The Tale Of Two Wizards

by Divess

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

15. Another Lozier Trick

Nods to Dramione. Anxiety/Drama. Enjoy.

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

* For HPDWSWFan95

Previously on A Tale Of Two Wizards: All Sorts Of Nonsense

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 arrived at 11:25. Carmela showed them directly to the small conference room and suggested they help themselves. Once Carmela had them seated she told 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 be in attendance.

Hermione was going into the room with the best intentions in the wizarding world 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.

Let the bloodbath begin.

Chapter 15: Another Lozier Trick

Both Emiliano and Emilio stood when the witches entered the room. Emilio ignored Draco which was just as well because Draco ignored Emilio. Emilio made a move to kiss Hermione on the cheek but she stuck out her hand instead. Draco's growl started but died in his throat. Hermione made introductions and had invited everyone to sit.

Before everyone could get seated, Willem knocked on the door to tell Draco he had an important phone call and Draco had to excuse himself.

When they were all finally seated, Hermione looked at Emilio and stated, "Here are some facts Minister Lozier. You have called me a pig. You have talked to me as though I was some slag on the street. You have severed the contract between DLM and the Ministry. What would ever make you consider doing business with me in another venue?"

Before Emilio could answer Emiliano murmured in a silky voice, "Hermione. Before we go any further may we excuse the lovely Carmela. This discussion should be just among you, Emilio and myself."

Hermione didn't bat an eye. "Carmela stays. You were saying sir."

Emiliano cleared his throat and proceeded. "Mistakes have been made on both ends but we are not here to discuss that. I would like for DLM to be the premier supplier of our newest venture. If you are so inclined to become a part of the venture, as Head of DLM you would be required to work with a board of directors of which Emilio is one. It is an amazing opportunity for DLM. If all goes well, I can guarantee you will have all the business you can handle from our associates. How does that sound Hermione?"

Hermione replied, " I find your offer very tempting Mr. Lozier but Draco will have the last say on something like this. In any case there might not be any need to get Draco involved. I don't see this working out as I seem to upset your son on a daily basis. I really don't want to get into a venture where I'm sure to upset him even more."

Emilio spoke up, "You do not upset me Hermione. What upsets me is that you are sleeping with Malfoy when you should be sleeping with me."

Hermione stood and growled, "Carmela would you please leave us. I'll call you if I need you."

Carmela hesitated for a second but got up and made her way to the door. It was now two against one.

As soon as Carmela left Hermione threw up a silencing charm then she lit into Emilio. "What are you thinking Emilio? You have involved your papa in something which shows you at your weakest point. You cross business with personal situations and expect me to lie down for it. Think again. You chose to be with Ginny Weasley and I chose not to be with a cheater. Get over it. All your tricks up to and including getting your papa involved will not change my mind. We are through and I will not be involved in any venture which involves you. Move on Emilio. There are a great many witches who would love to be with you. I suggest you find one of them and stop making everything about the relationship we used to have. Please."

Emiliano stood and blustered, "Now wait just a moment."

Emilio cut across his father, "My father was a little overzealous. He only stepped in because he was looking out for my interests. I apologize. The fact is you laid with me and told me you wanted to be with me. I believed you even as Malfoy tried his best to have what was mine. Nothing has changed Hermione. You belong to me. We belong together. Malfoy is nothing but a thief in the night offering gaudy rings and empty promises. See how long he'll stay with you if my sister spreads her legs and beckons him. I understand you may still be angry over what happened in London, but I'll wait. You'll realize who you love and you'll come back to me. I'm not going away. I'm also here to beg your pardon for the way I spoke to you. As Minister of Acquisitions I am asking that we renegotiate a contract between The Ministry and DLM. If you agree to a new contract, I will have James handle the account on our end and you can have Willem or Gaspare handle the account on your end. I will not get involved"

Hermione decided she had heard enough. " During your emergency trip away this has all been settled. James handled business as he should. So we don't need your interference and we don't need your father's threatening phone calls. Once again you've made statements which prove you cannot separate business matters from personal matters. Perhaps it's time you grew up."

Hermione took down the silencing charm.

Emilio strode across the room and caught Hermione by the arm. Hermione's wand was out and Emilio found himself on the floor before he had a good grasp on her arm.

Hermione raged, "If you ever touch me again, I will have you up on charges. Have I made myself clear? Leave this building now."

