Nods to Dramione. Anxiety/Drama. Enjoy.

Be aware. Rated M for language and romantic interludes.

Previously on A Tale Of Two Wizards: The Barrier Doesn't Apply

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 asked, "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. That's 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 laugh after which she went silent.

Chapter 14: All Sorts Of Nonsense

From what Hermione understood from Willem, Draco and Emilio had a back and forth of sorts but no hexes had been cast. Willem told Hermione that The Minister had tried his best to get a rise out of Draco but it hadn't worked. Draco had remained the epitome of decorum. The Ministry officials had taken to Draco and seemed to like him and what he was doing with the company. This had frustrated Minister Lozier to no end. Willem mentioned to Hermione he noticed one of the officials take the Minister aside and speak to him privately. The rest of the tour had gone off without a hitch.

Hermione heard basically the same thing from Draco. When he returned from the tour he had called Hermione into his office, taken her in his arms and stated, "You are brilliant. I killed them with kindness. Lozier was so pissed off he couldn't get a rise out of me he had to be taken aside and chastised. And it is all down to you love because I was ready to go down there and take his head off. I may have learned a lesson today. I can't wait to tell Harry, Theo and Blaise this story. How about we floo through to London on Friday? Maybe we can make a weekend out of it. I think there might be a surprise coming up on Friday. I can't say more but I think you'll be happy."

Hermione wrapped her arms around Draco and grinned. "That sounds like fun. I hope we'll be able to stop by the Leakey or Witch-Wizard for a bit."

Draco nipped Hermione on the shoulder. "We are going to floo into London for the weekend and all you can think of is the Leakey and Witch-Wizard. Think again witch. I'm going to take you to the finest places in London. Since Gas and Sal have moved out, you might want to check and see if momma and poppa want to accompany us to London."

Hermione laughed. "Momma and poppa? Carmela and Fausto would love to hear you say that. Of course it probably won't go over too well in front of other people but they would like it.

"Why don't you ask Carmela today, suggested Draco. That way if they want to go, we'll be ready to leave straight after work on Friday."

Hermione smiled, "I love you handsome. You are so thoughtful. Do you want to stay at my London flat or yours? We'll need to give Carmela and Fausto some privacy. They might want to get in a London shag while they are there."

Draco laughed out loud as he pulled Hermione in for a passionate kiss. Draco swatted Hermione on the butt and sent her out to her desk to invite Carmela to London.

When Hermione sat back down she heard Carmela on the phone trying to be polite but Hermione could tell it was killing her friend not to give tit for tat. After a few more seconds Carmela said, Just a minute Minister. I have another call.

Carmela put her hands in her hair and pulled. "That wizard is trying to kill me."

Hermione asked, "What's going on?"

Carmela replied, "The Minister is upset at the way he was treated today. He feels that Mr. Malfoy was rude and disrespectful. He is calling in to voice his displeasure."

Hermione couldn't help it. She knew Carmela was on edge but she had to laugh. "That fucking wanker is not going to let up. Do you want me to speak to him? If he wants to pull his business and find another supplier, so be it. I want to know where he stands before we load out this week's delivery."

Hermione took a deep breath and picked up the phone. "Hello Emilio. I understand we have another problem. You are making accusations against the owner of DLM. Please lay them out for me. Tell me exactly what Mr. Malfoy said to you or did to you, but before you speak, let me just say that this is the last conversation of this kind we will have. I do not want to drive your business away but neither will I sit still for your weekly spate of aspersions." Hermione's voice was rising. "If DLM is not meeting your needs, perhaps you should look for another supplier. This weekly nonsense is not necessary."

Hermione slammed her office door shut. "Tell me now and I will have Willem break down the delivery scheduled for Thursday. Would you be happier with another supplier?"

Emilio came across in a plaintive tone as he replied to Hermione. "Why are you speaking to me like this? As Head of DLM you should be dealing with my complaint in the proper manner yet you are arguing with me over slights I feel were made against my person. It was your job to be with me on the tour to see that my best interests were upheld. I feel as though you have done me and the Ministry a disservice. We are one of your biggest if not the biggest client you have. If you cannot take time from your daily affairs to see to me, then I don't need you. If that is the way you want it, that's the way it will be. I am pulling our business. You have just lost the Ministry as a client. If you want my business back, you will come to me to ask for it."

