Thee only do I love

by phoebesana

[Dramione]5 years since they last spoke. Draco saved an intoxicated Hermione from being taken advantage by the obsessed Cormac. Passed out alone in his arm, he has no choice but to take her back to his apartment. This story is about love, triangles, betrayal, possession, kidnapped and more. How far would a person go to make a woman his own? Will the dark force come back?

4. Chapter 4

Okay... Sorry this chapter is a bit long... I wanted to separate it into 2 chapters. However at the end I decided it will be better in just one :P

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It was Thursday morning, Hermione purchasing her usual Hazelnut Latte from her favourite coffee shop Moon-Beans on her way to work. She was particularly nervous this morning, first thing on her schedule today was meeting with the Minister of Magic and the rest of the Department Heads. This would be the first time she attended this bi-weekly ministry meeting as the Head of Department, she hoped she had prepared well. Arriving at her office, she was greeted by the handsome Jayden.

"Hermione, Morning." Jayden smiled.

"Morning, Jayden." Said Hermione, her cheek blushed slightly at Jayden irresistible smile. It must be his dimples she thought.

"Hows your coffee?"

"Jayden, do you know the reason I get out of my bed everyday?" Hermione smiled and finished the last sip of her coffee. " Its because of the existence of coffee."

"Well, now that you have finished your coffee. Would you care for a calming draught? My speciality!" he smirked.

Raised her eye brown, she accepted the potion from Jayden. She wondered how would Jayden possibly know she was nervous?

"Hermione. Although we have only been working together for a week. Your face is not hard to read. Now just quickly drink that. Your meeting starts in 15 minutes." Said Jayden, as he watched Hermione gulping the potion down. "Here are the documents, good luck!"

"Wow I can feel the effect of the potion already. Thank you." Said Hermione with much appreciation. She left the office and heads toward to the meeting room quickly, she didn't want to be late.

Why did she always blush when Jayden smiled at her? She blamed him for his gorgeous dimples. Her heart always rose rapidly whenever he looked her into her eyes. He has been a gentleman, always charming and beyond thoughtful. Was it possible that Jayden had grown interest in her? Maybe he was just nice to everyone and she was reading into it too much. He too was really good at his job, she definitely enjoyed every moment they worked together. However, Hermione quickly stopped her thoughts before they could expand further. Never forgot her last relationship failure.

She arrived at the meeting room and found herself a seat. Like always, she was the first one arrived. The room later filled with other Department Heads, Cormac who happened to be the Head of Magical Game and Sport entered and was delighted to see Hermione. He hurried to grab the empty seat next to Hermione, they haven't spoke to each other since the Christmas ball incident and he was dying to apologise to her.

"Hermione, Congratulation on the promotion."

"Thank you, McLaggen." Said Hermione, feeling uneasy. She wished she could swap seat but it would look strange.

"Look, I am really sorry about the other night. Would you forgive me?" he asked with hope.

"You are forgiven. However, I wish our relationship would remain at work level only. I hope you can understand. "

"But Hermione…"

"There is nothing more I would like to say. And now is not an appropriate time to discuss this matter." She replied coldly. "The minister has just arrived."

Kingsley entered the meeting room and proceeded to his seat at the end of the table. The meeting commenced by the minister introduced Hermione as the new Head of Department of Law Enforcement. It continued with the Department Heads made their reports one by one, making important announcements. They voted for a few decisions and Hermione continued to take notes as most of them were involved with her department.

Finally it was Hermione's turn, she brought up the issue of the welfare and rights for magical creatures as previously discussed with Department of the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures. She pointed out that magical creatures like house-elves have been working with no paid and holidays. She urged that it was time for them to pass out a law to ensure they would receive minimum wages and at least two days off per month for their service. The board was impressed by her research and presentation. After an hour of debate and discussion, through voting Hermione had received 15 out of 21 votes from the Department Heads. They had passed through the Law and she was pleased with herself. When the meeting finally came to the end, Hermione quickly exited the room before Cormac could find a chance to talk to her.

Arrived back at her office, it was already two in the afternoon and she was starving. She went to find Adelie who was specialised in drafting laws and gave her all the notes she took at the meeting. She had divided the notes into different categories depend how urgent and important they were.

"Honestly Hermione, if you are going to give me a pile of notes like that, would you mind to make your writing a little bigger? At this rate I get this hindsight I am going to suffer major optical problem before I retired."

"Well I did make my writing slightly bigger as you requested last time."

"To be honest, I don't see any difference. Maybe the optical problem had hit earlier than I expect. Now where is my eyeball enhancer… my glasses?"

Hermione smiled but put a paper bag with Adelie's favourite chocolate iced donut on her in-tray.

