Anything you recognize belongs to the Harry Potter Universe invented by JKR.
Nods to Dramione. Anxiety/Drama. Enjoy.
Be aware. Rated M for language and romantic interludes.
Previously on A Tale Of Two Wizards: A Weekend In London
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. 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."
Chapter 18: Surprise. Surprise. Surprise
Hermione and Draco headed towards the floo. Five minutes later they were in Draco's flat. Draco took Hermione by the arms and stated, "Tell me what's going on. I need for you to tell me what's wrong."
Hermione sat on the side of the bed and said, "We've fought so hard and so long to be together. I don't want to be the one to bring it all up again." Draco was puzzled. He didn't know what Hermione meant."
Instead of being understanding and trying to get to the bottom of the problem Draco was becoming annoyed. He snapped, "We went out to have a good time and suddenly you're maudlin and miserable. What is this about Hermione? We have looked forward to this weekend all week. We're here. Why aren't we enjoying ourselves?"
Hermione knew she should at least explain to Draco how she was feeling but he was snapping at her and she was getting annoyed. She turned to Draco and spit out, "I've already had enough fun to last me a month. I'm going back to Milan. Have all the fun you want."
Hermione got up and grabbed her things from the dresser drawers. She went into the bathroom to get her personal items but when she stepped out of the bathroom Draco took her by the hand and sat her on the side of the bed. "You're not walking out on me. What you need to do is calm down and tell me what's bothering you."
Hermione remained silent.
Draco tried to wrap her in his arms but she moved away. "I'm not a mind reader Hermione. I don't know what's wrong unless you fucking tell me. I love you but you're scaring me."
Hermione finally replied, "I love you too Draco. I'm just not sure why I'm feeling this way." Hermione paused. "I've just told you a lie. I do know why I'm feeling this way. I was jealous of a witch you met on your time out and touched you as though she had knowledge of you."
Draco replied, "My fiance is jealous of another witch? Hermione, we are declared and accepted. It's you and me baby. Nothing is going to come between us. Yes. A witch did overstep and I straightened her arse right out. I don't even know how you know that, you weren't even at the table when I had to straighten her out."
It was Hermione's turn to be puzzled. She replied, "I sat right there and watched her touch you and you never said a word."
Draco wrapped Hermione in his arms and murmured, "If she put hands on me before I backed her off I didn't know it. I really don't have any reason to pay attention to witches on the prowl baby. I've got you. Don't forget, I've been where you are. I was so jealous of any wizard who came near you I almost broke us up. I've gotten over that somewhat because we are engaged and you have accepted me. Please don't ever think there is another witch I would choose over you. What would I be looking for? If you think I want to shag some other witch, you'd better forget it because you are the witch I want and the only witch I will be sleeping with. I thought that was understood. I love you baby. You can get angry with me over whatever you want but never get angry with me because you think I'm sneaking around with some witch. That will never happen. Your mood and your thoughts are crazy. Are you sure we're not pregnant? Could this be what your mood is about?"
Hermione smiled. "We're not pregnant git. I was upset."
Draco smiled and retorted, "Well that's a good thing because I want us to be married before we have children. All our children will start out carrying the Malfoy name. Speaking of getting married when do you want to make me your lover for life?"
Hermione hugged Draco and told him she would like to be married the next October. He hugged Hermione back and told her, "You have a deal. We're getting married next October. I hope you're sure because tomorrow I'm going to tell everyone."
Draco and Hermione talked about what each wanted. Draco told Hermione to plan on having a big wedding because if his mother had still been alive she would have insisted on a Malfoy wedding.
Draco cheeked, "You might have to stay out of my boxers so you won't be walking down the aisle with a very large stomach."
Hermione laughed as she retorted, "No problem. I'll just keep my legs very tightly closed until next October."
Draco nuzzled her neck as he replied, "That won't work. I can barely go a day without being with you. If I had to go from now until next October without having sex with you, I'd go insane. You can forget what I said, I'll still marry you if we have a big stomach by then."
