A/N: this chapter is a bit long but I'm trying to start all the chapter off on a Monday to coincide with the letters

Disclaimer: I don't own any of the Harry Potter characters (I do own Sebastian Corax)

I Want to Know You

Chapter 3

Monday

Hermione opened the door to her office and was greeted by Strix flying around with her letter. When he saw her he landed right away but not on the new perch she had set up for him nope he landed right on her shoulder as always. He presented his letter and waited for her to pat him. She patted his head and he went over to his perch to feed as she sat down and opened her new letter with teenage excitement.

Good Morning Beautiful

~ seeing you is my only bliss ~

You are welcome for the owl; Strix, if I'm not mistaken is the Latin term for that breed of owl, very clever. I knew you would come up with a unique name for him. The Poe you refer to is it Edgar Allen Poe? I like that. The lines are from a poem I wrote about you while we were in Hogwarts ( look a clue). I am aware you have a boyfriend and he is the reason for the letters and why I can't just show up and ask you on a date. As much as I'd love to, that would complicate things. It's not because you HAVE a boyfriend it's because of who he is. I'm sorry he was angry and I hope he wasn't cruel or abusive to you. I'm glad you know my words are true so I don't have to spend time trying to convince you.

To answer your question; I can't tell you who I am until you are no longer with you boyfriend (and I don't want you to do something impulsive just to meet me. don't let your curiosity get to you.) I'm not going anywhere and as long as you keep writing I will too. I don't want to influence your decision in any way. I just want you to know that there is someone out here who cares very deeply for you.

Your other question "why you?" Wow I could fill the Hogwarts library answering that question. People always tell you how smart and clever you are. How many people tell you how beautiful you are? How many people notice how your eyes change colors depending on your mood? Not many right? Well that's why I'm writing because I did notice all those things and more. I notice how everyone needs you but not everyone appreciates you. I do. I also respect you. You take care of everyone but who takes care of you? You have a delicate soul and people should appreciate you more for who you are and not what you can do for them.

Looking forward to your reply

Poe

Hermione had tears welling up in her eyes as she reached for a quill and parchment.

My Dear Poe,

If I only get one line of poetry at a time I hope you wrote me a sonnet so your beautiful letters don't stop. I'm flattered that I could inspire someone to write a poem and I confess you made me blush and brought tears to my eyes. You said you were in Hogwarts were you in my year?

To put your mind at ease my boyfriend was upset but not cruel but what made you think he'd be 'abusive'? He made me promise to show the letters to my friend Harry who is an Auror and in return he won't ask to see the letters. It sounds like you may already know that my boyfriend is Ron Weasley and that you have some kind of history with Ron but I don't think it's bad. I think if you didn't like him you would have made yourself known to me and not care that I am with him. I appreciate your respect for my relationship and I will not do anything rash just to meet you. However Ron is on thin ice and has very little time to shape up. His sister Ginny (my best friend) offered me a room in her flat and I'm seriously considering her offer so you may get your date sooner then anticipated.

Speaking of dates if we were to go out what would you want to do with me?

Looking forward to next time

Hermione

Hermione stared at the letter and decided to be bold, so at the end, under her name, she pressed her glossy lips to the parchment leaving a pale pink impression. She looked at it again and thought that it might be too forward then she shook her head, folded the letter, sealed it in the envelope and gave it to Strix who promptly took off.

As Hermione tried to get through her day her thoughts were consumed with Ron and what she wanted to do. She had already decided to give him another chance but her heart wasn't in it. Her heart hadn't been in it for a while she had simply fallen out of love. She thought of the time wasted at school waiting for him to notice her. Time wasted trying to get him to ask her to the Yule Ball. More time wasted waiting for him to ask her out once he did notice her and now this. He only pays attention to me when there is someone else in the picture. This didn't have anything to do with Poe, she was thinking about making this change for a few months ever since the wedding. Her mind recalls Neville's wedding and Ron standing her up because he lost track of time partying after a Quidditch victory. A smile creeps across her lips as she recalls attending the wedding with Draco Malfoy. When she was hanging up her cloak at the reception hall she saw him doing the same.

Flashback

"Hey Granger", he looks over her shoulder. "Where's the weasel?" Draco drawled

"Well he's most likely getting plastered with his teammates and forgot all about me" she said in a frustrated tone. "It's not the first time"

"You need a better class of boyfriend; he doesn't deserve a woman like you."