"Oh no that is the worst way of bribing! You can't do this everytime, you are making me fat!" Said Adelie's. Protesting but obviously didn't mean what she said, she put the donut straight into her mouth.

"Hey Ladies." Jayden came over with two coffees in his hand. "Here Adelie, the coffee will goes well with the donut." He put the coffee on her desk and gave the other one to Hermione.

"Aw… thanks Jayden you are such a sweetie." Said Adelie.

"How did the meeting go? " he asked

"Well, what did my face say?"

"That you did exceptionally well and you got what you wanted." He smirked.

"Unbelievable." She rolled her eyes. "Tell me Adelie, is my face THAT easy to read?"

"Wow did it REALLY take you that long to figure out?" Adelie questioned her back.

Three of them continued their conversation about how Hermione was the easiest person to read. Adelie told Jayden how that was the reason she never won in wizard poker. They laughed and the conversation continued to flow between work and Hermione.

"Anyway, Jayden it has been almost a week. How do you like it here?" Asked Adelie.

"The weather here is really different to Australia. It is always hot and sunny from where I lived. Everyone here are very friendly to me and I love my new job."

"Well, how about the place?"

"I have been busy working everyday, plus no one have time to show me around yet." He said. "In fact today is Friday, would you guy like to show me around after work?"

"This is the best idea of the whole week. We should totally do it!" said Adelie excitedly. "We can meet up at One Snitch at seven for dinner. Oh! They got our favourite waffles Hermione! And probably end our night at either Two Wands or Leaky Cauldron?

"That sounds amazing! Will you come Hermione?" he asked hopefully.

"Uh…. I have a lot of work to prepare for next ..." She answered with a moment of hesitation but changed her mind when the two gave her the most adorable puppy eyes. "Alright alright, I will come."

" Great that's settled then. I will see you all at seven tonight!"

Adelie summoned a ministry express owl, she quickly wrote their reservation request under Hermione's name, what a smart idea that should guarantee them a spot tonight and she sent the owl off.

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Friday afternoon wouldn't be more busy, after her lunch Hermione went to meet with the house-elf representatives and discussed the result from her meeting. They agreed to reduce from two minimum days off to one per month and came up to an agreement if one house-elf chose not to accept the salary, their salary will donate towards to Beyond Healing a charity focus on healing magical creatures. After meeting with the house-elves, she met with the Head of Department of Magical Transportation and discussed legal details of using international portkey. Finally, she was on her way back to her office. She looked at her watch it was already six thirty, she wouldn't have enough time to return home and changed. Just as she walked into her department, she saw Jayden was sitting in his office, reading a book and he clearly had went home and changed.

"Jayden, why you are still here?" asked Hermione.

"Oh hey Hermione, I left something in my office so I come back." He replied. "And saw your cloak is still here, so I decide maybe I can wait for you and we can go together."

"Ah I see, well I just need to tidy a few things and we can go together. Just give me a few minutes." She said, hurried to her office.

"Anything I can help?" he followed her into her office.

Hermione quickly tidied up her desk, she grabbed a few documents she would like to go through on the weekend into her briefcase. She almost forgot to grab the proposal of the magic restrained wristband, which she would be meeting with Malfoy on the coming Tuesday.

"All good, shall we?" said Jayden. He held the door open for Hermione. Together they head towards to the Floo-network.

They arrived at One Snitch precisely at seven. Adelie was waiting at the door, waving energetically at them. Gosh this woman always has so much energy Hermione thought. The waiter leaded them to the best table of the restaurant where it offered the best overlooking night view of Diagon Alley. The meal was fantastic and they talked about the difference between the school in Australia and Britain. The conversation was entertaining until Adelie received an owl, her sister asked if she could come straight away to baby sit her kids for an emergency.

"Hey Guys, I am sorry to leave early. But promise me Hermione to take Jayden to Two Wands after this, he is going to love it there. " She said apologetically. " Going to see what this emergency is now, I swear if its another my favourite character just die in the book I need to go for a walk crisis, I am going to kill her." She grabbed her cloak and left the restaurant.

"Well, dinner was lovely. Hermione shall we head to the Two Wands now?" Jayden asked.

"That is a good idea, lets get the waiter."

Hermione turned and grabbed her purse. However, Jayden stopped her.

"Please, let me get this. You and Adelie had shown me such a nice restaurant and I certainly enjoyed my night. Allow me." He said as he put down 10 galleons on the table and extra 10 galleons as tip. He helped Hermione out of her chair.

Hermione looked at the tip and thought she had never tipped so much in her life.