Emilio hung up on Hermione.

Hermione took a deep breath as she hung up the phone. She looked up to see Draco standing in her doorway. He had opened her door and stepped into her office. Draco asked, "Are you alright?"

Hermione nodded as she told him she had just lost the Ministry account.

They were in the office so Draco couldn't comfort Hermione in the way he wanted but he did remark, "You just beat me to it. There's no reason to be upset. You didn't lose the client. He chose to pull his account."

Hermione replied, "I'm not upset I'm angry. He made it personal. I've had it with Emilio Lozier and his tricks. We have bent over backwards to ensure everything was done properly regarding his account. That piece of shite git thinks I should come to him if I want the Ministry business back. Emilio Lozier will come to me on his knees before I take his business back. And have no fear, he will be back. DLM is the best game in town."

Draco stepped closer. He said, "I want you to calm down love. I don't like seeing you like this. I don't know how much longer I can stand here and watch you in this state before I go to the Ministry and cut him in half."

Hermione took a deep breath to bring herself under control. "I've caused this Draco. I don't want you getting in the middle of it. Emilio says he is angry because of the way you treated him while he was here, but from what both you and Willem have told me I understand the tour went well. Emilio is trying to upset me which I will not allow. Unfortunately, I let him get under my skin. I would have sacked anyone I heard using the tone I used with Emilio. I should have been the bigger person. Right now I'm going to call down to Willem and tell him to put the Ministry delivery at the back of the warehouse. No matter how many times James calls to apologize, that delivery will not be going out this week. The earliest it will go out is next Monday, if then and if Emilio pushes me any further, I will be in touch with the Ministry officials who were also on the tour alongside the Minister."

Draco had closed her office door. He called out softly, "Baby. I don't like seeing you like this. For one, I'm afraid you might hex my arse by mistake. Second, Lozier is not worth it. Isn't that what you told me?"

Hermione smiled at her fiance. Then she sat down at her desk and grinned. "I'm in love with a git."

Draco knew the crisis was over. His witch had come back to herself. He cheeked, "Merlin knows I'm glad you've calmed down. How would I have explained to Potter why the Italian Aurors came in to arrest you?"

Hermione laughed out loud as she picked up the phone to call Willem.

Hermione got Willem on the phone. "The weekly delivery to the Ministry will not be going out on Thursday. At this point in time we no longer have a contract with the Ministry as Minister Lozier has seen fit to pull the account. Move the delivery to the back of the warehouse. If the Minister changes his mind and we get a new contract in place, the earliest we will be able to get the order out is late Friday or early Monday. No exception unless changes are ordered by Draco. Are we clear?"

Willem assured Hermione that he understood perfectly.

Hermione hadn't been back in her office good before Carmela came to the door to reveal, "The Minister called Willem direct and tried to get his order released for this week. Willem advised the Minister he could not release the delivery because someone had pulled Ministry business and voided their contract with DLM.

Without looking up Hermione stated to Carmela, "Emilio will be here within the hour. I'll bet you a dinner and speaking of dinner, Draco and I want to invite you and Fausto to accompany us to London this weekend. It'll be a good time. Let us know."

Carmela smiled, "The boys are having the time of their lives at their flat. I think Fausto and I can safely go to London for a weekend."

Carmela went back to her desk while Hermione went in to speak to Draco. "If you don't want to see murder or become a murderer, maybe you should leave. I believe we will be receiving a visit from Minister Lozier in a bit. While it may not happen, it's what I expect."

Draco laughed. "You know better than that. I'll be right there beside you to see Lozier on his knees begging."

Hermione laughed as she went back to her office.

It was 1:00 pm when Carmela passed by heading for the first floor saying, "The Minister is here to speak to Mr. Malfoy."

Hermione mumbled, "This should be good."

Hermione remained at her desk reviewing paperwork and didn't look up as Emilio passed by on his way to Draco's office.

It had only taken two point five minutes for voices to be raised in Draco's office. Hermione still didn't move. She knew Draco could handle his business.

