Nods to Dramione. Anxiety/Drama. Enjoy.

Be aware. Rated M for language and romantic interludes down the road.

Previously on A Tale Of Two Wizards: Doesn't Get Any Better Than This

Draco, Hermione, Fausto and Carmela sat down in the living room with after dinner drinks. Several times Hermione caught Carmela and Fausto grinning at her as though she was their daughter. Hermione blushed and placed her arm through Draco's. Draco smiled at her and kissed her on the forehead. Draco too looked up into the beaming faces of Carmela and Fausto.

The four chatted a bit more before Hermione suggested that she and Draco go home to prepare for work in the morning. After the hugs and handshakes, Draco and Hermione stepped back through the floo.

As soon as they stepped into their floo room, Hermione hugged her wizard so tight he grunted.

She beamed, "You are my favorite wizard."

Draco smirked, "I'm your only wizard Granger and that's the way it's going to stay."

Hermione reminded Draco that he didn't have any clothes there. He might want to go get a few things if he wanted to floo directly to work. Draco agreed he should do that. As an afterthought Draco asked about the green dress she had worn the previous night. Hermione grinned, "You're not throwing away my lovely gown."

Draco leaned over to kiss Hermione and quipped, "Okay. You win this time but the next time you go to wear it I'm going to spell it into a burlap sack. Let the wizards stare at you in a sack. I'll be back shortly."

Hermione smiled after her handsome wizard. She just couldn't get over the fact that she and Draco were back together for good. Hermione had her head laid back on the couch when Celia Lozier passed across her mind. No matter what Draco said, Hermione didn't want that nasty witch anywhere near him.

Hermione was a brilliant witch. She knew there was more to Celia's call than a simple howdy do. Either she was up to something or she and Emilio were up to something. Either way, Hermione planned to be on her guard at all times. Neither one of the Lozier's would catch her out.

Chapter 13: The Barrier Doesn't Apply

It hadn't taken Draco too long to gather some clothing and bring it back to Hermione's house. Hermione sat on the bed and watched as Draco brought his clothes back to size and put them away in the closet. As Draco put the last suit away he turned to Hermione and cheeked, "If these clothes disappear Granger, I will call the law. And I don't mean Harry. Then again maybe I will call Harry."

Hermione cheeked right back, "And you think Harry will be on your side Malfoy? Think again." Draco laughed, "You're right. Potter would probably arrest me."

Hermione held out her arms beckoning her wizard. Draco sat beside her on the bed, ran his fingers through her hair and looked at her as he pushed the hair away from her neck. "You make me so happy Hermione. I won't let anything come between us." Hermione smiled as she passionately kissed him on the lips.

Just as it had when he left for Britain, the building was buzzing. This time it buzzed about the return of the boss. Before 8:30, the entire building knew Draco Malfoy was finished with his family business in London and was back as owner of DLM.

Hermione and Draco took a walk around the entire building to greet their employees and get their input on the way they thought things were going. Every comment had been positive with many compliments going to Hermione.

Draco was very pleased with what he heard. On the elevator ride back up to the office Draco snuck a quick kiss from his fiancee.

When they got back to the office, Hermione gave Draco time to get himself acclimated before she went in to speak to him about a pay rise for Willem and Gas. She also got all the information from Draco about the apartment Gas and Sal would be renting.

Draco signed off on the requests for pay rises and had also given Hermione all the information on the apartment saying it was available to occupy as soon as Gas and Sal were ready.

Before Hermione left his office Draco pulled her close and kissed her. He looked her in the eyes and said "I have to report in with Ministry Service. It's more than likely I'll be gone all day. I love you and I don't want you to worry."

Hermione hugged him back. "Be careful, she said. I'll see you at home."

Draco waved to Hermione and Carmela as he left the office to go sign in for duty at Ministry Service.

Hermione processed the paperwork for Gas and Willem herself. It was a business after all. Carmela could not process paperwork for her own son. No matter how aboveboard the paperwork, it just wasn't done.

After the rises were entered into the system, Hermione called Willem and asked that he and Gas come see her.

