Previously on Returning To His Roots: Chapter 13
Draco was gazing at himself in the mirror when Elder knocked on the door. "Enter Elder. You may leave the food on my table," he remarked not taking his eyes from the mirror. "Thank you."
Draco spent another five full minutes at the mirror before sitting down to eat. As he carefully chewed his food, Draco brought up scenario after scenario of how he should proceed. This date between Wil and Hermione had him unnerved. Hermione was single and Wil was a vibrant personality. Just wonder if she took a liking to him. Draco wanted a chance with Hermione before she made any decision on the next wizard in her life.
By the time Draco finished his sandwich, he had a fully formulated plan. He would do as Blaise had suggested and simply ask Hermione out.
His body was in obvious agreement with his plan as its immediate reaction was to once again produce a very firm and very leaky erection.
"As if." Draco muttered adjusting his suddenly tight trousers as he headed to the bathroom to brush his teeth. "Even if Hermione agrees to date me, her lovely honey pot will probably be off limits until we're both seventy years old."
For some reason, that ludicrous thought made his erection even bigger. Forgetting all about the reason he was in the bathroom, Draco ripped back the shower curtain uttering a simple pronouncement just before he stepped into the shower. "Cold shower. You will have to suffice."
//
Returning To His Roots: Chapter 14
The next morning, Draco was up and out by 9:00 am. He, Theo and Blaise visited the two flats then circled back so Draco could revisit the town home.
Draco was still very impressed with the town home, but wasn't sure he wanted to purchase a property before speaking to his father about possible renovations to his wing in the Manor.
Moving from room to room in the town home caused Draco to think about the flat where Lucius was paying rent. Not really expecting an affirmative answer, Draco asked anyway. "Theo. By any chance, did you rent out a flat to my father?"
Blaise distanced himself by walking out to the back garden knowing anything to do with Lucius was not his business.
Theo shuffled from foot to foot. The flat rental had been quite the hush hush project so he was quite surprised Draco had somehow come by the information. "I did," replied Theo feeling a bit uncomfortable. "It was a private transaction which I agreed not to discuss. To get full details. You'll have to ask Lucius."
Draco gave Theo a long look, but realized it would be futile to keep inquiring, so he turned the conversation back to the town home. "I wanted to speak with my father first, but I do like this property. I'll take it if I can get a decent price."
"A decent price?" Laughed Blaise who had come back into the room. "You have more Galleons than Gringott's, yet it sounds as though you are trying to fleece an old mate."
Theo gave Blaise a thumbs up before turning to Draco. "The listed price is 300,000 Galleons. However, because I am the best magical Real Estate Developer and Sales Agent in London, I can get this fine home for you for 275,000 Galleons which is a steal."
"You are so full of shite Theo. Best magical Real Estate Agent my arse. You're the only agent. However, I will take the property for 250,000 Galleons. Shall we meet at Gringotts Monday afternoon about 1:00?"
Theo pretended to ponder Draco's offer for several seconds before extending his hand. "You have a deal Mr. Malfoy. Monday at 1:00 it is then."
Blaise shook the hands of both his mates. "Nothing like a hard driven bargain. Shall we check with the Swiss lads and get back to the Manor for a nice lunch? We still have a few hours before Wil has to get ready for his date with Hermione."
"Fuck you Blaise." Draco remarked heading for the front door. "It's not a date. I'll see you both at the Manor."
/*/
Draco, Theo and Blaise landed one behind the other at the outer gates to Malfoy Manor. With Draco in the lead, they headed inside.
"Missy, Elder. Come here please." Draco called out. When the two elves were in front of him, Draco gave instructions for them to put together a nice lunch with desserts as well as coffee and tea.
Yes Mr. Draco. We'll see to it," replied Missy casting her eyes sideways to get a look at the wizards who had come in with Draco. "Oh my Elder." She said breathlessly in her tiny elf voice. "That's Mr. Theo and Mr. Blaise back together with Mr. Draco after all this time. Welcome back misters.
Elder nodded in Blaise and Theo's direction also showing a certain level of excitement. Welcome back Mr. Theo, Mr. Blaise." Then turning to Draco he asked. "Shall I bring some before lunch liquid refreshments to the study?"
