work tomorrow."
Blaise looked over at her, lifting his sunglasses up once more, resting them on his head. "Always the workaholic, I know how you feel," he smiled.
"Thanks for having me stay Blaise, I had a great time," Hermione replied.
"Anytime, Hermione. Come down next weekend even."
"Thanks, Blaise," she stood up and walked over to Padma who was pouring herself a drink.
"I'm going to head back with Malfoy,"
"Oh, so soon?" Padma gave her a hug. "Thanks for keeping me company this weekend, my new shopping buddy. You have great taste by the way."
"Thanks, Padma," Hermione laughed. "We should do coffee or lunch next week sometime."
"Or, shopping?"
"Or shopping," Herimone agreed.
"Ready to go, Granger?" Draco walked over.
"Whenever you are," she replied.
"I'll be seeing you Padma," his kissed her cheek. She laughed at his curtness.
"Ever the Draco Malfoy," she shook her head.
ooo
Hermione and Draco arrived in his office. It felt so strange to be back.
"I'll apparate with you to your place," he said, walking over to his desk and taking the ring off his finger, placing it in the first draw. The resoluteness of his tone warranted no challenge on the matter.
He walked back over to her and grabbed her hand; she felt the familiar pull hit her once more. The man was full of surprises, for she did not expect them to be able to apparate from inside.
"I have special privileges," he offered, guessing what she was thinking as they arrived outside her building. She could only nod.
"I had a really good time," she finally admitted. He stood watching her as she shuffled her feet, slightly unsure of herself now that they had returned. Hermione found herself wondering if he had enjoyed her company and what would come next? It was all too foreign. She furrowed her brow as she mentally berated herself for over thinking it while he stood before her. She looked up at him and smiled gently.
"I did too, Granger. I especially liked your shaving skills." With that, he leant over and kissed her softly on the lips, "Night, Granger," he said in a low voice, before apparating. She pursed her lips in delight.
A/N: Link to the shoes Hermione buys on profile page!
