I am so sorry for taking so long to post! My computer crashed and then wouldn't restart and I had to reformat my hardrive—lost all data, including original stories! Thanks for your guys who reviewed the last chapter, it made me feel great that someone actually read it and like it. I hope my writing skills are improving.
Love you lots,
Jaiasa
Discalimer: I own this laptop, some lemonheads, and a sketchbook, that's about it. Please don't sue me.
Lull
Chapître Deux
Draco stared at the minister trying to make sense of what he had just said. He said it, didn't he? The old man adjusted his collar and swallowed hard as he looked across the table to see Granger reaching in her purse in search of chocolate. Draco absently pulled a sweet from his pocket and handed it to her. She snatched it away and furiously began to unwrap it.
"What did you just say, Minister?" Arthur Weasley cleared his throat and smiled nervously.
"W-what I said was, I wanted both you and Hermione to act like the perfect couple before the media."
Draco could feel the tension rolling of the girl in waves. She was about to scream-- about to throw a tantrum in a downtown restaurant where everyone knew their names and those who were fortunate enough to dine in the same area would hear her explosion and blow their cover, that is, should they choose to accept the mission.
"Of course, the both of you will be appropriately compensated."
"Compensated?" Her voice came out in a low hiss. "What kind of woman do you take me for Arthur?
"I take you for a sensible one. Surely you understand what good this will do to the common…"
"But they're not common, Arthur Weasley, they are purebloods with closed minds and the cunning of a snake! Do you honestly believe they will believe any of this rot? Do you honestly think for a second that they would follow his example? Malfoy isn't exactly their favorite character right now, and they hate everything I stand for. This won't work, I refuse, and I'm leaving."
"What about the bill?" The waitress came in.
"Malfoy would love to pay for it." Before he could even object (not that he would, seeing as how it was ill-mannered to make a woman pay for her meal), she was out the door and storming down the street, her bushy mane following behind her.
"I think you managed to piss her off, Minister."
"Yes, well, Hermione will come around."
"I'm all for staying out of Azkaban, but I think she's right, Minister. No one in their right minds would believe it."
"I'm sure that we could reveal your relationship to make it seem authentic."
"And how's that, Minister? You want me to be caught shagging Granger on the public transit system waving the banner of England and singing muggle songs?" Weasley flinched his words but collected himself.
"I'm sure it wouldn't have to go that far."
"Then how far do you intend for it to go, Minister? I'm surprised you're even suggesting something like this for her. I thought Granger was like a daughter to you."
"She is like a daughter to me!" Arthur Weasley stood. "I would do anything for that girl, anything at all, but right now I have to keep the good of Wizarding society in perspective."
"Be careful, Minister, you're starting to sound like my father."
"Now, you listen here, young man! I'd do anything for her and my family and I am not to be compared to that monster!" Draco had to suppress the urge to chuckle. He rose from the table and put the money for the bill down on the table.
"You seem to misunderstand, Minister. My father did everything he did because of his family and his love of it. He loved its purity, loved its wealthiness, loved its beauty. He sought to keep that intact. Don't claim to know anything about my father or I'll find myself in Azkaban for different reasons."
"You had better watch yourself, Malfoy. I may need you, but threatening the Minister is not going to help keep you out of a cell next to your father's." Draco clenched his jaw shut and forced his hands to relax. In a moment, he was calm, cool, collected. He ran a hand through his hair and frowned at the minister.
"I refuse to accept your proposition. I don't enjoy the thought that you believe you can whore me out, but what's even more frightening is that you'd do the same to someone you claim to be a daughter to you." And with that, he left a trembling Minister behind in the restaurant, wiping his sweaty, bald head and looking around the room to make sure no one overheard.
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"You're beautiful," he whispered as he tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. Hermione pouted her lips and then scooped a spoonful of double-chocolate chip chocolate ice cream directly out of the tub and into her mouth. Her eyes were tearing up and flowing over her cheeks.
"I've never seen the stars so bright at night." Hermione muttered the words as the old actress turned her head to the stars.
She continued to watch her favorite 1950's movie when she was interrupted by a knock on her door. Hermione sighed and stood, placing the tub of ice cream on the table next to her couch.
"Coming," Hermione straightened her t-shirt, wondering who would come calling so late at night. She stared through the peephole but didn't see anyone. She got her wand ready. Living in muggle London taught her to never answer your door unprepared and never to answer it without knowing who was standing on the other side.
"Who is it?"
"Could you just open the fucking door." At first, she was going to call the cops, but when she finally registered to whom the voice belonged to, she frowned and paused.
