The Tale Of Two Wizards

by Divess

It's 2003. Hermione has passed the first five years after the war helping others. She has realized while she championed others, she hasn't done anything for herself. All that is about to change. Hermione is going to start taking care of herself and she'll have two wizards to help her do it. Emione/Dramione. Hermione is OOC for a few chapters, but she'll come around. AU.

5. Can You Hear Me Now?

Chapter Notes:

Blindsided

Final showdown

I pictured us married

Last night in London

Starting over

Story Notes:

Remember readers: As you read the next few chapters (3-5) and are ready to storm the castle and kill this author, This is Dramione. We will get there. In order to forward this story, there has to be stops along the way.

Previously on A Tale Of Two Wizards: Down Up And Back To Down

Draco snapped his fingers. He wanted to leave a note for Hermione as she would arrive before he returned.

Draco wrote:

Thank you for taking the job Hermione. I believe DLM will flourish under your hand. Thank you as well for giving us two years firm. That's more than acceptable. Good luck to us.

Draco Malfoy

Draco went to the portkey room and headed for California, USA.

Draco was halfway to Milan when Harry pulled Hermione aside. Hermione naturally thought it would be one of those best friend goodbye things, but Harry surprised her. He asked, "Are you and Emilio okay with all this?"

"It'll be hard but we've talked about it. We think we can make it work out. Why do you ask?"

Harry exclaimed, "There's something going on with Emilio. I'm an Auror so I wanted to be sure of my facts before I said anything. I'm also fucking pissed off because I'm being put in the middle of some bullshite."

Hermione closed her eyes and asked, "What are you going on about Harry? Does this have to do with Leanne Moon?

Chapter 5: Can You Hear Me Now?

Harry looked curiously at Hermione. "Leanne Moon? What does Leanne have to do with anything? I'm talking about Ginny. For the last several weeks she has been showing up at my house. That's fine. I like company, but I soon realized Ginny seemed to be showing up the same nights as Emilio. I'm a good bloke and initially I didn't see anything wrong with friends bumping into each other at my house, but things seemed to be getting out of hand."

"It all really came to a head the day Emilio forgot his mobile at my house. The damn thing kept ringing and ringing. Finally I answered it. It was Ginny. I didn't think about it at the time because she claimed she was trying to dial you. I remember you and I had a conversation about Ginny not answering your owl and we thought she would try to call you on her new mobile. I said a few words to her and we ended the call."

"It would still be a week or more before things began to solidify for me. I will admit Emilio first started stopping by for company. He was troubled about you interviewing and maybe taking the position in Milan. He didn't want you to be a country away. I counseled Emilio as best I could, but he remained troubled over the whole job situation."

"The next thing I know, Ginny was the one listening to him voice his doubts. Initially, Ginny didn't say much. I remember thinking, what a good friend to Hermione. That's before the night I heard Ginny advising Emilio to leave you. I was dumbfounded. Like everyone else with eyes, Ginny knew Emilio loved you. I wondered why she would even say something like that so I began to watch their interactions. Emilio didn't visit me the same day every week but, whatever day Emilio showed up, Ginny soon came knocking. Then they were going out for drinks. Emilio went along with it, but I think his mind was still on you. He didn't recognize he was being pursued. I also found out Ginny had invited herself over to Emilio's flat under the guise of visiting Celia."

Hermione was listening, but there was a roaring sound in her ears. She felt as though she was listening to Harry through some kind of modified muffliato.

Harry continued to talk. "The long and the short of it is I caught Ginny kissing him. I don't know if he kissed her back because I left the house. I place most of the blame for this situation on Ginny, but Emilio is grown. At some point, he should have realized what was going on and stopped it. I know this is hard to hear Hermione and I'm not sure I would be telling you this if you were staying in London. You would have worked it out for yourself. Seeing how you are going away, I figure you shouldn't be holding onto some dream of loving and marrying Emilio in the future when he is being submissive to another witch even before you've gone. I didn't want you to be blindsided. For what it's worth, you may want to rethink taking the job in Milan. Otherwise, you will be leaving Emilio to be pursued by Ginny."

