Put on your seatbelts readers. The next few chapters will be a bumpy ride: This is Dramione.
Previously on A Tale Of Two Wizards: All I Want Is A Chance
Draco's mouth finally found it's target and as Draco licked her and nuzzled her nub, Hermione moved up and down as though she was riding a lover. Draco used his tongue and his thumbs to bring Hermione higher and higher and closer and closer to her climax then he rubbed his chin against Hermione's clit and she was over. The intense feeling of ecstasy was all over her and she couldn't do anything but pant and quiver.
Hermione was left limp. She had just had her first orgasm in five years by something other than her own hand.
Draco moved back up to Hermione's mouth and asked, "Do you want to taste what I taste? Do you want to taste what I have been tasting for months? When I have to take care of my erection by hand, this is what I can taste when I cum. I taste you Hermione and I don't ever want to taste anyone else. He kissed her and she was on his lips.
Draco picked Hermione up and carried her to the bedroom. He undressed her and then himself, climbed on top of the witch he had wanted for all these months and plunged himself in as far as he could go. Hermione let out a little scream as Draco's size and length surprised her. It took a second, but Hermione caught Draco's rhythm and they moved as one with each meeting and challenging the other. They twisted, turned and thrust against each other, climbing, climbing to where they reached that climax point where the sex was so good they had to cum. Then they were over the edge, gasping for breath and holding on as though their lives depended on it.
Draco's breathing was still ragged as he kissed Hermione on her breasts and her throat and her forehead and whispered, "I've wanted this for so long."
For that moment, they were satisfied and Draco whispered, "Thank you for making love with me."
They were still kissing as Draco slid off Hermione and onto his side. He pulled Hermione close and they slept with her head against his chest and her leg thrown over his hip.
Chapter 8: Next Time I'll Lie
Draco kissed Hermione awake the next morning. It was a purposeful kiss. He wanted Hermione awake so they could make love again. Now that Hermione consented to give him a chance, he couldn't get enough of her. Draco didn't think he'd ever get enough of this witch. A frivolous thought passed through his mind. He wondered if Hermione would consent to stay in bed with him all day.
Hermione opened her eyes to find a pair of gorgeous gray eyes staring at her. Her mind went back over the early morning hours when she and Draco had finished what they started three months ago. They had made love.
Hermione didn't have a lot to compare it to, but making love with Draco had been amazing. He had awakened something inside her and she was feeling…..sexual. So sexual that she wanted to make the first move. Hermione wanted to be the aggressor. She put her arms around Draco's neck and asked, "Are we just going to lay here or are going to get inside me and drive me out of my mind one more time?"
Draco grinned, "I don't want you completely out of your mind. It's bad form to shag a mentally impaired person."
Hermione quipped, "Shagged a lot of crazy witches have you Malfoy?"
Draco laughed as he put on hand on each side of Hermione's head and lined himself up at her opening. Then the laughing stopped because all either one could do was moan. They were as one and they made animal love. It was hard and fast and powerful. Hermione made little bites on Draco's shoulder which only made him moan louder and pump faster and she met Draco's every move. When Draco and Hermione came they came just like they had just shagged, hard and fast. Draco actually had to sit up to catch his breath.
Breathing heavily herself, Hermione had cheeked, "Someone seems to be out of practice," and Draco cheeked right back, "Not for long Granger. Not for long."
After Draco caught his breath he asked, "May I use your shower? Hermione was stretched out on her stomach as she replied, "Of course."
Draco called back over his shoulder, "It will be so nice to be in the shower to take a shower."
Hermione grinned and closed her eyes.
Draco woke her again after his shower to tell her, "I'm going to my flat. I need to get things ready for tomorrow. Do you mind if I stop back by later?"
"This is my day to have dinner with Carmela and her family. Why don't I see you at work tomorrow?"
Draco stopped himself before he could say something foul.
Hermione continued, "Unless you want to come back tonight."
Draco grinned, "I would love to come back tonight. I have something lined up. If I'm going to be too late, I'll call you to let you know I'm not coming. Otherwise, I'll see you later." They kissed each other before Draco headed to the floo.