Hermione looked through some of the daily schedules laying on her desk. The Travelers had fallen in line. They came in picked up orders and left for their designated destinations. The rest of the Travelers checked the inventory for company needs and wants and tracked down product either by owl or in person. Every one of the Travelers left a daily schedule of their whereabouts with Carmela before they left the building. Hermione wasn't worried about any of them.

Hermione was interested in the poser who had brought illegal merchandise into DLM. She meant to ask Carmela who it was, did they still work at DLM and what had been done to tighten up regulations so nothing like that could happen again. For now, Hermione decided to check around quietly. After Draco had completed his undercover duty someone would feel the wrath. There was no place in any business for employees who put the company and company standing in jeopardy.

Willem and Gas appeared at her office door thirty five minutes later. Hermione first complimented both wizards on the job they were doing. Then she advised them they were both in for a pay rise which was effective immediately. Both wizards beamed as they sat there listening to their Head. Hermione included the fact that Draco was also impressed with their work as well as their work ethic and had been instrumental in their pay rise. Hermione looked at her favorite two employees and realized the company did not have to worry about any other illegal products getting into inventory.

Hermione stated, "I know you two are not an island unto yourselves. I know you have other good workers down there. Therefore Willem, I would like for you to put together a list of those employees you feel warrant a pay rise. We want to recognize hard working employees. I'll expect the list by days end. For the sake of good will I must ask you to keep your pay rises to yourself until I can get rises into the system for those who will be on your list. Thank you. Keep up the good work."

Both Gas and Willem thanked Hermione and had shaken her hand before they left the office.

By the time Gas and Willem left her office Carmela had heard from Kim. The realtor had scheduled a walk through for that evening at 5:30 pm. Carmela had given her the codes to the apartment but Kim would be stopping by to pick up Gas and Sal at 5:00 pm.

Hermione and Carmela had a good laugh at the speed with which Kim had moved. It was obvious the realtor needed a private place in which to receive the attentions of her wizard.

Carmela cheeked, "My babies are growing up." Hermione cheeked right back, "Your babies have been grown up for quite a while."

The two witches finally settled down to work with several bouts of stifled laughter popping up every now and again.

At 11:00 am Carmela stepped into Hermione's office to let her know James was on the phone. Hermione nodded as she picked up her phone.

She said, "Good morning James. What can we do for you this morning?" Hermione listened as James explained that there had been a problem with the delivery last Thursday and the Minister would like to discuss it with her. He asked if Hermione could make it to the Ministry for 3:00?"

Hermione asked, "What kind of problem James? I was told everything had gone well and Emilio had even ordered three new products for delivery this week. Are you suggesting my warehouse manager has misled me? I cannot see what could have gone wrong with your products between Thursday afternoon and now. Does the Ministry not have receivers and quality control specialists? We have them at DLM and they are very good at their job. I feel as though DLM is being held hostage for no apparent reason. I suggest you send me a detailed report of what was wrong with the delivery. Please send it by speed owl so I can get this matter resolved as quickly as possible. I will not be able to make the appointment Emilio has set but he is welcome to come to DLM to discuss this issue. I will wait for your owl. I'll speak to you later James."

Hermione hung up the phone and called out to Carmela. Carmela got up from her desk and came to stand in the doorway.

Carmela snorted, "It would appear that the good Minister is up to his little tricks. Not to be rude about a Ministry official but that wizard is an arse. He just doesn't know how to let go. Are you sure you didn't give him a little touch of the private stuff? The Minister definitely has your scent which is in itself strange. In the magical world you are only supposed to be able to catch and hold the scent of the witch or wizard you are meant to be with for life. We know magical folks date and tryst like anyone else but the day they catch the scent of their intended it is over for any other witch or wizard. No one else is supposed to be able to catch your scent in that way. The Minister seems to have caught your scent and for some reason he can't let go. Minister Lozier should have lost your scent when you and Draco got together as intendeds. I think this is a first. I'll have to look this up. It's unheard of."

Hermione hadn't thought of it in that way but what Carmela had just said made sense. Perhaps something in Emilio was different from normal wizards. Maybe he couldn't let go because he couldn't let go. Hermione was determined to research it with Carmela.

