Chapter Notes:
For chapter 8, I asked readers to put on their seatbelts because the upcoming chapters (8-10) would be a bumpy ride. Well you can unfasten those seatbelts. The bumpy ride is over. This is Dramione.
Previously on A Tale Of Two Wizards: Broken
There were a few errant thoughts floating around Hermione's head as she walked across the room. What was going on? Why would the witch pretend she hadn't previously met me? Why would Draco be dating a married witch? Where was the proof Draco was dating anyone? Had she jumped to conclusions without hearing Draco's explanation? And why the hell wouldn't Emilio move on? These things had flit quickly through Hermione's head, but she just pushed them aside and made for home.
/*/
Hermione put on the kettle first thing when she arrived home, and once she had her tea in front of her, she sat down to open the present from Draco. He had sent a lovely, diamond heart necklace with an attached message which read, Please hold this for me. You now have my heart in your hands. I love you Hermione. Happy Birthday. Draco.
Hermione put the heart and the message in a bedroom drawer as it was too beautiful to vanish away. Hermione suddenly felt the need for a drink, so she brought out fire whiskey, the big guns. The fire whiskey warmed her and turned her thoughts to sex. Hermione wanted a wizard in her bed. She missed making love. With one thought in mind, Hermione got up to make sure her floos were locked then headed to her bedroom to take care of her needs. With her legs spread, Hermione pulled and rubbed herself until she felt her body tense up for orgasm and in the middle of her release, called out to Draco.
Hermione laid there for a few minutes gathering herself realizing she had called Draco's name. Pissed off with herself, Hermione spoke out loud. I'm calling out for Draco and he's probably somewhere pushing into his witch and fucking her properly. I really need to get over myself. It's time for me to find a wizard who will fulfill my needs.
Chapter 11: It Takes A Village
With help from the fire whiskey she had imbibed the previous night, Hermione slept fairly late on Sunday and didn't drag herself out of bed until 11:30, but a quick bit of hangover potion had Hermione back to herself fairly quickly. She drank some tea and nibbled on a piece of toast and that had been her breakfast. Hermione didn't feel like eating at all, but seeing how she had dropped two dress sizes in a short span of time she forced herself to have something. She sat dawdling over a second cup of tea before having her shower and getting dressed. By then, it was time to floo over to Carmela's house. Even though it was Sunday, Hermione wore jeans and a jumper because she hadn't felt like dressing up. Fausto and Carmela greeted her when she stepped out of the floo, but Sal and Gas were nowhere to be seen.
"Where are my boys, asked Hermione?"
Fausto laughed, "Sal and Gas are lightweights. Their liquor intake was evidently more than they could handle and thus they are both still sleeping.
Hermione laughed. "I feel their pain. I drank some fire whiskey when I got home and I thought my head would fall off when I got out of bed this morning.
/*/
Carmela, Fausto and Hermione talked for a bit then after dinner Carmela stood and asked Hermione to come to the study with her. This time it was Carmela who had cast the silencing charm. Hermione had an idea of what was coming. She and Carmela never got around to having their talk so mama Carmela wanted to find out what was going on with her friend. Hermione sat back in her chair. This was going to get bumpy.
Carmela invited Hermione to confide in her. "If something is weighing on your mind Hermione you can share it with me. Maybe I can help relieve some of your worry."
Hermione sighed, "I wish it was that simple Carmela. Things have just gone to hell in a hand basket. I think I'm going to give up on wizards all together. I have two wizards who claim to be in love me yet both leave something to be desired in the trust department. I've told you the story about what went on with Emilio in England. But there's a new story and it happened right here in Milan."
"On Thursday, Emilio was being extremely obnoxious. He insisted I come to the Ministry to pick up the order. Which I did. He had set a reservation at Il Pasto for a working lunch. We walk in to the restaurant and there is Draco at lunch with a date. I mean this witch was sitting so close to Draco I don't know how he was able to move. Emilio was acquainted with the wizard sitting with Draco so we stopped by the table. The witch was going on about how Draco was her special friend and how he had promised to show her something she'd never seen."
"I was mortified. Draco sat there mute and never said a word. I was like a zombie throughout the entire meeting with Emilio and on the way out Emilio wanted to say goodbye so we stopped back by the table. At this point, Draco asked if he could speak with me and I declined. He and Emilio almost came to blows because Draco grabbed Emilio by the arm. It was awful. Truthfully, I hoped Draco would come after me with some story of why he was there, but that didn't happen. After work that day I locked my floo and tightened my wards so Draco couldn't get in and after a bit of soul searching I called Draco to ask to be released from my contract. I just felt I couldn't work with him any longer. He asked me not to leave instead he offered to go work in Britain and turn the company over to me. I accepted his suggestion. My one caveat was he had to be gone before I got to DLM. If that happened, I would stay and run the company. So that's where we are today. In addition, Emilio has not let up about us getting back together."