"We should be fine Elder if the study is set up as I asked."
"I been setting the study up exactly as you said. Mr. Draco. I was talking about the special liquid refreshment." Elder replied looking down at his feet.
"We'll be fine Elder. These gits don't deserve the special liquid refreshment." Draco drawled clapping Blaise and Theo on the back one after the other. "Right boys?" Draco asked with a laugh while gesturing towards the study. "I need to send a quick Owl to Wil, and the boys." He remarked pulling parchment and a quill out of the drawer.
Draco scrawled a hasty note to Wil inviting him and the others to lunch making sure to include Apparating directions. After he'd finished writing, Draco summoned Elder giving him instructions to send the message wizard-to-wizard so it would find his friend no matter where he was.
Once Draco was settled and they all had before lunch drinks in their hands, Blaise lost no time reminding Draco he had promised to reveal why Hermione had been so angry with him.
Looking down into his glass, Draco pondered whether he really wanted to share excerpts from such a painful time in his life. "The past is done and over. I've apologized to Hermione and as you well know. She accepted that apology. The bulk of the embarrassment will be mine. Although I've agreed to share this with you both. I must ask that it remain between us gentlemen. Even if I cared to share it further, it is not a story for any witch's ears."
Neither Blaise nor Theo could imagine what Draco had to say. The anticipation was killing Blaise and he urged Draco to tell the story. "Out with it man. Laying the groundwork is probably longer than any story you have to tell."
Draco rolled his eyes at Blaise, but noticed Theo was on the edge of his seat as well. "Shall we surmise it is worse than you hexing Hermione off her feet in the Potions Hall and showing her knickers to us boys?" Theo asked quietly remembering how a beet red Hermione had thrown a hex back at Draco missing him by a mile, but getting caught by Snape. "You started it, but because of Snape, the Gryffindors ended up getting the worst of it. Major points taken and detention as well. What's worse than that?"
"I remember that." Blaise chimed in. "That muck up happened just before my mother pulled my arse out of Hogwarts and sent me to Italy. It is embarrassing now, but it was funny then. You were a total Slytherin hero Draco."
Another roll of the eyes from Draco silenced both wizards.
/*/
Draco explained everything going step by step through time. Five minutes into Draco's revelations, Theo and Blaise were talking over each other accusing their mate of making shite up.
Draco simply held up his hand and made a terse statement. "You wanted to know why Hermione hated me, so I'm telling you. Every word out of my mouth on this subject is true." Draco had then gone on to explain the rest right up until Hermione stumbled upon him getting oral sex from Tracey Davis and broke off all contact.
"You were meeting in a Prefects bathroom? She actually pleaded your case to Harry and Ron?" Asked an astounded Theo. "Unfuckingbelievable. Then Dumbledore? She may have pleaded your case to Harry and Ron, but I'm willing to bet she never mentioned shagging you. If she had, there would have been no one in the whole of Hogwarts who could have kept them off you. Then you had a blow job in the same place you and Hermione had been meeting. It's probably a good thing you did leave London right after the war. I understand that was then and this is now, but for fucks sake Draco. Even if you had no choice other than do what Voldemort ordered, couldn't you have let Tracey blow you somewhere else? And here I was thinking you were the brilliant one."
Blaise remained silent for several minutes sipping his drink and gazing at Draco. He finally set his glass down and spoke. "She kept the memory of that bloody blow job all these years. I'd hate you too mate. I'm embarrassed for Hermione. And now you think you have feelings for her. Let me just say, mates or not. If you only want to fuck around with her because you didn't get the last word, I'll curse you myself. That was some foul shite Draco. Thank Merlin you got it sorted. None of us will ever have to speak of it again. Agreed."
"Agreed," mumbled Theo.
With his elbows on his knees and hands under his chin, Draco stared straight ahead. Sighing resignedly, he nodded his head. Neither Blaise nor Theo knew if he was nodding in agreement or at the fact he'd fucked up good and proper.
Shortly after Blaise and Theo let Draco know how they felt about the Hermione situation, Missy appeared to tell Draco the other welcome guests had arrived. Draco got up to go greet his guests. Before he left the study, both Theo and Blaise stood and pulled him into a tight hug vowing that the past was the past and he would always be their mate. After shaking hands, Draco walked into the hall to be greeted by four cheery faces coming through the doors.
