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: Sal Makes A Statement
Just before 5:00 pm Draco received a call from his handler at Ministry Service who specified he be at their regular contact point on Monday at 9:00 am. The handler thanked Draco for the amazing job he and Amelia had done. He also revealed they would be formally ending his tenure with Ministry Service on Monday. The handler reminded Draco to keep details to himself until after the trials which were sure to come. Draco thanked him and confirmed his appearance for Monday.
Draco hung up the phone a happy wizard. This whole episode was about to be over. Because he had worked undercover Draco wasn't sure if had to attend any of the trials. He would probably be told if his presence was required in court on Monday. Draco had bent over backwards to insure every piece of evidence he turned in was pristine and backed up with documentation just to avoid his need to be present in court. Draco leaned back in his chair and smiled….at nothing.
Before she left, Carmela stopped by Draco's office to tell him she, Fausto and Sal would see them at the house.
Hermione came in to congratulate him on an undercover job well done. Draco had remarked, "Thank you love. Your tape recording is a big part of the charges which will be leveled against Emiliano Lozier."
Hermione grinned and answered, "Glad to be of help my wizard."
Draco stood up and hugged his fiancee as he whispered, "I got a call. It looks like all my undercover duties are over. Ministry Service and myself will be parting ways as of Monday at 9:00 am. I am chuffed. Let's go home and get ready to floo to London.
Chapter 17: A Weekend In London
Hermione went to tidy up her desk and get her bag. Draco met her in the hall, grabbed her by the hand and headed them towards the floo.
It took Hermione and Draco less than fifteen minutes each to get packed. They were chomping at the bit to get going. Draco looked forward to Monday but right now he wanted to be with friends. London friends.
This was a special weekend. Draco was going to try and corner Hannah so he could get her advice on a engagement party for him and Hermione. He planned on asking Carmela to help as well. He also had to remember to have the house elves tidy up and open the two biggest libraries at Malfoy Manor.
The floo lit up and Sal, Carmela and Fausto stepped out. Hermione didn't want to rush anyone but not only did she want to get to London to see everyone she also looked forward to doing some research.
Everybody was ready to go. Hermione was going through first so she could shut off the alarm and Draco was bringing up the rear so he could lock up everything nice and tight. They definitely didn't want any unexpected visitors while they were gone. Neither he nor Hermione wanted Gas or Celia poking around their home while they were gone.
When the five stepped out in London Hermione said, "Here we are. Take a look around and tell me if there is enough room for you here. If you need a little more room you can stay at Draco's flat."
Carmela took a walk through to look around and decided it was big enough. Hermione told them to help themselves to whatever they wanted. The flat was well stocked because Hermione had let her housing service company know she was coming for the weekend and they had replenished the necessities. She and Carmela would only have to go to the liquor shop.
Draco showed Sal to a guest room on the other side of the flat which should be far enough away so his mother and father could have their privacy. Hermione showed Fausto and Carmela to their room.
Draco rang Harry's mobile to find out what they had planned for the night. Harry didn't pick up so Draco left a message. Then he remembered Harry had been part of the Auror brigade brought in by Ministry Service and was probably still in Milan.
Draco didn't have to wait too long to find out what was in store for the night. Ten minutes after he left the message for Harry the floo lit up and Theo and Blaise stepped out. Theo then Blaise clapped their mate on the back and shook his hand. Theo and Blaise also greeted Sal, Carmela and Fausto whom they remembered from Hermione's party.
Theo informed Draco that he and Blaise had taken the opportunity to order some liquor for the weekend and it should arrive within the hour. Draco smiled as he called out, "My wizards. You never let me down. Thank you." Hermione thanked them as well.
Hannah, Seamus and Dean came through the floo shortly after with each bearing some food or liquor item. Seamus and Dean who had just stopped in to say hello invited everyone to stop by Witch-Wizard sometime during the weekend. Dean joked that they could use the business. Hermione, Draco, Theo and Blaise had a good laugh because Witch-Wizard was just about the biggest and hottest pub club in wizarding London.
Draco remarked, "We plan on stopping in boys. Have no fear."
The liquor delivery arrived so there was soon a lot of nibbling and drinking going on in Hermione's old flat.
Theo and Blaise had cornered Sal and there was a lot of laughing and cat calls coming from their vicinity. Hermione thought to herself it was the first time she had ever seen Sal so relaxed. Usually he was like a spring waiting to uncoil. Hermione felt good about it because Sal was a nice guy who deserved to have a little fun especially after dealing with Celia.