Hermione spoke softly, "I've given my word. I've signed on the dotted line. I'm taking the job Harry. With regard to this thing with Ginny, I think I know exactly when she began her campaign to get Emilio. It was at your party Harry. Ginny had been my friend for so long I didn't have any qualms about telling her what was going on in my life. At that time, I was unsure about Emilio because it seemed as though Draco was trying for my attention as well. I mentioned this to Ginny. I told her some personal information as well."

Harry's eyebrows rose up into his hairline, but it was a measure of their friendship he didn't ask any questions about her and Draco the night of his party.

Hermione plodded on. "I even laid out in a message that Emilio and I had argued and broken up. I didn't see anything wrong in telling her, but she was busy plotting her strategy and that's why she didn't bother to answer my owl. I guess I was too trusting. In the last few weeks Emilio has been overly nice when he came round. However, he was not coming round as he used to. He suddenly had to work a lot of late nights which by his own admission was something that rarely happened. I just didn't read anything into his excuses."

Harry remarked, "I hope I haven't hurt you by telling you this. I just couldn't let you go to Milan without knowing the full details."

Hermione walked over to Harry to hug him and whispered, "Oh for the innocent days of Hogwarts. Who knew real life would be harder than fighting a war?"

Harry murmured apologies.

Hermione put her head on Harry's shoulder and cried. "I was trying to love him Harry. I honestly was. I don't want to sound trite but maybe all this is for the best. It's better for me to know now than go away not knowing. There's so much churning around inside me right now. I don't know what to do."

Harry pulled out a handkerchief to wipe Hermione's eyes, "I'm here for you. As long as you don't kill anyone, I will support you."

Hermione looked at her best friend and laughed. "I'm going to miss you. It seems as though our last connecting thread is breaking. We grew up together and for so many years we were like a brother and sister. Later on, even if we didn't see each other every day, I knew you were somewhere in London and I could find you if I needed you. Now I'm leaving the only country I've ever known and the only brother I've ever had. I love you Harry."

With those words, Hermione straightened up, wiped her face and headed toward Emilio for what would probably be a showdown of sorts.

Hermione remembered passing Blaise, Theo and Seamus as she made her way toward Emilio. Hermione couldn't remember if she smiled, nodded or completely ignored them. It didn't seem important. She felt Harry at her back and smiled at the thought of Harry bringing up the rear. That smile turned out to be Hermione's last smile of the night.

Emilio smiled when he saw Hermione approaching, but his smile turned to puzzlement when he saw the look on Hermione's face and Harry standing at her back. Emilio asked if everything was okay.

Hermione turned to look at Ginny who had moved away from Emilio when she saw Harry and Hermione approaching.

Hermione looked between Ginny and Emilio and asked, "Is there something either of you want to tell me? I'm listening. I'm standing right here. You won't even have to meet at Harry's house to discuss it."

Ginny scowled and Emilio's face fell. Hermione had raised her voice a bit and friends had begun to gather around Hermione, Emilio, Ginny and Harry to hear what she was saying.

"You two have so much to say to each other when you're alone, yet I do not hear you saying a fucking thing now. Come on Ginny. Why don't you tell Emilio here and now how much better he'd be without me in his life. Tell him now in front of me how much better you are for him. Isn't that right Emilio? I'm so much more trouble than I'm worth. Speak up you fucking cheat. SPEAK UP."

As usual the she-weasel didn't know how to meter her tongue. "Grow up Hermione. You told me you were confused about Draco and Emilio. If you don't want Emilio, I do. I work for what I want. All I've done is show Emilio who is the best witch. Why don't you run along to your new job."

Hermione had her wand out so fast Harry had to fall back, but he was Harry Potter. As fast as Hermione was, Harry was faster. He disarmed Hermione and stepped in between her and Ginny. He said, "Hermione don't."

Hermione pulled away from Harry. "I'm fine Harry. I just want wish my best friend and my boyfriend the best of luck. I hope they'll be happy together."

To Emilio she said, "You are a fucking piece of shite. You sat still while the other piece of shite rubbed your dick…by accident. Fell against you….by accident. Caught you in inappropriate states of dress…..by accident. You don't have to answer. I've known Ginny a long time and I know how she operates. If she's what you want, she's what you get, but be prepared to look for a new witch if some other wizard catches her pussy. You both may now take the knives out of my back. Hermione Granger doesn't give two shites and is leaving the party. Finally Emilio, you can fuck her in good conscience. Have at it."