/*/
Hermione slept for another hour and headed directly to the shower when she got out of bed. She wanted to be on time for her weekly dinner date at the Maida's house. She was early and actually had plenty of time to sit and talk with Fausto and Sal.
When Hermione asked, "Where's Gas? I expected to see his cheery face?" Everyone went quiet.
Hermione blushed as she inquired, "Have I spoken out of turn?"
Sal told her that Gas had come home in a foul mood last night and been a beast all day.
Hermione got up. "May I speak with him privately for a moment?"
Fausto replied, "Of course you can Hermione." Sal pointed to the last door at the end of a long hall.
Hermione went down the hall and knocked on the door. Gas didn't answer. Hermione knocked again and called out softly, "I hope you're not doing anything inappropriate because I'm coming in."
Gas pulled the door open and cheeked, "I was finished being inappropriate over five minutes ago. You're late." Hermione laughed out loud as Gas invited her in. Hermione entered the huge bedroom and took a seat.
Hermione sat down and asked, "What's going on Gas? I want to know what's wrong. We started off so well and now it seems we are floundering."
Gas remained silent. Hermione remained silent.
Hermione stood. "When you feel like discussing what has gone wrong between us give me a call. Hermione started to leave the room when Gas replied, " I want to be more than a friend."
Hermione thought, 'There it is. There's the problem.'
She turned to Gas to say she had a wizard, but before she could say anything, Gas had her wrapped in his arms and was trying to gain access to her lips.
Hermione didn't want to hurt Gas, but she had to get this straightened out. She told him to let go of her.
Gas loosened his hold on Hermione and sat down in one his chairs. "I apologize Hermione. Gas intoned. From the first time I met you, something inside me has pulled me toward you. I can't explain it. I have witches, but none of them have interested me since I met you, but I do have them. I just don't want to find myself with some witch underneath me and she isn't you. I'm not some ponce who is trying to have his way with a beautiful woman. I want you to be mine."
Hermione didn't even know what to say. She cleared her throat but said nothing. When she finally did speak, she spoke in a very soft voice. "Gas. I love this entire family. All of you have been nothing but kind to me and as much as we joke around, I would feel like I've done something crass if I started a relationship with you. Your mother has befriended me. How do you think she would feel if she found me in your bed in my knickers? Could you actually have me naked in this bed with your family knowing? You're better than that. I don't want to lose your friendship, but I'm not a loose woman who is willing to shag a friend without regard for consequences. What do we do? Do we remain friends or do we ignore each other from now on? Tell me what you want. We can't have it both ways."
Gas retorted, " I understand Hermione. This is a case of me being the wrong wizard at the wrong time. I can't change my feelings but I will respect what you say. Just know that I'm a wizard who would jump at the chance to be with you. Maybe we can look at this somewhere down the line and come to a different conclusion. I hope we can. I do care for you Hermione and that's not going to change."
Hermione said, "Okay handsome. Now that we have this straightened out, let's go have some dinner."
Hermione grabbed Gas' arm and they went out to face the family.
Dinner was a subdued affair. Hermione realized the rest of the family may have heard her tell Gas to stop or may even have heard part of their conversation so she cleared her throat and remarked, "I am so thankful for this family. All of you have been nothing but kind to me and I know you don't keep secrets from each other. Therefore, I'm going to let you in on a secret."
Gas went to stand, but Fausto growled, "Stay in your seat."
Hermione continued, "Gas and I had a difference of opinion last night. It was over something very silly and I didn't realize I had offended him. I have apologized and we are back to friends. Isn't that right Gas?"
Gas smiled, "It was a silly argument. Thank you for clearing that up."
Carmela looked from Hermione to Gas. She knew Hermione had stepped in to clean up a mess and she was grateful. The dinner talk picked up significantly with Gas being his usual personable self. Hermione wondered if she was the only one who could tell Gas was faking.
Hermione didn't do anything differently. She sat with Carmela after dinner and laughed with Sal and teased Gas. Gas talked and laughed with them, but it felt different to Hermione. Gas had made his feelings known and the atmosphere in the room just felt different. Not objectionable, just different.
Hermione offered to help Gas finish programming his mobile, but he revealed he had an accident with the phone and it had to be thrown away. Hermione sighed and didn't stay much longer after that. She hugged everyone as she said goodnight. Before leaving, she asked Gas when was he starting in PES?
