Hello one and all, it's been awhile I know. Stuff got hectic with school and life and I had dropped off the face of the earth for a good while but I'm back! Slowly getting back into this story so bear with me and forgive the slight mistakes there may be. A lot of you have been messaging me about this story over the past year and half and I wanted thank you all for your kind words of encouragement and even entertaining pleas to continue. I hope this chapter was worth the very long wait.

The Rules Of Engagement

Chapter Six: Dust

Dust: tiny particles of matter that join together and are carried by various means dwellings or other spaces, seemingly rather harmless when one thinks about it; except in this instance one of these minute specks had found its way in the corner of Hermione's eye. She huffed in annoyance as she rubbed a dampened cloth across the edge of her eyelashes, mindful of her makeup and dutifully ignoring the exasperated sighs of the young Auror next to her.

"I don't understand why I have to be in here with you while you get an eyelash out of your eye. This is technically the ladies lavatory." Ron whispered as his eyes darted back and forth, his hands again adjusting the cummerbund around his waist.

Hermione rolled her eyes and thanked Merlin for Ron's impatience as she was finally able to get the offending speck as a result.

"Ronald, I told you that you were to spend the time in here to adjust your suit properly instead of grabbing at yourself in front of affluent company. Aside from that, you know full and well the men's lavatory is still under maintenance after what you Seamus did to it." She disposed of the cloth in her clutch as she turned to him; his face red with embarrassment.

"That's not fair; George needed to test that flurry bomb in real world environments. It's a business thing; high profile companies do it all the time!" He argued as he shoved his hands lewdly into his pants, pushing his dress shirt down into his trousers as it yet again had forced its way out of his tuxedo bottoms.

Hermione's glare turned chagrined as she watched the red headed wizard make a mess of his finely pressed shirt.

"Usually those 'high profile' companies have sites to test their products on and they also do not mainly cater to children. You two blew a lavatory up with an unsafe, pre-pubescent toy Ronald; let's not try to dress it up." She chided as she came to stand in front of him, flattening the lines he had created on his shirt.

"How dust could get in here is beyond me, the Ministry is constantly magically cleaning this building and the wards alone are boasted to not even let air that is too thick in… its actually quite curious…."

She trailed off, her features contorting in confusion. Ron on his part simply huffed as he grabbed her hand and led her out of the over decorated lavatory and into the Ministries main hall.

"Really 'Mione, we're going to become suspicious of dust now? If it really bothers you then on Monday we can launch a full investigation; but right now all I want to do is catch up with old friends and drink my arse off with expensive spirits."

They walked briskly down the marble laid hallway to the ballrooms main entrance, Ron tugging on his tuxedo jacket one last time before extending his arm to her.

"Please for the love of Merlin do not let yourself and Seamus get sloshed. This isn't Hogsmeade with Rosmerta, its distinguished guests and politicians." Hermione whined as she took his arm and a deep breath, preparing herself.

"Oh don't worry 'Mione, you know us! We're high functioning drunkards; no one will be able to tell the difference." He ignored her scandalized glare as he pushed the double doors open and pulled her through.

The smell of lavender and vanilla invaded her nostrils as they made their way through the extravagant space, her eyes immediately taking in raven-black marble laced with gold swirls. The Ministry and spared no expense on the rebuild and it was becoming glaringly more obvious that this event was meant to be the event of the new ballrooms unveiling.

She was taken from her thoughts as Ron's low whistle rang through her ears.

"Wow, they really went all out on this eh? I guess when wars are over the expense to show how much you're not broken is pretty high." He whispered as they made their way through a sea of fine tailored suits and dress gowns. Unfamiliar hands shook her and Ron's as praises of all different kinds and languages were cast upon them. She felt herself becoming overwhelmed, almost suffocated by it, her grip on the red headed Aurors arm unconsciously tightened as her breathing quickened. She had almost had enough until she saw Harry; his head slightly tilting back in laughter as he conversed with the head of the Ministries Magical Creatures department.

His figure was dominating when he caught her eye, the crowd parted around him almost as if sensing his demand for space. He unclasped his hands and gave her an assuring nod as they made their way towards him.

"All right there 'Mione?" He whispered as he gave her shoulder a firm squeeze.

She let out a deep breath and smiled as his touch instantly soothed her. If anyone should be uncomfortable in this setting it should have been him; but it seemed to bend to his will rather than over take him. She felt her heart swell with pride at the notion.

"I will be, just not used to all of this… it's been a while. So long have I avoided things like this I feel like it's the Yule Ball all over again."

Ron's crude snort caught her attention as he smirked at her.

"I remember you held up quite well with all that 'Mione. You know it's funny, I would have died for one of these tuxes during that time but now all I want to do it take the bloody thing off." He said, slyly changing the subject as he pulled at the tux dramatically.

Harry's chuckle was heavy and genuine.

"Well let's hope it's not right now because I don't think these stuffed shirts could handle seeing your pale arse in this sort of ambience."

They playfully shoved one another as Hermione looked on in slight fondness, they really were her rock.

