Adult-FanFiction.org : Harry Potter

Empire	By : waymay & Alcoholic_Rootbeer Category: Harry Potter > Het - Male/Female > Draco/Hermione Views: 12288 -:- Recommendations : 1 -:- Currently Reading : 2
Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter or the characters written in this story; everything belongs to the wonderful J.K. Rowling. I don't make any profit from these stories!

Chapter List
- 8
- 9
- 10
A/N: If you haven't checked it out yet, I have another story called Background! It's a drama/romance/sad kinda story, and I know it might not be everyone's cuppa tea, but I promise you it's good. :3 I had a lot of fun writing it and it's only going to be three chapters! Not long at all! So take a look. :D :D :D Pretty please with a cherry on top? ;)
A bit thank you to Mr. Benzedrine for always helping me with proofing and laughing at the story while beta-ing. :D Makes me feel all warm inside knowing I did my job right, haha. Also, she just released a new fail one-shot called The Closet Relativity Theory which is hilarious! Check that out, too. :D
Another thank you to LightofEvolution for giving me the idea for Draco's company name. She also has two fanfics out called High on Magic and Branches. :)
Without further ado~ Enjoy. :)
Chapter 9
In Good Company
A dull, monotonous thump vibrated along the wooden desk as Draco's foot came in contact with its frame every few seconds. The pencil holder coffee cup clicked as the writing utensils rattled, and the lamp light flickered at each impact. The room was empty, save from the two bodies currently residing in it -Draco, who was nervously picking at his nail, and Granger, who sat next to him and found every single little thing in the room just utterly fascinating.
It was the first time the two of them had seen each other since...the incident several weeks back at Draco's apartment. Since then, their, or rather Granger's, choice of communication was writing tediously long letters through owl posts. Every time he tried to ask to meet in person, she would always make up an excuse: she was going out with friends, staying late at work, had dinner plans with parents -whatever. Anything was worthy of her appearance except for him.
Ugh, Draco's frustration was at an alltime high. It, seriously, slowed down work productivity by tenfold. And honestly, he thought the damned witch would want to get this out of the bag as soon as possible instead of delaying things. Considering she was the 'smartest' witch of their generation, she certainly lacked in the common sense department.
And okay- maybe, just maybe he wanted to really see her, but that was just the additional perk. Of course, it was. Why else did he need to see her? They were business partners after all. They needed to meet face to face to get shit done.
It's not like he stayed up late every single evening, thinking about her heartfelt speech or the kiss or her plush, sweet lips. It's not like the feel, taste, and smell of her were burned into his memory. And it's not like he kicked Blaise out almost every single night for his much needed alone time.
No, of course not.
Draco audibly scoffed at the thought, trying to will away the unwelcome thoughts. He glanced over towards the witch, staring at her from the corner of his eyes. She was, now, flipping through their business proposal, acting as if everything was just fine.
Oh, but Hermione was everything but 'fine.' She was, thoroughly, irked at the blonde wizard's impulsive actions -and he didn't even bother to bring it up!
Granted, she didn't help much on the case -every time he suggested they meet up somewhere -anywhere- she'd throw him a list of reasons not to. Okay, so maybe he wasn't all to blame, but still! Malfoy could have just owned up to the...the kiss.
She closed the proposal book, setting it onto her lap, and stole a glimpse over towards the man. Merlin -had he been looking at her? Hermione turned away quickly, her cheeks turning into a light shade of pink.
Luckily for her, the door to the office swung open and a portly man squeezed through the frame. All was forgotten for the time being. The man always reminded her of Santa Claus: a round belly, rosy cheeks, and big white beard. And, if things worked out, he would be delivering them the best kind of present -a seal of approval to start running their business.
Both Hermione and Malfoy stood from their seats, greeting Cattermole: the man she met with a few months back with the tardy Ron. She still got on his case for being so irresponsible. "Good morning, Mister Cattermole -thank you for taking the time to work with us today." She gripped his hand with a slight squeeze.
"Ah, yes, Miss Granger. It's good to see you again -how is the joke shoppe coming along?"
She smiled, tucking a stray ringlet behind her ear and smoothed out the back of her pencil skirt before taking a seat. "It's been doing well. The approved patent forms really helped our business. Again, thank you for being so helpful."
The older man chortled, his second and third chin wiggled along like Jell-O. "I'm only doing my job." Cattermole placed his hand on his desk, readjusting the moved stacks of paper -most likely due to Malfoy's incessant kicking against the table. "So- what can I do for you two this lovely morning?"
"My business partner, Draco Malfoy," Hermione gestured towards the nervous blonde wizard as Cattermole gave him a curt nod, "And I are wanting to open a new business for Quidditch goods and accessories." She handed him the proposal document, ranging almost fifty pages with details from store name to items and even logo designs. Hermione had it all down to a tee.