Carmela got up to give Hermione a hug. She just said, "Wow. That is fucked up."
In the time she had known Carmela, Hermione never heard her swear. Hermione started laughing and couldn't stop. She remarked, "I've never heard you swear."
Carmela replied, "Up until tonight I really haven't had anything to swear about. The whole thing is bad. You must be under so much pressure. I've listened to what you said. Now listen to me. You may not be able to see it because you are experiencing it, but something isn't right. A wizard just doesn't give up his company to a witch he doesn't care about. I've seen Draco in your presence. He loves you. Of that I have no doubt. Emilio has feelings for you and it may be love as well, but it is more likely the Minister is holding on because the two of you didn't get to finish what you started in England. My vote is for Draco Malfoy. I want you to go back over the day you saw Draco with this date. You and I are going to sort this out. That's the least mama can do for her adopted daughter."
Hermione looked at Carmela and asked, "What's the use? I know what I saw. It doesn't matter if Emilio was instrumental in bringing me there. It all boils down to me seeing it and that's the long and short of it. It hurt all the more because Draco was so public with it. It leads me to believe I was the bit he was keeping hidden. I was the dirty secret."
Carmela smelled a rat and she was not going to let it go. "Humor me Hermione. I'm a little older than you and I've lived in Italy all my life. Some things are just not what they seem."
Hermione didn't have a clue about what Carmela was on about, but decided to share the pain. "Everything was just as I explained it except Draco's date was also at the Ministry Ball. She was there with her husband. It was a strange introduction because this witch pretended she'd never met me before."
Carmela raised one of her hands to stop Hermione. "What do you mean her husband? She's a married witch yet she is dating Mr. Malfoy. No way Hermione. No way. Something is more than off. Would Mr. Malfoy even do something like that? Not from what I've seen of him. Mr. Malfoy has always been straight out and above board. So who is this woman? Do you remember her name?"
Hermione thought for a bit before telling Carmela. "I want to say her name was Amelia. Yes. Amelia and her surname begins with a B. I'm sorry but I just don't remember."
Carmela replied, "Let's just leave it. It will come back to you later. What did the Minister say about her? Did he even question why Amelia pretended she hadn't previously been introduced to you?"
Hermione thought about her answer. "Emilio appeared to be flustered and hurried me away from the table. When I asked why a married witch would be dating Draco he brushed it off and remarked he didn't know what I meant. I reminded Emilio it was he who said Draco was dating the witch. He escorted me back to our table with the admonishment we would talk about it."
"After the ball I went home and opened a birthday gift from Draco. It was a diamond heart. In his message Draco asked me to hold on to it tightly because I was holding his heart in my hands. He hasn't given up, but what he is saying now is what he was saying before I found out he was publicly dating Amelia. It feels like Draco loves me but …"
Carmela accio'd some wine for her and Hermione. She poured two glasses before she resumed speaking. "You're a brilliant witch Hermione. You have whipped a floundering company into shape single handedly. So let me ask you this; why do you think Draco or any wizard would voluntarily hand his company over to a witch he didn't care about? Why does he keep trying to contact you? Why is he sending you gifts? The truth Hermione. Tell me what you truly think. As a witch I can answer this. Draco does not want you out of his life even if he has to step away from you for a bit. He loves you."
Hermione smiled at her friend. "That's what you think Carmela. I see it a bit differently. I think Draco saw a chance to get me to run his company and have me as a bit on the side so he went for it. That's what I think."
The two witches agreed to disagree, but Carmela's mind was working a mile a minute as she said goodnight to Hermione and watched her friend step into the floo.
/*/
Carmela sighed. She was still thinking about Hermione's situation. None of it was making sense. Well the Emilio part of the equation made sense. He was a wizard in love trying to get the witch he wanted. The only problem was he seemed to be going about it in the wrong way. The Minister was using sleight of hand. Carmela was sure of it.
Carmela was used to sleight of hand. Before Fausto took retirement from his career in the Ministry Service he had been a premier user of sleight of hand and he still had a lot of connections. Fausto had separated himself from that life when he retired, but he still had a lot of higher up wizards he counted as friends.