Hermione noticed Draco talking intently to Hannah and wondered if everything was okay with her and Harry. Hermione knew whatever Hannah and Draco were discussing Draco would tell her later on.
When Hannah and Draco finished their conversation Hermione asked if he had made arrangements for her and Carmela to get into the libraries at Malfoy Manor. Draco replied that he had and asked if they wanted to spend some time there that afternoon. Hermione told him she would check with Carmela.
Hermione went over to Carmela and softly asked if she wanted to go to the Malfoy libraries for a bit. Carmela smiled and told Hermione she wanted to get there as soon as possible. Hermione grinned as she repeated back to Draco what Carmela had said. Draco looked at his wonder wizard watch and said, It's 1:00 pm London time. I'll take you over at 1:30." Hermione kissed Draco on the cheek. Draco reached out, caught Hermione by the arm and whispered in her ear, "I hope you know I expect a lot more than a kiss on the cheek later on." Hermione laughed and retorted, "Maybe" as she walked away.
Draco went to join Theo, Blaise and Sal. Theo said, "We've convinced Sal to come out with us to have a look around London. Are you coming as well?" Draco replied, "I have to drop Carmela and Hermione off at the manor but after that boys I'm game."
Sal excused himself to let his parents know his plans and to take a shower and change. Draco remarked that a shower and a change wasn't a bad idea.
Blaise quipped, "I already look good and smell good I'll just chat up the girls for a bit. Theo and Draco laughed at their mate.
Draco called out to Hermione, "I'm flooing over to my flat to take a quick shower. Do you want me to take anything through with me or perhaps you'd like to accompany me?"
Hermione replied, "I'm fine. I have everything in my bag. It will be alright for the moment. Hurry back. Carmela and I want to get started." Draco nodded and stepped into the floo.
Hannah was deep in conversation with Carmela and Fausto.
Hermione was in the kitchen tidying up the muggle way when the floo lit up one more time. Hermione stepped out of the kitchen to see who had come through and was very surprised to see Arthur Weasley and Kingsley Shacklebolt step out of the floo. Hermione wondered what was going on. The room had grown quiet as the Minister of Magic stepped into view.
Kingsley waved at the room and said, "Please don't let my presence throw you off. We are not here to arrest anyone."
There were a few half laughs as everyone went back to what they were doing.
Hermione stepped over to hug Arthur and Kingsley. They both stated how good it was to see her and Kingsley remarked, "The word is that Fausto Maida is in London and Arthur and I wanted to meet one of Italy's best officers."
Hermione's mouth fell open. She knew Fausto had been in Ministry Service but she didn't know his reputation had been that great.
Fausto heard what Kingsley had said and stepped up to meet the British Minister of Magic. Hermione didn't have to say anything as the wizards introduced themselves. Fausto was beaming as was Carmela.
While Kingsley and Fausto were talking, Arthur had asked Hermione if he could have a private word. Hermione nodded as she directed Arthur towards the kitchen. Arthur first asked after Hermione's health then he congratulated her on her engagement and finally he got to what Hermione had known was coming, Ginny. Arthur had tried to apologize for Ginny's behavior.
Hermione stopped him. "You and Molly were very good to me. You both treated me like a daughter and I will always appreciate your kindness. Just so you know you are the second Weasley who has apologized for Ginny's actions. You and Charlie have nothing to apologize for as neither one of you has done anything to me. The person who should be apologizing is Ginny. I don't mean to sound cross but it is over and done. No one except Ginny need apologize to me for anything." Then Hermione hugged Arthur as they walked back through to the living room.
Kingsley called over to Arthur, "We'll be going now. Fausto has agreed to come tour the Ministry and meet some of our top people." Kingsley turned to Carmela as he spoke. "We may keep Fausto until late but we will get him back." Carmela grinned.
Then the Minister turned to Hermione and said, "I hope you will forgive this intrusion. It is all down to me because I asked Arthur to show me to your flat. I know an owl would have been courteous but the floo was faster. Thank you. We miss you around the Ministry Hermione. Are you sure you don't want to come back? Then he winked at her.
Hermione answered Kingsley, "You are welcome here anytime Minister and no thank you to coming back to the Ministry. I finally have a life I'd like to keep.
Arthur, Fausto and Kingsley waved as they headed to the floo.
Hermione turned to Carmela and cheeked, "What some witches don't tell her friends."
Carmela laughed and replied, "Fausto was damn good. I just didn't know he was that damn good. After this Fausto won't take that smile off his face for a month. Both Hermione and Carmela laughed.