Luckily Two Wands was just a quick 5 minutes walked from One Snitch. The place had only opened for 2 years in Diagon Alley, however it had quickly become the new hip place to go. Not only they served the coolest drink menu, each week the place have a different theme. This week was Bubbles. They entered Two Wands and were asked by the waiter if they prefer to sit at the bar or somewhere a bit more private. Hermione chose the private option, she never liked a loud scene. The waiter directed them into a floating bubble where there was a round table in the middle with two chairs opposite each other. As soon as they entered the bubble, it concealed itself and they were levitated to the bar area.

"Miss Granger, long time no see! Surprise to see you out on a Friday night. What can I get you?" Tim the bartender asked.

"Just a toffee-ButterBeer please, and.." she turned and asked Jayden what he would like. "And a fire whisky."

"Miss Granger, is that a DATE?" Tim asked with his eye wide open.

"No Tim, This is Jayden Galloway. He is the new Assistant Head of my department. Recently move to London from Australia." Hermione blushed at Tim innocent words.

"Well nice to meet you Mr. Galloway. Just to let you know all Ministry employee get a 10% discount here. Here is your fire whisky." Said Tim and he handed the Toffee-ButterBeer to Hermione.

"Very well, thanks I shall keep that in mind." Jayden smiled.

Hermione was gladded she had chosen the bubble option. The place was packed with people on this busy Friday night. The bubble was enchanted to float around in mid-air, a silencing charm was placed so no sound could travel in and out of the bubble except the music which was playing.

Suddenly Hermione felt someone was staring at her heavily, not Jayden though. She looked back and saw a bubble filled with a large group of Slytherin. Inside the bubble there was Draco, Theo, Astoria, Pansy, Blaise and some other Hermione couldn't see clear enough. Astoria was waving and smiling at them, Hermione waved back. Hermione had liked Astoria from Hogwarts, she was not a typical stereotyped Slytherin .The rest of the Slytherin did not seem to be interest in them. They were busy chatting to each other, Hermione's existence did not seem important enough for them to notice. However, what Hermione did not understand was. Why did Draco Malfoy keep staring at her like she had done something wrong? From the moment Hermione noticed the Slytherin bubble, his eyes had not blinked once. She felt a chill at her spine, she turned back to her conversation with Jayden.

" Are those your school friend?" Jayden asked.

"We went to school together, but in different house. Uh… the people in their house don't really socialise with people like me. You know a muggle born witch." Said Hermione, anxiously.

"Well Hermione. Everyone have their own opinion but their opinion can change. Now that the war is over. It doesn't matter if you are pure-blood, half-blood or muggle-born, we all have the same right to use magic." Said Jayden assuring Hermione.

"Are you a pure-blood Jayden?" ask Hermione hesitantly, she wasn't sure if this question appeared to be a bit personal.

"Yes, Hermione. I am a pure-blood. My family moved to Australia when Grindelwald was at large." He said. " But I don't hold prejudice towards muggle born. If you can perform magic with a wand then you have every right to possess one." He added.

Hermione smiled at his word. It's good to know even Jayden was a pure blood wizard from an ancient family, he shared the same belief with her.

"So… Mind if I ask. Why did the bartender Tim looked so surprise when he thought I was your date?" Jayden asked, fishing for information he would like to know.

"Its okay to ask. I have been single ever since my last relationship, which was 3 years ago. I haven't been on a single date since the break up." She said, feeling embarrassed.

"I hope you don't mind me asking. But WHY?" he said calmly, slowly steering the conversation to where he wanted to be. He tried to hide his excitement.

"Jayden, it's a long and sappy story. I don't want to bore you on a Friday night."

"I am sorry I asked, you don't need to tell me if you don't want to. However, as I can see a talk will definitely help you to get over your past." Said Jayden as he noticed Hermione's eyes were getting watery. "Plus I am a good listener."

It is true Hermione thought. Ever since the break up she never talked about her thought and feelings, not even to her best friend Ginny. She tried to act strong and put all her energy into work. Jayden's eyes gave her assurance that it was better to talk about it. Maybe a talk was really what she needed after all this years for her to finally let go.

" After the war, Ron and I were finally an item. I thought after years of waiting I finally found my soul mate. I love everything about him included his family. I allowed myself to dream about future, you know a family. I thought we were seriously in love."

Hermione could feel her eyes getting teary, she knew she was on the verge to burst out a waterfall of tears. She tried hard to fight back the tears. Jayden was just sitting there listening like he said he would, there were no signs of judgment.

" We had a lot of fights and conflicts. I thought isn't what relationship was about? Working together and compromise each other? Whenever I tried to work on our problem, he would run away. Which was very disappointing."

To this point Hermione could no longer hold onto her tears. Like fountains her eyes filled with tears and tears of pain began to stream down her cheek.

"It was on Valentines Night. I thought I was walking into a night of romance, instead I have found myself facing a night of truth and betrayal. Everything fell apart when I saw him shagging his ex on our couch screaming her name, thrusting her in a way we never had."