Hermione heard Carmela let out a giggle so she got up to see what was going on.

Carmela looked up at her Head and let out another giggle. "Do you think the Minister knows you're engaged?"

Hermione smiled, "I think Emilio knows something is up by the shite he tried to pull today."

Carmela nodded in agreement.

Hermione huffed, "Problems with the delivery. Meet him at 3:00. I think not. It may come down to Emilio pulling Ministry business but we'll deal with that if it comes."

The day passed pleasantly enough. Hermione took a Local Travel to Wales to check over a shipment that had become available due to the closure of a family owned business. Hermione got an excellent deal on throwaway towels and toilet tissue. She had signed for ten thousand units of each to be shipped back to DLM. Hermione arrived back in the office at 4:50 and had just come back from freshening up when Carmela signaled she had a phone call.

Hermione picked up the phone to hear James. Hermione asked for the second time that day, "What can I help you with James?" James replied, "I would like for you to know everything has been sorted on this end. The deficiencies that were attributed to DLM in fact were caused by another company altogether. Please accept our apologies. I was also wondering if you would be available for tea later tonight. The tea would be with me and a friend."

Hermione would be out anyway so she didn't have a problem having tea with James. She told James she would be available after 5:30 because she had an engagement at 5:00. James asked if he could meet her after her engagement. Hermione gave him the address of Sal and Gas' new apartment. They agreed to meet at 5:45 at a tea shop in the vicinity of the apartment.

When Hermione hung up she asked Carmela, "Are you going to check out the apartment?" Carmela quipped, "Without a doubt."

Hermione asked if she could tag along and would Carmela have tea with her and James.

Carmela replied, "Of course you can see the apartment with us and of course I'll come with you to tea. Just as a tip, don't be surprised if the Minister shows up to the tea.

Hermione sighed because she had thought of the very same thing. She told Carmela they should invite Gas and Sal to the tea as well. Carmela laughed, "Yes let's."

Sal arrived at DLM at 4:55. Kim arrived at 5:00 and Gas came upstairs at 5:10.

After discussing the plan, the group apparated to the apartment. Everyone including Hermione was amazed at the luxury of the apartment. Carmela had tears in her eyes she was so overwhelmed. Hermione thought for a moment Sal and Gas would fall out in a dead faint. They were almost as overwhelmed as their mother and they both had hugged Hermione. Kim had a continual blush throughout the entire showing. After Sal and Gas made three passes through the apartment they were ready to leave.

Hermione explained, "You've both got an apartment. Now I need a favor. Your mother and I need you to accompany us to a tea."

Sal accepted immediately. Gas stammered, "May I have a rain check? Kim and I want to look around the apartment a bit more."

Hermione glanced at Carmela and replied, "No problem. Sal will be with us." Gas said, "Thanks Hermione. I'll see you later."

Carmela, Sal and Hermione headed to the tea shop. They had been seated for about five minutes when James arrived with Celia Lozier in tow. Hermione would have gotten up and walked away but she was with Carmela and Sal.

Sal, Carmela and Celia were introduced to each other. Celia made small talk with Hermione and Carmela but it was clear her interest was in Sal. And no surprise to Hermione, Celia was practically dating Sal by the time tea was over.

James was very quiet so Hermione asked if she could have a word with him. As they stepped away Celia stopped her conversation to give James a strange look.

When they were away from the table Hermione asked, "What was that look about James?"

James had the courtesy to look embarrassed. "I guess she was warning me away from you. The Minister hasn't come right out and said but I think he feels you and I are getting too close. You do know the Minister holds you in very high esteem."

Hermione replied, "Emilio and I broke up in England and that's the end of it. We need to remain cordial for business reasons but that's all it will ever be. Keep that in mind when you are making calls to set up lunches and such between us. In any case, I have recently become engaged. I will not be accepting any more lunches with Emilio if I can help it."

James remarked, "I have no wish to die. I will not be the one to tell Minister Lozier you are engaged." Hermione smiled and patted James on the back. He smiled as well.

Hermione asked, "Why are we here tonight James?