Carmela decided she wanted to know more about Emilio Lozier and his family. She would enlist Fausto, but she would only tell him what he needed to know. Then she had laughed at herself. 'need to know' had been one of Fausto's favorite lines when he was still In Service. Back then almost everything had been a secret. Fausto's job secrecy had almost driven Carmela crazy until she realized there was so much underhanded business going on in her beloved Italy she didn't want to know. Now she wanted to know.
Carmela didn't know if she wanted to use the witch way or the investigative way to elicit information from Fausto. The witch way meant she would climb on top of Fausto and take over all aspects of their lovemaking. Fausto had said many times he loved it when she took charge because it made him cum hard. Or, she could just gently and carefully pump her husband for information. Carmela decided to play it safe so she climbed on top of her husband, pushed herself down on his erection and whispered wicked things in his ear as he grabbed her bottom to keep her from sliding off. They had thrust their way to climax with Fausto letting out a groan with every spurt of liquid he pumped out.
Then she had followed up the investigative way.
/*/
Lying with one arm wrapped around his wife Fausto had been surprised when Carmela started asking after his peers from his In Service days. Even though Carmela had asked in a round about way, Fausto knew she was up to something and was using the Ministry Ball as a reason to question him about things past.
Fausto had been one of the sharpest officers in Ministry Service and knew when he was being worked. He smiled at his witch and cheeked, "I've been married to you for twenty six years. Do you really think I don't know when you want something? Tell me what it is."
Carmela closed her eyes and began at the beginning. When she finished the entire story, Fausto didn't say a word. Carmela let out a big sigh. She figured Fausto had gone to sleep in the middle of her recitation so she was surprised when he asked, "Are you telling me that someone blindsided your Mr. Malfoy and Ministry Service saw their chance to use an outsider to catch some rich, Italian dirt bags who are stomping all over our laws?"
Carmela whispered "Yes."
Fausto sat up and turned to his wife. He was getting worked up. "I left the job for just this reason. People with money and power thought they could buy anything or anyone. These people make me sick."
Carmela hadn't meant for Fausto to get this worked up. She went to the bedroom door to summon a cup of tea to help calm him down.
When Carmela opened the door Sal had called out, "If you and papa are going to be doing that stuff, you might want to throw up a silencing charm."
Unfortunately, Fausto wasn't in the mood to take cheek from anyone. He walked to the bedroom door and called back, "I know you're joking so I'm not going to come out there and box your ears, but here's a thought, if there are things in my house you don't want to hear, you and Gas can find yourself a nice bilocale. That way you'll have all the quiet you want."
Sal knew he had overstepped. "I apologize papa. I didn't mean anything."
Carmela handed Fausto the tea. She spoke softly. "Fausto don't you dare take your anger out on Sal. If you want to be angry, be angry at me. I initiated the lovemaking and I asked the questions. Not Sal. Or better yet, be angry with those wealthy bastards who are ruining our country, but don't you ever tell my sons they have to move out anywhere. This is their house for as long as they choose to live here."
Fausto realized he too had gone too far. He walked over to take his wife in his arms. "I love you. I didn't mean to upset you. I'll speak to Sal later and set things right. You're right. I'm angry at the bloody bastards who are stomping our country into the ground. I'll see what information I can get for you love." Fausto kissed the top of his wife's head then had gone to take a shower.
Carmela sat on the side of their bed and thought, that worked out nicely. She cast a cleaning spell over the bed and laid back to rest. She went into the bathroom when Fausto came out and while she took her shower, Fausto went out to speak to Sal.
/*/
Fausto had checked with his sources and found out a lot. Plenty of his old mates were so pissed off the way things were being done in the Italian Ministry they had given Fausto an earful. The Ministry Service was still the most elite group of the Italian law system. However, the wealthy crooks and villains seemed to be infiltrating the Ministry more and more every day. As had happened with Fausto, his mates were finder it harder and harder to know who to trust so they trusted no one. To a man his mates had agreed, not knowing whom they could trust was making the job very dangerous.
Carmela had sat and listened to Fausto repeat all he had learned. With her heart beating like a drum, Carmela learned everything she needed to know and then some. When Fausto was through giving her the information, Carmela had kissed him on the lips and told him how much she loved him.
"Anything for our Hermione and for the downfall of the bloody bastards who are trying to take over our Ministry."
/*/
Carmela knew what she had to do next and she wasn't going to leave anything to chance. She needed to speak to Mr. Malfoy face to face. Her plan was to owl Harry Potter and ask if he would get her through Hermione's alarm. In that owl Carmela also planned to write as much about the situation as she dared. And that's what she did. When she received her answer from Harry, Carmela went forward with her plan.