Emiliano helped his son to his feet as he snarled, "You haven't heard the last of this. No one touches a Lozier and gets away with it. No one. I thought better of you Hermione."

Hermione retorted, "What are you going to do Emiliano call and talk us to bloody death? Your son will keep his bloody hands off me or I'll hex him worse next time. And personally Emiliano, I don't care what you think of me. Why don't you try teaching your son some manners."

Hermione opened the door all the way to find Harry Potter leaning against the wall. Harry had no authority in Italy, he could only grab his friend and ask if she was okay.

Hermione assured Harry, "I'm fine. There had been a misunderstanding. Emilio has misunderstood that I will not stand still for him putting his hands on me."

Harry frowned.

Hermione who had been surprised by Harry's presence asked, "What are you doing here anyway Harry?"

Harry explained he was there because Draco had mentioned the meeting with the Loziers. Since it was just a step through the floo he decided to come see if everything turned out right. Harry led Hermione into Draco's office where she found Draco bound.

Hermione used her wand to close the door as she shouted "Finite" and the ropes fell away from Draco. Draco was so angry he made a cutting movement with his hand and red welts appeared across Harry's face.

Harry yelled and grabbed his face but didn't make any attempt to retaliate.

In one movement Hermione threw up locking and silencing charms and threw a petrificus totalus at both Draco and Harry. Hermione sank down onto the floor and spoke to Harry and Draco at the same time. "I cannot do this alone. I cannot have you two fighting each other. I need you both to get on the same page. Please. For me. When I let you loose please just sit down. Have I made myself clear?"

Hermione called out, "Finite" one more time. Harry and Draco each took a seat without saying a word.

Hermione stated, "I think I'm in big trouble. I hexed the Minister of Acquisitions in front of his father. There is a possibility I may be arrested before the day ends.

Breathing as though he had just run a race, Draco hugged and kissed Hermione as he helped her up off the floor. He blustered, "I would have come in but Potter saw fit to bind me."

Harry remained silent hoping that Hermione's war sense would kick in and she would explain to Draco what he did wasn't personal. If he had let Draco get into that room, Draco might have killed someone. Harry knew it was much like the time Hermione had stung him in the face to keep the Snatchers from knowing who he was. He had done it to keep something far worse from happening. Harry didn't want Draco hexing a Ministry official or his wealthy tosspot father.

Hermione hugged Draco back and explained, "Harry bound you for your own good. I love you baby but I don't think I would have stood still for you hexing a government official either. We've talked about this. Although who am I to talk? I've gone and done what I warned you about. Depending on circumstances, I may or may not be arrested. If I am, I am asking you to stay away Draco. The Minister grabbed me. I was only protecting myself. What excuse would you use?"

Draco hugged his witch while apologizing to Harry. "Sorry mate."

Harry nodded, reversed the locking and silencing charms and handed Draco back his wand.

Hermione opened the door to find Carmela, Gas and Willem waiting to come in.

Carmela asked, "Are you all right? I was shocked the way the Minister attacked you."

Hermione held up her hand. "Thanks Carmela. I don't want you to get involved. If you say you were in the room it becomes tit for tat. If it comes down to it, I'll take my punishment. No one else need get involved.

I need for you all to step back. I don't trust that Emiliano Lozier won't send someone here to do me or anyone else harm. Gas and Willem back downstairs please. As soon as all the deliveries are out you may send everyone home for the day. If we are expecting shipments, one person should stay. Otherwise, make sure everything is buttoned down and then go home. Make sure the warehouse alarm is engaged when the last person leaves."

Both Willem and Gas said, "I'm staying."

Hermione laughed, "Okay. You both stay. The important thing is no one in after you lock up. No one. Draco and I will be up here. If someone needs to get in, either one of us will let them in.

Hermione turned to Carmela.

The older witch cheeked, "I'm not going anywhere. I need to be here to escort the Aurors upstairs."

With that statement, all tension in the room had broken. Carmela went back to her desk while Hermione, Draco and Harry went back into Draco's office.

Harry looked at his best friend and stated, "Start from the beginning."

Hermione glanced at Draco and begin to recite exactly what happened from the very first minute of her meeting with the Lozier's.

She hesitated a bit before she told them Emilio is upset I'm sleeping with you and not him. He says he won't give up because he knows I will come to my senses.