Carmela's eyes were as big as saucers but Hermione had only smiled and shaken her head.

The Minister left DLM still without a scheduled delivery.

Draco came in to let Hermione know, " Lozier tried to circumvent you and have me authorize the shipment. I explained he had voided the contract between DLM and The Ministry and there wouldn't be any shipments going out. Then he had gotten personal. He told me if it wasn't for Ginny Weasley, he'd still have you and I'd still be sneaking around trying to get you in my bed. My hand was on my wand but I remembered the advice of my lovely fiancee and I kept my temper. Just so you know, I plan to hex that piece of shite into the graveyard the first chance I get."

Hermione kissed Draco on the cheek and responded, "Just name the time and place and I'll help you. I know just the place we can bury his bones."

Draco laughed as he headed back to his office.

Hermione stopped by Carmela to whisper, "You owe me dinner."

Carmela grinned as she chirped, "Fair enough."

It had taken only thirty seven minutes before Carmela let Hermione know James was on the phone. Hermione was pissed off at James as well. Although he was a pleasant sort, he should find a position where he wouldn't have to do Emilio's dirty work.

Hermione picked up the phone and greeted James. "What is it James? I hope it isn't anything about Ministry business. Your superior made it quite clear he isn't interested in doing business with us. DLM and the Ministry no longer have a business relationship."

James sputtered, "Hermione please. May I come to DLM and speak with you about this situation?"

Hermione was adamant in her reply. "Not this time James. The Minister has made a decision. I feel badly that he chooses not to do business with us but the best way for this to blow over is for me not to circumvent his authority."

James softly replied, "You will not be circumventing anyone Hermione. I have the authority. The Minister realizes he spoke in haste and would have come to speak to you himself but he has been called away on an emergency. We do need the shipment and I want to rectify this situation in the best way possible."

Hermione made a business decision. She invited James over to DLM to discuss the matter further. James said he would be there within the hour.

After Hermione hung up the phone she went to Draco to update him on the situation. She suggested he sit in on the meeting with James.

Draco agreed, "I definitely want to sit in although I believe Lozier will continue to throw his weight around as long as he has James to clean up his messes."

Hermione nodded in agreement.

Draco had another opinion on the subject. "Lozier and I have been at odds since we were children. He and I will never be friends but at least in London he had some kind of character. He has changed since he's been in Italy. It seems he has become more controlling and devious. He bears watching. I think the ideals of his father and his father's friends have begun to rub off on him.

Hermione thought about it for a bit and had responded to Draco, "I hadn't thought about it but you are absolutely right. Other than his unfortunate dalliance with Ginny and his dislike of you, Emilio had been a perfect gentleman. I wonder what changed?"

Draco smirked, "Maybe things changed when he realized he had lost you. Losing you would change me."

Hermione looked at her fiance and retorted, "I'm sure it has to be much more than that. I'm just one witch. I imagine there are plenty of witches in the wizarding world who would love to be with Emilio. When Emilio gets his head together he will realize that."

Carmela appeared at the door to Draco's office to let them know James was down at reception and she would be bringing him up.

Draco asked Carmela to seat James in the small conference room and have coffee and tea set up. They would be there shortly.

Hermione and Draco spoke for several more minutes before they went to meet with James.

James stood when Hermione and Draco entered the room. He shook hands with Draco. Both men waited for Hermione to sit down before they seated themselves.

Hermione started everything off. "How can we help you James? On the phone you mentioned the status of our business relationship with the Ministry. Let me just say that DLM would rather do business with the Ministry than not. However, we will not let outside factions dictate how we run our business. I have some of the best employees in Milan. Do you think I'm going to have them running back and forth because the Minister has a hair across his arse? He is making my company the scapegoat because he is upset over personal issues. If he cannot separate one from the other, perhaps he should not be Minister. The delivery has been broken down and it will not be coming out. I don't mean to be cross with you James but your employer is trying to come across all cunning and clever and I'm not having it."

James cleared his throat and glanced at Draco before he began. "Let me preface everything by telling you that the Ministry does want to do business with DLM. As of today I will be handling the orders and as such have hired an agent who will specifically deal with shipments. The Minister's only duty will be signing off on the order. If this is acceptable to you and Mr. Malfoy, I would like to set up a new contract with the information I've just disclosed."