"A compliment from a Malfoy to a Granger call the Daily Prophet" she smiled at him

"Well at least you're smiling. Now since your …weasel has left you unattended it is my duty as a proper gentleman to escort you to this function" Draco extends his arm. Hermione wraps her arm around his and they enter the hall.

End Flashback

Well that evening turned out to be interesting, she didn't cheat on Ron with Draco but she certainly pushed the line. She thought to herself 'What if Poe is the Slytherin Sex God himself?' Well that would not be good. When Ron found out he flew into a rage and…she shuddered at the memory of that night. Ron was a child, a jealous child and he always has been. It came to her right there, no more wasting time she would let Ron down easy. She can't babysit him anymore.

Wednesday

It was early evening when Sebastian came home from work to a frantically cleaning Ginny.

"What's all the fuss luv?"

"Harry's coming by to discuss Hermione's letters and I need to explain everything to him"

"Well…I'll leave you to it, I'm off to the pub" he turned around and was hit with Petrficus Totalus and he hit the floor staring up at Ginny

"You are gonna stay here and help me…understand" she released him and he stood up

"God yuir quick" he said

"I have to be living with you"

"Why do ye need me here" he asked

"So my plan doesn't sound…crazy" she replied hesitantly

"But it is crazy"

Before she could reply Harry stepped out of the fireplace

"Hey Gin hey Bastian" Harry said with a cheerful smile

"Sup Harry? Come in have a seat, ye wanna drink?" Sebastian asked

Harry plopped on the sofa "Sure iced tea if you have it."

"Right wit ye" Sebastian went into the kitchen and Ginny sat next to Harry on the sofa as he returned with a tray of drinks. They all toasted and drank.

"Right then Ginny, Hermione told me you two know about her mysterious letters. She gave me a list of …"

"Shags?" Sebastian injected

"Yes…it's very…anyway you two are on it so i figured I'd question the two of you and be off" Harry said

Sebastian shot a look to Ginny and Ginny turned to Harry

"Harry I need your help and it's gonna make your job a bit easier" Ginny began nervously

"I'm listening"

Ginny explains to Harry that she is the one writing the letters. She shows him the red parchment. She goes on to explain about Ron and her respectful distance and how Hermione had confided in Ginny at Neville's wedding about her issues with Ron. She told Harry she would wait for them to break up and that she's not a home wrecker. Harry sat quietly for a moment Ginny and Sebastian looked at him nervously.

"Ginny, I'm no one to judge. I know how you feel about Hermione and if it works out for you then I'll be happy. It sounds like you're trying to spare everyone's feelings. I don't understand how I can help you?" Harry asked

"Well I'd like you to wait a few days or so but after that time has passed I was thinking you could tell Hermione that your 'investigation' has led you to believe the writer is a female." Ginny explained

"She'll want proof" Harry said

"I thought of that. The parchment I use disguises my handwriting only when used with special ink that is only sold in one place. Then you tell Hermione that you tracked down the paper and that lead you to the ink and you asked the shopkeeper who's purchased the ink and red paper in the past month and he didn't have a record of the names but there were only a three of them and they were all female." Ginny concluded

"Oh yes I see, that's not bad" Harry smiled

"And it's not a lie" Ginny added

"Why not just tell her in the letter yur a female lass?" asked Sebastian

"I want Harry to tell her. This way if she stops writing I'll take the hint and stop this whole thing. Harry you could tell her to confirm it in the letter, she always uses the truth spell on them so she'll trust the answer"

"You are frighteningly good a deception Ginny Weasley" said Harry

"When you grow up with Fred and George you pick up things" Ginny smiled proudly

"Ok Ginny I'll do this for you, she's going out on the town with Ron Friday night so I'll tell her over the weekend. I hope you know what you're doing"

Friday

Ron is in the bathroom finishing up with his tie and Hermione was in their bedroom slipping into her dress. Ron steps into the doorway of the bedroom and draws a sharp breath as the vision of Hermione's dress sliding down her perfect figure stops him cold. It was a long, deep green, strapless, velvet dress with a long slit up both sides. The front showed more then enough cleavage and the back well there really was no back it was all open and fell into a 'V' with the point just above her ass.

"Oh my god" was all Ron managed to sputter out "is that new?" he asked

"Ron I wore this to Neville's…" she stopped herself and cringed

"That's what you wore to Neville's wedding!? No wonder ferret boy was all over you?" he yelled

"Ron calm down he was not all over me." She walked over to him. "You like the dress?"