The memory of that horrific night flushed back. Hermione found herself almost choking on her tears. She was gladded the enchanted bubble they were in had floated to the quiet corner so no one beside Jayden could see her weep. The only bubble was about 20 metres from theirs and it was the group of Slytherin, which have absolutely no interest to looked over at their direction.

" I will never forget the feelings when millions of invisible knifes sharply stabbed into my fragile heart. I was in so much pain, I couldn't even react or speak. For once in my life I was speechless. Even though he had betrayed my heart and trust. The thought of losing him forever in my life scared me. I was foolishly enough to forgive him and offered to give him a second chance. He didn't want it though and they were married 2 months after we broke up."

"I know a break up doesn't signify the end of the world. But I have poured my heart and soul. The betrayal and relationship had left me a lot of insecurities. I have lost faith and trust. Just imagine when you thought your relationship was going well, you were in love and you trusted someone SO MUCH. Turn out all these time, all the words they said or even when they looked and touched you. Their mind was thinking someone else the whole time."

That was it, Hermione could no longer continue talking. The tears she let out were far more than she had ever cried in her entire life. Never for a moment Jayden had interrupted her. Looking at her with so much sadness, he took out his handkerchief to wipe off her tears gently.

"Hermione, I am glad you told me this. I sincerely hope you have felt better after getting it off your chest. What I want you to understand is, any girl deserve to be treated like a lady and respect, especially a catch like you. If a guy does not appreciate you for who you are, no matter how much you give, he will never return your love. The best advice I have. If you hold onto to your past, you will miss all the better options life offers you in the future."

Hermione looked up at Jayden, his eyes were filled with sincere and his words were like light at the end of a tunnel.

"I hope I am not taking the advantage of your current condition. Why don't you let me take you out on a date? You know a date could just what you need." He asked hopefully, it was the moment he had been waiting for the entire night, no the entire week or even longer.

"Um.."

He could see Hermione hesitated at his offer.

"Well just a friendly date, nothing serious. You should know what it feels to be treated by a gentleman. It will be my honour to be the first who took you out on a date after your three years of relationship desolation. After all, according to AUSGossip-Witch I have the most charming smile in Australia." He laughed.

"Alright, but if I don't feel right. I WILL leave in the middle of the date."

"Of course, anything for your comfortless. So next Saturday morning?"

"Yes sure, Saturday it is." Hermione finally give out a reassuring smile.

"Just remember Hermione. Crying is not showing your weakness, it is a way to prove you are only getting stronger. Those who hide their tears, are those who are too afraid to progress from where they were and accepting the truth."

On the other side, inside the Slytherin's bubble. Draco was clutching onto a piece of napkin tightly. If the napkin were a tomato, it would be bursting out tomato juice by now. His eyes were deadly staring over to the bubble Hermione was in. He saw the whole thing. This He-I-don't-know-his-name was glazing at Hermione dreamingly, he was wiping Hermione's streaming tears off her face, they said something to each other and Hermione returned with a smile. Draco never seen Hermione cried like that, the only time she cried was tears of joy, nothing like this. Some how this scene had stirred up an unpleasant feeling inside his heart and he could not explain why. Astoria on the other hand noticed Draco murderous eyes and followed where he was beaming at. Being a smart girl, she caught on what was happening.

"His name is Jayden Galloway, he is the new Assistant Head of Hermione's department." She said softly so only Draco could hear her.

"And where did you get your information?" he asked.

She pulled out the newest copy of Witch Weekly and showed Draco. The cover of the magazine was featuring the handsome guy who was sitting with Hermione with the headline written.

Ladies who are looking for love, watch out!

Our New Assistant Head of Department of Law Enforcement!

Australia most eligible and charming bachelor!

"Big competition huh." Astoria sneered.

"Why do I sense troublesome in your allusive words?"

"Maybe I know something about you that you are not aware of?" she chortled.

"Astoria, I will suggest you to stop with your own little fantasy going on in that small mind of yours. Do not allow your imagination to expand any further." He said with annoyance.

"Draco, there are two things. One call observation and the other call gut feeling, and two combine do not lead to imagination. Just wait, I know I will enjoy what lies ahead of THIS." She pointed at Hermione.

Draco ignored Astoria's word, her words just added more irritation to the unpleasant feeling stirring in his heart. He did not like the way Jayden looked at Hermione, nor the way he brushed her tears off. Somehow he wished he was the one in his position to comfort her, to stroke her back, to brushed the back of her hand and to wipe off those tears of pain. Still clutching his napkin firmly, he instinct told him to find his private informer Erin Macmillan to dig out more information on this Jayden dude. Tomorrow, tomorrow he would find Erin.