James hesitated, "I was going to beg you to see the Minister just to make my life a little easier but I see that is not going to happen. I guess I'll just have to roll with the punches so to speak."

Hermione laughed again.

James gestured with his hands. "He's not going to give up until you are married to him and at the hospital waiting to deliver his child."

Hermione didn't reply and they headed back to the table.

Carmela signaled she was ready to go. She and Hermione stood up to leave. James walked them out and went about his way. Carmela and Hermione parted to apparate to their separate homes but not before Hermione sniped, "Mother daughter talk coming up tomorrow. Carmela raised her eyebrows but didn't comment. She waved.

Hermione landed in the area in her home set aside for those who apparate in. It was 7:00 pm. Draco came out of the bedroom to give Hermione a kiss. He looked questioningly at his fiancee. Hermione smiled. "I went with Sal and Gas to see the apartment and ended up having tea with James, Sal, Carmela and Celia Lozier."

Draco started to speak but clamped his mouth shut. Hermione retorted, "It seems as though Celia is trying to get hooks into Sal. I can't say I'm surprised. That witch surely gets around. As far as I'm concerned she can shag every wizard in Milan as long as she stays away from you. James told me in confidence that Emilio does not plan to give up on me until I'm married to him and in the hospital having his first child. I'm worried he has brought Celia here to catch your attentions. You've been warned."

Draco yelled, "I'm tired of him Hermione. He has brought his Assistant into this and is discussing you in this manner. It's all about stepping in between you and me. Perhaps he thinks he can make us so angry with each other we'll break up. It will eventually come down to problems. My hands are tied right now as I do not want to end up in prison but Lozier has surprises coming after November second."

Hermione wrapped her arms around Draco and kissed him soundly on the mouth and asked, "Have you eaten?" Draco told her he had waited for her. So the fiance and the fiancee had supper together talking about this, that and the other.

After supper, the lovers engaged in some quality private time. Draco had Hermione's blouse off and was in the process of unhooking her bra when Hermione's mobile rang. Hermione reached up to get the phone from her bag while Draco laid out on the couch. As Hermione spoke on the phone she began rubbing Draco and as she listened to the person on the other end of the phone she moved the phone to kiss Draco through his pants causing him to squirm.

Finally Hermione spoke into the phone, "Thank you for letting me know. I would rather things like this be discussed while I'm at work. We can talk about this in the morning. Thank you. Yes, I did see James tonight. No! James isn't here. Yes. Celia was there. What is this about Emilio? Please don't call me at home. Yes. It's a mobile phone and I agree you had no way of knowing you were calling me at home. Emilio. Just stop. I'm engaged and I will not accept any more of your personal calls. No. Of course I didn't get engaged to James. Goodnig-

Hermione couldn't finish the sentence. Draco was up from the couch with the phone in his hand so fast Hermione didn't have time to protest. He snarled, "What does it matter to you to whom Hermione is engaged? She's neither engaged to you nor going out with you. Hermione is engaged to me. Get over it. Stop contacting my fiancee for anything other than business."

Draco threw the phone across the room and went into the study.

Hermione followed Draco into the study where he was sitting in one of the chairs. After a bit of silence Draco remarked, "He's getting worse Hermione. I don't want this to come down to Lozier doing something which will hurt you. I love you and I can't let that happen. You know that as well as I do. He is up to something. Now he's brought his sister back to soften you up for his advances or try to influence me. I know you were with him before you were with me but I have declared my intentions and you've accepted me. You're my fiancee. Don't let anything come between us."

Hermione blurted out, "And I will say the same to you. You have asked me to be your wife. Don't let a loose pussy be our downfall. As astute as you are it seems as though when Celia makes an appearance you forget yourself. Don't let this happen Draco. If she is that appealing, perhaps it will be harder than you realize to resist her. Stay away from her. I have already told you it will kill me if anything happens between you and her. Emilio can bluster and postulate all he wants but I don't want him I want you. Emilio has nothing I need. Do not let the Lozier's come between us because if you do I will not be responsible for my actions."

Draco stood up and beckoned Hermione towards him. He said, "Harry has hung up his mediator's badge. We cannot afford any mistakes."