"Very much" he puts his hands on the curve of her hips. "Can we just stay in" he whispered into her neck

"Oh No Ronald Weasley. You promised me a night out" she said raising her voice

"I know" he pulls her close. She can feel his erection through his pants and her dress "we are defiantly going out, there's something I want to ask you, finish getting ready I'll be in the living room" he kisses her neck and walks out

Hermione turns back to the mirror and catches the look of horror on her own face; she hoped Ron didn't notice it. She was in full panic mode now…he was gonna ask her something. All dressed up, he planned a night out without telling her anything…Crap he's gonna propose that's why he's been so attentive. She looks at herself in the mirror and thinks 'I'm sticking to my plan, let him down easy'. Ron breaks her from her pep talk by yelling out to her that they have reservations

"I'm ready right now" she yells back as she walks into the living room.

Ron holds out his arm and apparates them to the restaurant, not just any restaurant the most expensive one in the wizarding world. Very exclusive. The entire place spins around slowly for a 360 degree view of the city. It takes almost an hour for the place to come full circle. They approached the Matrie'd

"Name sir?"

"Weasley, party of two" replied Ron

"Ah yes Mr. Weasley table for two right this way" they followed the matrie'd to a private table by the window. Ron held out the chair for Hermione and the matrie'd handed them menus. "Your waiter will be with you momentarily

"Ron this is amazing" Hermione whispered looking all around

The waiter comes over with a bottle of champagne

"Um...I didn't order…" Ron began

"Compliments of the house for your victory sir"

"Thank you very much, if any one would like an autograph I'd be happy to sign some….after dinner of course" Ron said looking at Hermione

"Of course sir, I'll tell the staff. Thank you sir" He pops the cork and pours them each a glass. He slips the bottle into the ice bucket next to the table "I'll give you a few moments to read the menu and he walks off.

After an hour of eating, dancing and polite conversation Ron and Hermione were enjoying some dessert out on the balcony. They chatted and ate some chocolate cover strawberries. Ron fed one to Hermione and took her hand in his as he gazed so lovingly into her deep caramel eyes. Hermione's thought was 'Oh god this is it' but her face showed none of her fear…then it happened….

"Hermione, I wanted to ask you something …but before you say anything just hear me out first, please" Ron began quietly. Hermione nodded in agreement

"We've known each other for 15 years now, we've been through things other people can't even imagine and I think we're closer for it. You know there is nothing I wouldn't do for you and I'm pretty sure there's nothing you wouldn't do for me"

Hermione's mind is racing with one thought 'oh my god, oh my god, oh my god this is gonna suck I'm gonna crush him'

"So I wanted to ask you …" he gets up and kneels before her taking her other hand in his. "If you would consider…having a foursome with Oliver Wood and his girlfriend Alicia Spinnet?" Ron concluded with hopeful eyes. Hermione took a minute and wasn't quite sure what she heard. Then realization overcame her and she looked down into Ron's hopeful eyes.

"WHAT?" she exclaimed

"You don't have to answer right away…take some time and think about it." Ron said quickly standing up letting go of her hands

Hermione stood up and walked over to the edge of the balcony looking out over the city as the restaurant slowly spins. Ron comes up behind her and tries to embrace her. She turns to face him.

"I thought you were going to propose…What would EVER posses you to ask me something like that?" Hermione asked like a professor asking her a question in class before her eyes began to fill with tears.

"Well…I…um…most women fantasize about being with two men and I know Alicia and you swing both ways, Oliver fancies both of us and I'm game if you are. Propose? Why would I do something like that?? Things are great the way they are." Ron stammers out his reasoning she looks at him in disgust and turns her back to him. He grabbed her wrist spinning her to face him and grabbed her roughly by her upper arms

" Don't ever turn your back on me" he said with a harsh whisper "Now look, I didn't go through all this trouble for you to all of a sudden become shy, I know how you were at school. I know what you did and who you did it with. So I strongly suggest you reconsider your position"

"Ron you're hurting me, who are you to tell me what I will or won't do? You don't own me" she hissed back

"You are MY girl and you will do this for me"

"Let me go Ronald"

He pulled her into a violent kiss that she broke by forcing him off her. He raised his hand and he was grabbed from behind by the wrist. When Ron turned to strike Draco Malfoy bent is arm back. Draco whispered to Ron "weasel the lady asked you to stop and you are making a scene…I suggest you leave by that fire escape over there and cool off" Draco released him and waited. Ron looked at him and Hermione. Spit at the ground in front of himself…muttered "this isn't over" and took off down the fire escape.