Emilio hadn't said a word until Hermione turned to leave. Then he quipped, "Don't you presume to tell me who I can and cannot sleep with. I don't fuck you. That's right run away. Go find Malfoy. I'm pretty fucking sure he's waiting somewhere for you."

A growl had gone up in the crowd. Somebody said, "You'd better watch your fucking mouth Lozier or I'll watch it for you."

Hermione screamed, "You stupid tosser. If you could have kept your mind off Malfoy, our relationship would have fared much better," as she pulled back her arm and punched Emilio in the face.

Emilio staggered as he spit, "Just go find that pig Malfoy. If you're good, maybe he'll finish what he started the night of Harry's party. You're two pigs together. Hermione turned red. She turned to say something else but was pushed aside and Harry had to grab her to keep her from falling.

Hermione turned back to see Blaise, Theo and Seamus with wands drawn. Theo snarled, "If it's a duel you want Lozier, it's a duel you'll get. You stupid wanker."

Harry stepped up and yelled, "All wands down and I mean now."

Theo snarled, "I'll put down my wand when this piece of shite leaves the premises. Both Hermione and Draco are my friends. I will not tolerate Lozier speaking about either of them in that manner. Hermione's reputation is beyond reproach."

Seamus and Blaise stepped up as well and spit, "Neither will we. So get the fuck out of here and take your back stabbing slag with you."

Ginny grabbed Emilio by the sleeve saying, "Let's get out of this pit."

Emilio pulled his arm out of Ginny's grasp and snarled at her, "All this because of you. You think I'd exchange Hermione for you? Think again. I'll have no one before I take you. Now get out of my face and get away from me."

Emilio looked around and sniped, "It's been a lovely party Harry."

To Blaise, Theo and Seamus, Emilio muttered, "If you ever pull a wand on me again, you better be prepared to use it."

Theo snarled, "Who do you think you are, Harry Potter? Draw your wand. DRAW YOUR WAND you stinking piece of shite."

Harry again had to step in between two people. Harry yelled, "Lower that wand Theo. There won't be any dueling in my home. Somebody take Theo over to get a fire whiskey." No one moved.

Blaise snarled, "These wands will be lowered when your two 'friends' are shown the door.

Emilio spit back, "No one needs to show me the door. I know the way out." He strode towards the floo room. In unison, the three turned and pointed their wands at Ginny.

"You're not wanted here, Seamus said. Why not follow Lozier out. Like Hermione said, go fuck him in good conscience. Oh, that's right slag. You've overstepped. He never wanted you. Get out."

Ginny growled, "I don't know who you think you're talking to Finnigan. This is Harry's house. I'll leave when I'm ready."

Harry said, "It's best that you leave Ginny. We've had enough excitement for tonight. Goodnight."

Ginny growled, "Fine," as she strode towards the floo.

Harry turned to the crowd at large and cheeked, "Now that was interesting. Party on folks. The drinks are on me."

Hermione was trying to talk Theo down. He was so keyed up Hermione was frightened he would hurt someone by accident. After a few tense minutes, Theo pocketed his wand.

Hermione hugged Theo, Seamus and Blaise in turn and quipped, "You boys are who I want in my corner. Let's go over to the bar. Harry said the drinks are on him."

By the time all the nonsense at the party was over, Draco was in Milan getting ready to go to the States.

The party continued, but it was a much more subdued atmosphere than before. Several witches and wizards came over to the bar to commiserate with the four. Hermione drank more wine. She even danced a dance with two left feet Harry, but she didn't smile anymore that night.

Hermione realized the whole thing hadn't really set in. Her friend of almost twelve years had betrayed her. What's more, she'd been betrayed over a wizard who was supposed to love her. Hermione had to find an empty room. The tears were threatening to fall.

Harry saw his best friend hurry from the room. He hesitated not knowing whether to follow Hermione or leave her to her privacy. He decided to follow her. If Hermione needed him, he would be there for her. Harry found Hermione huddled in a corner of his first floor bedroom crying her eyes out. He stepped in and put up a silencing charm and wrapped Hermione in his arms which caused her to cry even harder.

