Chapter 38

"My Immortal"

Hermione ran through the Ministry as fast as her heals would take her. She tried hard not to bump into anyone as she hurried through the crowded halls. The day was hectic she had to be in court three times today for three different cases and all of which required mass amounts of files that she had to retrieve herself from the file room in the Auror office because her assistant was incompetent. She had to go over a brief with the Minster and the Chief Warlock in an hour before they had to appear before the entire Wizengamot and she was trying to get back to her office to reacquaint herself with the case before the meeting. She had been in court so many times this week she didn't want to accidentally mix anything up.

"Sorry," she apologized to someone she almost made spill their coffee as she hurried on.

"Whose that blur," asked the woman who almost spilled her coffee to the co-worker she was walking with.

"Oh, that's just Miss. Granger, she's the Defense Attorney. Lovely girl just always on the move and over worked," she responded as they walked on.

On top of all her work that was continuously growing, she had a wedding to plan and less than three months to do it. Her schedule was packed as it was and she just wanted to squeeze it in at the first available date and keep moving. She rounded a corner and slipped on an unknown substance and watched all her papers go flying as she managed to keep her balance.

"Your job is to detect the misuse of Defensive spells on objects, isn't it?" Draco calmly asked the man sitting behind the desk in the Detection of Counterfeit Spells and Protective Objects Office.

"Yes sir," the man swallowed

"You can detect goblin magic as well can you not?"

"Yes sir," beads of sweat formed on his brow

"So tell me, last Wednesday why you failed to notice magic out of the norm being done in vault 492 at Gringotts," Draco arched an eyebrow.

"Sir as I told you we did notice charms being used but we assumed that the spells were being placed on precious items the owner of the vault had placed it in," he tried to sound as cool as possible.

"You know counterfeiting is a serious offense beyond the use of spells. What's even more offensive is that an incompetent twit like you was hired for such a simple task to monitor magic and you can't do it!" Draco fumed as the man jumped when he slammed his hands down on the desk. "350,000 counterfeit Galleons are currently in circulation because of your assumption!"

"Mr. Malfoy" Mr. Weasley began entering the cubical.

I forgot he was the head of this department that certainly explains a few things, Draco thought to himself.

"I can assure you that everyone who works in this office is qualified to do so. It is not your place to say who is and isn't. There is no way for us to tell whether or not innocent spells are being used for dark purposes. But do to last week's events new advances are in the works. I trust that whatever hand the Department of Mysteries has in this matter you are working to solve the issue just as we are."

Hermione crouched down and tried to pick up all the papers as quickly as possible. She was grateful that no one was down this hall to see her in her clumsy manner but then one of the office doors opened and someone came out she could hear the clack of the sole of their shoes on the marble floor coming towards her. Until they stopped, she could see the black shinny shoes in front of her as she continued to grab her papers.

"This is what I get for rushing about. I'm such a cults," she said nervously.

"No you're not. You were just always over egger." Hermione's headshot up as Draco crouched down and helped her gather her papers.

Hermione smiled, "leave it to you to be calm while I'm completely losing it."

He smirked, "it's a hard job but somebody's got to do it," he handed her the last sheet of paper and stood as she did. "How have you been Hermione?" he asked genuinely.

"I'm been okay," she answered nervously, "this weeks been insane."

"I can imagine I saw the schedule of trials."

"Yup and now the galleon counterfeit issue," she continued. "If your departments involved you know it's going to be big."

"It's going to be a bit tricky getting through this one but I'm sure we'll manage," he answered confidently.

Hermione smiled, he looked good, better than good. She never really saw him at the Ministry and if she did it was always in the distance or the back of him. She was over him. Sure there was still a part of her that always wondered. She was quite curious now as she stared at him with his gray eyes that only seemed to be warm when he looked at her she began to feel this warm sensation she always use to get in the pit of her stomach when he was near…

"I hope so Mr. Unspeakable." She nervously tucked a strand of hair behind her left ear that had slipped from her bun in her frenzy and made a mental note that she would have to redo her hair before her meeting.

As Hermione tucked her hair as she always did a glimmer caught Draco's eye. She used her left hand to tuck her hair behind her left ear and on the ever so important ring finger, a diamond sparkled. A solitaire on a white gold band, the stone wasn't tiny but it wasn't absurdly big either and it may have not been polite to ask but "are you getting married?"