"Well that was exciting. Not that I'm complaining but why are you always wearing this dress?" Draco asked as he put his arm around Hermione who was shaking. She laughed

'I wore it because Ron didn't get to see it at the wedding." She sobbed. Draco led her inside to sit down he put his jacket over her shoulders

"What happened?" he asked. Hermione explained how she thought this was a proposal and told Draco what Ron had asked of her.

"Well I can understand how you would think he was going to pop the question the atmosphere is right for it, I'm sure it happens here quite often. Get a better class of boyfriend Granger." He snaps his fingers and a waiter hurries over.

"Yes sir?"

"Two fire whiskeys please."

"Right away sir" the waiter takes off

"You'll have a drink to settle you."

"Thank you Draco…what are you doing here? I'm sure I'm keeping you from something or someone?"

"Nope I was hoping to see you tonight I needed to discuss something with you."

"How did you know I'd be here?"

The waiter brings the drinks and leaves

"I saw the reservation list and hoped Weasel would be bringing you." He explained sipping his drink

"Are you in the habit of randomly checking restaurant lists?" she sipped her drink

"Only at the restaurants I own" he smirked as did she

"I should have guessed, well what did you want to ask me?"

"Granger I need you to work for me."

She nearly choked

"What? Draco I have a job, and a name"

"Sorry old habit, I have had several people embezzling from me and I need someone I can trust to help me run my company…its expanding maybe even into the Muggle world. I need someone I can trust…Hermione"

She stared at him her name sounded foreign coming from him.

"And you trust me? Know-it-all Granger?"

"I do trust you…you are the only person I have ever trusted because you want nothing from me. You won't steal from me. Your logic and intelligence could propel Malfoy Industries to new levels. I want the brightest witch of our age…"

"Well what position did you have in mind?"

"Vice-President, you'd be my right hand."
"Draco I don't know how to…." He puts up his hand

"You take all the money you need for training, you want to study wizard law. Do it. If you need to study corporate practices you can do that to. Whatever you think you need to learn do it. Name your salary. Pick an assistant."

"This is a lot to take in"

"I realize the timing is bad with what just happened but I'll give you a week or so to think about it…fair enough?"

She nodded and they finished their drinks

"Now let's get you home" Draco said as he escorted her back through the restaurant.

Saturday

Hermione was just shrinking the rest of her things when Harry Flooed in. He looks around at the half empty flat and called out to Hermione. She came out of the bathroom with a box of toiletries, shampoo, soap etc. She put the box on the coffee table. And sat on the sofa. Harry sat next to her.

"Are you ok?" he asked gently. Hermione curled into him and explained everything that went on last night even Draco's offer. When she finished she was sobbing and Harry hugged her although she could see the anger in his emerald eyes.

"Where's Ron now?" Harry asked

"Practice, I've already owled Ginny to tell her I was moving in today and she's expecting me. I told her I'd fill her in when I got there. What brings you here?"

"Well I've hit a wall with my investigation of your pen pal"

Hermione wiped her eyes and smiled a bit

"Really? What did you find?'

"I traced the paper to a shop in Knocturn Ally, but I learned that the paper only alters the handwriting when a special ink is used with the paper so at least ten people bought that type of red parchment…but only three people bought it with the special ink." Harry looked away

"What? That's good right? Did the shopkeeper tell you who they were?" Hermione asked hopefully

"Sort of, it's Knockturn Alley, they don't keep very good records so the only thing he could tell me was that the three people were…." Harry looks at her hard

"What? What's wrong? It's not three old men or ex death eaters is it?"

"No…."

"Then tell me"

"He said they were….women" Harry said flatly Hermione blinked at him and sat back against the sofa. "Mione?"

"well it's not what I was expecting …but then again I've been getting lots of surprises lately." She said lightly

"Are you ok? You could always ask her if she's male or female then use the truth spell if you need to confirm it… if you continue writing to…her" Harry explained

"Well there is no real reason not to write back….I still feel the same way about the letters and I will ask her if she's a woman. Maybe it's a sign, this thing with Ron, this new person who likes me…and Draco's offer…maybe it's time to change a few things." Hermione said

"Well whatever you decide I'm behind you and I won't kill Ron…yet. So unless the shop owner remembers anything that's pretty much all I could find…sorry."

"It's ok…its good information thank you…" she kisses him

"You need help with your stuff?"