Draco met Kingsley, Arthur and Fausto leaving as he was coming in. "What's going on Hermione? The Minister of Magic just congratulated me on our engagement. Where is he taking Fausto?" Hermione hugged Draco and assured him that all was well and Kingsley had only wanted to meet Fausto in person. Draco said he was glad that's all it was.
Hermione and Carmela laughed. They were ready to go do some research.
Draco turned to his mates and Sal to tell them he would set Carmela and Hermione up and be back shortly.
Blaise groused, "Hurry up then. We are waiting to show Sal London. We will leave without you. It has been done before."
Hermione turned to look at Blaise who hurriedly explained, "That was before you were born Hermione." Everyone laughed except Draco who thought his mate sometimes had a big mouth. Draco decided he would mention this to Blaise at a later time. Right now he needed to apparate Hermione and Carmela to Malfoy Manor.
Draco gathered Hermione and Carmela by the arm and told them they would be apparating to the Manor. The witches waved to everyone and told them they would see them later.
When they arrived out front of Malfoy Manor Draco explained, I have done my best to clean up the manor and rid it of all harmful items but I want you both to exercise caution. Call a house elf if you want food or to travel between libraries. Please don't explore any other parts of the manor. If you have a problem, call a house elf immediately. If you are ready to leave before I get back, leave through the front door and apparate back."
Draco kissed Hermione, waved at Carmela and apparated out.
After Draco had gone Carmela and Hermione joked, "Before we take a step…we call a house elf."
The witches first looked at each library to decide which one they wanted to use. They had initially thought to work separately. In the end, they decided to work together. It was now only a matter of what to look for.
Hermione and Carmela discussed trying to find something related to the scent barrier between witches and wizards. They decided Hermione would look for material related to the scent barrier while Carmela who thought Emilio's behavior may be related to a Malfoy/Lozier feud searched for anything relating to the Lozier's.
They had been searching for an hour without any luck when Carmela called out to Hermione. "Come look at this." Hermione looked at the parchment in Carmela's hand and commented, "Merciful Merlin. That parchment must be five hundred years old. What have you found?"
Both witches read the paragraph Carmela had her finger on. Hermione looked at Carmela and Carmela stared back at Hermione. Draco and Emilio are related.
Carmela and Hermione both sat back in their chairs silently looking at the words on the parchment. Finally Hermione croaked, "I think you may have just found part of the reason Emilio is getting past the scent barrier. Just to be sure we are on the right path why don't you read more from that book and I'll continue searching for information on the scent barrier.
Twenty minutes later Hermione found a bit of information regarding the scent barrier. What she found was basic information that was known to most witches and wizards. The book notated. When you meet and accept your true love, no one but the two involved should be able to catch the other's scent. The witch or wizard can still cheat or go out with another but ninety nine percent of the time they don't want to be with anyone other than their partner.
Hermione recognized that the information she had found covered ninety nine percent of the wizarding population and she now had to find out about the one percent deviation. Hermione told Carmela she wanted to check the other library. Carmela nodded and kept reading.
Hermione called a house elf to take her to the other library. A sweet little elf named Crissy led Hermione to the library.
Hermione looked around in awe. She could see herself holed up in here for days on end. She didn't know where to start. Hermione had circled the room twice before she decided to look through the section marked Aberrations.
In Hermione's mind aberrations meant the same as deviations so she would try those books first. Hermione chose a few books to take back to the table as most of the books related to the pureblood idea of aberration. The books raged against muggles, muggleborns and half bloods as being less than human. Hermione wanted to vomit after reading a few of the passages. She returned those books to the shelves and was about to pull more books when she noticed a small section of three books titled Malfoy. It was in the section titled Aberrations but named Malfoy. Hermione knew Draco's parents had been purebloods who wouldn't ever admit to a flaw within their family. If there were aberrations listed under the Malfoy name, they must have been witches and wizards who had been cast out of the family much as Sirius Black had been cast out of the Black family.
Hermione pulled all three books and had sat down to begin to read. The books were eye opening. The Malfoys pretended to be the cream of wizarding society but reading from these books Hermione discovered some very disgusting things.
A twenty year old Louis Malfoy, 1739-1760 had sexually assaulted a twelve year old witch named Ida who became pregnant from the assault. When Ida threatened to disclose her attacker Louis had tried to drown the pregnant witch. Fortunately Louis was caught out by the girl's father. There had been a big scandal as Ida was from another pureblood family. The difference being, the Malfoys were old money with a lot of power and wealth behind them and the young witch's family had just recently arrived.