/**/
On Thursday, 9/30 Carmela inquired of Hermione, "Would you mind if I had a day off tomorrow? I have an errand I need to run. It may take a bit of time so rather than be late back I'll take the entire day to get it done right. I'm usually not a borrower, but may I borrow your brown, low heeled shoes. I want to be comfortable."
Hermione had been glad to give Carmela the day off and loan her the shoes as well. Her mentor and friend was always there. She deserved a day off and in shoes which were comfortable. Hermione told Carmela to floo in and pick up the shoes and floo to her destination from there.
Carmela didn't need to borrow shoes, but she did need access to Hermione's home and her international floo. Borrowing shoes was the best excuse Carmela had been able to think up. Carmela knew this could backfire in her face, but she was still going to do it. For Hermione's sake, for Mr. Malfoy's sake and for the sake of real love she was going forward and she would take whatever consequences came about.
Harry had agreed to meet her in Hermione's old flat at 11:00 am Milan time. Carmela had given Harry a five minute start because she didn't want to trip the alarm. Hermione had mentioned how loud the alarm rang when set off. When Carmela stepped out of the floo at 10:05 London time, Harry was standing there waiting. Harry greeted Carmela with a big smile. Her letter had been a very bright spot in the middle of a rather dismal week.
Harry invited Carmela to have a seat and told her that he wanted to hear her entire story. Carmela sat down on the couch while Harry sat in one of the chairs and she prefaced the story by saying, "If you didn't work for a Ministry, I wouldn't be able to tell you this even for the sake of Hermione. It's just not done."
Harry had read between the lines of Carmela's letter. He had figured out some things for himself, but he wanted to hear the entire story straight from Carmela's mouth. Harry gestured that he understood.
Carmela took a deep breath and began to the story. "Last October, The Italian Ministry arrested, well not exactly arrested, detained Mr. Malfoy on charges of receiving and selling illegal goods." Harry frowned but Carmela continued. "Mr. Malfoy didn't have any knowledge of the goods. One of our imbecile Travelers picked up what he thought was a good deal for the company without consulting either me or Mr. Malfoy. Turns out having these particular items was a Class A Felony in Italy. The Ministry Inspectors came round while the goods were still in the warehouse. Not to get off track but the Inspectors were there because someone had owled in a tip that DLM was hiding illegal merchandise. Anyway, Mr. Malfoy was caught unaware, but as owner he was held liable for all goods in his warehouse."
"From what I've been told, Mr. Malfoy was given the choice of going to Prigione for two years or assisting with a bit of undercover work. Mr. Malfoy chose the undercover work. He had the perfect cover as owner of an import/export company. His being in California USA was an undercover job. Mr. Malfoy was following the trail of a shipment sent out by a group of well to do Italian businessmen. This group was moving illegal products by having them inserted inside legitimate shipments. Mr. Malfoy has been tracking and reporting for Ministry Service which is the group that oversees the entire Italian Ministry. This undercover job is a very hush-hush affair because some of the corrupt businessmen have ties to the Ministry. Mr. Malfoy is under penalty of going immediately to Prigione if he discloses his undercover work to anyone. Until he went back to Britain, he was working with a partner named Amelia Bachman."
When Carmela paused to take a breath Harry asked, "When will this be over for Draco?"
Carmela hesitated just a bit before answering. "The Ministry Service is ready to make arrests within the next two weeks. Mr. Malfoy's assistance ends November, 2nd this year, but it is possible he will be relieved of his assignment earlier if the arrests are made before then. This is a very secretive and dangerous set up. If any of the criminals find out about Mr. Malfoy or Mrs. Bachman's part in this mission, they and their families could be hurt or killed. Since Draco doesn't have a family, Hermione would probably have been targeted. The last piece I have is a list of villains. You'll be surprised who is on it."
Harry smiled as he replied, "I don't think I'd be surprised at all."
Carmela smiled back at Harry. "I'll just read surnames with the caveat we destroy the list when we are through. My husband was formerly In Service and all this information came from his old contacts. Fausto left Service when it became too hard to tell the good guys from the bad guys. Anyway, these are the names I have. Demma, Galluzzo, Matteri, Agretto and last but not least Lozier."
Carmela smirked as Harry's mouth fell open. "Am I to believe that Lozier's family could be involved in illegal dealings?"
Carmela shrugged her shoulders and replied, "I don't have first names but Emiliano Lozier would fit the profile perfectly. He is a very rich Italian businessman with ties to the Ministry. He has a hand in many pies and a son who is the current Minister of Acquisitions. Sometimes the richest wizards are the worst. They feel as though they are above the law and no matter how much they have, they always want more. That's about all the information relating to Mr. Malfoy. I do have a suspicion that the owl tip which got DLM pinpointed for a raid could have originated with someone with whom we are both acquainted. But this is my opinion only. I don't have any proof."