Gas smiled, "I've been thinking that over. It may not be the job for me after all. Perhaps I should stay with my current employer."
In the background, Fausto let out a soft growl.
Hermione retorted, "Stop being petulant Gaspare. Willem said you are perfect for the job. He has moved you to online supervisor without even seeing your work. You know what, it's your decision. Who am I to question it?" Hermione said goodnight one more time then stepped through the floo.
/*/
Once she was back in her living room, Hermione decided this would probably be the last dinner she had with the Maida's until Gas came to his senses. She poured herself a glass of wine and wondered how this had all come about. For years she hadn't had one wizard in her life. Suddenly everywhere she turned there was a wizard looking at her. To prove her point the fates slapped Hermione one more time. Actually two more times as her mobile rang and her floo bell chimed at the same time.
Hermione let the mobile ring. She needed to see who was coming through the floo. Gaspare was coming through the floo. OK.
Hermione answered the phone and Emilio was on the other end. She would have laughed if it wasn't so depressing.
"What is it that you want Emilio? I have company. I can't talk. I don't want to talk. Please don't call me anymore," and she disconnected.
Hermione shook her head just in case she was dreaming, but she wasn't as she turned to find Gaspare holding out his mobile phone.
Hermione was suddenly in no mood for petulant or obsessive wizards. She asked, "What Gas? You've suddenly found the phone? The one that was damaged beyond repair. What are you playing at?"
Gas sat down on the sofa. "I do want the position and I do need you to help me with the phone. I was being petulant. My younger brother came into my room tonight and he actually read me the riot act. He made me realize I've been acting like a besotted teenager and ended up telling me to grow a pair. If you will help me with my phone, I will step back, grow up and step up. I have lived with my parents all my life. I haven't had to grow up, but starting tonight you will begin to see a change in Gaspare Maida. Whether or not you ever think of me the way I would like, I will become a better wizard."
Hermione smiled at her friend. "It'll all come around Gas. Don't be too hard on yourself."
Hermione worked with Gas for over an hour until he finally got the hang of using the phone. When her phone rang at 10:30, Hermione was ready to shout at Emilio. But, it was Draco calling to tell her he would see her at work because something had come up. Hermione had replied, "Sounds good. Okay. Bye."
Gas was all set so they said goodnight. He was ready to step into the floo, but Draco was stepping out with a frown on his face. "I came over to find out why you were so short on the phone, but I see I needn't have bothered. You are a busy, busy witch Granger." And with those words, Draco turned around and left the way he came.
Gaspare quipped, "I hope it was something I said. Goodnight Hermione."
After Gas left, Hermione fell back onto the couch. She was too overwhelmed to do anything but shake her head. She was still sitting on the couch with her head resting against the back when Draco stepped back out of the floo. Hermione didn't even raise her head as she asked, "Back again? I was under the impression I was too busy for you."
Draco laughed. "After I left, I realized I've waited over three months to be with you and I was mucking it up because of jealousy. Although I am wondering if that bloke will be turning up every time I walk away. Draco laid his head in Hermione's lap and she automatically began to run her fingers through his hair. He closed his eyes and murmured, "What I had scheduled is nowhere near as important as you. I could lay here for the rest of my life."
/**/
The first Monday with Draco back at DLM was hectic. He had spent all day downstairs going over inventory and Hermione hadn't seen him at all.
Carmela wanted to talk about Gas, but Hermione gently cut her short by saying, "Gas is amazing. I love him to death, but he has a bit of growing up to do. The good thing is he knows what he has to do. I understand Sal helped him come to that conclusion. He'll be alright Carmela. He's a good man. He'll be a better man once he comes to terms with himself. Between you and me, Gas has admitted feelings for me. We've talked it over and he realizes that a relationship between us just will not happen. I won't go any farther into it because it's Gas' story to tell. I've turned him away, but he's convinced he's in love with me. It's probably better if I stop coming to dinner on Sundays. I love your family and I don't want there to be any problems because of me."