Hermione turned to kiss Draco and he caught her lips with his. From there, it was five minutes before their clothes were on the floor and they were locked in a sexual dance which left them both satisfied and breathless. Hermione went to sleep snuggled against her wizard for life.
In Milan, Gas was in a miserable mood. His family had gone to London to enjoy a weekend away and he was here listening to Celia rant. The more Celia ranted the more pissed off Gas became. First of all he had broken an unwritten code for her. He had shagged his brother's witch. It didn't matter Sal had decided Celia wasn't worth his time. She had been Sal's witch first. Gas was not only ashamed to face his brother, he was afraid his mother and father would not understand either. He and Sal were adults so his mother and father wouldn't call him out about it, but they would be so disappointed. Nothing like this had ever happened between him and Sal and it wasn't supposed to have happened this time.
Gas had had a witch, but suddenly he had found himself thrusting into Celia Lozier. He didn't even know how it happened. Kim had realized something was going on and he had denied everything. Celia had been the one intent on letting Kim know something was going on between her and Gas. Kim was a caring witch who had been hurt by the insinuations and innuendo Celia had put forth. One day it had became too much and she had told Gas what she thought of him and broken off their relationship. So here he lay after finishing a shagging session listening to Celia tell him what she wanted him to do for her.
Celia was on his last nerve. He wasn't going to help her ruin Hermione and Draco's relationship. He may be a backstabbing brother but he wasn't stupid enough to go up against Draco Malfoy and he wasn't about to push himself on Hermione. He had tried that once and almost lost Hermione as a friend. It wasn't even a fucking plan. Celia actually thought if he got Hermione in a compromising position Draco would leave her and run to Celia. As if. Gas knew the only thing Draco would leave would be hex marks on his arse.
Even if Gas was inclined to help Celia, he wasn't stupid. He had heard part of the conversation between Celia and her brother Emilio. Celia wanted him to believe if he helped her with her scheme, he would get Hermione and she would get Draco. Gas knew better. Minister Lozier had every intention of trying to get Hermione into his bed. During the part of the conversation Gas had overheard, Celia and Minister Lozier had discussed some old blood cross or something. The conversation had been a little confusing because it sounded like they believed if the Minister had sex with Hermione it would break the scent barrier between her and Draco. Gas had let the conversation go in one ear and out of the other. He hadn't ever heard of anyone being able to disrupt the scent barrier between a witch and wizard who had declared and accepted each other's intentions. As far as he was concerned it was just some more of Celia's bullshite.
At first it had been exciting having a witch who would give him oral sex anywhere at any time, but that had gotten old when he realized he was nothing more than a pawn in some screwy wizarding chess game being played by the Lozier family.
Gas didn't even know why he was still following Celia around. The previous day he had called Kim to try to get back with her. She had been polite but she hadn't wanted anything else to do with him. She readily admitted he had hurt and embarrassed her and once had been enough.
Gas got up to take a shower while trying not to feel sorry for himself. He had got himself into this now he had to get himself out. Hopefully without Draco, Hermione or his family finding out. Gas was pretty sure if he didn't agree to help her scheme she would threaten to tell everyone he was her accomplice. Gas was troubled because no matter how he looked at things, he knew this was not going to turn out well. With a huge sigh Gas decided he'd had enough. He was through with Celia and her delusions and was going to tell her so.
Gas told Celia he was through with her and her scheme. He wouldn't be calling her anymore and she didn't have to call him. He was done with her.
At that moment, every drop of sweetness Celia had shown him disappeared. She had turned on Gas like a shrew. She began abusive, screaming and accusing him of forcing her to satisfy him orally and in bed. She threatened to tell her brother.
In the back of his mind Gas was thinking, you certainly can't tell your father because he's a criminal and has been arrested by the Aurors. But he didn't say anything of the sort because Celia was already acting like a madwoman. With Celia so far out of control, Gas decided it was time for him to leave. That's what he did and did in double time.