Hermione blubbered, "I didn't have these problems when I was a dowdy lobbyist." Harry laughed and kissed his friend on the forehead. Then it all came out of it's own volition. Everything except what happened at Draco's flat. She would not repeat that to anyone.

Harry let Hermione talk until she was all talked out. Hermione asked, "What happened to us Harry? Where did we go wrong? Even in time of war we wouldn't have betrayed each other. We loved each other even when we were angry with each other. Even if I loved you with a love deeper than the ocean, I would not have acted on it because Ginny was in love with you. You were her wizard so you were off limits. When did those rules change?"

Sorrowfully Harry answered. "I can't answer those questions Hermione. I didn't think they would ever change for us. Perhaps it's because we grew up and some people began making their own rules. Don't dwell on this Hermione. In two days you'll be starting a brand new job in a brand new country. You have nothing but amazing things to look forward to. Forget what's gone on with Emilio. I just think it's good this all came out now. If he's too weak to resist the charms of some witch, you don't need him. You're too good for him. The betrayal will hurt for a while, but you'll survive. We've survived worse."

Hermione wiped her face and stood up. She said, "Thanks Harry. I think the last time I cried over something like this was when Ron started going out with Lavender."

Harry laughed, "Wow. That was so long ago. I'm glad you didn't stay with that git."

It was Hermione's turn to laugh. Hermione hugged Harry again and said, "If I don't see you before tomorrow night, I'll see you in two years. Take care of yourself and keep the gits in line."

Hermione made a circle around the room saying goodbye to all her friends and acquaintances. She had special words for Blaise, Theo and Seamus and invited them to visit her in Italy. Hermione took one last look around the room and thought, who would have thought the lobbyist who hadn't had a boyfriend in five years would be traipsing off to Milan, Italy to start a new career.

With a heart full of love and nostalgia, Hermione stepped into the floo for a short stop before heading into her future.

Visuals of all kinds hit Hermione as she stepped out of the floo. She was already nostalgic and didn't need anything else to add to the feeling, but what she wanted was not what she got. She'd had this flat since shortly after Hogwarts. It started out as a fun place, but that was before Hermione thought she'd found her calling. It was then most of the fun and camaraderie had stopped. Not because anyone stopped it, but because Hermione only had time for work and nothing else. Hermione regretted that a little bit. She could have worked and still kept in touch with her friends, but she hadn't. Anyway, that part of her life was over. She just needed to leave it here in the past where it belonged.

Hermione had already sent the things she was taking on ahead. She left the furniture as is. She was going to hold on to the flat for at least a year, just in case things didn't work out at DLM.

Hermione got a bottle of wine out of the cooler and a glass from the kitchen. As she drank, she became more maudlin. She began thinking about Emilio and proceeded to mentally beat herself up wondering what she lacked that made Emilio susceptible to Ginny's advances. What could she have done differently? Was it because she wouldn't jump into the bed with him? These things were going around and around in Hermione's head when her floo lit up. Shite, she hadn't locked the floo behind her. She craned her neck a bit to see who had entered her house and was surprised to see Emilio come through.

"What are you doing here? Haven't you stepped out of the wrong floo? Aren't you looking for Ginny? You certainly won't find her here."

Emilio heaved a heavy sigh. "May I talk to you for a bit?"

Hermione gestured to a chair. "Say what you have to say and leave. This pig has had enough for one night."

Emilio looked down at his feet and murmured, "That was totally uncalled for. I know apologizing for my remarks is nowhere near enough, but I want you to know I'm deeply sorry for everything. If you never forgive me for my unforgivable words, just remember that I do love you. I was stupid tonight and I have been stupid about other things."

Hermione would not let him get away with glossing over his actions so she sniped, "Other things? What other things Emilio? You were laying with me and laying with Ginny Weasley. Just say it. It's not other things. The name for it is cheating. Say it, cheating."

Emilio bristled, "I was stupid about things Hermione, but I'm not a cheat."