Hermione laughed and grabbed Draco around the neck. He whispered in Hermione's ear as he nuzzled her, "You started something when you were on the mobile."

Draco patted himself. You want to come finish it now? Hermione looked into the darkening eyes of her lover and replied. "Will you pull it out or shall I?"

Draco groaned as Hermione moved her hands to his swollen dick. He was pulsating in her hand as she lowered her head to take him in her mouth.

As much as Hermione excited him when she put her mouth on him, Draco would not let himself ejaculate anywhere near her mouth. He was close to climax as he picked Hermione up and laid her on the couch in the study. He was so close he was shaking. Draco kept repeating, baby, baby, baby as he moved Hermione's clothing so he could get inside her.

Draco had blow jobs before but Hermione had unleashed something he couldn't explain. He was actually trembling. Hermione had taken him to a new level. He had cum as soon as he plunged into his witch. Draco apologized but Hermione hugged him and whispered, "I'll hex a witch over you." Then they held each other.

It was about thirty minutes later when Draco picked Hermione up and carried her to their bedroom. Hermione was out like a light. Draco just sat there gazing at his witch. He knew it was going to come down to a confrontation with Lozier. They were not kids anymore. Lozier would not catch him off guard ever again but Draco also knew that Lozier was not going to step away and neither was he.

Draco felt ill when he thought about Hermione ever doing anything sexual with Lozier. He would cut Lozier's throat before he let anything like that happen. As far as Celia was concerned, he would not let her get him into a position which would cause Hermione any worry. If Celia tried to cause any problems, he would take measures. He hadn't ever hexed a witch but in Celia's case he'd make an exception.

Draco took off Hermione's clothes and put her under the covers and then undressed himself. Draco laid awake for a while thinking about everything that was going on. He worried about Celia's tricks. He worried about the shite Lozier was in a position to pull. Draco felt as though November second couldn't come fast enough. After that date he intended to back Lozier off by any means necessary. It was that simple. After November second, Draco would put everything right and keep it that way.

Draco looked over at his sleeping witch and thought, Merlin knows Hermione makes me feel like the most powerful wizard in the world. He whispered a silent prayer, "Please don't let anything fuck this up."

Hermione was in and out of the shower before Draco woke. When he went for his shower, Hermione was already in the kitchen making breakfast for the both of them. They had time to kiss and eat then eat and kiss. Then Draco winked at Hermione and left for work.

Hermione was at the office at her regular time and Carmela was in right behind her. Draco had been in and out. The witches greeted each other and had gotten right down to work. Hermione found Willem's list on her desk. She looked it over and wrote up paperwork for five more pay rises. As soon as Carmela put the paperwork in the system, Hermione called Willem to let him know.

Hermione suggested that she and Carmela go out to lunch. Carmela realized there was a conversation they needed to have and was glad to get out of the building for a bit.

Hermione and Carmela had lunch at the little shop down the block from DLM. Once they had their lunches in front of them Hermione had enlightened Carmela about Celia Lozier.

Hermione smiled as she told Carmela, "The witch who is after Sal is a former shagging partner to Draco. I'll live with that. Everybody has shagged someone. Well everybody except me. It's just that Celia is like a bee flitting from bloom to bloom. I'm not sure she can really appreciate any wizard. Just to warn you, she may be taking Sal for a ride. I'm hoping I'm wrong but I just wanted to let you know if only for the fact I expect her to make some kind of play for Draco as well. Probably in her brother's name."

Carmela reached out and covered Hermione's hand with her own and replied, "Sal is grown Hermione. I can't tell him what he can and can't do in his own apartment. What I will do is be on the lookout for any bull shite going on with Celia."

Hermione smiled and thanked Carmela. They walked back to DLM and took up their daily work.

At 3:00 pm on the dot Hermione looked up as Carmela rushed by calling out, "Minister is here." Hermione sighed and thought, will this git never get it? Five minutes later Emilio was seated in the main conference room waiting to speak with her.

Hermione sighed again and got up to go meet Emilio. Hermione did thank Merlin that Draco wasn't in the office.