Hermione's cheeks turned red, she couldn't believe she forgot for moments ago she was trying to figure out when she would actually have time to plan her wedding. "Yes… Ron and I are engaged."

Draco's face stayed impartial but on the inside he was screaming, thank god I left before she showed to that party the other night, I don't know if I could take her and Ron together "We all knew you two would always end up together."

Hermione didn't know how to respond, "I wish someone would have informed me."

"I was thinking about you the other day," he went on

"Whatever could have brought up ancient thoughts of me," she really wanted to know, something she hadn't felt in awhile was eagerly awaiting his answer.

"I wouldn't exactly call them ancient but I was moving and I found something that belongs to you," he watched her carefully. He smirked at how nervous she was. He thought it was cute. "The History of the House Elf Enslavement"

A bit disappointed in the answer but she smiled anyway, "I wondered where that went."

"I'm sure you did, it must be quite valuable considering you probably own the only copy," he chuckled.

"Ha, ha very funny," she rolled her eyes, "but that book is very informative and equipped me well for my job."

He smirked, "I'll have my assistant drop it off with your assistant."

"Don't even worry about it," she waved it off

"I insist."

"No, it's just my assistant isn't capable of making tea, let alone making sure I receive a book."

"I'll get it to you."

"It's not a big deal and I better be going I have a meeting with Kingsley and the Chief Warlock in an hour," she looked at her watch, "make that forty minutes."

"It was nice seeing you."

"You too," she smiled and walked past him down the hall. The fact was it was a big deal that had nothing to do with a book, but the chance to see Draco again was not sitting well with her. Hermione had a feeling that nothing good could possibly come of her running into Draco today. Once at the end of the corridor she turned around to look one last time at what she thought would be his back. But Draco had turned around and was watching her. She rounded the corner and though to herself, shit!

_THE FUCKING TRUTH_

GOOD MORNING WORLD! It's Sunday, September 1 and today begins another year at Hogwarts School and Witch Craft and Wizardry. Saturday began the Quidditch Season with the Chudley Cannons against the Tutsill Tornados when the entire Wizarding World stood still. The Chudley Cannons won their first game since I don't know when! After Dragimir Gorgovitch dropped the quaffel as perusal, he stumble trying to catch it knocking the seeker Galvin Gudgeon and his broom off course and ultimately falling onto the snitch! I think we shouldn't hold our breaths as for a league win considering the last time they won the cup was in 1892!

"Lee is such a pessimist," Ron declared, "We all knew the Chudley Cannons would rise again. I think I'll write a letter to Ragmir Dorkins, their manager and suggest that they change the club motto back to "We Shall Conquer" from "Let's just cross our fingers and hope for the best!" He was pacing around Hermione's sitting room tossing a tennis ball up and down in the air. "What is this thing anyway?"

"It's a tennis ball and if you break anything you bought it," she said sitting behind her computer at her desk in her study. "Now get in here and help me finish the guest list."

The plans for the wedding were in full swing. Hermione had been working on them since 5am and was determined to get as much done as possible. She spent all day yesterday prepping for tomorrow's 8am trial and devoted all of today for her wedding.

They were at Hermione's flat in Kensington, London. Upon entry there was a circular foyer and one hall leading off. In the center of the foyer was a round table. As you make your way down the hall the first door on right was the sitting room. The next was the study, which has two entrances one from the hall and the other from the sitting room. On the left side of the hall was a spacious dining room with a table that sat eight (Hermione mostly uses it to spread out and organize all her legal documents). At the end of the hall was a wall with a bay window and another hall running along it. At the end of the hall to the right was the kitchen, which had access to the dining room. Down the hall to the left was the guest bathroom on the left side and the door at the end of the hall was Hermione's bedroom.

Ron walked through the doors into the study, "how many people are we at?" He asked pulling up a chair next to her.

"295," she said pouring of the massive list on the screen making sure they forgot no one

Ron's mouth fell open, "do we know 295 people?"

Hermione laughed, "No, most of them are political and law figures I need to make a good impression for."

"You expect us to able to control the no magic rule," he asked as if that was going to be completely impossible. Hermione insisted that no magic be used because her extended family plus two girls she grew up with that were her bridesmaids have no idea she's a witch. The massive affair she planned will be completely muggle.

"Hey half these people you insisted on inviting, like whose Michael Gordon?" She said picking a name that she had typed in blue to know that they were Ron's guest and hers in Red.