Harry was right there with Carmela. He had started to pace. "If your suspicion is about Emilio Lozier, I can almost believe you are right. Lozier has hated Draco well before they bumped heads over Hermione. He probably hoped to see Draco in prison. Lousy tosser."
Carmela interrupted by putting her hand up. "That is just a suspicion on my part Harry. I don't have any proof of who sent in the owl tip which led to Draco being detained. I did do a little bit of research myself and I found that The Malfoy's and The Lozier's have been at odds all the way back even before Voldemort."
Harry raised his eyebrows as Carmela smirked, "Yes Harry. I didn't have to research Voldemort. Italy knows all about him. In my opinion, if it wasn't Minister Lozier who sent the owl, I'd bet Emiliano Lozier had someone do it for him."
Harry sat back down to digest all he had heard. "What a fucking mess. This is what Draco couldn't tell Hermione. This is why it appeared he was sneaking around. The witch was just a partner. They must have had to appear as though they were dating or at least keeping company for the sake of their roles. Draco was doing a job involving the elite of Italian society and never figured he'd run into Hermione while among that circle of posers. And he wouldn't have except for Lozier's interference."
Carmela had already thought of this. She suspected Emilio had found out that Draco and Hermione had become a couple and wanted to break up the relationship. She also suspected Emilio had heard that Draco was dating another witch. He just didn't know Draco was only 'dating' the other witch as part of undercover work. Emilio thought he had caught Draco out and wanted to make sure Hermione knew it.
Like Harry had said, it was a fucking mess.
Now that it was all out in the open, Carmela and Harry had to figure out what to do next.
Harry told Carmela he wanted to run something in front of her. "As a member of the British Ministry I can basically serve two masters so to speak. I am not fettered by Italian Ministry rules, so I can disclose some information to Hermione without breaking any rules. By the same token, as an official member of a Ministry I'm allowed to discuss business with another Ministry employee and Draco is technically a Ministry employee which allows me to talk to him about his case. I'm playing fast and loose with the wording of the laws, but I won't be breaking any rules."
Carmela smiled at the green eyed wizard. "Hermione says you're the best. Now I know what she means. In a sense Harry, you are putting your career on the line. If any official found out and chose to prosecute, that would be the end for you."
Harry laughed as he replied, "We'll just have to hope nobody finds out. I know you flooed to London with the express purpose of talking to Draco. I would rather you didn't. Things could really get sticky if a civilian gets involved. Besides, we don't want anything to fall back onto your husband. I will address things first with Hermione then I will address things with Draco. Hermione and Draco should pay me. I do more work for their relationship than they themselves do, but they are my friends and it will all be well worth it. More importantly, I will never stop believing they are destined to become Dramione."
When Carmela looked perplexed, Harry explained that Dramione was a short term for Draco and Hermione as a couple. Carmela grinned telling him she liked the sound of Dramione.
/*/
When Harry checked his wonder wizard watch he found it was 2:00 pm which made it 3:00 pm Milan time. He and Carmela had been talking for four hours. It was time for him to get started and he was eager to set his plan in motion.
"I'm very thankful Hermione has found such good friends as you and Fausto. Harry remarked. For the sake of discretion, I will not be able to contact you before November 2nd. However on November 3rd we are going to have the biggest party you've ever seen….at Hermione's house. My rich friend can afford it."
Carmela laughed as she shook Harry's hand. "Thank you for taking the time to hear me out. I am firmly in Mr. Malfoy's corner. I believe as you do that he and Hermione belong together. Now if I can get my friend to take her head out of her arse, we'll be all set."
Harry laughed out loud. "Hermione will remain angry at Draco until this information is written down, pasted to her eyelids and tattooed on her chest, but I plan on flooing through this evening to share with her what I can. Hopefully, I'll be able to shake some sense into her. Just so you know, I'm going to say I stumbled on this information and I'll swear her to secrecy. I don't think we'll have to worry about her sharing this information. During the war against Voldemort, Hermione, Ron and myself had to keep a great many secrets. If I ask her to be discreet, she will be. I'll give you time to floo back and get home before I floo through. I intend to be waiting for Miss Granger when she gets in from work."
Carmela stood and Harry walked over to her and kissed her on the cheek. "I don't usually kiss any married witch, but you deserve my best effort. Thank you Carmela."
As she walked to the floo Carmela quipped, " I don't usually let an unattached wizard kiss me, but I think you deserve it."