Emilio stood as Hermione entered the conference room. He reached out to take her hands and kiss her cheek which Hermione made sure to avoid.

Hermione had a blank face as she seated herself across from Emilio and asked, "Are you here to make another complaint? If that is the case I'll need to get Carmela in here to witness the meeting."

Emilio got up out of his chair to stand in front of Hermione. "The only complaint I have is that you have moved on and left me behind. I know. I know. That topic is off limits. I apologize. I realize I'm speaking to an engaged witch. I only came to apologize. Someone thought DLM sent the Ministry defective product when in fact it was not DLM. I apologize for the mix up."

Hermione stood up and Emilio moved closer. Before Hermione could blink her eyes Emilio had her in his arms. He whispered, "I need you. I need to be with you," as he kissed Hermione on the mouth.

Hermione wrenched herself out of his arms and growled, "Minister. If you want to remain standing you will leave now. If there is any further business you need to transact with DLM, please send James otherwise you will be meeting with Willem or Gas. Have a good day Minister."

Hermione turned to find Carmela in the doorway. Carmela informed Hermione, "Mr. Malfoy will be here within the next thirty minutes."

Emilio nodded to both witches as he made his way out. At the door he stopped to say, "This isn't done Hermione. You told me you wanted to be with me. Nothing has changed. I still want you to be with me. I don't care whose ring you wear. Good day."

Hermione sat back down in the chair with her head in her hands.

Carmela walked over and commented, "Hermione. I'm not sure if you heard me. Mr. Malfoy is on his way back to the building. May I suggest you freshen up and look over those files I left on your desk." Then she had turned and walked away.

Hermione made her way to the ladies room to wash her face. She was back at her desk when Draco arrived back in the building. She smiled at her fiancee and continued her work while Draco went into his office.

Carmela came over to pat Hermione on the shoulder. Very lowly Carmela asked, "Do you want me to ask Fausto to have the Minister killed?" Hermione grinned. Carmela retorted, "That's better. If you can get away tonight, come over. We'll talk."

At 5:30 Hermione went in to let Draco know she was leaving. He got up to give her a kiss and tell her he would be home soon. Hermione remembered Carmela wanted to talk. She told Draco she was going to visit for a bit but wouldn't be long.

Hermione went home, had a cup of tea then flooed to Carmela's. Fausto called out, "Hey there Hermione. Is it my understanding that you have set my boys up in a witch pad?"

Hermione giggled, "No dad. I would never do that for my brothers but I think they may have some ideas of their own."

Fausto laughed out loud. "My sons are the happiest I've ever seen them. Thank Draco again for us."

Hermione nodded. "Will do."

Carmela told Fausto, "Hermione and I will be in the study. Do you want anything before we go in? Fausto replied, "I can get whatever I need sweetie. Thank you."

Carmela picked up a bottle of white wine and two glasses as she moved her head in the direction of the study. Hermione followed her in.

Carmela threw up silencing and locking charms as she told Hermione, "I know Fausto won't bother us, but I'd rather be sure. Hermione picked up a glass and filled it with wine and made herself comfortable.

Hermione apologized to Carmela for what she had seen that afternoon.

Carmela waved her off saying, "You don't have to apologize. You didn't do anything wrong. I will say though the Minister was out of line and it appears he has no plans to leave you alone. I know what you've told me but are you sure you didn't sleep with him and have forgotten about it? That wizard has it bad."

Hermione laughed, "What I told you is true. I have slept with Emilio but I have not sexually slept with Emilio."

Carmela grinned, "I think I know what you mean. Well, he's still being cordial and that's a plus. I worry for the time when he becomes not cordial. Are you going to mention what happened today to Draco?"

Hermione shook her head. "Draco will do something which might land him in prison. I'll just make sure I stay far away from Emilio. Anyway. What is it you wanted to talk about? I could see you were bursting at the seams to tell me.

"Remember when we spoke about witches and wizards catching each other's scent, asked Carmela? Well I did a little bit of research. The scent thing may be an old witch's tale. I've believed it since I was a little witchette at my mother's knee. However, recent research has shown me that even though a wizard does catch the scent of the witch he is destined to spend his life with, it doesn't preclude another wizard from catching the scent as well."