Draco spoke up. "That's more than acceptable James. The only suggestion I have is for you or your shipment agent to contact Willem if you have issues. Hermione or myself should only need to be contacted if there is a problem that cannot be resolved with Willem or Gas."

James agreed he would handle the account in the manner Draco suggested. He pulled out a Ministry contract for Hermione to look over and asked if they could get it signed while he was there.

Hermione called Carmela and asked, "Would you please pull the voided Ministry contract and bring it into the conference room." Carmela brought the contract in within five minutes and Hermione, Draco and James went over the contract line item by line item. When they were satisfied the contract was properly set up, all three signed the document and a new Ministry contract was in effect.

Hermione had Carmela make three copies. Hermione handed two copies to James and held onto a copy for Willem and asked Carmela to file the original in the Ministry account folder.

James mentioned that the Minister had to leave unexpectedly for Belgium but would be brought up to speed when he got back. He stood and shook hands with Hermione and Draco and thanked them for their time.

James appeared to want to say something more but had evidently thought better of it.

Draco left the room stating, "I'll let Hermione finish up. I have to make a 4:00 pm meeting."

Hermione wanted to get everything in order so she invited James to accompany her down to the warehouse where they could get the new contract sorted with Willem.

On their way to the warehouse James explained, "Hermione. I don't know how to put this delicately so I'll just say it. The Minister is in distress. He seems to think you committed yourself to him and told him you wanted to be with him and would stay with him. He has admitted that you did not accept his declaration of intent. However, he says it wasn't because you didn't have feelings for him. Minister Lozier says it was because there were factions who were inserting themselves between you and he. He is sure if you two talked it over you would see that the two of you belong together."

Hermione stopped the elevator and turned to James. "I'm not going to get angry with you James because I know this isn't your doing. I will say you are making it very hard for me to remain friendly. Stop bringing me stories. I don't want to hear them. The Minister has put you in the middle of something which has nothing to do with you. I won't discuss my prior relationship with Emilio with anyone. If we are to remain civil to each other, you need to get your superior straightened out. There are ways to let him know you are uncomfortable carrying messages from him to an engaged witch. That's all I have to say about this so please do not come to me again with anything to do with this subject. Thank you."

Hermione started the elevator and she and James made their way to the warehouse. Hermione gave Willem a copy of the new Ministry contract emphasizing the fact James was now the go to person. Hermione authorized Willem to send out the Ministry delivery. With their business finished Hermione walked with James to the floo point.

Things were pretty quiet for the last hour of the day. Draco returned to the building just before Hermione left for the night. She let Draco know everything had turned out well and the Ministry delivery would be going out late Friday or early Monday.

"I knew you would get it all sorted, Draco replied."

Carmela waved bye as she left for the day. Hermione finished up about twenty minutes later and went in to kiss Draco and tell him goodnight. Draco told Hermione he would see her at home.

Draco arrived home at 6:30. He sat down on the couch and called Hermione to come sit beside him because he had something to disclose to her. Hermione was puzzled but she sat down beside him.

Draco hesitated for a moment before he began to speak. "Emiliano Lozier called me after you left. The conversation started out as a standard business call but Lozier Sr. was in an uproar. It wasn't a pleasant. Lozier Sr. went up my front and down my back. He actually refused to let me speak. He told me I could speak when he was through. He asked if I knew who I was dealing with because he was Emiliano Lozier and he wouldn't allow anyone to mess his family about. He heard there were problems between me and his son and accused DLM of being in Breach of Contract. He threatened to shut us down if we didn't get the 'fucking' shipment out to the Ministry at double time. He called me a filthy two-timing piece of shite who had stolen his son's witch by stealth and subterfuge. Then he threatened to have my extra curricular activities splashed over the front pages of the paper if I didn't see to the delivery. Lozier Sr. went so far as to say my mother and father weren't around anymore to run interference for me so I'd better fall in line or he and his friends would take the same steps they had taken with my predecessor. He was so angry I don't think he realized what he had said until after it was out of his mouth. He calmed a bit at the end and ended by suggesting that DLM get the delivery out so everything could get back to normal. I was stunned by the bollocks on the wizard. He didn't even allow me the opportunity to tell him the situation had been rectified."