Celia was still shrieking as he apparated home. When he arrived at home he immediately locked the floo and went into his bedroom to lie down. Millions of thoughts were going through his head. It seemed no matter which way he turned he would be in trouble. Gas thought about telling his father everything but then he would have to admit his part in all of this. He wouldn't be able to look his father in the eye again. He was an adult and figured to take what was coming without getting anyone else involved.
Gas spent the rest of Friday night in his room. The floo bell had rung several times but he had ignored it. His phone had rung four times but he had ignored that as well. He didn't want to see Celia and he didn't have anything more to say to her.
Gas was anxious over what Minister Lozier might do if Celia did report him to the authorities. He had been sneaking around with Celia so no one knew it was a consensual relationship. His witch had broken up with him for cause and he had been with his brother's witch. That was for a start. If the rest of it came out, he would be disgraced. He had unintentionally gotten himself in the middle of a plot against Hermione Granger and Draco Malfoy. He wouldn't be able to hold his head up ever again. He was a twenty six year old wizard but at that moment he wanted his mother and father to rescue him.
On Saturday morning Gas decided three things. He decided he would move forward and concentrate on making things up to his brother. He decided he would move forward and get back on point in his job and finally Gas decided he wanted to be in London with his family. Regarding Sal, Gas didn't know how he would fix what he'd done but he was going to face it head on.
Gas knew there had been times lately when Willem had looked at him strangely. But Willem had come to like and respect Gas and had given him a lot of leeway. He hadn't taken any actions regarding Gas' imaginary appointments and illnesses. Willem had only said, "If you need to talk, I'm here." Gas had appreciated Willem's concern but at that time Celia had him and his dick wrapped up tight and he hadn't wanted to talk about anything. Now he couldn't talk to Willem because everything had gone sideways and there wasn't any way he could show himself in a good light.
As soon as he was up, showered and dressed, Gas had gone to the Local Portkey Office to catch the earliest portkey to London he could get. After speaking to several Portkey Officers, Gas was able to secure a 2:00 pm Milan time portkey which would land him about 9:50 am London time.
Gas went back to the flat to put some things together to take with him. Hermione had given him the address of her London flat shortly after they met so he was all set on that front.
Gas was on his way to London at 2:00 exactly. He hadn't ever taken a portkey as far away as London but he came through fine. He landed in the London Local Portkey Office at 10:00 am London time and got apparating directions from the Apparition Office.
At 10:15 Gas was ringing the front door bell of Hermione's flat. He could hear someone moving about but no one came to let him in. He rang the bell again and finally his mother opened the door. She had been surprised but happy to see her oldest son. She hugged him as soon as he was inside. Gaspare grinned at his father as Fausto came walking out from the back.
Gas asked for Sal. Fausto told him, "Sal stayed with Theo and Blaise for the night." Gas was disappointed. It sounded like he had missed a good time.
Carmela told him to sit down and she would get him some breakfast.
Gas asked, "Where are Hermione and Draco?"
Carmela replied, "Hermione and Draco are staying at Draco's flat but should be coming through pretty soon."
Gas hesitated and asked, "So it's just us then?"
Both Carmela and Fausto sighed. They recognized Gas had something to confess. He was their son and they knew when Gas had done something of which he wasn't proud. They all sat down at the kitchen table. Gas glanced from his mother to his father before he spoke. Then he had related what he had done with Celia Lozier. He didn't disclose anything about Celia's scheme. He took the blame for all of it but he did mention that Celia was a very…aggressive witch. He didn't want to go into the how the affair got started. He just wanted to admit to his mother and father what he'd done.
Carmela and Fausto told their son they were disappointed he would 'date' a witch his brother had dated but they were proud he had admitted his part. They reminded him that Sal might take it a little differently and to be prepared for a different reaction from his brother.
Fausto did admit, "Sal will be hurt that his own brother has done something like this but it won't be because he cares for the witch it will be because you broke his trust. You two will get past this, but in the future you should make better decisions. Nothing like this can ever happen again if you want to remain friends with your brother. Now go ahead and eat your breakfast."