Hermione sat her glass down. She looked at Emilio and shouted, "What the fuck do you call it Emilio? Just what the fuck do you call it? Sneaking around. Lying about working late. Meeting your slut at my best friend's house. Where'd you shag her, at Leanne's house? You are a piece of work. Do you have anything more to say because I've heard enough. In fact, I've heard more than enough. You can leave now. I hope you and Ginny have a nice life."

Emilio didn't move. He said, "I haven't finished Hermione. I want you to know I never had sex with Ginny Weasley. She did kiss me once. It was unexpected and she caught me off guard, but I haven't ever done anything with her. She constantly nagged me to leave you because you were unsure of your feelings for me. I was stupid and I was jealous. Can you find it in your heart to forgive me?"

Hermione was getting more and more pissed off. She yelled, "No. I don't forgive you. You are a grown wizard. I'm pretty sure no one forced you to be around Ginny or am I wrong? Did you have to see her because someone held a wand on you? I didn't think so. Don't fucking change it about because you've been caught. You should go Emilio. I'm tired. I'd like to sit here and relax."

Emilio stood to leave, "I love you Hermione. I did something stupid, but it doesn't stop me loving you. I've embarrassed you and made a fool of myself. I've lost you and I'm pretty certain your friends will never trust me again. I'm sorry for all of it. Your friends are a good lot, but a lot I'll never be welcome among again. I don't see myself staying at the Ministry too much longer. I'll probably cast about for another position. Maybe I'll see you again. Well, I'll go and leave you in peace."

Hermione snipped, "Thank you."

Emilio took a few steps and stopped. As if he was talking to himself he admitted, "I pictured us married Hermione. I pictured us with a perfect life. I love you."

As soon as Emilio was through the floo, Hermione jumped up and locked it. In that moment, everything came crashing down. The wizard she tried to love had just walked out of her life for the last time. She sat in the middle of the flat she was soon to leave and cried her eyes out for things that might have been. After a bit, Hermione pulled herself up, took a shower and fell into bed.

For her last Saturday in London, Hermione decided to do a little shopping. Remembering Carmela's directive, she purchased five pants sets, five pairs of slacks and several blouses. Then she took a leisurely stroll down Diagon Place. She had her lunch at the little sandwich shop at the end of the street and when she didn't have any further reason to linger, she took a last look around. Another bout of nostalgia hit her. Although Diagon Place was fairly new and had only been built after the war, Diagon Alley was a place Hermione had known since she was eleven. Looking around, she could almost see Hagrid strutting down the street. She smiled and with a final look around, she apparated home.

Hermione shrank all her new purchases down and put them into her bag. She walked the flat one last time saying a silent goodbye to each room. She stood at the floo and called out, "I'll see you in a year if not sooner." Hermione wasn't sure she would really sell this flat at the end of a year. She'd wait and see. Everything was all set. The caretakers would come in once a week and her flat would still be her flat when she came back to London. Then Hermione Granger flooed to her local portkey office to pick up her portkey to Milan.

Hermione planned to stay at Albergo Milan for the first month. After that, she hoped to be in her own flat. Hermione had updated her instructions to the realtor to include any type of lodging. She would prefer a nice, large flat, but wouldn't object to a small house. Until then, it was hotel living for Hermione.

Hermione pulled out the mobile number Carmela had given her at the time of her interview and called to let her know she was in town. Carmela was aware Hermione would be living in the hotel for a while and invited the new Head to her home for Sunday dinner. This time Hermione was glad to accept the invitation.

Hermione put all her new purchases away. All her other clothing was already put away just waiting to be worn. Hermione decided to settle in with a book and laughed to herself, I'm lying on a bed in Milan, Italy reading a Runes book for entertainment. Harry would laugh like a madman if he knew.

The Sunday dinner at Carmela's was exquisite and the food amazing. Carmela's family was very friendly. Her husband Fausto was a large, bear of a man who was as gentle as a kitten until he was riled. Carmela and Fausto had two sons, Salvatore or Sal and Gaspare who was lovingly called Gas. Sal was twenty five years old and Gas was twenty six years old.

During dinner, Gas had gone on and on how impressive it was for Hermione to be running DLM at her young age. Finally Hermione had quipped, "I'm almost as old as you. Besides, I'm brilliant and I work very hard."