"Mike's that guy I went to the Manchester United football game with a couple weeks ago. The reason I had you explain the game to me," explained Ron

"He's the guy you use to work at the Sighler with?"

"Yes, you didn't think his name was just Mike did you? Who just names their kid Mike?"

Hermione laughed again, that's one thing she loved about Ron no matter how much they fight he always made her laugh. "Are you going to be busy tomorrow?"

"Until about one, George has developed a new product and all five store must get them in time for the Wednesday announcement that will be printed in the Times (Magical Times, international newsmagazine). What do you need?" asked Ron.

"I'll be in court all day. I need you to go get money out of my Gringotts account then exchange it for muggle money."

Ron whined, "Goblins make me nervous, then I'm going to have to answer a million questions as to why you're not doing this yourself…" Hermione cut him off with a kiss. "Yes," is all he said as she smiled triumphantly, "What is this for anyway? I already agreed to pay for that swanky over priced joint we're having this shindig at anyway. Honestly 120 pounds ahead. This wedding is going to put me in the bloody poor house, the food better be better than amazing and half these people better RSVP no!"

Ron didn't have a new high profile job. It was just given a title and a raise. He just gets paid a shit ton of money to be the head of merchandise and shipping at Weasley Wizarding Wheezes (plus whatever else George feels like having him do). He makes sure all merchandise and new products are in every store and when a new location is going to open he will there putting in the stock himself. George often complains he's paying him too much but with the success of the business it all adds up, it also leaves Ron with a flexible schedule.

Hermione rolled her eyes, "The InterContinental Hotel is perfect! It's pretty and holds up to 750 people."

"Please tell me the number of guest isn't going to go anywhere near that," Ron whined

"Of course not" She scolded, "Besides 120 pounds is only 24 Galleons! Anyway, I'm transferring funds because I took a half day on Wednesday," she couldn't believe what she was getting ready to say, "I'm going wedding dress shopping."

_BRIDAL SHOP_

"What about this one," Mr. Granger held up a hideous dress with leg of mutton sleeves and lace turtleneck collar.

Hermione laughed as Mrs. Granger said, "Dear how about we pick something out and you just tell us what you think."

"Sorry, I was just trying to help," Mr. Granger said returning the dress to its original spot on the rack.

"Thanks Daddy"

"Well I think you have great taste Mr. Granger," Harry said trying to untangle himself from the veil he was playing with.

"At least someone does," Mr. Granger tried to help Harry relieve himself from the massive amount of tool that was attacking him.

Mr. and Mrs. Granger and Harry the man of Honor were all accompanying Hermione wedding dress shopping. The store was very open and neat but Hermione was sure it wouldn't stay that way from the way Harry and her father were behaving. The dresses weren't cramped together there were only a few on mannequins and the one her father pulled from a rack that was brought out to show a customer before they arrived.

"Hello!" An over enthusiastic sales woman came from behind a set of curtains. "Which one of you is the blushing bride?"

"That would be me," answered Harry.

Hermione rolled her eyes, "I am."

"Wonderful," she clapped her hands together and two other women came hurrying from the back and immediately took the rack of dresses Mr. Granger had been looking through. "Now did you have any particular style in mind?"

Hermione never really did think about what kind of dress she wanted mainly because she didn't have the time. She was still in her suit from work and the oversized purse under her arm had enough legal documents in it to keep her awake for the next three days. "I hadn't really given it much thought, but it must be simple nothing gaudy with a lot of bead work, nothing traditional with all that unnecessary fabric at the top that seemed to be the rage in the 80's and most importantly something I can get quickly the weddings on October 31." She said with enough authority to not sound rude but to let the sales woman know she meant business.

"Great! Follow me," she opened the curtain and beckoned them all to follow.

They went into a large room that had a wall of mirrors with a platform in front, a couch and a couple of armchairs, and a swinging door that went into the fitting room. They all took a seat as the woman went rushing from the room. Moments later to return with the two other ladies each pulling in a rack, Hermione stood from her position on the couch and went over and began to look through the dresses.

"What about this one," the sales woman pulled out a dress, "It's a Maggie Sorterro."