Carmela stepped over to hug Hermione but had immediately stepped back. For a minute Hermione was confused and didn't understand why Carmela had stepped back. Then she had turned to see Draco in the doorway. Draco stepped into his office and had gone about his business. Hermione and Carmela didn't get any further chance to chat as Draco was in his office the rest of the afternoon. He did step out once to compliment them on the superb job they had done getting everything on track.
It had been a tiring day and Hermione was glad when it was over. Carmela had left twenty minutes earlier, but as Hermione finished tidying up and prepared to go say goodnight to Draco, Maria Panetta one of the travelers breezed by her and went straight into Draco's office. Hermione hadn't had too much interaction with this particular witch because she was doing her job and toeing the line as well.
The door to Draco's office was still open so Hermione could hear the conversation. Maria asked Draco, "When did you get back? It's been three weeks. I've missed seeing you. What have you got going for tonight?" Then Maria had lowered her voice and Hermione couldn't hear what was being said. Hermione felt herself blushing because she was eavesdropping on a private conversation. Although Hermione thought she might be blushing because she had shagged Draco Malfoy without finding out if he was involved with another witch. Hermione mentally kicked herself for being a fool. She couldn't hear anything else coming out of Draco's office, and when she crooked her neck she saw that the door which had been open five minutes before was now closed. Hermione was feeling even more like a fool as she gathered up her bag and wand and headed out.
Hermione had her head down and almost walked into Gas. He said, "Hi Hermione. Willem asked me to come up to get the additional forms I need for the online supervisor position."
Suddenly there was a high pitched giggle from Draco's office and Hermione turned beet red.
Gas looked at Hermione and remarked, "I hope all you did was speak to Mr. Malfoy the other night because I believe he might already be taken, if you know what I mean."
Hermione pulled on her professional façade and answered, "I'll get that form for you Gas and I would rather you didn't comment to me on the private affairs of the owner. Sound fair?"
Gas smiled, "Sounds fair Hermione. I've got to get back downstairs. Willem will be looking for me. Goodnight."
"Goodnight Gas."
Shortly after, a visibly upset Hermione left the office and apparated home. Hermione paced the floor of her living room. She had let herself be taken in by sexy words and a mouth on her pussy.
After consoling herself by drinking three glasses of wine, Hermione thought about it. All this was actually her fault. Draco never said he was single. She just assumed it because he wanted to sleep with her. He said he wanted her for his witch…..before they shagged. After they shagged he couldn't get out of there fast enough. Hermione felt a knot forming in her chest. She had saved herself all this time for the right wizard and what had she done, she had shagged Draco Malfoy. Hermione couldn't help herself. The tears just started coming. They weren't noisy tears. These were silent tears of self flagellation rolling down her face.
The three glasses of wine were taking their toll so Hermione got up to use the bathroom and take a shower. She berated herself through her entire shower, but when her shower was over so was the pity party. Hermione looked at herself in the mirror as she combed her hair. You hold an excellent position, you are very well paid, you have the respect of a lot of good people and you are beautiful and brilliant. As the muggles say, 'Keep it moving.'
Hermione was determined not to let one misstep ruin everything, so that's what she planned to do, keep it moving. When all was said and done, her bravado was really a front. In the back of her mind she was hoping Draco would call to explain what was going on with Maria, but she never received any such call.
/**/
Hermione had gone to sleep tired and she woke up tired. She was glad she had fresh pepper upper potion handy because she really needed it. With all her resolutions, Hermione still didn't want to face going in to work. Finally after a lot of pacing, Hermione got her things together to floo to work and arrived just before 8:00. She didn't feel the need to change anything up. If she was going to get through this, she didn't want to change anything that was working. Carmela greeted her with a smile and as hard as it was, Hermione smiled back. They chatted for a bit then they had got down to work.
About 9:30 Maria came through. She said, "Good morning ladies." and headed for Draco's office. When she realized Draco wasn't in she asked Carmela if she could leave a message for Draco because I've found what he was looking for.
Carmela held out a parchment and quill for Maria. The witch took the parchment and quill and went into Draco's office. When she came out she put the quill on the desk and wished Carmela and Hermione a good day. Then she was gone.
Carmela frowned and snipped, "Speaking of those who do as little as possible for their pay, you've just seen one." Hermione and Carmela had a good laugh.