When Hermione got to the part about Celia she looked straight into Draco's eyes. "Emilio says, when Celia spreads her legs and beckons you, I shouldn't expect you because you'll be gone."

Draco kneeled in front of Hermione. "That will never happen. We've made promises to each other. I love you. Lozier will say anything to try and break us up. Neither he nor Celia can break us up if we don't let them. What did he mean you laid with him?"

Harry got up and walked out of the office and closed the door behind him.

Draco continued, "You've repeated all that Lozier said. Have you laid with him and told him you wanted to be with him? I'm confused. We've talked about this and you told me you were never intimate with him. What did he mean?"

Hermione looked into her fiance's eyes and answered. "We did lay together Draco. We slept side by side but I never had sex with him or became intimate with him in any way. I've kissed him and that's as far as it went. And yes, at that time I did say I wanted to be with him. I didn't lie to you and I won't lie to you. Emilio is grasping at straws. He and I never had anything like what you and I have. He has you questioning me and he has me worrying about what will happen if Celia spreads her legs. We can't let this happen to us."

Draco put his head against Hermione's stomach and remarked, "We'll never get rid of him unless we either fix that barrier thing or I kill him."

While Hermione and Draco were in his office talking, Carmela was sitting at her desk fanning herself. She was worried about Hermione and every last nerve was sticking straight out of her skin. She had heard the way Emiliano Lozier had spoken to Hermione. He meant business and that scared Carmela.

Harry wandered into Carmela's office and sat in a chair.

Carmela looked at Harry and commented, "Emiliano Lozier is scary. I thought the Minister had issues but his father is really scary. I just hope Hermione will be okay. Changing the subject, I was wondering if there is a Magical Library anywhere close to where we'll be in London? Hermione and I have to look up some information and London may have better source material than Italy."

Harry replied, "There is an excellent Magical Library in London. If you two are looking for something more specific, perhaps you can find it in the Malfoy Manor Library. The library there is massive and contains a lot more specialty sections than any library. You can check with Hermione and Draco."

Carmela's phone rang and she listened for a bit before she replied, "Will you have Willem or Gas show them up. My legs are like jelly right now."

Carmela looked at Harry. "Aurors are here."

Carmela got up from her desk to go tell Hermione and Draco. When Hermione opened the door Carmela told her, "There's a Ministry official and two Aurors on their way up."

Hermione sighed.

Draco stood but Hermione asked him to remain calm. We don't want them to take both of us to a holding cell. Now do we?

Harry had come over to Draco's office as well, but all he could do was look on helplessly. He clapped Draco on the back and remarked, "If they plan on taking Hermione out of this building, I plan on going with her."

Hermione smiled, "Thanks Harry."

The Ministry official who turned up was Head Auror Maceo Alessi. He was one of the wizards who had toured DLM with Emilio. He was also the wizard who had complimented Hermione on the green dress she had worn to The Dorchester Hotel. Maceo was also acquainted with Carmela through Fausto.

Maceo spoke to Hermione. "It's a pleasure to see you again Hermione. I'll need to have a word, if you don't mind." Hermione led him to the same conference room where the meeting had taken place earlier.

Maceo revealed, "Emiliano Lozier has accused you of attacking his son. I'll need to ask you a few questions as to what went on."

Hermione answered him truthfully but didn't tell him any more than he needed to know.

After about fifteen minutes of questioning Maceo stated, "It appears your actions were justified Hermione. You were in fear of your safety." He made the notation, Miss Granger was protecting herself after being grabbed by Minister Lozier. He signed the document and conjured a copy for Hermione.

Head Auror Alessi's last words were, "I don't think it will come to anything but one never knows especially with senior Lozier screaming his head off. I believe this will all go away if junior Lozier puts his foot down. Minister Lozier is very fond of you which is why I'm pretty sure this won't come to anything. Good luck Hermione. I hope to see you at the next Ministry event."

After she and Head Auror Alessi finished up, Hermione introduced him to Harry and Draco. Maceo remembered Draco from the tour and they shook hands. Maceo in turn introduced Harry to the two Aurors who had accompanied him to DLM. All three of the Italian Aurors had heard of Harry Potter and were very pleased to meet him. Harry and Maceo held a brief conversation before exchanging information so they could look each other up in the future.

As Carmela got up to escort the Ministry group back down to the floo area, Maceo asked after Fausto.