Hermione frowned. "Let me ask you this my love. Did the call come in on the main line?"

Draco frowned. "I'm telling you about threats made against myself and the company and you are asking about telephone lines."

Then Draco had what muggles call an aha moment. He smiled at his fiancee and accused, "You have something up your sleeve. The call came in on the main line."

Hermione hugged Draco and replied, "Nothing up my sleeve but everything on my phone line. When I took over DLM, I installed the same recording device nearly every muggle company has on their phones. I had them installed on my line, Carmela's line and the main phone lines. The device serves a two fold purpose. One, it lets me know if anyone is making unauthorized calls and two, it lets me know if anyone is receiving unauthorized calls after business hours. In either case, the device records the call. Our device is set to turn on every night at 5:30. All calls on the device up until tonight have been DLM business. If I'm not mistaken. and if you remembered your manners, we now have one of Italy's richest citizens on tape threatening, intimidating, blackmailing and slandering an upstanding British citizen. Now Mr. Undercover man, I want you to tell me what you will be able to do with a recording of this sort. Of course it will be even more interesting if you can find out what steps were taken against the Ministry's former supplier and who took those steps."

Draco grabbed his witch and kissed her soundly on the mouth. He turned to Hermione and asked, "Can we get this recording tonight? If we can, I will need to go out for a bit. The sooner I get this into the right hands, the better off we'll be. If there is anything to find out, my contacts will get to the bottom of it."

Hermione replied, "I'll floo in and get the recording."

Draco huffed, "Correction. We'll floo in to get the recording. You aren't going anywhere alone. Take your wand."

Hermione smiled, "Okay boss. Let me get my wand and we'll go."

Hermione and Draco were in and out of DLM in thirty minutes.

It had taken them that long because Hermione wanted to dub a copy. When she had the original and the copy, Hermione had quipped, "Muggle lesson number one. One can't be too careful. Can one? We'll hold on to the original and you can pass the copy to your contact."

As soon as they landed back home Draco had taken the copy and headed out to meet his contact.

Hermione called, "Be safe. Keep your wits about you. Things could get dangerous going up against corrupt millionaires."

Hermione paced up and down for several minutes after Draco left. She knew Draco was a powerful wizard but he was going up against one of the richest, well connected men in Italy. She was the one who asked Draco to remain calm and right now she was the one who wanted to hit Emilio and his fucking father with a Malordra right across the face.

Hermione couldn't believe Emilio had gone to his father with a simple business dispute then allowed it to become personal. His father's power seemed to have gone to Emilio's head. He hadn't been this bad in England, possibly because his father hadn't been there to throw his weight around.

Hermione wanted to call Harry but realized he wouldn't be much help in Italy as Harry only had power in Britain. Then Hermione remembered Philip the Italian Auror. She wondered if Harry could reach out to Philip. But she had waffled. Getting Harry involved would be too much of a risk especially if Harry couldn't vouch for Philip's loyalties. Hermione discarded the notion of calling Harry. She couldn't take the chance that Draco's position would be compromised.

Hermione stopped pacing but she wouldn't be happy until Draco got back. It was almost 11:00 pm. Draco had been gone since 8:30. Hermione had begun chanting, "Come home love. Come home."

Draco apparated in at 11:35. Hermione ran to him and held him tightly.

Draco kissed her and remarked, "Your recording has just put the icing on the cake. That's absolutely all I can say for right now but there is a group of wizards who want to marry you. I told them they would have to stand in line because I have you for the next one hundred fifty years." Hermione laughed as she kissed her fiance.

Draco pulled Hermione down on the couch and wrapped her in his arms. "None of the group knows you are aware of the ongoing investigation. They just think your brilliant idea of having a recorded line at DLM is fortuitous. That's the way it has to stay Hermione. Don't speak of this to anyone. It could get dangerous if any of these rich bastards think their schemes have been uncovered."

