AN: first off I apologize for the obscenely long time between updates. Honestly I tried writing this chapter a few times and kept getting stuck. Then over the summer my parents took my son on a month long road trip across country. I had planned on using all that spare time to write and instead my depression decided to rear its ugly head. Thankfully I am finally feeling better but now I'm entering my busiest season at work so writing time is limited.
Draco walked into Paddy's the second week of January and breathed a sigh of relief. After the madness of the holidays and then Granger starting her new position as Head of the Law Division, life was just starting to get back to normal. This was the first time in three weeks they were getting back to their regular Tuesday night routine. Even then Granger had texted him and warned that she was running late. Draco decided to still come at the usual time and walked up to the bar planning to talk to Sean and people watch until she showed up.
"Evening Sean." Draco greeted the burly redhead behind the bar.
"Evening Malfoy, been busy eh? Almost lost track of the days, not seeing you and Maria here the last few weeks." The bar man jokes as he pours Draco's scotch.
"It has been a busy few weeks. I'm hoping it's about to calm down for a bit. Although experience tells me that's never going to happen." Draco shook his head as he thought of all the family events they had attended in the last few weeks. While they had previously planned to keep the engagement quiet Molly Weasley proved to be just as adept at spotting glamours on rings as the Weasel had said. As soon as presents were opened and the children went outside to play, the Weasley matriarch calmly cleared her throat and asked if anyone had anything they wanted to share. When no one answered she carefully flicked her wand and not only did the glamor on Granger's ring drop, so did one on Katie's new engagement ring and Fluers stomach, exposing her as 3 months pregnant. Gasps and then congratulations filled the air as all three witches were mobbed in a huge group hug. Draco had tried to avoid it but as he was backing away Ron had grabbed his arm and muttered, "oh no you don't. As much as it pains me to say it, as soon as that ring hit her finger you became a Weasley." They both tried to stay on the outskirts of the mob but Potter and Red grabbed each of them and pulled them into the fray.
Draco was lost in his thoughts and missed Sara standing next to him picking up an order. He turned to say something to Sean and ended up spilling her tray of drinks over the both of them. After making sure she was all right and offering to pay for the spilt drinks Draco took the bar rag Sean offered him and rolled up his sleeves to try and wipe off the excess alcohol. A wave of unease rolled over him when he saw Sean eyeing the now visible Dark Mark. While muggles had no idea what its significance was Draco still kept it covered because it made him uncomfortable whenever someone would compliment him on it. That nauseous feeling only got worse once Draco realized Sean's look wasn't of interest or awe but one of recognition.
"What is that tat? Some kind of secret club thing or what? You're the third person I've seen with that tattoo in the same place in the last few weeks." Sean said as he went back to remaking the drinks that had been spilled. The ginger looked curious but also as if he expected Draco to not explain.
For his part Draco was freaking out on the inside. He could only think of a few people still alive with the Mark, all of whom belong in Azkaban. None of them would be caught in a muggle Pub unless they were looking for something or worse someone. Taking a deep breath Draco did something he hadn't done since he and Granger had become serious, he occluded. Once his walls were firmly in place holding his emotions at bay he began questioning the bar keep.
"It's kind of a club you could say. When did you see it?"
Sean paused as he thought back then began, "About a week or so before Christmas 2 blokes came in, each with that tat." He shrugged as he wiped down a glass, "Acted weird. Didn't know what to order, rude to me and wouldn't even acknowledge Rebecca, the waitress that night. Finally decided on an Irish whiskey, to which they stuck their noses up at. Then asked how often I worked, if I would know the regulars. As soon as I said I'm the owner and run the bar every night they perked up a bit. Finally asked if I have a certain customer, probably a regular. Described a woman," he paused thoughtfully, "almost fit Maria's description but the name they gave was wrong." At this point Draco pulled out his phone and quickly pulled up Potter's number and shot off a quick text:
Put on your muggle uniform, be ready, will call to explain in a minute
Sean shrugged, "I wouldn't have told them anything anyways because they didn't have any form of ID. Honestly now that I think about it I don't think they paid either but I don't know why I let them walk away." He definitely had the dazed look of someone who was trying to remember a poorly modified memory, "They gave off a dangerous vibe. They said they were looking for the one guys sister but I doubt that was the truth. Whoever this Hermione is, she obviously isn't safe with them looking for her."