They were both grinning as Carmela checked that the floo was set for international Italy and waved at him as she as she stepped through.
/*/
Harry was Auror excited. Being Auror excited was a little different than normal excitement. Every hair on his Auror head was standing up. Harry felt as though he was about to get into some international intrigue and he loved it. He sat down on the couch to think and ran a number of scenario's through his head. He finally came to the conclusion he would just lay everything out for Hermione then his only problem would be Draco. Draco was assigned to do a job and would be pissed off like a madman if anyone interfered. It would be both his and Draco's arse on the line if anyone caught wind of what Harry was going to do. Neither he nor Draco would appreciate going to prison. Harry had to tread a lot more lightly with Draco than he would with Hermione.
Having had time to think, Harry wasn't sure he should approach Hermione first. Maybe he should talk to Draco first and allow his volatile mate time to calm down before moving on to the next step which would be informing Hermione. No matter how many times Harry turned it over in his head he kept coming back to the fact Draco would feel betrayed if Harry talked to Hermione first. Harry sent a quick owl to Draco telling him he would be stopping by his flat later that evening. Then he took a deep breath and headed for the floo. He was flooing to Milan to speak with Hermione hoping he had made the right choice.
/*/
The liquor cabinet was the first place Harry headed after stepping out of the floo and he brought a whole bottle of fire whiskey into the living room with him. He sat on the couch, accio'd a glass from the kitchen and poured himself a healthy shot of whiskey, Harry called Hermione to inform her he had flooed in because he didn't want to be on the receiving end of a curse thrown by his best friend when she stepped out of the floo to find someone in her home.
Hermione had been surprised to hear that Harry was here in Milan. She hoped he hadn't come back to sing the praises of Draco Malfoy because she didn't want to hear them.
Hermione paused. It had been a month since Draco had left Milan. She wasn't so single minded anymore. She wasn't so hurt, humiliated or angry anymore. Hermione couldn't say it out loud, but she could admit to herself that she missed Draco. She wanted to talk to him and make love with him. She…. Hermione pulled herself back to reality. She hadn't had any more letters from Draco. He'd probably given up on her. It was probably way too late to be thinking about him now. Hermione sat back down at her desk, opened the drawer and pulled the diamond heart necklace out of her bag. She whispered, "I'm still holding your heart in my hands Draco."
Hermione was fastening the necklace around her neck when Willem knocked on her door frame.
"How can I help you Willem? Is everything okay?"
Willem replied, "I just stopped up to let you know the week's delivery to the Ministry went off without a hitch. In fact, Minister Lozier has added three additional products to his order."
Hermione smiled at Willem. "That's great about the additional product. And I had no worries about the delivery with you in charge. When Draco returns we'll have to see about a steep pay rise for you and Gaspare." Willem smiled as he waved good night to Hermione.
The day was done. Hermione gathered her wand and her purse and headed to the floo.
/*/
Hermione stepped out of her main floo into the waiting arms of her best friend. Harry kissed her on the cheek and commented on how much weight she'd lost.
"I bet you say that to all the witches, quipped Hermione."
Harry laughed as he swung Hermione around. "It's so much easier to swing you around now that you've lost that extra fifty pounds you were carrying around."
"Put me down you git, shouted Hermione." Harry put her down and she slapped him across the back. "Git."
Harry noticed the diamond heart around Hermione's neck and his first thought had been Lozier.
Hermione saw Harry looking at the necklace. She blushed and remarked, "It's the necklace Draco sent me for my birthday. Isn't it beautiful?"
Harry was speechless for a second. He was damn glad it wasn't a gift from Lozier, but he was freaking surprised she was wearing a gift from Draco. He slowly asked, "Have you gotten over being angry with Draco then?"
Hermione poured herself some wine from the bottle while Harry waited for her to speak. "I don't know Harry, but I'm over being angry with myself and it seems that has allowed me to think more rationally. I may have made a mistake pushing Draco away."
Hermione took a sip of her wine. The silence had given Harry the perfect opening. He looked at his friend and said, "Sit back Hermione. I came across some information I would like to share with you. It is sensitive information which you have to promise won't be repeated to anyone. I could get in serious trouble just by repeating it to you."
Crankily Hermione responded, "You and I have had more secrets between us than anyone could imagine. If you say it's confidential, I'll keep it confidential. Now come on and spill. She poured another glass of wine and waited for Harry to begin. And he had.
Harry spent the next two hours explaining everything he had learned from Carmela that morning. After the first thirty minutes of explanation Hermione had begun asking questions. If Harry didn't know her as well as he did, he would have gagged her and made her sit quietly and listen, but Harry knew Hermione wasn't trying to be obnoxious she was just being Hermione. She wanted to know everything.