Hermione remarked, "For a very wealthy wizard, Emiliano Lozier isn't very smart. Before threatening someone he should at least make sure there is still a problem. You, James and I had the problem straightened out long before he called."

Nuzzling her neck Draco had retorted, "Who knows what's in the mind of a wealthy wizard who think he is above the law."

Draco pulled Hermione up off the couch saying, "We have to be up early. Let's go to bed." They went to bed and actually went to sleep.

The next morning Draco had showered and dressed before he slapped Hermione on the bum to wake her. Hermione got into the shower but it had done little to wake her. By the time she had been ready for a little breakfast, Draco was ready to floo to work.

Before leaving Draco had smirked, "Remember to place a fresh tape in your recorder so we can be ready for Lozier Sr.'s next call. And just so we have things in perspective, if we didn't know what a complete piece of shite Lozier is, we know now. Having his father call in to threaten a supplier, how fucking brazen are they to not even use a middleman. Bloody bastards are filthy rich and not afraid of repercussions of any kind. No wonder Lozier is the way he is."

Hermione's eyes weren't all the way open. All she could do was nod.

Draco kissed her unopened eyes and said, "I'll see you at work love." Hermione nodded again. She sat in the kitchen for fifteen more minutes before she was awake enough to get dressed.

Hermione arrived at work at 7:45 and the first item of business had been to put a new tape in the recorder then she put her wand in her pocket and headed down to speak with Willem.

Willem hurried over when he saw Hermione enter the warehouse. He reported that the warehouse had the Ministry shipment ready to go for Friday. Willem advised that the new contract still called for Thursday delivery, but the Ministry slot had been lost when the delivery was pulled. Friday was the earliest they could get the delivery out.

Hermione thanked him for his follow up and headed back upstairs.

As Hermione entered her office, Carmela's phone rang. By the time Hermione sat down at her desk, Carmela called out, "Mr. Emiliano Lozier is on the phone for you.

Hermione whispered to Carmela, "Please turn on the recorder." Carmela gave her the signal and Hermione picked up the phone, "Good morning Mr. Lozier. How have you been?"

Emiliano Lozier was very solicitous. He asked after Hermione's health and mentioned that Mrs. Lozier asked after her. He wondered if she was free for lunch to discuss a possible business venture between DLM and a new business he was starting up.

Hermione wondered what all this could be about? Emiliano Lozier wanted to be in a venture with DLM. Hadn't he just read Draco the riot act last night? Getting involved with Emiliano Lozier would be one of the last things Draco would want to get involved in.

Hermione had replied, "I have some warehouse issues that I'm dealing with today. If it's convenient, we could meet tomorrow? Why don't you come here? I have a very comfortable conference room where we can have a discussion in private. Shall I expect you for 11:30? I'll call in lunch. We could probably get Mr. Malfoy to sit in if you like."

Mr. Lozier confirmed, "That will be fine. Emilio will be accompanying me as he will be on the board of directors for the new venture. As far as inviting Mr. Malfoy, I'd rather we didn't. He and Emilio don't really see eye to eye. I don't want anything to distract us from the meeting. As Head of DLM, you can pass the particulars on to him. I'll see you at 11:30 tomorrow. Thank you for agreeing to see us."

Hermione walked over to Carmela's desk and asked that she keep the smaller conference room free for 11:30 tomorrow and would she order in light lunch with salads, desserts, coffee and tea also for 11:30. I will be meeting with Emiliano and Emilio Lozier. I would like you to sit in as well.

Carmela didn't say a word as she went to complete the instructions she had been given. She notified Hermione she had an errand to run and would be back shortly.

Carmela did two things on her errand, she flooed home to talk to Fausto and separately she had called Harry Potter. She told both Harry and Fausto about Emiliano Lozier's interference and how nervous she was for Hermione and Draco. Carmela had mentioned that bumping heads with Emilio Lozier was one thing but people disappeared after disagreeing with Emiliano Lozier and his band of cronies.

Fausto kissed her and told her not to worry but he was pissed that someone was trying to intimidate his daughter and her fiance

Harry thanked Carmela but wouldn't comment one way or the other. Harry was pissed because all this shite was really over Emilio Lozier being a fucking sore loser. Something really had to be done about the git because things were way out of hand especially if Hermione's safety was being put in jeopardy.