/*/
Draco greeted his visitors warmly. "Come on in to the study. Lunch is ready. We were waiting for you lovely lads and lass."
Theo and Blaise shook hands all around with a friendly nod to Beth.
"Give us a minute to catch our breath Mr. Malfoy." Huffed Wil. "We've been out and about since early this morning. I find Diagon Alley enchanting. Met a lovely witch named Miss Patel who sent her regards when she found out we were here visiting you."
Draco simply nodded. If he couldn't say anything nice…..
Beth sat next to Desmond while Clarke and Wil found individual chairs.
They were making general conversation when Beth gave a soft cry of surprise and tried to burrow behind Desmond. Missy had popped back in to call lunch.
Really, thought Theo. This is a prosecutor? Hermione would have her arse for lunch. Out loud he asked Beth if this was the first time she'd ever seen an elf.
"I've read about them and seen pictures, but this is the first time I've seen one in person. We don't hold with slavery in Switzerland."
"You don't know much about them Beth, but you would call Missy, her name is Missy, a slave. Seems overly simplistic. Missy is a paid household worker much like the paid household workers you do have in Switzerland. I apologize if she frightened you."
"I don't think Beth meant any disrespect Draco," offered a contrite sounding Desmond coming to Beth's defense.
"None taken," replied Draco a tad irritably.
Missy had done a full turn when Beth called her a slave and stood gazing at the uninformed witch. Getting a slight nod from Draco, Missy responded to Beth's statement. "There's no slaves in Malfoy Manor. Youse a grown witch. You should be knowing that."
"That will be all Missy. We'll have lunch in the sunroom. We'll be there shortly." Extending his arm, Draco invited everyone to follow him through.
It was a quiet group who took seats at the table, but the conversation picked up once the food was served.
Clarke and Desmond marveled over the old world feel of The Leaky Cauldron and how it was the separation point between the Magical World and Muggle. Clarke also mentioned that Hannah was a well set up pub owner. Quite friendly.
Wil joked with Draco about the size of the Manor which caused Theo and Blaise to break out in raucous laughter. They would have made a sexually explicit comparison between the Manor and Draco's penis, but there was a witch present. Sharp as a tack Wil immediately caught on and laughed harder than Blaise or Theo.
Desmond appeared to have something to say so Draco asked him what was on his mind. Smiling, Desmond turned to Beth. "I'll let Beth tell you."
Beth's face grew pink as she explained how she and Desmond had talked into the early hours and finally decided they would date.
Wil let out a shout. "Here! Here!" He shouted raising a water glass. "To borrow a word from the English lads. It's about bloody time. I think if Beth had taken on a serious suitor, we would have had to shoot Desmond. Congratulations to you both."
Desmond sat there beaming while Beth remained quiet trying to control the blush creeping across her face.
"Congratulations," said Draco raising a glass. "I wish you both the best."
Glasses were raised all around for the new couple.
/*/
After lunch, the group discussed this and that until Blaise and Theo stood to make their excuses. Before leaving, Theo told Draco to Owl him if he and the group were going to make a night of it so he and Padma could join them.
Blaise agreed it would be nice to show off some of their lovely English sights adding that he and Ginny would tag along as well.
Wil made the offhand remark that perhaps Miss Granger would not be adverse to doing a bit of sightseeing with them.
Blaise looked at Theo. Theo looked at the floor.
Beth looked at them both then at Draco. The little bits and pieces that had been floating around her head since Draco had snapped at Wil finally settled. Draco was interested in Hermione Granger. Silly fellow, she thought, you'd better do something or Wil will have stolen her away. Their firm could always use another Prosecutor. Realizing she'd made the right choice, Beth put her arm through Desmond's arm giving him a lovely smile. Would they work out? She hoped so.
/*/
Without Draco's knowledge, Blaise had a word with Wil before he and Theo left. Wil didn't know whether to be upset or proud. His former colleague was doing something not many wizards would do.
During the remaining hour they were there, Draco and his guests discussed some of the sights they would visit. They agreed to meet in the foyer of the Dorchester and go from there.