Draco had breathed a heavy sigh of relief as he hugged Hermione when she explained to him and Harry what had transpired with Head Auror Alessi.

Harry gave Hermione a hug as well stating, "I've got to get back to London. If it's okay with you, I'll be using your floo."

Hermione shrugged, "That's fine Harry. Thank you for coming to support me and thank you for watching over my wizard. We'll see you this weekend."

Draco and Hermione talked a little more before she went back to her office. Hermione didn't want anyone to see how badly her hands were shaking over the possibility of being incarcerated. Even without torture, Hermione's one episode of imprisonment at Malfoy Manor had been enough to last the rest of her life. Hermione heaved another big sigh before she got down to work.

Ten minutes later, Hermione raised her eyebrows as she looked up to see Carmela in her doorway.

Carmela stepped in and spoke in a soft voice, "I was speaking to Harry about my need to do a bit of research while I was in London. I told him I was searching for a little known subject. He suggested I ask you or Draco for access to the library at Malfoy Manor."

Hermione smiled when Carmela lowered her voice even further, "It sounds like the perfect place to look for information regarding the scent barrier. It can't hurt Hermione. We really need to do something about the Minister before Draco kills him and is carted off to prison."

Hermione smiled. "That's an excellent idea Carmela. I'll ask Draco to have the house elves get the library ready for us. Maybe we can go Saturday morning or afternoon. In fact, I'll ask him right now so I don't forget."

Carmela grinned and headed back to her desk.

Hermione went back to Draco's office, but as soon as she walked in she knew Draco was upset about something. He looked at her as though he had just received the worst news of his life.

Hermione closed the door and asked, "What's the matter Draco?" Hermione thought she knew but she wanted to hear it from Draco's mouth.

Draco looked at his fiance and replied, "What good am I if I can't protect you from a bloody tosspot like Lozier? What good am I if you have to protect yourself? That's my job baby." He hugged Hermione and held her.

Hermione had responded, "Stop it right now Draco. This is something neither one of us can control right now. I'm not willing to let the Loziers get you in a position where they can have you charged with something which is what will happen the first time you use any type of spell or hex against them to protect me. If it becomes dangerous, then you'll protect me and I won't argue. Until then, I need you to stay out of it or at least stay out of it until there isn't any threat of being tossed in jail at the slightest whim of others."

Draco sighed and nodded. He knew Hermione was making sense but Friday couldn't come soon enough for him.

Hermione remembered why she had come into Draco's office. "Would you allow me and Carmela to use the library at Malfoy Manor over the weekend? We want to research the scent barrier anomaly."

Draco perked up. "I will do anything which will get Lozier out of our lives. As soon as we get to London I'll have the house elves tidy up the library. You and Carmela can research all weekend if you like. I will not complain."

Carmela was very pleased when Hermione told her they would have access to the Malfoy library. They were in agreement that research was a step in the right direction.

Draco stopped by Hermione's office to tell her, "I'm going to check in for duty and probably won't be back before days end. If I don't get back, I'll see you at home."

As Draco was walking out Hermione said, "I love you handsome. Don't you forget that." He smiled and retorted, "I love you more. I'll see you at home."

Carmela stopped by Hermione's office on her way out. She said, "Gas and Willem are still downstairs. Everything that should be in is in, everything that should have gotten out is out. I believe those two won't leave until they know you're safely out of the building."

Hermione hadn't thought of that. A knot of pride formed in her stomach. Her boys. Hermione called downstairs to let them know she was leaving and would see them in the morning. Hermione left with Carmela.

When Hermione arrived at the house, Draco wasn't home yet. She made supper and sat down with a glass of wine. She wanted to wait for Draco before she ate. Hermione woke at 11:40 with the glass of wine still in her hand.

Even though she knew Draco would not leave her sleeping on the couch, she went to see if he was in the bedroom. He wasn't.

Hermione immediately began to worry. She paced the floor. She sat on the couch. Then she paced the floor so more. Finally she went in to take a shower. When she came out of the bathroom, Draco was sitting on the side of the bed.

He strode across the room, picked her up in his arms and kissed her with all the passion he had. Taking the towel from around her Draco had laid her on the bed.