Carmela was back to DLM by 10:40 but had been full of nervous energy for the remainder of the day.

Hermione noticed Carmela's state but attributed it to the fact that both Loziers would be coming in the next day.

Draco had been out of the building but had returned around 3:00. Hermione explained what had transpired with Emiliano Lozier. Draco was speechless at the gall of the father and the son. He was in the midst of a rant when he suddenly stopped. He turned to Hermione and said, "There's more here than meets the eye. Emliano Lozier feels as though I've taken something from his son and therefore I've disrespected him. Any business venture between him and DLM would probably end up with me in prison or dead."

Hermione couldn't dispute Draco's reasoning. She herself had wondered what the venture was all about. Hermione thought she had become so much of a business whore she entertained doing business with one of Draco's enemies. That was foul.

Hermione went over and apologized to Draco. "I'll call Mr. Lozier to tell him we're not interested and cancel the meeting. That should end it. You've already had one run in with the Italian Ministry you don't need another. I don't want you to end up in prison."

Draco replied, "Don't call him Hermione. Let's go through with the meeting as planned. Let's see what this all about before we tell them both that we aren't interested. We won't be doing business in any venture which has Lozier on its board. I just want to know what they are up to."

Hermione and Draco flooed home to their flat.

Draco grabbed Hermione around the waist. "We have been running back and forth so much I haven't had time to show you my moves."

Hermione quipped, "I know all your moves. Have you got some new ones?"

Draco laughed, "Old or new you know you love all my moves. I'm your fiance and you are required to love my moves."

While he was talking Draco had been divesting Hermione of her clothes. When Hermione was down to knickers and bra Draco picked her up and carried her into the bedroom and laid her on the bed. He stripped down to his boxers, climbed in beside Hermione, removed her bra and began running his fingers over her breasts. In a husky voice Draco told Hermione, "Not only are you a brilliant Head but you are a brilliant Head with the most luscious breasts in the wizarding world." He had given each breast a little attention before he got on his knees to pull off Hermione's knickers.

Hermione bent her knees and wiggled her bottom back and forth inviting her wizard to enter. Draco pulled off his boxers and whispered, "I haven't been inside you in almost three days. That's not going to happen again." And he pushed himself into his witch. Hermione let out her little scream and rose up to meet her dick.

They had lain in each others arms for a bit before Hermione got up to fix something to eat. Draco tried to pull her back to the bed but she had been too fast for him.

Hermione ran a quick cleansing spell over herself before pulling on jeans and a tee.

Draco called out, "I don't know why you've put on all those clothes. I'll just be taking them right back off."

Hermione called back, "Get up you lazy git. You've had your way with me now come out here and eat supper with me." Draco sighed as he pulled on boxers.

They were almost through with their meal when the floo bell rang. Draco quickly headed to the bedroom to put on a shirt and pants.

Hermione asked, "Who?"

A voice came back, "Harry Potter, Auror. Hermione smiled and opened the floo.

Draco came out of the bedroom and greeted Harry with a handshake. Harry kissed Hermione on the cheek and went to the liquor cabinet to get something to drink.

When they were all seated in the living room Hermione asked, "So what brings Harry Potter, Auror to Milan on a Tuesday evening?" Harry grinned, "I'm connected to a very rich best friend. I can come through any time I like."

Hermione swatted at Harry but missed. Harry sobered and said, "I actually need to have a word with Draco Hermione. Do you mind?"

Hermione replied, "I don't mind at all as long as you're not setting him up with a date. I'm going to take a nice long soak. I'll be back."

When Hermione left the room Harry informed Draco, "There's something huge going down in Milan on Friday morning. I assume this has to do with your project. Kingsley called for the most trusted Aurors to be in Milan no later than Thursday night. We are to report to the Italian Ministry Service Friday morning at 7:00 am. I understand there are Aurors coming from Ireland and Wales as well. Whatever it is, somebody doesn't trust their own Aurors."

Draco replied, "I don't want to say anything Harry.