/*/
Draco had been keen to have his former colleagues visit the Manor, but was even keener to see them go back to the hotel. It was 4:35. He had less than an hour to get ready for his meeting with Hermione. Anticipation was coursing through his body. Rightly or wrongly, he had decided to wing it. No prepared agenda. No great expectations. He would hope for the best, but be prepared for the worst.
Although he had showered earlier, Draco felt less than fresh, so he showered again. Then he carefully picked out a charcoal gray Basic Wear Dress suit. Quickly running his hands through his hair, he declared himself ready.
/*/
Hermione had made a quick trip to Diagon Alley after going through her closet three times and finding nothing she thought suitable for her meeting with Draco and her meet up with Wilhelm Baker. For tea at the Dorchester, she wanted to be impressively dressed. Going out for a pub crawl with Wil. Not so much.
The only reason Hermione would admit to for meeting Draco was she wanted to inform him about a certain piece of information she'd come across. She wasn't breaking any oath. The information, while related didn't directly touch on the LeClair case. It was nothing more than a bit of interesting throwaway news. However, meeting with Draco also gave her a chance to have some time with the wizard who had caught her heart as a girl and who continued to pop up in her thoughts at least once daily. There was actually another reason as well. She wanted to share her idea about new technology hoping it would interest him.
Glancing in her bathroom mirror, Hermione thought to herself. Even though you are being less than transparent, you are a very lucky witch. You will be meeting two handsome wizards in one day. Then she blushed as the word tart floated through her head.
Hermione stepped into the shower chuckling. "Yup. That's me. A regular tart."
After pulling on the dark brown, body hugging dress, Hermione turned to look at herself in the full length mirror hanging on her closet door. Classy and proper were the words that came to mind. Summoning the small jewelry box left to her by her mother, Hermione sifted through until she found what she was looking for. She hadn't worn earrings in Merlin knew when, but she would wear an exquisite, gold pair with matching gold necklace and bracelet this afternoon. Taking another turn in front of the mirror, Hermione admitted she was the perfect picture of a witch going to meet a handsome wizard for 5:30 Tea at the Promenade.
Hermione had left her hair for last debating whether to wear it up, down, curly or straight. After trying several hair preparation charms, Hermione finally settled on hanging straight with a bit of curl. The hair do was not all that different from her usual mass of curls, but it suited her. Dark brown shoes and purse completed the outfit.
As she slid her wand into its sheath, a few butterflies began congregating in her stomach. Next stop, a face to face private meeting with Draco Malfoy. Hermione prepared to Apparate out with the hope Draco was finally in his right mind.
/*/
Draco arrived at The Promenade at 5:20 and was immediately shown to his table. When Hermione arrived several minutes later, Draco stood obviously planning to seat her, but sat back down when the Greeter chose to seat the well known Prosecutor himself.
Once the Greeter left the table, Hermione was first to speak. "This is lovely Draco. I didn't expect you to do all this just to listen to me talk. I know you're busy with your new position. Thank you for meeting me."
Draco chuckled softly. "You do know that OTS Agents are allowed the weekend off. You are not interfering with anything OTS related. Anyway, I was eager to meet with you again since our prior meeting went so well."
A faint blush appeared on Hermione's cheeks which she tried to cover by taking a sip from her water glass. "Yes. Well. I." Hermione stammered failing miserably at containing the blush which was now creeping up her neck.
Realizing he had embarrassed Hermione, Draco felt a sense of relief when the first course arrived. The young Server Wizard blinded by Hermione's celebrity moved to serve her, but Draco brought him up short. "Miss Granger is quite capable of moving a sandwich from one plate to another. Step back please."
"Of course Mr. Malfoy." He said stepping back to apologize. "My mistake." Hurrying away before he could step any farther into it, the young wizard hoped he would not be reported.
"He's inexperienced Draco. Hopefully he'll do better in the future."
Draco wasn't there to debate Hermione about proper serving etiquette and immediately backed down. "Alright Miss Granger. If you aren't offended, neither am I. The sandwiches look delicious. Would you like me to feed you? I will you know. Right here in the middle of The Promenade."
For the first time since she sat down, Hermione looked directly into Draco's eyes and laughed. "Nothing says fun like a cheeky OTS Agent. I'll feed myself thank you."