"What do you want, Malfoy. It's enough that I see your sodding face all day at work, why would I want to see you now?
"Just hurry up and open the door, mudblood. I need to show you something." Hermione sighed. He would never come to her flat unless there was something wrong, and he would never come calling this late at night if it could wait until the morning. She kept the chain on and opened the door a portion.
"What do you want?"
"Would you just open the fucking door?" Hermione rolled her eyes and unhooked the chain, only to have him throw open the door, nearly knocking it into her, and storming in, pushing a piece of parchment into her face. Hermione snatched it away and read the document.
It was a typed message sent to the Department of Internal Affairs.
To Mr. Wright,
Although the case we have against Draco Malfoy has been considerably weak after his ascension to his Muggle Affairs position, I have found substantial evidence placing him not too far away from the scene of the crime the night Eleanor Hautlav committed 'suicide'. As you know Eleanor Hautlav, one amongst many of the young women Draco Malfoy has aligned himself with, was a muggle-born witch from Georgia, US of A…
What?
"What?" Hermione didn't read the rest of the letter.
"They're trying to fucking pin me for a goddammed suicide!"
"Well, that's just ludicrous. Why ever would you kill someone like her?"
"Keep reading."
In my search to find a connection between Malfoy and this case, I stumbled upon confidential records stating that Ms. Hautlav was--
"With child…" Malfocy finished. Hermione lowered her hand and stared at him.
"Surely no one would believe this rot."
"Oh, it gets better, Hermione."
"How's that?"
"I knew she was pregnant."
"WHAT? Wait… what, that's ridiculous, you can't have possibly," Hermione began to pace, her breathing was becoming more and more shallow and the bowl of chocolates on the small table near the doorway was beginning to look more and more appealing.
"I gave the girl some money and told her to take care of it."
"You did what?"
"I thought she did, too. She came back to me two weeks later and we continued to see each other for a month. After we had words one night, she disappeared and I didn't think to call her."
"She was the potential mother of your child and you didn't even think to question her health? Malfoy, what the hell-"
"Why should I care? I thought she took care of it and I was a free man. No child of mine would be born out of--"
"You do realize you could have been the reason she committed suicide."
"I figured."
"You mean to tell me that you knew you could be the reason she committed suicide and that it doesn't bother you at all? What kind of monster are you!"
"Whatever, it's not like I did the deed for her."
"You're practically a murderer and you have no guilt!"
"I've killed many people Hermione, the unintentional hand I had in her death means one less mudblood to worry about."
"You sick son of a bitch, get the hell out of my flat!"
"Flat isn't the word-- infinitesimal, tiny-- now those are words I'd use to describe…hey!" Hermione began pushing him and when he wouldn't budge she withdrew her wand.
"Look, princess. You want to win at your job, you make sure I don't get into Azkaban. If you don't want me in Azkaban, you find a way to get me outta this shit. I didn't commit the murder nor should I feel any guilt for her weakness and I'm getting sick of you pointing that tiny little stick in my face."
"You," she started, fire behind every syllable she spoke, "will get out of my sight this instance or I'll make uncanny use of this wand though I fear you might quite enjoy it."
"Kinky, are we Granger?" He quickly, expertly smacked her hand away and pulled her wrist behind her back and pointed his wand at her throat.
"Now listen here, Granger. I don't like being threatened, it frightens me a little and when I get frightened I do some rather nasty things to make myself comfortable again."
"I swear I'll have your ass in Azkaban as soon as you can say--"
"--Pureblood revolt?" Hermione quieted then. "As I said, get those Internal Affairs monkeys off my back and I just might consider not being such a prat to you anymore. Sounds good?"
"Fuck you, Malfoy."
"How cute. The little ball of fur's got gall." He turned her around to face him and he gripped her so tight, she knew she'd have bruises in the morning.
"I'll never go there, no matter what I have to do Hermione. Whether it's groveling at the feet of the Minister, kissing the gravestone of your beloved Dumbledore or dating a piece of filth like you, I'll do it."
"Sure you don't just have the hots for me?" Hermione smirked, spitting his age-old trademark back into his face.
"I can assure you sweetheart, I've seen, smelled, and tasted much better. Now be a good girl and do what you're told."
"I'm not doing anything for you, you heartless swine."
"So you'd like to be the missing puzzle piece that destroys all order? You're a very silly girl for that. What will they say next to your name when you're dead: 'Hermione Granger, brains behind the war effort only to turn around and watch exactly what she fought to maintain crumble and fall."
"Fuck you, Malfoy."