When Harry got to he part about Draco having a partner, Hermione had jumped up and began pacing. She choked on her words. "But Emilio knew them. He told me Draco was dating Amelia."
This bit of information was something Harry didn't know. No wonder Hermione had been so upset with Draco. She thought Emilio brought Draco's alleged indiscretion out into the open to protect her from being humiliated by a cheating wizard. As strong as she was, sometimes Hermione was too gullible for her own good.
"I'm not trying to be a prat Hermione. Harry replied. But what did you expect from Lozier? The git is in love with you. He wants you. He'd probably still have you if he hadn't fucked up with Ginny. He's trying to get Draco out of your life and insert himself into your life. You're a brilliant witch, but you're acting like you don't have a clue about life. I know better. We went through a war together and we were only teenagers. You need to bring the old Hermione back and get rid of this wishy washy caricature of yourself. Now."
With that said, I'm going to floo over and talk to Draco. He's my mate and I owe him a conversation.
Harry headed for the floo then he turned back around to Hermione. "Take a little time to think over what I've told you. Draco is usually at his flat after 6:00 so he should be there now. If you decide to step through this floo in search of the wizard who loves you, step through with an open heart. Don't bring any bull shite baggage with you. Don't forget about the alarm. Good luck with whatever you choose to do."
/*/
It was 9:30 pm when Harry left. Hermione sat there until 10:15 thinking. Then she hurried into the bathroom to shower and change. After her shower she went through her closet four times before deciding on a sexy, crossed strap, cream colored dress that hugged her every curve. She used a little makeup and some eye highlighter and she allowed her hair to fall loosely down her back. Hermione wanted to look gorgeous when she saw her wizard for the first time in a month. Hermione grabbed her wand and her purse then she kissed the diamond heart necklace she wore around her neck and stepped through the floo shouting, "My London flat." As soon as she stepped out she remembered to turn off the alarm. Hermione took several deep breaths to try and calm the butterflies in her stomach. She turned her floo to the local setting, stepped in and called out, "Draco's flat."
Hermione stepped out of the main floo and walked towards the living room. She didn't remember anything about the room. The truth was she hadn't been in the living room for more than five minutes before Draco had carried her into his bedroom. Hermione heard voices coming from what was probably the kitchen. She was taking slow, deep breaths to try and manage her breathing.
Hermione knocked on the kitchen door before she opened it and Draco called out, "Who?" Hermione opened the door and stared straight into those amazing gray eyes.
Draco jumped up and started towards her, but stopped in mid stride when he noticed Hermione was wearing his birthday present. "I see you've taken care of my heart." Then he strode forward to take Hermione in his arms. He put his face in Hermione's hair. "Baby. I have missed you so much. I'm so sorry."
Without turning back to the table Draco murmured, "I haven't been with my witch in a month Potter. Would you please excuse us? Thank you for stopping by."
Harry got up from his chair where he had been mesmerized by the reunion and quipped, "Don't need me anymore then Malfoy? Kicking me out are you? That's fine, but let me say this in front of the both of you, "Don't fuck it up this time. I have turned in my mediator badge. Goodnight."
Hermione and Draco were both trying to talk at the same time. Hermione said, "I've been stupid. I want to be with you and only you. I've missed you. My bed has missed you."
Draco said, "I've missed you as well. I was terrified we'd never get back to this. I was terrified you'd find someone else."
They held each other and kissed as passionately as if they hadn't seen each other in…. a month.
Draco stepped back and asked, "Have you lost weight?"
"I couldn't eat, stated Hermione. At first I was too angry to eat then I was too miserable to eat, but right now I'm famished. I could eat a hippogriff."
Draco laughed, "I don't have a hippogriff handy, but I'll have the house elf make us a late supper." Draco took two steps away from Hermione and came back. "Have I told you how beautiful you are? If I haven't, I'll tell you now. You are the most beautiful witch I've ever laid eyes on. Let me go give instructions for supper. I'll be right back. Please don't disappear on me."
Hermione had a surprise for Draco. She put her hand in her bag and pulled out her disc player. She spelled it back to size and put on Breathe by Faith Hill.
When Draco came back through, Hermione had her arms held out. "I'd like for you to wrap your arms around me and dance with me."
Draco moved across the room so fast it was as if his feet hadn't touched the floor. He took Hermione in his arms and groaned as he felt his erection grow. He kissed Hermione on her cheek and on her forehead and on her lips. Then he whispered, "This song makes a wizard want his witch to take him to bed."