"Too many flowers," she glanced at it quickly and continued her mission. She began carefully looking through all the dresses examining them closely. But with each bead, piece of lace, and all the smooth flowing silk something began to slowly eat at her, she began to shuffle through the rack faster, "No, no, no, no, this one looks like a dead chicken." Harry began to laugh but covered with a cough. "Look I don't want to look as if I have wings, I have no intention of taking flight and I don't want to look like a snow beast or as if I should be standing in someone's garden. I don't have time for this, got it!" Hermione said sternly.

"Yes Madam, I believe we have just what you're looking for," she grabbed her rack the other ladies grabbed theirs and hurried from the room.

Once they were out of earshot, "okay, let's hurry up and get out of here before they come back," she said grabbing her bag and moving swiftly towards the door.

"Where are you going," Mrs. Granger questioned as they all hurried behind her.

"Far away from here," Hermione said once outside, "I don't know what I was thinking going into a place like that. I know I don't usually care what I wear but it's my wedding day and excuse me for wanting to look presentable." They were all walking down the street to the Granger's car.

"As long as it doesn't hurt my wallet that badly," Mr. Granger added.

Hermione looked surprised, "I thought you weren't paying for this."

"No, I said I wasn't going to pay for the political party you've turned your wedding into. The least I can do is buy your dress." Hermione hugged him. "Besides I can't have you walking down the aisle on my arm looking shabby."

Hermione laughed, "Now I just have to find what I'm looking for… as soon as I figure out what that is."

"Well if you feel that way about it why don't you just have your dress made," suggested Harry, "at least that way you can get exactly what you want…. When you figure it out"

"Good idea," squealed Hermione as she threw her arms around his neck. "Best man of honor ever," she kissed him on the cheek.

"Now the question is who's going to make the dress," wondered Mr. Granger

"I suppose she'll have to go to New York and have Vera Wang make it for her," joked Mrs. Granger.

Hermione stopped walking and smiled.

_12 GRIMMUALD PLACE_

Two Weeks Later

"Please be on time."

"I'm always on time."

"But lately you've dragging yourself along and you may decide that something's are less important."

"It's my bridal shower, for Christ sakes," Hermione said sitting up from her reclined position.

"You've just been so busy lately and you seem to be hurrying everything else. When we went to New York they had you down for your appointment as the pushy British girl at Vera Wang's Salon," Harry countered from his position in his armchair.

Ron and Hermione were joining Harry and Ginny for dinner and a late movie. Ginny was still upstairs getting ready and they were waiting on Ron who was coming from work. Hermione and Harry were just hanging out in the sitting room.

"I apologize for trying to make sure everything's perfect for my wedding and my career. It's going to be the happiest day of my life," she sighed. "And I will be on time for my bridal shower… as long as I get this Griphook case straightened out by the end of next week. I should have known he would have been behind the counterfeiting," she sneered.

"I wouldn't put it pass him after stealing the sword of Gryffindor…. Well the supposed sword of Gryffindor."

Hermione chuckled.

"What?"

"Did you ever imagine us to be like this?"

"You mean in the living room of my 19th century town house?"

Hermione smiled slightly, "Friends who forged greatness."

"Well no I had my doubts about you when we first meant," he caught the pillow Hermione chucked at him in defense. "But hey you proved yourself and I know I can't live without you," he laughed.

"We've been through so much and well…"

"This major change that's getting ready to occur in your life has you putting things in perspective," Harry agreed

"Yeah I just keep having all these old thoughts of what could have been if things turned out differently."

"I just hope Malfoy isn't one of those thoughts," Harry eyed her

Hermione rolled her eyes, "look Harry, I know you don't like him but he is part of my past and greater than the terrible school days so yeah I'm going to always have thoughts of him. I also have thoughts of the few times I've meant your aunt and uncle, the terrible curry around the corner from my flat, and of Sybil Trenlawny."

"Notice how you listed him with things you don't like," he caught the second pillow that Hermione through at him.

"I like him, my feelings may have turned to strictly platonic but don't ever get it twisted," Hermione reclined again. "I care."

There was a knock on the front door before it opened "Sorry I'm late," a damp Ron appeared in the doorway to the sitting room. "What's going on why so glum?"

"Nothing," smiled Hermione, "I'm just hungry."

Ron looked at Hermione as if he knew she was lying but didn't say a word as she got up from the couch and gave him a peak on the lips, "alright let's go then."

"We're waiting on Ginny. Has it started raining?" Hermione asked due to Ron's dampness.