/*/
Fifteen minutes later, Carmela opened an owl message and hurried over to Hermione's desk all excited. "You might want to look this over before you do anything else. It would seem the Italian Ministry is interested in having DLM as their supplier of miscellaneous goods. This is great news Hermione. Siamo Arrivata. If the Italian Ministry becomes one of our clients, other clients will start coming out of the woodwork."
Hermione looked at the message in her hands. The Minister of Acquisitions was requesting an 11:00 am meeting with the Head of DLM to discuss details of becoming a client.
"I want to freshen up so I'm going to very quickly stop by my house before the meeting. Wish me luck that I come back with a signed contract."
Carmela smiled, "If anyone can do it, it will be you Hermione. Good luck. I'll leave a note for Mr. Malfoy as to where you've gone. I've written out the address."
Hermione said, "Thanks Carmela. I'll see you later. If not, I'll speak to you in the morning."
The floo at DLM was not connected to the Ministry, but if they became clients that would be rectified.
Hermione apparated to the address on Carmela's note. The Italian Ministry was huge, but Hermione didn't have any difficulty finding the reception wizard. Hermione introduced herself and explained her business with the Ministry.
The wizard asked to see her wand for identification and Hermione smiled. Ministries weren't all that different. She had a wait of about five minutes before the Assistant to the Minister of Acquisitions came to fetch her.
The Assistant who introduced himself as James Wooley was a personable wizard who was impressed that he had the opportunity to meet Hermione Granger. He went on not only about the war, but about her lobbying efforts as well which caused Hermione to smile. It was almost as though James had studied a dossier on her.
Hermione was led to the office of the MOA and was introduced to Minister of Acquisitions Emilio Lozier. Hermione remained professional until James left the room then she lit into Emilio. "What are you playing at? If this is your idea of getting me to see you, I don't have time for your childish games. Minister of Acquisitions my arse."
Emilio pleaded, "Hermione, please have a seat. I am the new Minister of Acquisitions and this is a genuine request for services. Our former supplier has gone out of business. You might want to check on it. Your company should be able to get a good bit of stock at rather reasonable prices."
Hermione thanked him for the tip. If Emilio was serious, Hermione wanted the Ministry's business. She would not turn down a client of this magnitude for personal reasons. It was her job to forward the company and that's what she would do. Settling back in her chair, Hermione was ready to get down to business, and for the next two hours Hermione and Emilio went over what the Ministry would need and the level of service they expected.
Hermione assured Emilio that DLM could service all their needs. She took Emilio's list of products and requirements and they had signed a binding contract for one year firm.
Hermione excused herself to call either Draco or Carmela. Hermione couldn't reach Draco. His mobile appeared to be turned off. However, she did reach Carmela to whom she explained everything and told her she would be sending a copy of everything within the hour. "Get some help up there. Go over the requirement sheet I'm sending you. If we don't have the required products, get Travelers on it. Everything on the list I'm sending needs to be in the warehouse by Thursday. Call Willem upstairs and explain what's going on. He may have to rearrange his warehouse and hire extra workers. I had planned on going home, but I will be back in the office tonight. If you can stay over for a bit, I'd appreciate it. Thanks Carmela. I'll see you soon." Hermione made a mental note to get Carmela her own mobile phone so they could be in contact with each other at all times.
As Hermione sat back down, Emilio offered her tea which she accepted. They sipped the tea in relative silence until Emilio asked if he could take her to lunch as there was more he wanted to discuss.
"If it is business related, we can finish up here. Otherwise, I'll need to get back to DLM."
Emilio sighed, "Hermione we will be doing business together. I'm hoping we can set the past aside. Can we do that?"
"This is business. I will be professional and we can be cordial. That's about all I'll agree to at this moment. If it becomes sticky, I have associates who will step in to take over." She stood up ready to get back to DLM thanking Emilio for the tea. As she turned to leave, Hermione remembered the floo. She asked Emilio if it would be possible for him to connect DLM up to the Ministry floo telling him they would only need to key a few select people.
Emilio smiled, "For you, anything. I'll get right to work on getting a connection set up."
"Thank you Emilio. I'll speak to you soon." Hermione thanked James on her way out and was soon on her way back to work.