Draco nodded and smiled. "Your hair looks lovely today. Then realized the connotation of his statement. "Not that your hair doesn't look lovely other days." He sputtered trying to get himself out of a tight spot.
Hermione watched him squirm for several seconds before simply saying thank you. "Now that you've reprimanded the server and complimented me. I will get down to the reason we are here. Then she began her disclosures.
Draco sat attentively as Hermione spoke about some flat somewhere in London which was being used to house an infirm witch who had ties to the old Voldemort regime and her child.
A flat. An infirm witch. A child. What was she talking about thought Draco taking a sip of his tea.
Without pause, Hermione had then moved to another subject becoming decidedly more excited as she spoke. Draco was now listening to Hermione explain about American Wizarding technology and how she wanted to apply to Kingsley for a grant to start a project. A project that could make person to person communication in the Magical Community a reality. There was an additional something about a short list of people she thought would be interested.
Draco was listening, but he wasn't comprehending. For him, sitting in front of Hermione watching her lips as she spoke was all that mattered. Flats and mobile communication devices were the last thing on his mind. He was studying her. He wanted to try with her. The problem was would she want to try with him. There was something pulling him towards this witch and he wanted to see where this pull would lead.
Hermione stopped talking, but he continued to gaze at her. "Where is your mind Mr. Malfoy? Have you even heard one word I've said? I've been known to bore the trousers off the Chief Warlock with my long winded recitations, but I thought better of you."
Giving Hermione what he hoped was one of his most charming smiles, Draco turned the napkin over in his hand before answering. "I apologize. My mind did drift away for a brief second. Your idea about getting the Magical World interested in mobile communications rather than Owl Service is an interesting one. As for the flat….."
"So you were listening." Hermione remarked taking a bit of cake from her fork. "The cake is delicious. Try a tartlet. They look delicious as well."
Draco watched almost mesmerized as Hermione slid the cake into her mouth. He wanted to be able to kiss those lips and didn't want to wait another minute to state his case. At least part of his case. He had to get a date before thinking about anything else. Reaching over just as Hermione brought another forkful to her mouth, Draco placed his hand in the middle of the table to get her attention.
Hermione looked surprised at what could be considered a bit of impropriety on Draco's part, but laid her fork down to wait for…whatever.
Draco was determined. His next few sentences would make or break his expectations. "I was glad you Owled me Hermione. I wanted another chance to speak privately from the day we made our peace. First off. I want you to know I'm in my right mind, I don't have a raving lunatic after me and I don't need to be comforted. Therefore, I am asking you to accept my request for a proper date. Out in the open. Even holding hands if you like. Will you go out with me?
Even though a date with him, out in the open, sounded perfect. Hermione didn't know how to respond. Draco's request had taken her completely by surprise. Somewhere deep inside, she did want to know what the adult Draco Malfoy was like as a partner and lover. As she sat silent, all the salacious thoughts she'd had about him but never spoken out loud because she knew there wasn't any chance of them ever being together again jockeyed for space in her head. Now Draco had asked her out. Why? Was he trying to put paid to something that happened between them years ago?
Draco interrupted Hermione's thoughts. "I apologize for leaving you speechless which is a feat in itself. I'll take your extended silence as a no. I have my answer or non-answer as it were. I won't take up too much more of your time." Draco was being petulant, but he had asked and been rejected. Petulant was the nicest he was going to get. "I meant what I said about the mobile phone idea. Owl me the information. I'd be willing to work with you on the project."
Though the last thing on his mind was food, Draco forced himself to bring his fork to his mouth. He wouldn't give up all decorum just because he'd been rebuffed.
Hermione was floundering. She had missed her chance to take a chance. Her lack of speech had given Draco the wrong idea. What the hell is wrong with me? She asked herself. I want this. Reaching out, Hermione placed her hand flat down in the middle of the table as Draco had done to get her attention. When Draco looked up from his plate, Hermione whispered her response. "I would love to go on a date with you. I do have one caveat. You cannot run into any vile maniac between then and now, because at some point, I'd love to hold your hand."