He pulled the covers over Hermione and started talking. "I promised I would not lie to you, but this afternoon I told you a half truth. I told you I was upset because I am unable to protect you. It's more than that. I was jealous. Even though I know you've never had sex with him, I was jealous of Lozier touching you in any manner. I don't know why, but it just suddenly came over me. I was being a prat. I apologize. I love you and I know that was then and this is now."

Hermione climbed from underneath the covers and wrapped herself around Draco. She hesitated. There was something she should have told Draco the second it had happened.

Hermione said, "Draco. Look at me because I have something to say and I want you to be looking at me when I say it."

Draco turned himself so he could look at Hermione.

She proceeded to tell him about Emilio's kiss. "Last week Emilio came to DLM with some complaint. I don't remember what he was on about because he's had so many complaints. We were in the conference room discussing the problem and before I realized what was happening, Emilio grabbed me and kissed me. I couldn't defend myself because my wand was in my office, but I did tell him to leave immediately. He said I promised to be with him and that's what he wanted. I should have told you the day it happened but I didn't want to upset you. Then, the more I thought about it the more I realized it was something Emilio could throw out to hurt you. I'll never knowingly let that happen. I'd rather you be angry with me than think I'm hiding the fact Emilio kissed me. I'm sorry I didn't tell you right away."

Draco whispered, "I love you Hermione but this fuck is going to cause me to be arrested. I have promised you I wouldn't interfere, but it's killing me. If something isn't done, I will kill him. Of this I have no doubt."

Draco hugged Hermione. "Thank you for telling me. It would be just like Lozier to throw it up in my face. I'm glad you had your wand the second time he tried to grab you. I was worried about the outcome of you hexing Lozier so I didn't say anything, but I'm so proud of you for hexing his arse. My brilliant witch."

Draco kissed Hermione's ear. "I need your comfort. I need to feel myself inside you. I want to make love."

Hermione unbuttoned his shirt, pulled it off and began kissing his chest while he leaned back with his eyes closed.

Hermione murmured, "Come take your witch. She wants to comfort you."

*Draco took off his pants and boxers, but before getting into bed he remarked, "I'm not trying to ruin our moment, but your wand tip is flashing red. I think your automatic contraceptive charm needs renewing. Hermione summoned her wand to renew the charm for another month. Then she smiled to herself because she hadn't been aware Draco knew the charm.

Draco climbed in beside his witch and they had taken comfort from each other. After the comfort they had gone to sleep holding hands. They both had gone to sleep knowing it would take a lot more than Emiliano, Emilio or Celia Lozier to separate them.

The next morning it seemed as though their anxieties had evaporated. They had even made time to dance to their song. It was starting out as a very good day. One more day and they would be in London among their friends.

When Hermione got to DLM Carmela let her know Draco would be out of the building for the morning. Around 10:00, Carmela came to Hermione's door and held up two fingers. Hermione knew the two fingers meant James was on the phone. One finger meant Emilio was on the phone. Git one and git two. Nice, simple signals.

Hermione sighed as she picked up the phone. "Good morning James. What can I do for you today? I hope it isn't delivery related because if it is you should be speaking to Willem or Gas."

James was speaking very softly as he replied, "It isn't about business Hermione. I called to find out if it's true you hexed Minister Lozier."

Hermione answered, "Stop right there James. You are the Minister's Assistant. I don't think this is a subject you should be discussing with me."

"I didn't call to discuss anything, stated James. I called to have a laugh. It will be the only laugh I've had in a very long time."

Hermione was still not taking the bait. She was speaking to the Minister's Assistant and didn't know if he had been put up to calling her by Emilio or Emiliano. In any case she wasn't about to give him any fuel for the fire. Hermione finished the call be saying, "I really need to go James. There are issues I need to get resolved. Thanks for calling. Have a good day." Then she had disconnected.

Hermione went in to tell Carmela about the nerve on James but had to hold her thoughts because Sal was in his mother's office. Hermione greeted Sal and returned to her office.

Several minutes later Hermione looked up to find Sal and Carmela at her door. She invited them in to have a seat. Sal seemed upset about something but Hermione waited for him to speak.

Sal glanced at his mother who nodded so he had begun to speak. " I'm not sure where to begin Hermione but I think I've overheard a plot. It involves Celia. She and I have been sort of keeping company. When we started, Celia was at the apartment every night. Lately she has had excuses for not turning up. I didn't give it too much thought. Personality wise I had just about relegated her to the slag category and wasn't all that keen on keeping up the relationship. To get to my point. Two nights ago when Celia was at the apartment she received and made a call. I think the calls are from and to Draco."