Sal chimed in. "You must be something if the grouch hired you for the job."

Carmela demanded, "Stop Sal. Mind yourself."

Hermione laughed, "Would you be talking about Draco?"

Sal retorted, "Ooh you said a bad word. No one calls him Draco. It's Mr. Malfoy any time and all the time."

Carmela yelled, "Enough Sal. Fausto, speak to your son please. He's being impolite to Hermione."

Carmela was upset so Hermione hid her smile, but she thought that Sal and Gas were fun.

Hermione, Sal and Gas sat around after dinner talking. Hermione thought it an opportune time to ask Sal and Gas if they were interested in working for DLM.

Gas replied, I'd love to have a job in which I could travel to different countries. I never applied because of the grouch. I didn't think he would hire someone more handsome than himself."

Hermione laughed out loud. "Well. I'm here now and I have a feeling I will need as many fine young men in my corner as I can get. Gas, if you are serious about working for me, we can set up a time and day for an interview. What about you Sal? Are you interested?"

Sal responded in the negative. "I'm not a traveler and neither am I a hard worker. I leave all that up to my hard working brother."

Gas spoke up, "If you're serious Hermione, I'm serious. I am employed right now so I will need an interview in the afternoon. The later the better."

Hermione nodded, "Not a problem. Let me see what my first week is like and then next week we will set something up. All I ask is that you are serious about the position and willing to do what needs to be done."

Gas replied, "I can do that, especially for someone as beautiful as you."

Fausto cleared his throat and Gas said, "Sorry dad. Next time I'll lie."

Hermione blushed.

Gas remarked, "And she blushes." Which of course made Hermione blush even more.

Hermione asked, "Are you trying to chat me up Gas?" It was Gaspare's turn to redden.

Hermione stood, thanked Carmela and Fausto for their hospitality and Sal and Gas for their conversation.

"Will you need an escort home," asked Gas?"

"Thank you Gaspare. I'll be fine. I'll be calling you next week." Hermione got hugs from the entire family before she left to apparate back to the hotel. "I'll see you tomorrow at work Carmela. I hope you'll be willing to lend me your full support. I believe there will be changes coming. We may have to hold on tight to each other. Goodnight everyone."

Hermione had had a good day. She definitely liked the entire Maida family. Hermione took a shower and was asleep as soon as her head hit the pillow. She had the owl dream again. Again the owls carried the same message, all I want is a chance. Hermione was deeply sleep and wouldn't remember when she woke.

Hermione was at the office at 7:00 am, an hour early. It was just her nature to be early for whatever job she held. Carmela arrived at 8:00.

"Good morning Carmela. What time is start of day?"

Carmela told Hermione that the official start of day is 9:00 am, but-."

Hermione held up her hand. "That's all I need Carmela. What do you have on your schedule?"

"Orders are my first priority, Carmela replied. I pull the orders, give them to you for your review. If we have the stock, I generate a delivery ticket and a Traveler escorts the product to the client. If we don't have the product, a Traveler is assigned to find the product or you go find the product yourself."

"How many travelers do we have?"

"We have ten travelers, Carmela replied quietly. Five who only go local, meaning France, Italy, England and five who travel worldwide."

Am I to understand we are a company which will buy and sell worldwide, but we employ five people who only go local, asked Hermione? Why would that be?

Carmela stammered, "Mr. Malfoy is stretched very thin. He is a fastidious wizard who wants the product as soon as he can get it. Rather than wait for some simpering twit to go out and come back empty handed, Mr. Malfoy goes himself. There are employees who can only get the job done if it's in what we call our local area, if you catch my meaning."

Hermione remarked, "That doesn't sound like the Draco I know. Well my friend, I knew there would be changes. Every new boss knows that, but at DLM there are going to be CHANGES. I'd like for you to call me Hermione and I'd like you as my Assistant starting today. I'll complete the paperwork."

Hermione's wonder wizard watch read 9:00. There were four out of ten employees in the office.