After a few bribes here and there the Malfoys had walked away unscathed and Ida and her family were forced to relocate. The Lozi family had relocated and ended up in Belgica. Ida's father Edmund Lozi remained silent in the face of the scandal but he had quietly notified the Malfoy family that his daughter and his family name would be avenged.
The Malfoy family didn't want to take any chances. They had banished Louis from the family figuring if Edmund Lozi was going to seek revenge he could seek it on Louis alone. Louis Malfoy died under mysterious circumstances on 5/10/1760 at age twenty one. It was noted that the Malfoys had probably breathed a collective sigh of relief once Louis was dead. They thought they were well rid of him and anything Edmund Lozi would do.
Hermione looked through the book and noticed a notation which read, Caleb Lozi: born, 5/10/1760, mother: Ida Lozi, father: Louis Malfoy. Mother Ida died in childbirth. Even though they had banished Louis from the family and rejected Ida and her baby, the Malfoy family had kept tabs on Ida Lozi and the Malfoy progeny.
With the birth of his son Caleb Lozi and the death of Ida Lozi, Louis Malfoy was the first casualty of a blood feud which would span centuries and cross several borders.
Hermione realized she had tears in her eyes. She closed the book and took a deep breath. Hermione didn't say it out loud but she was thinking she was so very glad Draco had not turned out like his family. She also tried to put together how this could possibly be affecting the Malfoys and the Loziers now.
Hermione sat there for a few more minutes before she got up to go back to the other library. Hermione called out to Crissy the house elf and with a tiny pop she was there. Crissy led Hermione back to Carmela.
Carmela knew something was wrong as soon as she looked at Hermione. She got out her chair to meet her friend. She and Hermione sat in chairs next to each other and Hermione began the tale of Louis Malfoy.
When Hermione was finished relating what she had found Carmela looked thoughtful as she remarked, "If we look at the entire thing Hermione it begins to make sense. We now know Draco and Emilio are related but related in the worse way. They are related through a blood feud. It appears there is a three hundred year old blood feud at work here and it could very well be that Draco, Emilio or Celia know nothing about it. At least I don't think Draco knows about it. The Lozier's may be very aware since it was their family who initiated the blood fight. There has to be a way to end it. Perhaps we can get back here on Sunday morning to find out more before we go back to Milan."
Hermione sighed, "Just when I thought we would be possibly seeing the back of Emilio here we are. It's possible this is the hand the fates have dealt. Maybe no Lozier can allow the commensurate Malfoy to have what he wants or what he cherishes most. In this case the thing would be me."
Carmela replied, "This is old magic Hermione. The most dangerous type of old magic. If the original caster had a bit of blood from baby Caleb, a bit of blood from Ida and a bit of blood from Louis Malfoy, under the right conditions they could have set a blood feud of vast proportions. We've seen enough for today. Let's apparate back to your flat."
It was going on 6:45 when Hermione and Carmela got back to the flat. It was empty. Everybody had gone. Carmela asked if Hermione wanted her to fix something to eat but Hermione remarked, "Maybe we should have one of Draco's house elves come over and cook a meal." Carmela smiled as she sat down, "Good Idea Hermione."
Hermione called out, "Crissy could you help me?" A small pop and Crissy was standing in front of Hermione, "Yes. What Miss Hermie be needin?" Hermione asked Crissy to fix a dinner which included beef and chicken with two vegetables, potatoes and some caramel bread and butter pudding.
Crissy bowed and said "it be faster if I go back and get one more Miss Hermie. Crissy be back."
Carmela raised her eyebrows, "That's twice you've used a house elf today. I'm surprised." Hermione replied, "I don't like to use house elves. You're right but I'm only following Draco's orders. The witches shared a laugh.
It was now past 7:00 and not even Fausto was back. Hermione cheeked, "I believe the Brits may have kidnapped your husband and son."
Carmela cheeked right back, "Maybe you and I should go out so I can find another husband to help me make another son. How about that?" Hermione laughed so hard she had to use the bathroom.
When Hermione returned to the living room Fausto had made it back and he was accompanied by none other than Percy Weasley. To call Hermione surprised would be an understatement. The last she had heard Percy and his witch had married and moved to Australia where Percy held a Ministry job.
Hermione got up out of her chair to hug Percy and introduce him to Carmela. Percy explained, "I was here visiting mum and dad. I stopped in to see Kingsley and was fortunate enough to meet a legend." Percy turned to Fausto and made a little bow. Fausto nodded his head in return.