Hermione started to say something but Carmela stopped her and went on with her explanation "I know. This is contrary to what we've always been taught. We've been told that some kind of barrier forms between a witch and wizard when intentions are declared and accepted and no other witch or wizard is supposed to be able to pierce that barrier. The catch here is that it is only a specific type of wizard who is able to pierce the barrier so it is a very rare happening. Research also says these rare wizards and witches are marked somewhere on their body. Usually in the nether regions but not always. It would seem you have stumbled upon one of the very few wizards who can get through the witch-wizard scent barrier for some reason. On another note, it's good the Minister only has one sibling because this trait is supposed to run in families. The trait may be thought to be rare simply because it doesn't manifest often. Most wizards and witches find their life partner, get married and live happily ever after without any problem. The Minister is in love with you and you're who he wants regardless of whether or not you are intended to someone else. If this bit of research has any merit, we know why the Minister has not given up. The barrier, for some reason, evidently does not affect him and he is not being turned away. How's that for research?"

Hermione sighed, "Why me?

Carmela laughed. "Hopefully the Minister will find some other witch and fall in love. Either that or fall over dead."

It was Hermione's turn to laugh. She held up her glass in a toast to Carmela and quipped, "Thanks for nothing mom."

Carmela nearly fell off her chair laughing.

Hermione got serious and asked, "How are Gas and Sal making out?"

Carmela replied, "They are doing okay so far. It seems Gas and Sal got an apartment just in time. Kim and Celia have been stuck to them like a pair of kneazles trying to mate.

"Well, said Hermione. Keep an eye on that Celia. She may not be what she makes herself out to be. I guess I shouldn't be nosing as long as she stays away from Draco especially if she's one of those rare witches who can't or won't recognize the witch-wizard scent barrier."

Carmela picked up her wand to remove the locking and silencing charms.

The two witches were laughing as they entered the living room. Hermione was surprised to find Draco in the living room talking with Fausto. Draco walked over to kiss her and greet Carmela. Hermione asked Draco, "Have you eaten yet?"

Draco said he had waited for her but was starving because she had been gone so long. Hermione kissed him on the cheek. "Come on then. Let's get home so I can feed you."

Draco smiled. Hermione said goodnight to Carmela and Fausto before she and Draco headed to the floo.

When they reached the living room Draco pulled Hermione into his arms. "I didn't want to say it front of Fausto and Carmela but I'm not really hungry for food. I'm hungry for you. May I eat now?"

Hermione laughed and kissed her wizard. "Use Owl Delivery to order some takeaway. I feel like Italian.

Draco smiled. "You'll settle for roast beef and me. I'll make sandwiches and you can start taking off those clothes."

Hermione laughed so hard she had to run to the bathroom but had started peeling off her clothes while she was in there. When she went back into the kitchen she was only wearing a bra and knickers.

Draco's mouth fell open and he cheeked, "Witches and wizards everywhere, you are looking at a first. My witch actually did something I asked."

Hermione had to swat Draco away as she ate her sandwich. Much to Draco's chagrin Hermione put on her pajamas after she finished eating. They sat on the couch listening to music and talking.

Draco advised Hermione, "I have a late appointment tonight. I'll be paired with Amelia just so you know. I'm pretty sure Lozier will be getting in touch with you as he seems to know where I'll be going before I go.

Hermione felt her heart skip a beat but she knew the truth about the job so she had calmed down quite quickly. They talked a bit more.

Hermione felt badly about keeping anything from Draco but she decided not to mention Emilio's visit. She really didn't want to hear him rant nor did she want him going out on a possibly dangerous job with worries on his mind. She did relate to Draco just about everything Carmela told her earlier.

Draco had a lot of questions about the anomaly and had questioned Hermione for fifteen minutes. After he finished all the questions he had solemnly stated, "That's probably what's wrong with Lozier. I thought it was because he's an arse but this barrier could be the problem. This is good information to have. At some point, I'm going to shove it right up the arse of that piece of shite.