They were still at the table when Sal and Theo came through the floo. Ten minutes after Theo and Sal came through, Draco and Hermione came through. Everybody greeted Gas and handshakes went all around. Pretty soon the wizards had taken over the kitchen and were eating and talking.
Draco raised his eyebrows at Hermione mumbling, "As long as he hasn't brought Celia, everything is fine." Hermione nodded at Draco as he went through to the kitchen to make sure Gas hadn't done anything stupid.
It was just Hermione and Carmela in the front room but both witches remained lost in her own thoughts.
Hermione had brought the X-box 360 as well as the disc player. She took them out of her bag, spelled them back to size and put on a disc of mixed muggle music. She set the X-Box up in the study so the boys would have something to keep them busy if they didn't want to go out. If they did go out, it would be there for them when they got back.
Carmela watched as Gas took Sal aside and asked to have a private word. Sal showed Gas to the room he was currently using. She let out a huge sigh as she hoped for the best for her two sons. Carmela murmured, "It's not a matter of some witch, it's a matter of trust between brothers."
Hermione asked if she was okay. Carmela smiled and nodded. Hermione reached out and touched Carmela on the hand and said, "The boys will be okay. After all they have you and Fausto for parents. Speaking of parents, thank you so much for last night. I was having a moment and needed to be reminded that Draco loves me above all else. Thank you."
Carmela smiled, "I'm always going to look out for my sons and daughter."
Hermione asked, "Have you eaten? Those wizards eat like hippogriffs. We should eat before it's gone."
Hermione smiled as all conversation stopped when she and Carmela entered the room. Carmela quipped, " That good of a night then boys?"
Hermione smiled when no one answered. The witches got their food and went back to the living room giggling like third years.
Hermione went over to sit next to Carmela and they began to discuss the things they had come across the prior day. Hermione told Carmela she hadn't yet discussed any of it with Draco because she wanted to make sure of her facts before bringing the information forward. Neither she nor Carmela had taken any notes, but when they went back to the manor on Sunday, Hermione would be prepared.
Fausto came into the living room, gazed down the hall in the direction of Sal's room and frowned, "Do you think I should go in?"
Hermione excused herself while Fausto and Carmela talked.
Carmela replied, "No Fausto. They have moved out and are on their own. It's time mum and dad let them work things out on their own. They'll be okay."
It was only a short time later when the door to Sal's room opened and Sal came back into the living room. Sal nodded at his parents as he headed back to the kitchen. Fausto stopped him and asked, "Where's your brother?"
Sal looked directly at his father and replied, "He's using the facilities. He'll be out in a bit. He's explained everything to me. I don't care a wit about Celia Lozier but the fact my own brother would interfere that way doesn't sit well with me. He's getting a little too old to act without thinking of consequences. How different would it have been if I cared about the witch? I'm fairly certain it wouldn't have turned out this pleasant. He's older and he needs to take responsibility for his actions. I told him this very same thing when he tried to sleep with Hermione. He hasn't learned. I've forgiven him dad but it's hard to think he's done this to me. He either grows up or I'll grow him up. Excuse me."
Carmela had changed her mind. "Fausto please go see if Gas is okay."
Fausto headed slowly down the hall, but he didn't want to see his oldest son when he was out of sorts. Gas was coming out of the room by the time Fausto reached the door. Fausto looked at his son and suggested he go back to the bathroom and throw a refresh spell on his face. Gas nodded and went back to the bathroom. Fausto headed back to the living room. He told Carmela that Gas was okay and left it at that.
Gas came out of the bedroom and headed to the kitchen. Within five minutes there was laughing and catcalls filtering through the door.
Hermione came out of the study to remind Carmela they were going shopping and that Hannah would be accompanying them. They only had to wait about thirty minutes for Hannah who stepped out of the floo greeting everyone as she walked across the floor. The guys shouted, "Where's Harry? Have you put him on lockdown?"
Hannah laughed and remarked, "My wizard, unlike you gits, needs to sleep. He'll be around later."