"You've been saying that quite often. You know, there's a philosophy that--"
"Get out." Malfoy smiled and then released her.
"I knew I wouldn't be able to get you to change your mind. But I thought maybe, just maybe the thought of your dead boyfriend dying for shit when his girlfriend decided to stand by and watch the purebloods flex their power over the Ministry might get the ball rolling. Guess I was naïve to believe you would be willing to honor the sacrifices your friend made." He then snatched the paper from her grip and stormed away.
Hermione looked back to the tv, forgotten as it rolled credits, and she crumbled to the floor in a heap of flesh, cloth, and hair. She curled up where she had only just stood and ignored the open door. How could he be so cruel as to bring Ron into this?
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"Hermione? What the hell?" Hermione awoke when something knocked into her head. Groggily, she arose from her sleep and looked up only to find herself staring up one Virginia Weasley's chiffon skirt.
"Hermione, what the hell are you doing?" Hermione stood and moved out of the way.
"Are you okay, did something happen? Why's your door open? Oh, my God, you look a terrible mess! Did someone hurt you? I'll kill them!" Ginny began patting her down fiercely checking for any scrapes or bruises and when she found none, she gave Hermione a critical eye.
"It's nothing Ginny, the goblin-king paid me a visit last night." The fire behind the girl's eyes ignited and she pulled the wand out of her purse and set her lips in a thin line. Before she could apparate to the Malfoy Manor, Hermione closed her fingers around her wrist and shook her head.
"No, Ginny, he didn't hurt me and we don't need bad publicity."
"Then why is your door open? Why were you curled up on the floor like that? Why are you sleeping so late?"
"What time is it?"
"Five in the afternoon. Merlin, Hermione, you gave me a fright."
"I slept 'til five?"
"What were you doing in front of you door like that?"
"I… feel asleep." Ginny's expression of curiosity dropped.
"You fell asleep?"
"Yes. I simply fell asleep." Ginny stared at her for a moment and then cocked her head to the side. When she realized that Hermione wasn't going to elaborate, she shifted her weight to one leg and crossed her arms over her chest.
"Well, please don't 'fall asleep' with your downtown flat-door open or I just might have to read about you in the Daily Prophet one day." Hermione rolled her eyes as she made her way back through the living area and into the kitchen.
"So, are we still having dinner tonight or are you so upset with my father that you don't want to associate with the rest of us anymore?" Hermione whipped around.
"You knew?"
"Did I know? Of course I knew. I didn't think he'd actually go as far as to suggest it to you though. It's a plan that might work in theory, but putting the two of you together has been a disaster since day one."
"Thanks, Ginny, for telling me something so important."
"Now, don't get all catty with me, little missy, I didn't find out about it until the night before he talked to you guys. My job is potion development, not prostitution." Hermione cast the witch an evil glare and picked up what was left of her favorite ice cream. She spooned some of the goop into her mouth and gagged. Ginny sighed and waved her wand, the ice cream restored.
"If you'd get your face out of the carton we might actually get some things done today."
"I take it we're not just going out for dinner."
"Of course not, we're going shopping, too."
"Ginny…" Hermione groaned.
"Now, none of that. Those Jimmy Choos I bought you are getting a little old for my tastes and you will not-- I repeat, not-- be wearing those same boots three years in a row."
"But they still look good."
"But there are cuter shoes out now."
"But they're still cute."
"But why settle with cute when you can have cuter."
"But I don't want to go."
"But you're going to. Now stop acting like a big baby, take a shower-- I'm glad Harry isn't here to see you look a mess-- and do something with that fuzz you call hair." Hermione grumbled and threw the ice cream back down on the table.
"Stupid witch." She mumbled under her breath, but Ginny caught the words.
"Give or take a letter." She picked up the ice cream as Hermione dragged her feet to the bathroom.
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After a day of shopping madness (Ginny was quite taken with Muggle fashion since the introduction of more Muggle trade instituted by muggle-borns), Hermione and Ginny made their way to Hermione's favorite restaurant, Emilia's.
"Ooh, they have a band playing tonight." Hermione smiled faintly as they entered the dilapidated building and was delighted when the splendor inside materialized before her eyes.
"Love it, do you?" Hermione turned around to see Blaise Zabini, a tall black man with hazel eyes and a firm jaw smiling down at her.
"Blaise! I didn't know you'd be here!"
"Well, I do own the restaurant, Ninny, and don't need your invitation to be here."
"Well I beg your pardon for showing you how pleasantly surprised I was to see you. What have you been up to lately?"
"Oh, you know-- a little of this, a little of that. I hear Draco's been running into some trouble with the Ministry."