"Yes and what could my sister possible be doing? I'm late she had ample time to up on make up or whatever," complained Ron.

"I'll go hurry her along," Harry laughed rising from his seat and leaving the room.

Once Harry was out of earshot Ron began, "alright Hermione, what's really going on?"

She sighed and pulled away from him, she wanted to be honest with Ron about everything but there were still something's she knew she couldn't tell him, well one thing, like she still holds Draco in warm regards. "I'm over whelmed and Harry and I got into a tiff about me being late from my own Bridal Shower next Saturday."

"You have been working a lot lately," he put his arm around her waist. "You really should slow down before you make yourself sick."

"I can't right now I'm at the height of my career I have to keep pushing forward or at least for the next few years," she said assertively. "But I will take a second to laugh at the fact that Harry planned my bridal shower," she laughed

"That is hilarious," he joined her in laughter.

"Hey! I heard that," Harry protested returning with Ginny. "I am more than capable of planning a bridal shower!" Ginny laughed as well, "you too, my own wife has no faith in me!"

"I wasn't laughing at you darling. So how are we going," she changed the subject.

"I'll drive," offered Harry.

"Or we could take the tube," said Ron, "I like the muggle voice that says please mind the gap!"

"Hermione I'm so sorry you're stuck with him," Ginny shook her head shamefully as she opened the front door.

Hermione laughed and flung her arm around Ron, "that's alright he's just the way I like him."

"Thanks babe," Ron kissed her.

"Get in the car!" Harry shouted out the driver's window of his 2001 black Volvo S40. If there was one thing he learned from Uncle Vernon it was that a Volvo was a reliable car.

Ginny hopped into the passenger's seat and Ron and Hermione slid into the back seat.

"You ever think I'll get a driver's license," Wondered Ron allowed

"NO!" they all said in unison.

_DRACO'S HOUSE_

"What do you want to do tonight," Zoe Shea Evans Daughter of Victoria Evans editor and Chief of Wizard's style sat perched on the edge of the sofa in Draco Malfoy's half unpacked house. She had long legs, long dark hair, and a large chest.

"Well we could stay in…" Draco raised his eyebrows up and down from his position at the liquor cabinet, the only thing he managed to unpack. He walked over and sat next to Zoe on the couch and handed her a glass of wine.

Zoe smirked, "but we always stay in, she placed one of her legs over his." She was wearing this short black silk chiffon dress, which loosely fit, around her body with these ridiculously high heels.

"But we always have so much fun don't we," he placed his hand on her knee.

"Lots but I want to go out," she removed her leg.

Draco slumped down on the couch

"What's with you? You're been down the last couple of weeks," asked Zoe stroking Draco's hair.

"My ex-flame, the one I told you about"

"Ah the one who got away…"

"I don't know if she ever got away considering we barely got a chance," Draco took a sip of his wine.

"What happened?"

"She's engaged"

"Oh, I'm so sorry."

He sighed, "I guess I should be happy she wants the guy but I just wish…"

"There was still a chance or at least one to talk and truly talk about everything," Zoe finished.

He looked over at Zoe, "you're the best."

"I know right," she smiled and stood. "Baby, tonight we're going out, get your mind off things." She pulled him up from the sofa. He dropped his glass of wine in Zoe's excitement for the door.

"Where are we going," he asked as she pulled him out the door, "wait let me grab an umbrella."

"You won't need it, we're hitting Population," she didn't let go of his hand as she ran through the rain remarkably in her heels and pulled him into the back of her black carriage with all red interior.

"I have to go to work in the morning. I probably shouldn't go all the way to Dublin." Zoe straddled Draco as the carriage took off and planted a big kiss on his lips. "I suppose I could be a bit late." He kissed her again. He enjoyed kissing Zoe, she was hot but there was something missing. He wasn't going to beat around the bush trying to figure out what it was because he knew. He's in love with Hermione and she's marrying Weasel!

_MINISTRY OF MAGIC_

Department of Magical Law Enforcement

District Attorney's Office

One Week Later

"Morning Christopher," Hermione began entering her office, shuffling through papers and not paying attention.

"Good Morning Ms. Granger," Hermione looked up when she didn't recognize the voice as a brown haired freckled young man stood from behind his desk and rushed towards her with a mug in each hand.

"Morning, who are you," she asked surprised to see him

"Robert Walton your new assistant. I didn't know if you preferred tea or coffee," he said indicating the two cups.