Hermione went over to kiss Draco and let him know they were going to Diagon Alley, Diagon Place and maybe Muggle London. Draco kissed her and told her to have fun.
And the girls did have fun. They visited about five shops before they stopped to have some lunch. After lunch Hermione dragged Hannah and Carmela to Padma and Parvarti's shop. The shop had so many divine outfits the witches couldn't decide what garment to try on first. Hannah spotted a spectacular green, calf length, dragon skin dress she insisted Hermione try on. Hermione loved the look as well and hadn't hesitated to try it on. The dress made Hermione look like a vision in green. From there, it was just a matter of picking accessories. Hannah and Carmela found exquisite outfits as well. All three witches left the shop in a very jubilant mood. Padma and Parvati hugged and thanked all three women before they left the shop.
Hannah suggested since they had found such lovely outfits, they should find somewhere posh to go that night. Both Carmela and Hermione agreed they should make it an elegant night. Hannah came up with a very good idea. She thought they should attend the Appreciation Night at the Excelsior Hotel.
As Hannah explained it, "The Appreciation Nights are something the hotel recently started as a means to increase business. I haven't attended any of the events but I've they are quite nice."
Carmela and Hermione were all for it if they could convince the men to go along.
Hannah had smirked, "They'll agree, especially when they see these dresses."
The three witches had a good laugh as Hannah said good bye. She apparated home while Carmela and Hermione apparated back to Hermione's flat.
Hannah had been correct. Draco, Fausto, Sal and Gas were all for an elegant night out. Draco had taken it upon himself to notify Blaise and Theo. He then took the Italian men out to buy what they needed. There seemed to be some strange excitement in the air which had puzzled Hermione a bit but she liked the fact everyone wanted to have an elegant night.
Hermione told Carmela she would see her later and was still smiling when she flooed through to Draco's flat to put her purchases away. They were going to have a wonderful Saturday night. After she had put away all her purchases, Hermione fixed herself some tea and settled back on the couch to go back over the information she and Carmela had found in the Malfoy Library.
Hermione hadn't got much thinking done because she had fallen asleep ten minutes after sitting down on the couch. Draco kissed Hermione awake when he came through about 6:30.
Hermione grinned at her wizard who looked like he had been on the go ever since he had left her. Hermione took Draco's face between her hands and told him he should take a little nap because he looked tired.
Draco remarked, "I had a good afternoon and I am a bit tired but a refresh spell will fix me right up."
Hermione kissed Draco telling him, "Okay sweetie."
Draco kissed her back and suggested, "We should start getting ready. The event starts at 8:30. Do you want to shower first or shall I?"
Hermione got up off the couch saying she would shower first. After she showered, Hermione called, "Your turn."
Draco had hurried in to take his shower. He was very excited for tonight. He wanted to show Hermione a wonderful time.
While Draco was in the shower, Hermione tried out different hairstyles and decided she would wear her hair up but falling instead of up in a tightly formed style.
By the time both she and Draco finished showering it was 8:15. It hadn't taken too much longer for Draco to get dressed. He had chosen a charcoal gray muggle suit with the longer jacket. Hermione looked appreciatively at her wizard as she thought, if he wasn't already mine, I'd want him.
While Hermione dressed, Draco called Harry on the mobile to let him know he and Hermione would be there by 9:15. Draco turned to face Hermione and was spellbound. He walked over to her and grabbed her up in his arms saying, "You are breathtaking. I'm so glad you have consented to be my wife."
Hermione smiled as she kissed him on the lips. "I'm glad you asked me to be your wife."
They were ready to go at 9:10. Draco told Hermione they would be meeting everyone at the hotel. Just before they apparated out, Draco stepped away from Hermione to get something from the bedroom. Then they were ready to go.
When they landed outside the hotel, Hermione mentioned, "We must be the first to arrive. That's strange."
Draco had replied, "They're probably inside."
Hermione shrugged as they made their way inside. A hotel greeter approached to show them to the event. As they were led through a pair of closed double doors a massive shout went up, "Congratulations." Hermione's mouth fell open.