"Yes, Yes Ron is quite pale. Now please be on your best behavior I… wait…where is Seamus?" She questioned, the trio looking about for the Irish rouge.

"Hm, it is awfully quiet and I haven't seen him since he excused himself for refreshments half an hour ago." Harry pondered as Hermione's expression turned panicked.

"Oh Merlin…You must go look for him!" She pushed at the two men, pointing them in opposite directions towards the two bars at the ends of the ballroom.

"All right, all right don't get in a tuff, we'll start the search. Will you be alright?" Ron queried as he looked down at her with slight concern.

"I'll be fine, just a bit of nerves but they've passed. I won't be fine though if he's gone off on his own and gotten properly sloshed, who knows what he'll do then."

Ron and Harry exchanged glances of amusement before being pushed again and finally relenting.

"Okay, Okay… just come look for us if you need us alright?" Harry said giving a pointed look before he and Ron walked off in opposite directions.

The bright witch sighed as she stood about, clenching and unclenching her grip around her small purse as she looked for something to occupy her time. She was just about to give up and help in the search when she caught sight of a most breath taking vision.

Fleur Delacour had always been beautiful, stunning even, Hermione could always begrudgingly admit that; but now… now she seemed almost unworldly. The French Auror was adorned in a stunning pale gray gown that trailed the floor slightly; the material hugging above her midsection before flowing out from underneath and the two inch band of silver that hugged her waist was crafted into tiny branches that interwove with one another. Hermione stared mouth agape as the woman, who being chatted to by two men on either side of her, caught her gaze. That smirk that Hermione had seen so many times that week crept on to the woman's lips as she gracefully gestured with her hand towards her own chin.

Her cheeks reddened instantly as she turned around, embarrassed of being caught leering in such an unkempt manner. She was silently chiding herself whilst trying to push some emotion that was foreign to her down when she felt a light, silky touch graze her shoulder. She turned suddenly to see Fleur gazing down upon her with one eyebrow raised and a glass of champagne twirling back and forth in her hand.

"Mademoiselle Granger, what company to see in such a dull setting. I'm glad I was able to spot you, 'zose gentlemen would not leave me alone." Hermione watched as Fleur finished her champagne; her smirk turning into a thankful smile.

"Nothing I'm sure you're not used to." Hermione briskly replied, slightly shocking herself at her impatient tone. The blonde's eyebrow merely arched higher as she discarded her glass onto a waiter's tray as he walked by.

"Oui, I suppoze so… Where is ze rest of your clan? I'm surprized to not see you joined at ze hip."

Hermione sighed as she tried to calm herself; the French Auror was obviously brushing away her comment so she might as well make peace.

"Trying to find Seamus, he can get a little…out of hand at these sorts of things. I think he takes it almost as a challenge on how many feathers he can ruffle before getting kicked out."

They softly laughed together, Fleur nodding in silent agreement.

"He'z a little devil but I've grown quite fond of him actually…Hiz company was refreshing." Fleur murmured as if recalling the night before.

"Ah well, he is very fond of you. I'm sure if you saw you now he would have a conniption…" Hermione gestured limply towards Fleurs dress as if not taking particular notice, though the smile on the French woman's face already told her that her attempt at feigning disinterest was a failure.

"I'm sure I wouldn't 'old his interest long… red iz a fetching color on you. I've meant to tell you since William and I'z wedding." Fleur for her part did not seem to feign anything; her eyes ran up Hermione's form almost lewdly as she gracefully took another glass of champagne from a passing by waiter, her eyes never leaving the younger witch's form.

Hermione felt her pulse quicken as the unknown feeling from before returned tenfold, she was about to stutter out what was most likely a shaky rebuttal when one of the gentlemen Fleur had been talking to came up behind the blonde.

"Miss Delacour, I am not surprised that a woman of your beauty keeps such lovely company as well."

He was tall and built rather well, his face clean shaven save a slight mustache adorning his upper lip. His auburn hair looked stylishly unkempt as he smoothed the front of his servicemen jacket.

Hermione watched curiously as Fleurs eyes fluttered closed in slight annoyance before turning to the gentleman with a dazzling smile.

"Monsieur Ovid, I 'av only just left you, yet you return to ask for a dance so soon?" Her tone was curt, a high pitched ting echoing from her glass as she tapped her nails against its surface.

The gentleman merely chuckled and shook his head; his eyes glancing towards the younger witch as his lips pursed slightly.

"Actually my dear a gentleman knows when his company is not wanted; I was going to extend the invitation to your lovely confidant… if she will have me." His hand reached out towards her, his dark brown eyes gazing into hers, beseeching. She faintly registered Fleurs huff as she took the man's invitation, silently thanking the gods above for giving her an escape from another awkward exchange with the French Auror.

She noted how soft his hands were for a gentleman of service, surprising for someone whose job detailed handling a wand just as much as hers did. The job description was almost no different than hers, except for the fact that she was allowed to come and go as she pleased; Servicemen and women were required to be on the Ministries call at all times. Judging from the decoration of his uniform, pale blue with slight gold inlay and onyx accents; his post was most likely Greece.