"Your first official job as my Assistant is to put together a sign in sheet. The sheet will have the name of every employee broken out by department. There will be a sheet for every workday in the month. Date up the top with a line beside each name for sign in times. As of today, the form which you execute and I approve will be the formal, mandatory sign in sheet. It will have to do until I can put together something more up to date. I'll be playing catch up for the first few days then I should have it down. I don't mean to imply you should not pull your orders. For now, that is your job. The form can be done after you finish with orders. What is the procedure for those who saunter in at their whim?"

"There isn't a procedure in place Hermione, nor is there a procedure in place regarding pay adjustments if an employee is habitually late."

Hermione smiled, "Carmela. We are going to be best friends. I like the way you think. If you have some extra time after close of business I'd like to sit with you for a bit. Please call a mandatory meeting for everyone in this particular department for 10:00 am in whatever conference room you have available. Thank you."

Hermione sat back in the chair and muttered to herself, "What the hell are you playing at Malfoy? We need to bring some order to this house." She sat quietly and watched as the remaining six travelers arrived between 9:15 and 9:45. She could not abide employees who abused the privilege of free will.

The meeting started promptly at 10:00 am. There were six travelers in attendance plus Hermione and Carmela. At 10:00 precisely, Hermione had put up a locking charm. Anybody who was not at the mandatory meeting at 10:00 wouldn't be allowed to attend the meeting at all.

Hermione introduced herself. She walked around and had each employee introduce himself/herself. Then Hermione introduced Carmela Maida as her Assistant.

Hermione told Carmela she would appreciate her taking notes for the meetings until a permanent note keeper could be found.

Carmela nodded and Hermione thanked her.

And then the bloodbath began….

Hermione asked about Local Travelers. Gennaro explained, "Certain of us only go local."

"I know that part Gennaro, replied Hermione. Thank you. What I want to know is, if we are a worldwide company, why are there employees who only go local? Seems counterproductive to me. Somebody explain please."

Velia began to speak. "That's the way Mr. Malfoy has it set up."

Hermione thought for a few seconds before replying. "Let me see if I have this straight. Draco travels from one end of the earth to the other to insure the company has what it needs to operate successfully, yet there are employees who only go local because that's the way he set it up. Am I correct?"

The employees saw the trap too late if they saw it at all. Marta spoke up next. "Yes. Everything you said is correct."

"Then that brings me to my next question. "Does everyone think this a fair and equitable situation?"

Again Marta, "Yes. We think it's fine."

Hermione replied, "I'm new Marta so tell me, you said 'we' think it's fine. Who are you speaking for?"

Marta replied, "I misspoke. I think it's fine."

"Okay. Thank you Marta. Who else thinks this setup is fair? Please speak up." No one spoke.

Glancing about the room, Hermione said, "Good. As of today, there isn't anymore Local Only. If you care to remain at DLM in the position you are in, you are now a Worldwide Traveler. There are things we can do to make worldwide traveling more of a pleasure than an annoyance and it will be my goal to see this accomplished. I want to make it as easy on Travelers as possible. I will get this sorted before end of day and get back to you. My second point. What time does the business day start Carmela?"

"The day starts at 9:00 am Hermione."

Hermione continued, "Anyone who isn't out on a Travel needs to be in the office at 9:00 am or they will be excused for the day without pay. We're all grown. If you need to be somewhere at a specific time, I suggest you be there. Two excuses in a week, five in a month means you are unemployed. Be at your place at 9:00 am and there will not be a problem. One more thing. If I call a mandatory meeting for 10:00, I expect everyone in the conference room at 10:00. If an employee misses a meeting I call, it makes me believe they don't think what I have to say is important. These are the employees who will be given first orders no matter where they have to travel. Miss three of my meetings and you will be on probation and on the way to being unemployed. I'm sure there are witches and wizards out there who will think what I have to say is important. Are there any questions?"

"Do we call you Hermione or Miss Granger, asked Gennaro?"

"Please call me Hermione."

Velia asked, "Are you the Hermione Granger who helped kill Voldemort?"

Hermione answered that she was one and the same and if there weren't any more questions, the meeting was closed.

Hermione thanked the attendees and spoke so those leaving the meeting could hear, "Carmela, please send those who missed the meeting to my office in twenty minutes. We will be putting out listings for Travelers as well. I want to be sure we always have a suitable number of bodies on board."

In a lowly voice Hermione smirked, "We'll use the twenty minutes to get ourselves a tea."