Hermione invited Percy to have a seat and asked him if he'd like a drink. Percy sat and accepted Hermione's invitation for a drink. Hermione made drinks for everyone.
Hermione asked how Percy had heard of Fausto. Percy told her how Fausto had solved cases, captured criminals and saved lives on a daily basis for fifteen years and how his exploits had filtered through to many Ministries. Percy revealed that quite a few lessons in the British Auror and MLE departments are based on Fausto's accomplishments.
Fausto who was hugging Carmela quipped, "Had I known all this I would have given Ministry Service a few more years of my time."
Percy finished his drink and stood up to leave. He said, "When I heard Fausto was staying with you I decided to floo through to say hello. It's been a long time Hermione and I wanted to see you. I've heard a lot of good things about you. I'm glad you're happy."
Percy hugged and kissed Hermione and shook both Carmela and Fausto's hand and bid them all good bye as he headed to the floo.
Hermione looked at Fausto and asked, "How come your daughter is the last to know how well known her father is?"
Fausto laughed, "I just thought I was doing my job. I didn't know my exploits had traveled outside of Italy. It makes me feel very good and I feel as though I made a difference."
Carmela kissed her husband and told him, "You've always made a difference my love."
The floo lit up and five wizards came falling through. Draco, Sal, Blaise, Theo and Harry. They all looked as though they had a couple of fire whiskeys. Draco came over to kiss Hermione and mumbled, "Hi baby. Miss me?" Hermione answered that she certainly had. Draco whispered in her ear that he was tired and he wanted to go to bed. Hermione accio'd her wand and cast a sobering charm over all five of the wizards. All five straightened right up. The first thing out of Sal's mouth was, "I'm hungry. Anything around here to eat?"
Hermione replied, "Check the kitchen. Crissy should be through by now."
Draco raised his eyebrows and whispered, "I definitely have to marry you now if Crissy comes when you call."
"Really" asked Hermione? Is that the only reason you want to marry me?"
Draco put his mouth very close to Hermione's ear and whispered some naughty things.
Hermione turned so red everyone in the room guessed what Draco had said. Hermione stood up and told the room at large there was food in the kitchen and they should go eat because they were taking her and Carmela out. And they'd better snap to it.
Harry quipped, "Don't get all pissed off at us because your wizard is a filthy wanker. We're just innocent bystanders.
Hermione laughed. "Food is in the kitchen." She told Carmela she was going over to Draco's flat to take a shower and get ready for a night on the town.
Carmela said she was going to do the same thing. When Carmela left the living room Hermione noticed Fausto follow behind her. Hermione figured she could take her time because she'd have to allow Carmela and Fausto a little shag time.
Hermione popped over to Draco's flat and had begun to put her things away when Draco grabbed her from behind. "You're not angry at me are you?" Hermione shook her head as she turned to face her fiance. They engaged in a passionate kiss as Draco moved Hermione towards the bed.
"I want to make love baby. If we were in Milan it would be 2:00 or 3:00 in the morning. We would have already had sex and you would be begging me for more."
Hermione pushed Draco away and headed for the bathroom spouting, "I'm going to take a shower Mr. begging me for more. Where are you taking us tonight? Think about it while I shower."
As soon as Hermione was in the bathroom Draco muttered, "Like hell" as he stripped off on his way to the bathroom. Draco climbed into the shower behind Hermione and grabbed her around the waist. At his first touch Hermione had shivered and she began to wriggle when Draco pulled her up against him. He rubbed against her and she rubbed against him. Finally Draco turned Hermione around and kissed her lips as he put her up against the shower wall and wrapped her legs around him. Draco kept Hermione's back against the wall as he moved himself into position. He was looking into Hermione's eyes telling her how much he loved her when he pushed himself inside her and began to thrust. Hermione held onto him tight as she tried to match his thrusts. Draco was positioned in a way that every thrust brought intense pleasure to Hermione. By the time they climaxed Hermione was practically shouting and Draco's legs felt as though they were going to give out. Draco let Hermione's legs down as he breathily remarked, "That was incredible." They stood there holding each other until their breathing was back to normal. Since they were both in there they showered together.
Hermione and Draco were back at Hermione's flat by 9:00. Harry, Blaise and Theo had gone home to change. Everybody was meeting at Witch-Wizard around 9:30. Sal came out of his room dressed in black jeans, black and white striped jumper looking quite the muggle.