The furrow which had appeared between Draco's brows a little earlier smoothed itself out as he broke into a wide smile. "Wonderful. Now that we have that settled." He replied eagerly. "When is your first available opening and where would you like to go?"
Hermione's insides were bubbling. "I would say I'm free tonight, but I have a previous engagement. I've promised your former colleague Wil I would show him around London. Sorry. I made the date before I knew you were…."
"I understand completely Hermione." He said cutting across her impolitely. He didn't like that word date as it applied to her and Wil. "However, there's no need to worry. Wil and the others had lunch with Theo, Blaise and I today. We've agreed to go out as a group. Besides, it isn't really a date. You are simply being a good citizen by agreeing to show a foreign visitor around."
"Really?" Joked Hermione. "And there was me thinking I had a date. All jokes aside. This is a bad way to start off if Wil is the reason you spoke up. The last thing I want to be is a bone of contention between two friends."
"I needed time to pluck up the Malfoy courage." Draco explained truthfully. "Asking you out at this particular time, has nothing to do with Wil. It is just my unfortunate timing. If you like, we can put off this discussion until after Wil leaves. If you are still interested at that time, we will move forward." Draco was taking the high road, but holding his breath hoping Hermione would say what he wanted to hear.
"The plan is to go out as a group, so that's what we'll do."
"Perfect," answered Draco. "A group it is." Draco knew he should mention that everyone would be paired off except him, but he would wait to see how things went.
The time had passed quickly. Draco accompanied Hermione to the Apparition Point wanting desperately to leave a kiss on her lips, but refrained knowing this wasn't the time or place. "I'll see you this evening."
/*/
When Draco landed at the Manor, he went directly to his wing. There were still a few hours until time to meet up with the group. Undressing down to his boxers and a tee, he laid on the bed for a quick nap, but found it easier said than done. He kept thinking he was being a disingenuous friend to Wil. However, before he closed his eyes, Draco came to a conclusion. He wanted Hermione, and if this evening was any gauge. She wanted him. Wil would have to find himself another English Lass.
/*/
Wil had separated from the others as soon as they left Malfoy Manor telling them he had to send an Owl which was true. He intended to Owl Miss Goyle to let her know he was on his way to her flat.
Wil had been caught off guard when Blaise pulled him aside to inform him Draco and Hermione had been talking. Talking wasn't the same as dating or committed, but Wil wanted to do the right thing. He just couldn't figure out why one of the most outspoken wizards he'd ever had the pleasure of meeting hadn't said anything. Nor had Hermione. Whatever the reason, Wil decided to step out. That's why he was now following the Apparating instructions he had been given the previous night that would land him at the flat of the lovely Betty Goyle.
It was short notice, but they had flirted a bit the previous night with Betty pressing her information into his hand insisting he Owl her if he wanted to do something Saturday or Sunday. He had only resisted because of his engagement with Hermione. Now that it had fallen through, he was more than willing to be escorted around by the flirtatious brunette. In fact, there was nothing to say he couldn't go off on his own instead of following the group.
Betty had released the wards around her small flat so Wil could walk right in. Greeting him with a warm smile and a big hug, Betty invited him to have a seat. They chatted over drinks ending their conversation with Betty's suggestion he attend a big party at one of her friend's flat. Wil was agreeable. He'd been on his own before. Not in London, but how different was London from any other big city? He would be with Betty and he had his wand. No problem. Before leaving to go back to the hotel, Betty gave Wil a very long and suggestive kiss on the mouth as she handed him directions to Rebecca's flat. He left the flat with a slight erection wondering what he should do about Hermione.
/*/
When he arrived at the hotel, Wil went directly to Hotel Owl Services to send his second Owl. This one to Hermione. He had decided to bow out gracefully.
Hello Hermione,
I hope you are enjoying your day.
It's been decided that Draco, Theo Nott and Blaise Zabini will show Beth, Clarke, Desmond and I around your lovely city as a group. Therefore, you will not have to disrupt your evening to show me around individually. We will be leaving from The Dorchester at 9:00 if you care to join us. It should be a great time.
It was very kind of you to volunteer your services. I had hoped to compare prosecutorial notes with you. Perhaps another time. Now you may breathe a sigh of relief at not having to squire some stranger around. Thanks again.