There were two large banners hung in the room. One read Congratulations Hermione and Draco and one which read, She Said Yes.
Hermione turned to look at a beaming Draco, then she turned to look at least fifty of her British and Italian friends. She grabbed Draco around the neck and almost smothered him with kisses. The room went wild with hoots and catcalls. Hermione and Draco finally took each others hand as they were led to their seats.
Carmela, Fausto, Willem and his wife, Harry and Hannah were all seated at the table waiting for Draco and Hermione. Hermione hugged and kissed Carmela as she asked, "Was all this your doing?" Carmela smirked as she pulled Hannah up, We're guilty as charged. Draco told us to get it done and we did." Hermione laughed as she hugged Hannah.
Draco had shaken the hands of all the men at the table and made sure Hermione was seated before he seated himself.
Hermione grinned and hugged Draco again. She told Willem it was wonderful to see him and his wife and thanked him for coming.
Willem quipped, "It is very easy when you have a filthy rich Head with an international floo." Everybody at the table laughed.
Hermione and Draco remained seated for about thirty minutes before they stood to walk around and greet their guests. When Draco stood that was the signal for Harry to go prepare for Draco's speech.
So Hermione was surprised yet again when Harry's voice filled the room asking her and Draco to present themselves at the front of the room. Hermione looked at Draco and he kissed her on the cheek as he gloatingly remarked, "The Boy Who Lived has beckoned us."
When they reached the front of the room, Harry stepped aside as Draco took Hermione's hand and drew her to him. Then as if he was talking to her alone, Draco began his heartfelt speech. "Hermione Jean Granger caught my heart. At first, I was attracted to her brains and her intelligence."
Blaise yelled out, "Sure you were." The room laughed as a whole.
Draco ignored Blaise and continued, "Then something happened. Each subsequent time I saw her I felt myself being drawn to her. Unfortunately for me she was dating someone else and all I could do was stand by and watch the witch I wanted walk away with another man. Luckily for me, Hermione's prior relationship ended and I was able to catch her eye. It wasn't easy convincing this witch that I wanted her for the rest of our lives. She's tough."
This time it was Harry who shouted out, "You bet your arse she's tough. I taught her everything she knows." Another round of laughter was heard around the room.
Draco held up his hand so he could go on. "A bit of confusion caused us to separate for a time. When we got back together, I knew I didn't want to lose her. On October 2nd of this year I asked Hermione to be my wife and as the sign says, She Said Yes. So, for those of you who don't know, this is Hermione Jean Granger, the future Mrs. Draco Malfoy." Draco held up Hermione's hand to show everyone the ring on her finger.
Everybody stood and applauded Hermione and Draco as they shared a passionate kiss.
When the applause died down, Draco informed the room that he and Hermione decided they would be married the next October so they should keep their calendars open.
Hermione and Draco stood for the next twenty minutes receiving well wishes from all their friends and acquaintances.
Both Draco and Hermione were surprised that all the DLM Travelers had come to pay their respects as well. They were greeted by, Marta Calarco, Velia Caprini, Gennaro Nardi, EttoreBaglio, Lorenzo Barone, Raul Falco, Arn Reda, Rico Testa, and Maria Panetta. They had come as a company group. Hermione thanked them for coming.
One second the room was lively and loud then it had suddenly became very quiet. Hermione and Draco turned to find out what had happened and spotted Ginny Weasley walking toward them.
Ginny stopped in front of the couple and gave them her well wishes. Draco, who didn't want Hermione to know he could have kissed Ginny on the cheek for breaking up her relationship with Emilio remained stoic.
Hermione smiled and said, "Thank you Ginny. It's nice to see you."
Ginny started to apologize but Hermione stopped her and stated, "This is my engagement party. It isn't the time or place for that discussion but I would like to invite you to come see me in Milan and we'll talk." The two witches hugged each other before Ginny walked away.
Draco put his arm around Hermione and asked, "Are you alright?"
Hermione wrapped both arms around him and cheeked, "I don't even remember why I was angry with Ginny. Now let's go eat."