"No thanks I'm shrinking it all and just going to Ginny's…I'm leaving Ron a note"

"Well I'm gonna head out and let you finish up here…you call if you need anything" Harry hugged her as he stepped into the fireplace and with a flash he was gone. Hermione made a final sweep of the flat she left a note for Ron on the kitchen table then stepped into the fireplace.

Ginny greeted her with a big hug. Sebastian wasn't home but Ginny took Hermione to her new room. As she enlarged everything and put it into place Ginny helped her in silence. Ginny knew something was wrong and she knew Harry had spoken to her. The red head knew better then to push Hermione if she didn't want to talk but she thought she'd try something safe.

"Mione, do you want some tea?" Ginny asked as she was placing books on a shelf

"Yes that would be great, by the time it's ready I'll be done in here and we can talk if you want"

"Yeah we can talk if your up for it" Ginny took off down the hall to the kitchen as Hermione finished putting everything in it's proper place and made the bed with crisp new sheets. She arrived in the living room in time to met Ginny with a tray of tea. They sat down and after a few sips Hermione explained to Ginny what Ron had done the previous night. Ginny was horrified at her brother's actions and apologized to Hermione for it. Hermione went on to tell her about Draco's offer and that she wanted to go see him when they were done with their tea. Ginny told her all the wards on the flat and gave her the key so she could now come and go freely. Hermione took a quick shower then got ready to leave.

"Hey Gin, I'm going to see Draco…I shouldn't be long, so how bout dinner my treat, you me and Bastian when I get home?" Hermione yelled from the bedroom

"Sounds great. I'll let Bastian know when he gets home" Ginny yelled back

Hermione stepped into the fire and yelled "Malfoy Manor" and in a flash she was gone and before she could blink she was in the foyer of Draco's manor being greeting by Zippy a house elf.

"Hello Miss, Zippy is to show you to Master Draco, you follow…." Hermione followed the little elf but noticed that he was wearing pants and a shirt. Zippy showed her to Draco's library where he was going over papers at his desk. He looked up

"Ah Grang…Hermione…please come in and sit down do you want anything?" he asked

"No thanks I'm fine"

"That will be all Zippy, thank you." The elf bowed and disappeared

"He was wearing clothes?" Hermione said to Draco

"Page out of your book, all the manor elves are free but I made it worth their while to stay on, but I couldn't have them running around in tea cozys" Draco said proudly "now I hope you are here to give me good news" he smirked

"yes I came here to negotiate, I know you said name my price but I did some research on what other VP's make and my salary is appropriate…at least until I prove myself invaluable to you." She smiled

"Well then do you have space at home to work from if needed?" Draco asked

"I just left Ron and I'm staying at Ginny's right now"

"Say no more why don't you, Ginny and Bird-boy move into one of my homes…they have ample space, a lab, a pool, a private office so you can work from home….anything you need." He offered

"Well I don't know if they would be able to afford….."

"How bout this, stay in the house rent free and as long as you give me a months notice you can all live there till you quit. Consider it a company perk."

"A months notice?" she questioned

"Yes I don't want us to get into one of our old rows and have you walked out on me never to return." Draco laughed "and again any education that makes you a better VP you feel free to learn all you want. You'll be shadowing me for a while until you get the hang of it, and hire someone you trust to assist you so if you need a vacation I don't plummet into bankruptcy"

"Deal" she extends her hand they shake "I will give 2 weeks notice to the Ministry of course."

"Of course, welcome aboard. Now that that's done, I'm assuming since you are living with Ginny that weasel bee is out of the picture…if I'm prying just…slap me but I want your head in the game."

"Oh no it's a fair question…" Hermione explained everything to Draco even about the letters and what Harry had told her about the person being a female. Draco asked if he could see them. After reading he looked at her with a smile. "What?" she asked

"Luna was right this person does care for you, are you opposed to a same sex relationship?"

"I never really thought about it but I don't see why not…can't be any worse then Ron and the letters have really touched me."

"then I say go off and be happy, I'll send you the address of the new house, you just tell me when you want to move and I'll send my people over to move you." He stands up as does she and he walks her to the fireplace. She leans over and gives him a small hug.

"Thanks Draco…for everything"

"You are very welcome"

"I'll be in touch" she steps in the fire "home" and with a flash she's back at Ginny's

"Ginny!" Hermione yelled. Ginny came running out of the bathroom and Sebastian came out of his room to see what the commotion was

"What?" Ginny asked

"Oh good you're both home get dressed we're going out I have the best news"

Ginny and Sebastian look at each other then to Hermione and shrug their shoulders as they walk back into their rooms to get changed.