Hermione had been half listening right up until the name Draco had come out of Sal's mouth.

Hermione was quick. She didn't show any sign of emotion as she asked, "What makes you think Celia is talking to Draco?"

Sal looked miserable as he replied, "She has brazenly called out Draco's name during the conversations. She did this while I was only one room away. After one of these calls she suddenly had to leave. It just seems like Celia is up to something and I needed to bring it forward, but I was torn between telling you and not telling you. I didn't know what to do Hermione. I don't want you angry with me but neither do I want to see you hurt if Draco is cheating. I tried to discuss it with Gas but he told me to stay out of other people's business. I should have known better than try to discuss anything with Gas. He's been a beast since he and Kim broke up."

Hermione smiled and retorted, "This is classic Lozier Sal. I love Draco and Draco loves me. He's not cheating. It might only be Emilio and Celia plotting against Draco. They know I consider you and Gas my brothers. If anything, I'd be willing to bet it was a put up show done so you would report back to me. I'll check into it and see if we can get to the bottom of it."

Hermione kissed Sal on the cheek, thanked him for coming to her with his suspicions and picked up her phone to dial Draco. The phone went directly to voice mail so Hermione left a message for Draco to call her. She and Draco had just discussed things of this nature. There was no way Draco would be in contact with Celia Lozier and keep it from her.

Sal was still in his mother's office agonizing over what he had just revealed to Hermione. Hermione put her hand on Sal's shoulder. He looked miserable so she had

quipped, "Let's not slay the dragon until he's been proven guilty. I need for you to call Celia but I don't want the call coming from my phone. Go downstairs and get Gas' phone and bring the phone up here to make the call. We can consider ourselves Aurors on a case."

Sal gave Hermione a weak smile as he left the room.

Hermione remarked, "I didn't want to show weakness in front of Sal but what am I going to do if Celia is trying to put Draco in a fix. I honestly trust Draco but I have seen Celia in action. Before Draco and I were together she just about gave him a hand job in the middle of a room full of people."

Carmela put her finger up to her lips. A second later Sal entered the office. He looked puzzled. "Gas isn't in the building. Willem said he had an appointment and hadn't returned."

Hermione told Sal, "Don't worry. I'll get to the bottom of this."

While they were sitting in Carmela's office, Draco came to the door to say hello. Carmela waved but Sal remained silent. Draco wanted Hermione to come to his office. Hermione winked as she left Carmela's office.

When Hermione entered Draco's office he closed the door so he could give her a sound kiss on the lips.

Hermione smiled as she asked, "Why was your mobile off? I tried to contact you."

Draco went around the desk to open his drawer. He lifted it up and replied, "I forgot to take it with me. Sorry."

Hermione sighed. She wasn't going to get any answers by stealth so she decided to ask Draco straight out. "Has Celia been calling you?"

For a moment Draco had been startled. " Why would you ask that? Even if she called me I wouldn't talk to her. The answer to your question is no Celia hasn't been in contact with me and I haven't been in contact with her. Where did that question come from Hermione? What's going on?"

Hermione explained what had transpired. When she was through with her explanation Draco had puffed up. Hermione asked Draco not to be cross with Sal because he had come to her with good intentions and had only been trying to protect her.

Draco nodded. "I'm not angry with Sal but I am going to speak with him about what he thinks he heard. I'll be gentle."

Hermione went to get Sal and explained that Draco wanted to speak to him.

Sal was hesitant. He was living in one of Draco's apartments and didn't want to be thrown out on the street, but he wasn't going to hold back what he knew.

Even so, he was nervous as he approached Draco's office.

Draco invited Sal to have a seat as he closed the door to his office. The first words out of Draco's mouth had been the same words which had come out of Hermione's mouth just in reverse. "I know you think of yourself as a brother to Hermione and are looking out for her best interests so I'll tell you this, I love Hermione and Hermione loves me. I am not in contact with Celia Lozier and she has not been in contact with me. I'd like you to tell me why you think differently. If you don't mind, I'll need to ask a few questions to get things clear in my mind."

Sal replied, "I don't mind."

Draco sat back in his chair as he gestured for Sal to begin the tale of what was more than likely another Lozier trick.