/*/
It was 3:30 when Hermione got back to DLM, sat down with Carmela to go over everything and put together a plan especially suited to the Ministry. Hermione asked Carmela if she had advised Willem of what they had going on and Carmela replied that she had. Hermione then told Carmela she was going downstairs to speak directly to Willem and would be back shortly.
Hermione didn't spend a lot of time in the warehouse, but each time she entered the area she marveled at the masterpiece Draco had built. It was cavernous, but very well thought out. Hermione headed towards the office.
Willem saw Hermione coming, came out to meet her and cheeked, "Thinking we don't have enough to do? Out there drumming up business are you?"
Hermione laughed and said, "It fell into my lap. I just need to run a few things by you." Willem invited Hermione into the office so they could talk.
Hermione wanted to know what steps they were taking to get on top of this and stay there? Willem went over his plan which left Hermione quite pleased with him. Listings were already out for additional help. Willem also mentioned that they would utilize the Magical Temp Service if they couldn't get the needed help right away. He assured Hermione they would do whatever necessary to service their new client.
Hermione nodded her head because she knew Willem would keep everything under control. Willem had additional information. He had reached out to the former supplier and was able to purchase all his remaining stock at a very reasonable price which made Hermione even happier. Willem noted that as soon as upstairs got a look at the other requirements, they had all available Travelers on the road. He congratulated Hermione telling her it was all coming together thanks to her.
"That's thanks to all of us."
Willem hugged Hermione just as Draco walked into the office. "Ah. A little affair of the heart going on down here. I hope it doesn't keep you from your job Willem."
Willem pinked up a bit before retorting, "I'm a married wizard. There's no affair going on down here." Willem nodded to Hermione and went out onto the warehouse floor.
Hermione smiled at Draco. "I see we're in a really good mood today. Would you mind if I slapped you across the head to get you out of it?" Without waiting for a response, Hermione left the office, waved to Willem and headed back upstairs.
Draco was about thirty seconds behind Hermione and evidently had something to say, but Carmela was still in the office.
Carmela asked Draco, "Did you receive your message Mr. Malfoy? Maria said it was very important. I believe she said she has found what you left or lost. I wanted to be sure you got the message because Maria had to Travel today and may not be back for a bit."
Draco glanced at Hermione.
Hermione turned away from Carmela and smiled as she thought, 'Fuck you Draco x 1.'
Out loud Hermione said, "Let's call it a day Carmela and before I forget we will have a floo connection to the Italian Ministry in short order. I would like for you, myself, Mr. Malfoy and Willem to be keyed for use. We will set up others as the need arises. Our floo will be keyed to the recently installed Italian Minister of Acquisitions, Emilio Lozier and his assistant James Wooley."
Hermione bent down as if to get something out of her desk drawer and smiled again. 'Fuck you Draco x 2.'
Hermione hurried Carmela along telling her she was tired off her feet and wanted to get home to relax. Hermione wished Draco a good night as she and Carmela headed for the floo. Hermione was not sure how much Carmela knew or suspected, but she was glad to have this witch on her side. With a wink, Carmela stepped through the floo wishing Hermione a goodnight. Hermione walked out of her own floo five minutes later.
/*/
The humor Hermione felt back at DLM was gone and the sickening feeling of being played for a fool was back. She began to think she wasn't cut out to be one half of any couple and would probably end up unmarried and lonely.
Suddenly Hermione had a brilliant idea. She changed into jeans and a shirt and turned her floo to international London. She would spend the night in her old flat with a book and a bottle of wine. Hermione stepped through the floo and was met with a very loud clanging. She had forgotten about the newly installed intruder alarm Harry had put in. It was working well and was very loud. Before Hermione could get the alarm turned off, Harry and Michael Corner appeared in front of her.
Hermione yelled, "It's me Harry. Hold your wand."
Harry waved his wand to shut off the alarm and shouted, "It's okay Michael. It's Hermione."
After realizing there wasn't any intruder breaking into Hermione's flat, Michael had bid them goodnight and Harry had settled himself on Hermione's couch asking why she was in London and not Milan.
Hermione smiled at her friend, "I just wanted to visit. Anything wrong with that?"