Draco stops him there, realizing Potter had to get in on this now "Sean, if you got a minute I got someone I need you to speak to about this." He looked back down at the Mark he hated so much and sighs, "You're right this tattoo isn't just a club thing, these are very dangerous men and they absolutely want to hurt this woman. I'm going to call a friend who's with Law enforcement, he is going to want to talk to you about these guys you spoke with."
Sean put down his bar towel and saw the seriousness on his face. He nodded "yeah let me get with Sara, she can run the bar for a few minutes and we can head back to my office."
Draco turned away pulling out his phone again and calling Potter, "Potter" he barked as the scar-faced man answered the phone, "Two men with the Dark Mark were at our pub asking about Granger."
"Shit, I'll be there in a minute"
10 minutes later Potter came rushing through the door and they followed Sean to the back office. Once seated Potter introduced himself as some sort of muggle police investigator and began asking questions about the men who came in asking about Granger; it was tricky to explain why this was so important and just how dangerous these men could be. Sean related the entire story and then Potter asked for a description of the men. As Sean described them Draco's heart started racing for he knew that it had to have been Dolohov and Rowle. The look on Potter's face said he knew who it was.
"Mr McDonough, I appreciate you talking to me today." Potter said as they stood and he shook Sean's hand. "I can't stress enough just how dangerous these men are. They are a very violent terrorist group that would not think twice about bombing the place if they think Hermione is here. I need your word that you will call me right away if you see them or anyone else with that tattoo." Sean went pale at that statement but then looked at Draco questioningly. Seeing the look Potter added, "Malfoy here was coerced into joining as a teen but was able to get out. He is in just as much danger if they find out he's been here."
After Potter exchanged numbers with Sean the trio stepped out of the back office to find Granger talking to Sara at the bar. Both ladies were caught up in conversation and Granger didn't see them approaching. As a rule neither Hermione or Draco were huge fans of PDA, however after hearing a couple of the worst Death Eaters are not only out they were looking for Granger Draco couldn't help but want to grab her and never let her go. Granger turned slightly and smiled as she saw Draco but quickly looked puzzled when she saw Harry with him.
"Harry, what are you doing here?" She asked as she hugged him then turned to Draco. Draco couldn't help himself, as soon as she let go of Potter he pulled her close and draped his arm over her. Hermione shot him a quick questioning glance but then was back looking at Potter. "Shouldn't you be at home with Ginny and James?" Her look of confusion quickly fell to panic at the serious looks both Draco and Harry gave her, "what's going on?"
Rather than answer her directly Harry looked at Sean, "can you spare a few more minutes. She'll take it more seriously if she hears it directly from you." Sean just nodded his head and turned back towards his office once again.
"Please have a seat Hermione." Sean said, sitting himself.
At first Hermione was so caught up looking between Harry and Draco she just nodded before remembering Sean didn't know her real name. Startled, she looked at him, "thanks for the confirmation. These two have been careful about confirming or denying that's your name." Again Draco and Harry looked worried. Sean didn't waste a moment jumping right into his experience a few weeks back. The longer he spoke the paler he noticed Hermione got.
"So what's the plan? Set a trap, draw them out, what?" Hermione finally said as Sean stopped talking.
"Absolutely not."
"I don't think so!"
"And why on earth not?" Hermione asked indignantly. "It's me they are after, let's let them think they have me and we can catch those bastards."
"We will not be baiting them." Harry grit out. When he saw she wasn't going to let it go easily he added, "even if I was willing to risk you, we can't risk innocent lives. We know those bastards wouldn't think twice of walking in and killing everyone in sight. We can't risk civilians. Even if we filled the pub with officers they might just bomb the entire street just to make sure you don't get away." He paused, his look begging her to understand, "Hermione think logically, there is no safe way to bait them."
"So what are we supposed to do, just wait for them to attack? I refuse to be idle knowing they are looking for me." Hermione said indignantly.
Harry turned to Sean, "I'm sorry to ask but will you excuse us?" Looking at the murderous look on 'Maria's' face and the anger building in Malfoy's, Sean quickly acquiesces.
45 minutes later the trio exit the office. Sean observes that while they all look somewhat calmer, none look happier.
"Thank you for the use of your office Sean." Malfoy says as they all come to stand at the bar, " we have decided" Maria forcefully clears her throat, making it clear how little she agreed with the decision, "that it would be safer for everyone involved if we stop coming in for a bit. At least until we catch these bastards. We certainly don't want to put you or anyone here at risk." He paused here, clearing his own throat as if he didn't like what he was saying any more, "so sadly this is it for us. One last round and we will get out of your hair."