"Eh…I'd rather not talk about the idiot right now, might spoil my appetite."
"Oh, well as the owner I certainly wouldn't want that, seeing as how you clean us out every night."
"Oh? Did you say something? Meal on you?"
"Ninny, I've told you about talking to me like that. I might just have to have you out of that dress before your main course arrives." The two always carried on with the light banter every time they saw each other. It was so strange seeing as how friendly they were to each other and his best friend was her worst enemy.
"So," Blaise grabbed up two menus, "Which table. Just let me know so I can kick some of these wankers out of your way."
"That won't be necessary. Give us anything that's available."
"Oh, I hate it when you settle." Blaise took them through the restaurant and all heads turned to the two beautiful young women being led by the restaurant's owner and one of the most eligible bachelors in all of Europe."
"Sure you won't need a third seat for your new boyfriend?" Hemione's head whipped up and she fought the urge to smack him on the arm.
"Don't test me Zabini."
"I wouldn't dare." He leaned down to whisper in her ear, "I've always hated you when you get angry." He kissed her on the temple, eliciting a blush from Hermione and a giggle from Ginny and he was gone in an eye blink.
"You sure there's nothing going on between you two? I could have sworn it got a bit hotter in here."
"Shut up, Ginny and eat."
"Yes, ma'am," Ginny looked down at the menu, but Hermione already knew what she was going to order.
When the waitress finally collected their menus and heard their selections, Ginny turned her face towards Hermione. "He's right, you know."
"Who's right?"
"My father." Hermione suppressed a sigh.
"I really don't want to talk about this right now."
"I know you don't but it can't wait—Malfoy's in trouble and our government needs him."
"What about me?"
"What about you, Hermione? Surely you understand the gain in this. No harm will come of you."
"Oh, yeah? What if some pureblood mob jumped me in the alley or better yet, what if they come after my…" Hermione trailed off. Her parents died during the war: one of a heart attack, and one of insanity. "Well, they could always hold my cat hostage."
"Your cat?" Ginny giggled. "Hermione, I wouldn't be surprised if that ancient ball of fur didn't kick the bucket the next time you storm into your flat a little too loudly. Face it, no one will be harmed because of the mission and you know that you will find yourself in a very good position."
"And how's that?"
"Money for starters."
"I'm not a bloody prostitute--"
"Wait a minute, Hermione. This isn't prostitution. It's like being a double-agent. Much like during the war."
"Double-agent?"
"You're only pretending and you don't have to do anything you don't want to. It's as simple as that."
"Oh? And how are we to convince the world we share a bed if we can't even share office space without ripping each other's throats out?"
"Simple. Let someone catch you two snogging in the copy room, by your secretary-- you know she's a terrible gossip-- and push him away like you didn't mean to be seen. Let the rumors start. Deny them at first and then get caught out somewhere again."
"That would make me look like one of his floozies."
"Doesn't matter. You do what you must and you'll be greatly rewarded. Not only do you get a commission, raise, and better ratings amongst the purebloods you also get to shop, shop, shop and make Malfoy pay for everything."
"What makes you think he'll agree to that?"
"Oh, you know Malfoy. Once a girl starts whining, he practically showers them with jewelry and stuff. Just gotta learn to play your cards right."
"I have a feeling Malfoy wouldn't do anything for me."
"Not unless you play your cards right. Besides-- you get endless time to torture the hell out of him. Imagine the possibilities. He wouldn't be able to lash out on you either because you're doing him such a huge favor." The two girls quieted down when the waitress brought out their orders and bade them to 'enjoy'.
Hermione was practically silent the rest of the night. While she wasn't very impressed with the money and jewelry (she just wasn't that type of girl), she knew that dating the bastard would certainly improve both his and the reform programs' popularity. When the meal was done and they all said their goodnights', Hermione apparated to her small flat and sighed.
She was such a sucker.
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Weeeeeeeeell, thanks for reading, I hope you enjoyed. I really wanted to keep Draco's asshole-ness intact in this and I'm hoping I didn't go too overboard with it. Oh, and Ginny isn't a bitch in this story. I hate it when people make her so damned slutty and bitchy and make her out to be the type that would turn on Hermione at the drop of a hat. She always seemed so sweet in the series.
OH…and did you catch the references?
Goblin King—The Labrynth ( I love David. I hope he doesn't mind I call him David)
Witch, give or take a letter—Ugly Betty (when Betty and her sister were arguing about the thieving lawyer.
Anyways… I hope you liked it.
And don't forget to REVIEW! I don't know how to improve unless you do!