Harry raised his eyebrows and answered, "Nope. Nothing wrong with my rich friend taking a stroll through her international floo. Now that we have that bull shite out of the way. What's really going on?"
Hermione smiled at Harry. This wizard knew her probably better than anyone except for her parents. With her parents dead that left only him.
Hermione was staring straight ahead as she told her story. "The night of my party Draco made some statements which caught my attention. Not to embarrass you or anything, but we ended up sleeping together. After that, Mr. Malfoy made himself scarce. Oh. My mistake. He did come back the Sunday night because he thought I was up to something. We slept together again. Since then I haven't heard from him."
"Hermione, You both work in the same place. How can you not see each other?"
"I didn't mean to imply I haven't seen Draco. I've seen him. He was busy behind closed doors with one of the Travel witches."
Harry blushed at all the intimate information Hermione had revealed, but pushed ahead.
I know the both of you so let me ask you this, "What is it you're not telling me? Please don't say I've told you everything because I don't believe you. Draco was chomping at the bit Saturday to make you his witch. So what's happened in between?"
Hermione shifted in her seat. "Well. When Draco flooed in on Sunday, Gaspare was there. I was helping him program his phone."
Harry held up his hand. "This wouldn't be the same phone you were helping the git program Saturday would it?"
"One and the same, Hermione replied."
Harry shouted, "What the fuck Hermione. Stop trying to act the injured party. What do you know above all else about Draco Malfoy? He's fucking jealous when any wizard is within fifty feet of you. Yet, two nights in a row you have this bloke in your home. Whether it's true or not, programming a phone sounds like code for meeting secretly."
Hermione huffed, "Draco knows I'm not interested in Gas."
"And how would Draco know that especially if both times he was around you this other bloke was getting his phone programmed. It even sounds suspicious to me and I'm your best friend. Another wizard getting his phone programmed twice, in your home, once without Draco there doesn't bode well. Come on Hermione, you're a grown witch. What do you think is wrong with Draco? The worst part of this shite is Draco will hold everything in and blow up when he can't hold it in any longer."
Hermione murmured, "I didn't think of it in that way. I wasn't trying to be dense. It's just that I met Gas and his family when I was alone in Italy. They took me under their wings from the very beginning. He's like a brother to me. I just didn't think."
Harry stood up. "My head hurts. I'm going back to the Ministry."
Before Harry got to the floo Hermione called out, "There's something else. DLM is now doing business with the Italian Ministry and the wizard I am dealing with is Emilio. He is the new Italian Minister of Acquisitions."
Harry sat back down. "I'm not even going to ask if you've handed the job off to anyone else because I know you haven't. I'm not sure what it looks like to you, but I'm pretty sure what it looks like to Draco because I know what it would look like to me. I'll talk to you later Hermione. Don't forget to reset the alarm when you leave. Goodnight."
"Shite. cried Hermione. I was so ready to blame Draco for what is happening now, but, as Harry laid it out, I may be the culprit." Gathering her wine and her book, Hermione headed to the floo remembering to set the alarm as she left. As soon as she came through the floo, she went to the bedroom to get her mobile to call Draco, she stopped in the doorway because Draco was asleep in her bed.
/*/
Hermione tried to be quiet as she undressed and washed her face.
When she returned to the bedroom Draco was sitting up so she went over and sat on the edge of the bed. Draco looked at her and quipped, "I've taken over your bed without permission. I'm sorry. I was exhausted. Have you been with Lozier Hermione?"
Hermione started to bristle, but Harry's words came back to her. "No. I haven't been with Emilio. I've actually been with Harry. I flooed home to London to unwind."
Draco was incredulous. "You went to London to unwind?"
"Actually I'm glad I did. Harry brought several things to my attention." Then she climbed on top of Draco and spoke directly into his face. "I'm not seeing anyone. As of right now I'm a complete old maid. I go to work, I come home. Sometimes I go shopping and on Sundays I visit the Maida's."
Draco kissed Hermione. "You may be an old maid, but it seems you are an old maid who is high demand. I've seen Gaspare here twice at a time when he shouldn't be here. Now I'm to understand Lozier is back in your life. It is killing me to stay away, but I know you have a mind of your own and will not be swayed by me shouting at you, but I think the mention of Lozier made me realize I shouldn't leave anything to chance."