Harry nodded. "I don't want you to say anything. I want you to keep your arse at DLM and out of the way on Friday. That's all I can say myself."

Draco then turned the conversation to the meeting with the Loziers. He told Harry, "Lozier and his father set up a meeting with Hermione. They want DLM in on some kind of new venture. Hermione and I are going to listen to what they have to say before we refuse them. They have more nerve than Merlin. Monday night the senior Lozier called in to DLM and cursed me for all he was worth."

Harry relied, "I hope you reported him."

Draco answered, "This is Italy Harry. If I tried to report him I'd probably be talking to his best mate. Anyway, your brilliant best friend has a recorder on the phone lines at DLM. We recorded Lozier's every word."

Harry smiled. "That's my girl."

"We were going to floo through on Friday to spend some time with you, Theo, Hannah and Blaise remarked Draco, but if you'll be away on a job we'll do it another weekend."

"Hopefully I'll be back by Saturday morning, Harry advised. Why don't you both floo through on Friday. I'll have Hannah, Seamus and Theo keep you company. Go out. Have a good time. Then we can do it all over again on Saturday night."

"Sounds good, replied Draco. Hermione and I will stay at my flat and Fausto and Carmela will stay at Hermione's flat." Harry said it sounded like a good plan.

The two wizards chatted about Quidditch scores, who was dating whom and who had hexed whom in London. Harry was glad Hermione wasn't in the room because he had a couple of funny stories involving Blaise he wanted to share and they were stories not fit for a witch's ears. They were both laughing when Hermione came back into the room.

Harry stood up to say goodnight to Draco and Hermione. He told them he would see them on the weekend.

As soon as Hermione sat down Draco laid his head in her lap. Hermione questioned, "You've already told Harry we'll be coming through on Friday?"

"I did. Harry will be away on Friday but he is going to let everyone else know we will be at my flat this weekend. What did Carmela say? Will they be going with?"

As a matter of fact Carmela said she and Fausto would love to go, Hermione answered. We'll firm up details Friday morning." They sat in the living room listening to wizarding music for a change.

Draco locked all the floos with the one button. He thought the same thing Hermione thought. That one button floo close is so cool.

The next morning Draco kissed Hermione goodbye and flooed in to the office early. He had an important call to make and wanted to get it out of the way before the Lozier meeting.

Hermione and Carmela arrived at the same time. Before going to her desk, Hermione mentioned they would be flooing to London at 6:30 on Friday and Carmela and Fausto would be staying at her old flat. Hermione also mentioned they might be going out both Friday and Saturday night.

The Ruffing Powder from Jamaica was selling out faster than Hermione had anticipated so she made a note to set up a Travel to Jamaica. Hermione also noticed that someone would have to make a Travel back to the States. She felt badly about sending any Traveler as far away as the States but DLM needed product they could only get in Seattle USA. If Draco could Travel to the States, any other Traveler was required to go as well.

Hermione had implemented a new rule when she took over. Any Traveler going to the States would go with a partner. That way the Traveler would have company. The codicil was the two Travelers had to take an additional job on the way back. It had worked out pretty well and Hermione hadn't heard any complaints.

At 11:10 Carmela set up the luncheon, drinks and desserts in the small conference room. Hermione went to the ladies room to freshen up.

On her way back to her desk Hermione stopped to remind Draco about the meeting. He grinned at her and quipped, "How could I forget?"

Emiliano and Emilio Lozier arrived at 11:25. Carmela showed them directly to the small conference room and suggested they help themselves to whatever they wanted. Once Carmela had them seated she advised Hermione they were ready to begin.

Draco came out of his office just about the time the Loziers were seating themselves. He was buttoning his suit jacket as they walked to the conference room. Hermione didn't give two figs what Emiliano Lozier wanted. Draco was the owner of DLM and he was going to attend the meeting.

Hermione headed into the room with all the best intentions but she would not be taking any shite from either father or son.

Hermione smiled as she thought, all I need is Celia to come in and sit on Draco's face and the diversion would be complete. Emiliano Lozier might think he can intimidate me but he is wrong.

Hermione, Draco and Carmela stepped into the conference room.

Hermione had one last thought before closing the door behind her, the bloodbath can now begin.