Hermione laughed as she took him by the hand and led him to the bedroom.
/*/
Draco had Hermione's lovely cream colored dress off in less than twenty seconds and he was gentle yet swift as he removed her bra and knickers. He laid Hermione on the bed as he stood to remove his clothing, but before he got into bed, Draco went to lock the floo. Somebody stepping through an unlocked floo would not stop him from making love to his witch this time.
Draco climbed in beside Hermione, rubbed his hand up and down her body and lowered his head to lick her nipples. She shivered with delight and opened her legs a little more. Draco licked her stomach and the back up to her nipples. Hermione's body wriggled in need, but Draco made no move to enter his witch…yet.
He looked into Hermione's eyes. "I think you broke up with me. So, just to be on the safe side I'll ask again while you are calm, rational and a little bit horny. Will you be my witch?" Hermione did not hesitate to answer yes.
Draco kissed Hermione and gently climbed onto her. He leaned down to kiss and suckle her breasts some more. Without a second thought, Hermione adjusted herself, reached down and put her hands around Draco's erection and tried to push his dick into her. Draco moved her hands away as he plunged into her. Hermione let out a little scream and grabbed Draco about his waist. They twisted, thrust, and bumped together. When Hermione wrapped her legs around her wizard he drove all the way in and Hermione felt her insides tighten with an intensity she'd never felt before. She was cumming and she shrieked out in pleasure. Draco pushed more rapidly and gasped, "I'm right there baby. Give it all to me. Oh fuck! Cum for me. Cum for me. Then they were there. They were both at the point of ecstasy where release almost becomes painful. And then they were over the edge with each partner still feeling the pulsating pleasure of release. Draco didn't stop pushing until his dick slipped out on it's own.
Hermione removed her legs from around Draco's back so he could lie down beside her. They laid there in each other's arms for several minutes before Draco asked, "Can we promise not to turn away from each other ever again? I love you Hermione. That's not going to change. It is my hope that we will trust each other no matter what. Talk to me when you have doubts and I'll do the same. Do you promise me?" Hermione nodded, but Draco wanted to hear her say it out loud.
Hermione shouted, "I promise and you know what else I've figured out? I've figured out that I'm in love with you and I love you."
Draco pulled Hermione on top of him and with his hands entwined in her hair kissed her passionately mumbling, "Thank you Merlin."
/*/
Hermione asked for a shower and one of his tee shirts so Draco padded across the room to the dresser, pulled out a tee shirt and handed it to her. As he watched her slip the tee over her nakedness he commented, "That necklace looks so good on you. Especially when you don't have on any clothes."
Hermione laughed as she made her way to the bathroom.
Draco had a surprise for Hermione an he planned on giving it to her after their supper. He thought it would look spectacular with the necklace.
Draco took his shower, after which he put on pajama bottoms and a tee and headed to the kitchen. Hermione was sitting on the couch with her head laid back, but looked at him when he came out of the bedroom and whined, "I'm hungry. Will you please feed me?"
Draco pulled her up from the couch and led her into the kitchen. They sat next to each other so they could kiss each other in between mouthfuls of food. For the first time in a month, Hermione had finished a plate of food. She felt stuffed.
Draco grabbed her by the hand and led her back through to the living room. They sat and talked and straightened out every kink in their relationship. Draco told her all about what he had been doing. He explained about Amelia being his partner and how all the appointments he had were all about his undercover work. Draco admitted the only good thing was he would be free of any obligations to Ministry Service on November 2 or before. He asked that Hermione keep everything he told her to herself until all his duties had been discharged and Hermione assured him she would. There was a lot swirling around both their minds about Emilio Lozier, but discussing that tosspot could wait until another time.
Draco excused himself to use the bathroom. When he came back, he asked Hermione to dance. Then he lifted Hermione's chin so he could look in her eyes. "I want this to be our song. Not your song, not my song. I want it to be our song. Do you agree?"
Hermione looked back into Draco's eyes and huskily whispered, "I agree."
Draco stopped dancing and held his witch. After taking a deep breath he calmly stated, "I am declaring my intentions Hermione. I want you in my life. I don't want to go through what I went through this last month ever again."
Hermione didn't even have to think about it. She was smiling and blushing as she answered Draco in the affirmative. They kissed each other thereby sealing their intentions to each other. Draco had declared and Hermione had accepted and no matter what came at them, they were a couple.
Sleepily Hermione asked, "Will you be coming back to Milan with me to take your rightful place as owner of DLM?"
"A team of hippogriffs couldn't keep me away. There are a few things in Milan which need sorting."