"Nice to meet you, in the morning coffee," he handed her the mug that had coffee in it, "After 12pm I have tea."

"Great! Here's your mail," he said returning to his desk and grabbing the stack. "And Minister Shacklebolt requested to move your meeting up to 11am," Robert began following Hermione into her office, "Mr. Malfoy wanted to know if you were free for lunch at 1pm and brought you a book, and the head of the LES wants to know when you want to question Griphook."

"Confirm with Kingsley, tell Mr. Malfoy yes, and let the LES know I'll be over at four," she sat behind her desk.

"Right away," Robert placed the book on the desk and rushed from Hermione's office to the outer office where his desk was.

I like him already, she thought to herself as she picked up the book and smiled. The History of the House Elf Enslavement, she opened the book and a photo slid out onto her lap. His favorite spot, she thought as she looked at the photo of her smiling and Draco's head nestled in her neck. She sighed, she missed him and she knew there would always be a part of her that would.

She glanced down at the ring on her left hand, doesn't matter I'm getting married. But she completely let those thoughts go as well when she realized that her hand was sitting on top of the legal brief she was supposed to go over with Kingsley in ninety minutes that wasn't complete and it wasn't going to be before she spoke with Griphook but she wanted it as complete as possible.

_THE LEAKY CAULDRON_

Hermione sat at a table in the back of the Leaky Cauldron knowing good and well that agreeing to this lunch could be a terrible mistake. But at the same time was curious as to why Draco wanted to meet in the first place. That was if he ever showed, he said 1pm and according to her watch it was 1:30 and the according to the clock on the wall 1:35. She turned her head for what seemed like the millionth time when she heard the door for the street entrance open. This time it wasn't only her head that turned as Draco Malfoy stepped through the door. He looked around and when he spotted Hermione made his way to the back of the pub.

"Sorry I'm late, but my assistant failed to mention you agreed to the lunch," he said taking a seat.

"Well that's something my previous assistant did but this morning…." She trailed off as something dawned on her. "Did you switch our assistants?"

"Yes. But believe me that wasn't the plan. I didn't know that Christopher's last name was Thicknesse. Unfortunately Pius Thicknesse's nephew couldn't be fired only redistributed." He adjusted his tie.

Hermione smiled, "you shouldn't have"

"I wanted to, every time I see you at the Ministry it's usually in a blur and your job is hectic… and you're getting married," he whispered that last past, but then said clearly, "Last time I saw you standing still was four months ago at Viktor Krum's engagement party, so I thought you could use the help."

"I can thank you." She wished he didn't know she was getting married because the average person may not be able to read Draco Malfoy but Hermione knew he was hurt. She just stared at him and he stared back.

"So did you order," he asked breaking the staring match grabbing a menu out of the holder at the edge of the table near the wall.

"No, just this now cold tea," she put her hand over it to magically heat it up again and watch as steam began to waft from the now hot tea. "I wasn't sure you were going to show."

"Well I'm here now," he said while making the other menu float out of the holder right into Hermione's waiting hand without moving a muscle. She opened the menu, "What time do you have to be back?"

"Well I don't really have anything to do until 4," she replied looking over the menu knowing the stacks of papers on her desk wouldn't take care of themselves but she didn't care.

"Great, then you'll have time to tell me what you've been up to," he smirked

"That's boring."

"Of course not, I mean you got your promotion and you made up with Weasel there has to be some sort of intrigue in there somewhere."

Hermione smiled slightly, "There isn't, opportunity presented itself and I went for it and well…. Ron's my best friend we were bound to make up some time."

"And get married"

Hermione placed down her menu, "Look, if there's something you want to say then just say it!"

"Congratulations Hermione," he just stared at her unreadable.

She rolled her eyes, "Not that there was any sincerity in that what's so ever…"

"Wasn't meant to be…"

"Anyway, what's new with you?" She asked not wanting to continue back in forth in this ridiculous manner.

"Nothing got a better paying job and why are you marrying him?"

"Please tell me you didn't ask me to meet you to grill me about my relationship with Ron!" she said heatedly

"No I didn't I just wanted to see you but now that you're sitting here right in front of me I can't seem to think of anything else!" All attempts to hide emotion have ceased and Draco let his anger show.