Hermione rolled off Draco and got up to slip into her pajamas. He watched her every move waiting for her to get close enough to grab because he had grown a full blown hard on when she climbed on top of him. He wanted this witch and he wanted her for keeps, but he had to make sure that was what she wanted as well.
Hermione waited for Draco to speak and Draco waited for Hermione to speak. They did speak to each other, they just didn't talk. Instead of airing out what they were each thinking, they had made love and went to sleep. Making love was all well and good, but the issues remained the same. Draco didn't know if Hermione wanted him only and Hermione didn't know if Draco wanted her only.
/**/
The next morning Hermione felt a sudden burst of courage and asked, "Are you single or are you dating someone?" She didn't want to pinpoint Maria because that would make it seem as though she was fishing. In reality, Hermione was fishing. She hoped she could cope with the answer.
Draco looked at her for a long time before he said, "I'm not dating anyone Hermione. Do you think I would be in your bed if I was involved with another witch? That probably wouldn't go over too well."
Hermione didn't reply right away but she did reply. "That's odd because you mentioned you wanted us to date and I was under the impression you meant each other yet you haven't mentioned it again. I'm beginning to feel like some dirty secret. You know the kind of secret everybody knows about, but won't talk about out loud. It's not a good feeling Draco."
Hermione had taken Draco by surprise. He had laid in his bed wondering why Hermione consented to have sex with him, but was still happy to have other wizards in her immediate vicinity and worst of all, she had even allowed Lozier back in her life.
"I do want us to date Hermione. It's just that I see us as an exclusive couple. I'm not alright with other wizards around you, touching you and hoping for a chance to be alone with you. I haven't made a big production of it because it would only drive you to walk away from me. However, I'm not sure which is worse, life without you or life watching Gaspare, Sal, Lozier and Willem vying for your attention. I know what I feel and I know who I want, but you've got to want me as well."
It was Hermione's turn to be surprised so the words which came out her mouth were uttered more in surprise than with forethought. "Why is it acceptable for you to have a giggling witch in your office behind closed doors? I'm wondering just what it is you can't say or do with an open door? It would seem we are at an impasse. You want us to be an exclusive couple and that's fine, but will that mean I agree to sit in my office listening to you chat Maria up or is that different from wizards vying for my attention? And tell me, why was she so proud to have found something you lost? Was it a matter of searching her sheets?"
Draco had been caught out. He hadn't done anything, but he still felt guilty. Maria was trying for his attention and she had been trying since she was first hired. She meant nothing to him and it had been she who had closed his office door which in hindsight Draco realized wasn't proper especially with Hermione in the next room.
Up until that point Draco had remained rational. When Hermione accused him of having a witch in his bed or being in a witch's bed he had drawn the line.
Draco struck back with his words. "I see you've been doing quite a bit of Granger thinking. That's the thinking where no matter the truth it only matters what Hermione believes. That witch has nothing to do with me. She is an overstepping bird who thinks she interests me. She hasn't interested me in all the time she's been at DLM, but that hasn't stopped her from trying. I don't reciprocate Hermione. Stop over thinking things with that big brain."
Hermione immediately sniped back. "So my big brain isn't allowed to think about you being around other witches, but your big brain can imagine anything you want about me being around other wizards. Fine Draco. Whatever. If you want me, I'm right in front of you."
"I know you're right in front of me Hermione. Are you willing to be with me and me alone or will I always be second to the fuckers who are constantly "vying" for your attention?" Tell me. We can end this standoff here and now. I want you in my life. I just don't necessarily want the baggage that comes with you."
Hermione stopped in the middle of putting her arm into her jumper and blushed red. "You want me, but you don't want my baggage. Well fuck me Draco Malfoy. I'm so sorry I'm so much trouble. Why don't you run along home and get ready for your day. Perhaps if you're lucky, Maria will show up without knickers then you can use those "experienced" fingers to make her happy. If you'll excuse me." Hermione went into the bathroom and closed the door. Hermione couldn't get out of her own way because every time she fixed her makeup, tears ruined it. She stood looking in the mirror thinking it was going to be a very long day.