Respectfully,
Wilhelm Baker, III
After finishing the message, Wil visited the hotel gift shop to purchase an expensive box of sweets which he had Owl Services attach to the message. The witch behind the counter assured Wil his package would be sent right out.
Hurrying to the lifts, Wil felt he had done the right thing for everyone concerned. Besides, Hermione was a well known Prosecutor. Even without Draco in the equation, he wouldn't have tried anything. With Betty, it was entirely different. She seemed ready to go. He wasn't a hound, but when given the choice he would take the sure thing every time. The trick would be to get away from the group to meet her.
I'll figure it out, Wil thought as he slid the key into his hotel room door.
/*/
Hermione arrived home walking on air. She was going to get another chance with the wizard of her dreams. Stopping short halfway across the living room, she questioned herself. Another chance? Man of my dreams? Earlier today I wouldn't even admit I was feeling anything for Draco. I need to slow down a bit.
As Hermione walked past the window, she noticed a Messenger Owl with a package sitting quietly on the ledge. Opening the window, Hermione accepted the delivery and watched as the owl immediately took flight. Official Delivery Owls did not wait around for a bit of cracker. They were trained to deliver their package and get back to base.
Wondering who would be sending her a gift, Hermione unwrapped the package and pulled out the enclosed envelope. The outer wrapping of the gift screamed expensive. Setting the gift aside, Hermione read the message. Wil was cancelling. Well not really cancelling as much as rearranging. He was going out with the group and essentially would not need her to hold his hand, so to speak. Wil's message would have been humorous if it wasn't so ironic. She had turned down a date with Draco to show Wil around. Now Wil didn't need her. Dammit.
Leaning back in the chair, Hermione thought about it. Even if she had been free, Draco was part of the group showing the Swiss visitors around. They wouldn't have been able to have a date anyway.
"Well that's that." She said throwing Wil's message onto the table and reaching over to have a closer look at the gift. The gift warranted the luxurious wrapping. It was one of the most expensive brands of sweets in London. Opening the box, Hermione put one of the creamy, caramel fudge pieces in her mouth. "Incredible." She said stretching her arms over her head. "Thank you so much Mr. Baker."
Hermione whipped off a thank you note to Wil at the hotel. Then she slipped out of her clothes, washed her face and slipped into a pair of shorty pajamas before grabbing the book on technology.
She was not going to tag along. Wil didn't need her. She was going to stay home to read and learn.
/*/
The group all converged on The Dorchester lobby at exactly 9:00. After counting heads, Draco stood back waiting for someone to ask Wil about Hermione who had not appeared.
The job fell to Blaise. Turning to Wil, he made the comments Draco had been waiting for. "The only person missing is Hermione. Did you advise her we would be meeting here in the lobby Wil?"
"I'm not sure Hermione will be traveling with us tonight. When I found out we would be traveling as a group, I sent an Owl releasing her from guide duty. I suggest we wait a few more minutes then get on with it. I'd also like to share another bit of information. There is a party I agreed to attend this evening. Perhaps we can all stop by. I have the directions."
There it was. He'd gotten it all out in six sentences or less. Now Draco and Hermione could continue talking.
/*/
The group waited five more minutes to see if Hermione would show, but she didn't. At 9:15, they left The Dorchester heading to Kew Gardens. They planned to make brief stops at the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, Hampton Court Place and of course Kensington Palace. After that, they planned to end the night at one of London's premier Muggle dance clubs.
/*/
Draco fell to the back of the group. Hermione wasn't coming. Instead of spending time with her, he'd be following around a bunch of morons who'd probably rather be drinking and dancing in some pub or at home shagging each other. He couldn't wait for this little tour to be over.
/*/
By 11:00 pm, Desmond and Beth wanted to get back to the hotel. Theo and Padma were ready to head home as well. However, Ginny wanted to attend the party with Clarke and Wil. Blaise wasn't about to let Ginny go off alone, so he agreed to give the party a go.
Draco begged off. This night had been enough of a disappointment. He wanted nothing more than to get back to the Manor to plan out what he would do with his new town home. That's what he told himself, knowing all too well that the nothing more he really wanted was to be somewhere starting off with Hermione.
He had done his waiting. It was time to act.