At 9:30 they all landed in front of Witch-Wizard. It was a Friday and as usual the place was overflowing. Suddenly there were arms waving in their direction. Hermione and Carmela looked at each other because the arms that were waving were attached to two unknown witches. Sal said, "I think they're waving at us." Carmela quipped, "And what us would that be?' Sal replied, "Me and Draco."
Hermione turned to look at Draco and asked, "Really?" Sal laughed, "I didn't mean me and Draco literally. I mean me and Draco are the only two here who they recognize. Blaise introduced them to us earlier."
Hermione was aggravated and had become aggravated the moment Sal said the witches were waving at Draco. If these were some of Blaise's harem, where was Blaise? No sooner had Hermione thought this then Blaise and Theo appeared in back of them. Blaise greeted everyone and noticed the witches. Blaise said, "Come on. They've saved us a table. Both Carmela and Fausto had noticed the change in Hermione's mood and remained behind with her. When Hermione was ready the three walked to the table together.
Apparently one witch was for Sal and one witch was for Blaise. That was more than acceptable but Hermione knew Blaise never traveled with less than four witches and that became a problem. Hermione wasn't surprised when the next two witches appeared at the table. The newest witches greeted Blaise, Draco, Sal, Fausto and Theo. They didn't even look in Carmela or Hermione's direction. Blaise introduced all the witches to Fausto, Carmela and Hermione and after a brief look at the women the witches went back to talking to the wizards.
Hermione watched without uttering a word. Harry and Hannah appeared. Hannah greeted Carmela and Hermione with raised eyebrows and a nod in the direction of the witches. Harry greeted everyone and again the witches greeted Harry but gave little thought to Hannah. Hermione shrugged.
When the one witch reached out to touch Draco he didn't pay the witch any attention. He was busy talking to the boys. Hermione remained silent waiting to see what Draco would do. He did something. He grinned.
Hermione gave it five more minutes watching the wizards before she smiled and excused herself to the ladies room. Harry had known Hermione for a long time. To put it mildly she was not pleased. Hannah excused herself as well. Carmela commented, "I'll stay here. Hurry back."
Hermione had no intention of going back to the table. She really didn't think Draco made a date to meet anyone but she didn't like the way things were going. Rather than hex the shite out of her fiance she decided to take herself out of the equation and sit at the bar for awhile.
Hermione had been gone for about five minutes when that same witch touched Draco again. This time Carmela didn't hold her tongue She snapped, "You. You keep touching him. Do you know him?"
The witch turned red and replied "No one seems to be complaining except for you."
Carmela started to say something else but Fausto touched her arm.
Draco hadn't been paying any attention to the witch and didn't have a clue as to what was going on. He asked, "Everything okay then Carmela?" Carmela smiled and nodded. Draco looked around and said, "Hermione's been gone for quite a while. I better go make sure no one has kidnapped my witch."
When Draco got up, the witch who had reached out to touch him twice took hold of his arm. Draco looked at the witch and asked, "What's this? You've obviously got me mixed up with another wizard. Remove your hand please."
The witch remarked, "You're only saying that because…"
Draco snarled, "I'm saying it because I want you to remove your hand. Do it now or I'll do it for you. The rest of you please excuse me. I need to go see where Hermione's gotten to."
Hannah spoke up. "I don't think Hermione was feeling well. She spent some time in the ladies room and when she came out she asked me to tell everyone she was going home.
Draco snapped at Hannah, "Why didn't you tell me sooner?"
Hannah snapped right back, "You were busy."
Draco started towards the door but he saw Hermione sitting at the bar talking to Seamus and Dean. When they saw Draco coming both wizards moved away from the bar. No one wanted to be on Draco's bad side when he was upset and he looked upset.
Draco looked at Hermione and brushed a piece of hair back. "Come back to the table baby. If you still aren't feeling well in a little bit we'll go home. Come on."
Hermione waved to Seamus and Dean and let Draco lead her back to the table. Blaise, Sal, Theo and the witches were gone from the table when Hermione and Draco got back. It was only 11:00 but the fun seemed to have gone out of the night. Everyone decided they were ready to call it a night and said their goodbyes in front of the pub.
When they reached the flat Hermione remained quiet and Draco remained concerned. They sat and had a drink with Carmela and Fausto. Hermione joined in the conversation but the other three could tell Hermione wasn't herself.
Carmela looked at Hermione and said, "Why don't you go get some sleep sweetie. You'll probably feel better tomorrow. We'll go shopping and you can show me London.
As an afterthought Carmela said, "It wasn't what you think."