Sean poured all three a scotch and then poured a fourth for himself. As a rule he never drank on the job. He thought it unprofessional and would have chewed out any of his employees if he caught them doing it. However tonight he made an exception. These were two of his favorite customers. Both were very polite and easy to talk to. He was sad to hear they weren't coming back but hearing just how awful the men looking for Hermione were he respected them for not wanting to endanger him and his other customers.
"Here's to catching the bastards and getting back soon." Sean said as he raised his glass.
"Hear, hear." The detective Potter said as he drank his drink. All of a sudden Sean realized why the man looked somewhat familiar. He had come in and spoke to Malfoy all those months ago. He remembered it because the man had come in, walked straight to the bar and stood so he could see the entrance. Once he got his drink he stepped to the closest table and waited, watching. As soon as Malfoy had ordered he stepped up and spoke to him. Sean remembered thinking it odd because it was the first time he had seen Malfoy flustered. It was just a quick flash and then Malfoy adopted the snear Sean hadn't seen since he had started talking to Maria.
"I remember you now." Sean started but both men began shaking their heads at him to stop talking. It was too late, Maria turned back to him in a flash and looked between all three men, "are you saying you have seen this man, here, before Sean?" She asked calmly.
He knew he had put his foot in his mouth but couldn't think of a plausible lie so he just nodded.
"How long ago, would you say?" She asked.
He thought for a moment, "I know it was summer. Just after the redhead ran in looking for you that one night."
"Oh really?" She asked, now glaring between the two men beside her. She rounded on the scared detective first, "I thought you swore you never pried, that you knew nothing. Ron held me up that night on purpose didn't he? All so you could grill Malfoy. " Malfoy smirked at the look she was giving the other man until she turned on him. "And you! I distinctly remember asking you that night if you had seen anyone and you said no." She said, poking him in the chest.
Malfoy held his hands up as if in surrender, "in my defense I said I hadn't seen Weasel, you never asked about scar head here."
"Oh you think you're so clever you sneaky Slytherin." She growled under her breath then faced them both again, "you two better remember that karma is a bitch. You and Ron are all going to get it for this." With that she turned and stomped out of the pub.
"Well at least she isn't stressing over the Death Eaters for the moment." Potter said, watching her leave.
"Should I be worried about going to her place tonight?" Malfoy asked, catching Sean's attention. While neither had said anything or been obvious Sean and Sara had both seen a shift in their interactions and had speculated as to if they were a couple or not. Sean took such a question as confirmation.
"Naw, she threatened all three of us so whatever she does will be to us all at the same time. I'd say individually we are fine. I'm thinking we need to be on the lookout when all together at the Burrow."
"Joy." Draco replied sardonically before continuing, "do you have any leads on Dolohov? I know he's been on the top ten list." Draco thankfully stopped himself before he added 'since the war' because he was fairly certain Sean was still listening. Harry nodded at the door and waited till they were outside before answering. "Honestly he's been my number 1 for some time now. As much as it pisses me off he was here, at least this is a lead. I haven't had a confirmed sighting in over a year and it was in Ireland." Harry's frustration came through his voice. "I know she's going to be stubborn but please try to convince Hermione to stay in as much as possible."
Draco shook his head but agreed, "She's not going to like it but I'll try my best. As gaudy as that engagement ring is, I'm glad I went with it. It has all the Malfoy family protections on it. When I gave it to Bill to make sure it wouldn't hurt her for not being pureblood he added the Weasley family protections. He assured me it will protect her from anything except a direct hit from an Unforgivable." They had reached the apparition point and turned to shake hands,
"Good luck with Hermione." At Draco's nod Harry took a deep, bracing breath, "now I get to go explain to my wife why I'm going back to work early and that our vacation is canceled."
"Good luck with that," Draco chuckled but quickly turned serious, "promise me you won't stop until those bastards are caught?" He asked not even hiding the desperation in his voice. He knew Dolohov and Rowle well enough to know he wanted them nowhere near his family or friends.
Harry growled, "Dolohov damn near destroyed my family twice, he won't get a third chance."
AN2: I hope this was worth the wait. Please let me know what you think!
Also I held off posting this till today because I wanted to post the companion piece 'Famous Last Words'. It is a three part series about times Hermione led her friends into Muggle London. The first chapter is up now. The second will come soon and it will be the story behind "Jose made me" please check it out and let me know what you think.
As always Hufflehugs to all!