"It's not like you care, as I recall by the time spring rolled around you were taking flying carpet rides with Première de Fille, Charlotte Dubois," she hissed leaning back in her chair.

"When did you start reading tabloids Hermione?"

"The moment you decided to take flight with little girls."

Draco shook his and smirked, "She's not a little girl and our meeting was merely coincidence."

"Oh you just happened to fall unto her flying carpet."

"The President de Magic invited me to tea and his daughter asked if I would accompany her shopping. I said yes because I wasn't about to risk the chance of him backing out of writing me a letter of recommendation. I treated her to dinner and she showed me the sights by flying carpet."

"Oh that's even better you used her."

"She was fully aware of what was happening we even joked about it. She's a lovely girl but not my type."

"I thought they were all your type."

"I like women who can hold their own and she sort of reminded me of a polite Pansy." Draco leaned back in his chair and crossed his arms, "not that I have to explain myself to you but why do you care you moved on."

"I don't"

"Because if I recall correctly I told you all you had to do was say the words and I would come running! You more than anyone should know that I would never say that to just anyone"

"Great then I could be the next two sickle hussy on the long list you've been developing!"

Draco laughed and shook his head, "you were the first."

Hermione immediately stood, her chair making a loud scraping noise against the wood floor turning many heads, "It's been a pleasure Mr. Malfoy, and I wouldn't want to keep you longer from your tramp of the week Miss Zoe Shea Evans." She tossed some money on the table grabbed her jacket from the back of her chair and strutted out the street entrance to more stares then she would have liked.

_Ministry of Magic_

International Magical Corporation Department

(IMC)

Hermione stepped off the lift on the IMC level. "Good afternoon, Ms. Granger," the reception beamed as she approached the desk.

"Hello is Padma in."

"Yes."

"Great, thank you," she smiled as she headed back into the inner workings that was International Magical Corporation Department, in search of the door that said International Magical Law Office.

"Hermione!" Padma beamed when she entered the office. It was a big open room with three doors on the back wall, the one in the center being Padma's office and the other two for other officials. The room held eight desks that had been inappropriately moved into a circle. Which were currently occupied by over enthusiastic employees who were sitting on top of or standing around the circled desks. Padma was standing at the front next to a portable black board where the chalk was taking notes itself. They were laughing while tossing a bright yellow ball back and forth.

"Can we talk?" she asked

"Of course take five everyone," she said as she waved Hermione towards her office.

"So this is what the Head of the Law Office does every day," Hermione said closing the door behind.

"No," she laughed, "it's how we brainstorm gets the juices going." She sat down behind her desk and Hermione sat in one of the chairs in front of it. "What's up?"

"I just had lunch with Draco…well tea it never quite got to lunch," she sighed

Padma raised an eyebrow, "what did it get to then?"

"Not what you're insinuating, get your mind out of the gutter."

"I quite like it there it's so much fun," smirked Padma

"It turned into an argument."

"He knows you're marrying Ron then?"

"Yes, I ran into him about three weeks ago in the hall he saw the ring and asked," she put her head in her hands

"How rude," Padma commented

Hermione stood and began to pace, "his lack of manners doesn't bother me, the fact that I care about his lack of manners, that when he said he thought about me I was eager to know what made him think of me, the fact that I meant him for lunch knowing that nothing good would come of it."

"Maybe you're just not over it as much as you thought. You left your relationship up in the air, perhaps you just need to back track," suggested Padma

"Go back to what? Him being rude and obnoxious and me bringing up his long list of girlfriends," she slumped back down in her chair.

"Can we still call them girlfriends… it seems so primary school," Padma mused allowed. "I suppose I'm getting old."

"You're 23."

"Well…"

Hermione chuckled, "we meant at the Leaky Cauldron I just hope it's not in the paper tomorrow"

"No one was looking at you," Padma assured her

"You're right they were looking at him. I just don't want to have to explain this to Ron," she sighed

"Was Hannah there?"

"I didn't see her but you know she wouldn't open her mouth without talking to me first." They sat quietly for a minute.

"What are you going to do?"

"Go question Griphook to tears, fry his ass, and have him in Azkaban by the time my Bridal Shower starts Saturday," she said in one breath.

"I meant about Draco but that sounds good too. By the way Aidan and I got you self-cleaning pots so. I'll only be giving a card at your shower. Since no magic allowed and all," smiled Padma.

"My Immortal" Evanescence

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