Hermione laid her head on Draco's shoulder and sighed. She had hoped that this rivalry between Draco and Emilio would cease but it looked as though it would go on until Emilio gave up. Hermione decided then and there she would research the barrier thing more thoroughly. No matter how rare, if there was a name for it, there must be something to combat it. If there wasn't a solution, Hermione thought seriously about finding a woman for Emilio. There had to be some witch out there who would catch his attention.

Hermione looked over at Draco and realized he had dozed off so she shook him and told him he should probably get up to get ready. Draco stretched and checked his wonder wizard watch. The time was 9:30.

Draco hurried to shower and dress calling out, "I need to be there for 10:00." Hermione sighed. She knew why Draco had to be out but knowing didn't make her feel any better. She hoped there wouldn't be too many more nights like this.

Hermione huffed, "I'll be glad when this is over."

Before he left, Draco pulled Hermione into his arms. "I'm your fiance, I love you and this is just a job. A job I might remind you which will be ending soon. Maybe a lot sooner than we expect. I don't want you to be upset love but I probably won't see you until tomorrow."

He lifted Hermione's chin so he could look in her eyes. "I have to go now. I love you." Draco kissed her and headed for the floo.

Hermione sighed one more time and headed for bed thinking, I don't care for this night work thing at all.

The next morning Hermione tried to remain upbeat. A shower made her feel slightly better but not by much. She had a bit of toast and some cereal and then she had been on her way.

Carmela was already in her office when Hermione arrived. The witches greeted each other and started their day.

Hermione had a short meeting that morning with all employees. She thanked everyone for their hard work and told them she looked forward to an excellent fourth quarter. There were a few questions but she had made short work of every one. The meeting only lasted an hour after which Hermione returned to her office to review the latest Travels.

Hermione also made a trip down to the warehouse to see how things were progressing. While she was speaking with Willem her mobile rang. Carmela was calling to let her know that The Minister was in the office and he was accompanied by several Ministry officials who have requested a tour of the warehouse. Hermione told Carmela she was on her way up.

Hermione explained to Willem what was going on and requested he be the one to lead the tour. Hermione and William went upstairs to greet the group. While Willem waited in the office, Hermione greeted the officials and informed them the warehouse manager would lead their tour.

One of the officials remarked on the green dress Hermione had worn to the Dorchester Hotel. Hermione thanked him for his kindness.

Emilio had not been pleased with the official and asked that they begin the tour.

Hermione thought to herself, what a git.

Willem stepped right up and directed the group towards the warehouse elevators. Hermione had not noticed James until he filed past shrugging his shoulders and smiling.

Hermione spat, "Fucking wanker." Carmela laughed and said, "Now now. That's your Ministry at work. They have nothing better to do but tour DLM where the witch who has the Minister of Acquisitions by the balls is Head.

Hermione cheeked, "It's your Ministry not mine and if I did have him by the balls I'd rip them off. Just as Hermione said this Draco walked into the office. He looked at Hermione and asked, "What's going on? What's this about the Ministry and whose balls would you pull off?"

Carmela went to her desk and got busy.

Hermione turned to Draco and informed him that the Minister of Acquisitions had brought a group of officials to tour the building.

Draco snapped, "Lozier is here? Where are they? Hermione replied, "Warehouse."

Draco started from the office but Hermione remarked, "Draco. May I have a word in your office? Please"

In the office Hermione faced her fiance. "Please calm down. You may not care at this moment what a confrontation with Emilio will cost but I care. I don't want us to have problems with the Ministry. What I'm asking you to do is find the tour, take it over and kill the officials with kindness. Keep Willem on the tour with you. This is what your fiancee is asking you to do. You may also want to suggest they make an appointment for their next visit to ensure there is someone about to guide them. Now, be a loving fiance and do what your witch asks. I love you." Then she had walked out of his office and gone back to her desk.

Draco came out of his office and winked at her as he went by. When he left the office Carmela asked if everything was okay.

Hermione nodded and responded, "So far. As long as Emilio doesn't open his mouth everything will remain that way."

Carmela made a nervous little titter after which she had gone silent.