Carmela nodded.

The next part of the day went fine and Hermione received the expected call from Draco at 1:00 pm. Hermione smiled as she listened to Draco.

"Hello Granger. What's this I'm hearing? No more Local Only Travelers. Everyone is a Worldwide Traveler." Hermione answered, "Yes."

"If someone is late to work, they are excused for the day without pay?" Hermione answered "Yes."

"If someone misses three of your meetings, they are on probation?" Hermione answered, "Yes."

"Anyone who isn't in the meeting by start time won't get in and they are first Travelers picked for that day?" Hermione answered, "Yes."

Draco smirked, "Brilliant job Granger."

"Thank you Draco, Hermione replied. Now I have a question for you. Who called to report me because that person is trying to undermine my authority and I want to deal with it at the outset?"

Draco answered, "It was Marta, but don't be hasty Hermione."

Hermione quipped, "You hired me to do the job you are too busy to do. I'm doing it. She will be talked to for going over my head. I plan to speak to her unless she is your 'special' friend to whom the rules don't apply."

Draco laughed, "I do not have a 'special' friend. Do what you will."

"One more thing Draco. If you don't mind, I would like to hire more travelers. More Travelers would allow you to be here more than on the road."

Draco replied, "Smart move. I love it when you're brilliant Hermione. If anyone else calls me, I'll refer them to you."

"Thank you. This means I won't have to electrocute your arse anytime soon." Draco was still laughing when Hermione disconnected the mobile.

Draco hung up the phone and wondered, "Was Granger just flirting with me? Of course she wasn't. She has that tosser Lozier to flirt with."

Hermione got up to find Marta's office. When Hermione approached the office, Velia was sitting in a chair swinging her leg. Hermione cleared her throat.

Marta looked up smirking as if she knew Draco had put Hermione in her place.

Hermione stated in a matter of fact voice. "I'm not sure what you thought would be gained by calling Draco. Perhaps I wasn't clear. I run the Milan office. Not Draco. You tried to circumvent me, possibly undermine me. I call it insubordination and I won't tolerate it. You have crossed one line with me. Don't make the mistake of crossing anymore. You are on trial basis for the next month. One toe out and you will be let go. Am I clear? You may now call Draco again if you wish. If you'll excuse me. Nothing to do but sit in Marta's office Velia? Are there any orders to be picked up?"

Velia was out that chair like a shot. Perhaps she wanted to keep her job, thought Hermione.

The rest of the day went extremely well. Carmela was a miracle worker.

The rest of the week went the exact same way, extremely well. Hermione was more than pleased. Marta evidently wanted to keep her job because she was performing flawlessly.

Draco called Hermione the Friday evening to see how the week had gone. "I'm thrilled you are setting time maximums on Worldwide Traveler jobs. I would be able to get on with finding new customers. You are such a perfect pick Granger. If they don't hang you, everything will be good."

Hermione sniped, "Let them try it. I know the owner."

After they finished talking business Draco nosed, "How's Lozier?"

Hermione admitted, "I don't know?"

Cautiously Draco asked, "Why don't you know how Lozier is doing? What have I missed? Did Harry arrest him for being stupid? Is he in Azkaban?"

Hermione laughed, "You haven't missed anything important."

Hermione heard a clunk. She laughed again and asked, "What happened?"

Draco admitted, "I dropped the mobile for a second. You and Lozier were connected at the hip. It's strange to hear you don't know how he's doing. Listen. I'm too far away not to be included in the latest news. What's happening between you and Lozier?"

"If you must know, Emilio and I broke up the night of my going away party. Anything else you need to know before I hang up?"

Draco said, "No. Nothing else. I'll speak to you later."

Draco was hurrying to get Hermione off the phone. He wanted to know what was going on. Draco fumbled around for a quill, parchment and an envelope. He had two owls to send, one to Blaise and the other to Theo. They both had been at Hermione's going away party and had to know what was going on. Shite. He was all the way in California USA. Somebody was damn well going to tell him something.

After sending the owls, Draco sat back in his chair thinking out loud, I hope I haven't misunderstood the situation. Let Lozier truly be gone from Hermione's life.

All I want is a chance.

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