He gently spun her as they reached the dance floor, his posture already poised for the waltz before her turn completed. Drawing her close, his hand's gripping her waist firmly; he began to lead them in time with the band as they played a familiar tune for their stance.

"You are quite capable on your feet, Hermione…may I call you that?" His breath smelled of fresh mint, something that struck her with a familiar feeling she couldn't quite place. They parted briefly as he extended her outwards; his arm perfectly poised as his other hand held daintily onto her finger tips while they circled each other.

"You may Mr. Ovid" She began before he pulled her close again; his arm moving hers outwards whilst his left drew the other one in close to his waist. He led her effortlessly, eyes never leaving hers as they moved in time with others on the dance floor.

"Please, address me as Lycus. Miss Delacour never properly introduced you and I, though I feel you already know that I am well aware of whom you are. None the less, I prefer to be on a first name basis with my dance partners."

They revolved again and she caught Fleurs fierce gaze, following them as they moved to-and-fro. Her eyes almost seemed black before she broke from Hermione's stare and briskly disappeared behind a large pocket of tuxedos and gowns. The smell of fresh mint enveloped her again as she turned her head slightly to see Lycus looking down at her, his gaze was piercing as his lips formed into an unsettling smirk.

"You really shouldn't let her bother you; her saying no only made my choice that much…easier." There was a slight break in his tone… his voice gruffer at the end, sounding more like gravel than silk like before.

"And what choice are you referring to Mr…I mean, Lycus?" Her eyes peered into his, watching the slight shift from brown to hazel and then back again. His grip became tighter as he pulled her closer, and that familiar scent assaulted her again as his forehead touched hers.

"On which one of you I'll let try to chase me."

She pulled back slightly, eyes glaring curiously as he gave her a wolfish smile.

"I'm sorry; I've offended you with my un-gentleman like behavior, I may be touched by the wine."

He gave her hand an apologetic squeeze before spinning her gently, his demeanor turning proper and over embellished.

"From which post did you say you were stationed?" Hermione questioned as she gazed at him suspiciously. His chuckle was deep as they came together one last time, the song ending flourishingly.

"I did not say, but since you inquire I'm sure you've already deduced that it is Greece, Tripoli region to be more exact." He bowed, his eyes holding hers before he straightened.

"Thank you for the dance Miss Granger; you are a revelation in both hearsay and in person."

He gave a subtle nod towards her before retreating into the crowd of other dancers, his pale blue jacket slowly fading behind a sea of black tuxes. The young Auror let out a breath she didn't know she had been holding as she turned and made her way out of the ballroom doors, sighing with relief when the doors to the crowded ballroom closed behind her and she was left with fresh air in the empty hallway.

Her fingers ran through her magically tamed curls as she closed her eyes, taking in the silence. Ovid's words stuck with her, he was rather forward and the tone had taken with her was slightly…predatory. Hermione could admit the attention was flattering but being courted was the last thing on her agenda, her job made sure she had no room for a love life of any sort and she had come to accept that a long time ago. She was brought out of her thoughts when a loud bang rang out from down the hall, her hand immediately moving to the impression of her wand that was strapped to her leg underneath her dress.

Another rumble echoed again as she pulled the wand from her garter and slowly progressed down the hallway, silently toing off her heels. She found herself in front of the janitor's closet door, and the tip of her wand to the keyhole to silently unlock it. Bracing herself, she wrapped her hand around the shaking door knob and pulled swiftly, wand at the ready as it lit the dark space with a glow of white light.

"Oh Merlin…have I died?"

The young Auror let out a relieved sigh as she gazed down at Seamus' disheveled form.

"Don't tell me you somehow got so drunk you managed to lock yourself in a closet." Hermione half chuckled as she helped the Irishman up, his body instantly leaning against hers as he groaned.

"I swear I only had one drink and then…I don't know I just woke up here. Believe me; I envisioned my ending to tonight being a lot more…dramatic."

He fussed as she tried to smooth down his hair and straighten his bow tie.

"Well Harry and Ron have been in search of you all night, I only came out to get some air and well…there you were." She gave him a gentle shove towards the ballroom as she closed the closet door, making her way behind but stopped when a shimmer caught her eye. Her eyes strained as she slowly inched further towards the slight glimmer that flickered against one of the marble walls. She could feel intense heat and cold almost at the same time as her hand unconsciously extended towards the sparking, medium sized hole.

She briefly registered Seamus' curious stare directed at her as her mind tried to process the magically torn hole facing her. Countless hours spent warding and testing the barriers around the ministry burned up in front of her eyes as she ran her finger along the edge of the misshapen circle, the instant cold of it slightly shocking her.

"Blimey, is that a tear?"

She turned to him then her face still contorted in confusion as she stared down at her fingers, the tips rubbing the soot between them.

"It's… I don't…understand how…"She struggled; still in awe as she finally met his worried gaze, her throat swallowing hard as she looked back down at her fingertips. A cold breeze blew through the gaping tear, particles of the slowly chipped away barrier settling across her rosy cheeks. At that moment only one word echoed through her mind.

Dust