The older man accepted the document, an impressed expression written all over his face as he flipped to the first page. One could always count on Hermione to cover all the specifics.
She glanced over at Malfoy as he fidgeted in his seat, his hand gripping at the armrest, knuckles white from the strength of his grip. The corner of her lips twitched ever so slightly. Never in her life had she ever seen a more nervous Malfoy -it was oddly refreshing. A reminder that even the coolest cucumbers were also human. She reached over, placing a comforting hand over his in reassurance.
His eye greys flitted over towards her. In that moment, all the tension and awkwardness about them faded, and they were just there. Waiting as partners or friends -or whatever the social term might have been- for the approval of their business. A faint smile crossed his lips before he turned his attention back towards the pudgy man, eagerly awaiting his verdict.
Cattermole was the deciding factor on whether Malfoy's dreams would come true or be shot dead right on the spot. It really was life or death.
Her heart pounded against her chest as the man finally returned to the first page and a 'whew' escaped his lips.
He smiled and nodded. "This is...very detailed, Miss Granger." Cattermole tapped the cover of the proposal, "but everything we need to proceed is in here. All I need to do now is go through the system, make sure there aren't any conflicting interests, and..." he checked his calendar, "I will owl you two in just a few days. You'll come back, sign some papers, and everything will be finalized. You'll be able to start looking for space for Draco Ascendens."
Hermione exhaled a breath she didn't realize she had been holding and smiled widely. She stood up once more, and Malfoy followed suit.
"Thank you so much for this, Mister Cattermole. You have no idea."
Malfoy reached out his hand towards the man, his lips turned upward ever so slightly as he maintained a composed expression ."Thank you for your time -I really appreciate it."
Draco and Granger arrived back at his apartment.
He was just one step closer to running a business -a real business, where people weren't going to try and screw him over constantly. He was still bitter over Madoff and his scheme. But none of it mattered right now.
A huge wave of relief washed through his body as it all settled into the pit of his stomach. It was, suddenly, so real for him. His heart banged against his chest as he looked at Granger - the woman who made his fantasy a reality. He wouldn't have been where he was now had she not reached out to him.
"Thank you," he laughed, not believing what had just happened at Cattermole's office. In a swoop, without even thinking twice, he wrapped his arms around her slender frame, pulling her into a tight hug. But then -there it was, snapping him out of his daze. Her body suddenly grew rigid at their contact and in turn, his froze.
Shit.
The awkward air about them returned with greater strength, forcing them apart. He held her at arm's length, staring straight into her panicked chocolate orbs as he tried to read her expression. Draco silently prayed for something -anything other than excuses.
"I, uh-I have to go?" she blinked a few times, confused at her own response. "You know me-" Granger breathed out a laugh as she looked about the room, unsure whether she had things to gather or not. When there wasn't, her hands nervously played at the hem of her shirt, unsure how to proceed next. "-always busy. Working, working, working!" Another gawky laugh as her eyes locked onto the door behind him.
"Right..." he muttered, not believing her for a moment.
It was always the same bullshit excuse.
"Right, then," Granger sighed, "I-um, great job today. I, uh, I suppose we'll see each other again in a few days to finalize all the paperwork." She nodded, her curls bouncing along beside her before she took a step backwards. Draco's arm dropped to his sides. "Until then..." She curtsied the man, paused, and then, quite literally, ran out of the apartment cursing at herself for the stupid bow.
He watched her leave, a blur of umber hair disappearing as the door closed with a quiet click.
Silence.
Draco inhaled, his chest puffing out, and he held his breath for a moment. His eyes squeezed shut, hands combing back through his blonde tresses as his fingers grasped onto the roots, tugging on them gently. He exhaled loudly, frustrated. Definitely, definitely frustrated as he mentally reminded himself he would deal with the witch later.
But right now... right now he had other matters to attend to. Yes, an entire day's worth of work waiting to be done.
There was no time for... well, for whatever it was between him and Granger.
She could feel the red burning into her cheeks as she escaped the Leaky Cauldron. Blinking wasn't an option as she scurried down the streets of Diagon Alley. Every time she closed her eyes, she saw mental images of their kiss. His hug. His expression when she made up more excuses to leave. Ugh -why did she keep running away?
Where was her lioness when she needed it? Damned cowardly feline.
Hermione needed to get back to work, but oh- she couldn't concentrate! Not since the day at his apartment. The sweet look on his face as he pulled into an equally sweet kiss- she stopped in the middle of the sidewalk, pedestrians nearly bumping into the witch at her abrupt halt. Stop it, brain! She bopped the side of her head as if she could just dump all the memory out onto the street.
Seriously -it was affecting her work! It'd been the same routine day in and day out. She would sit behind her desk, with ever growing piles of paperwork in front of her, and she would just... read the same stupid line over and over again, retaining and understanding nothing. Nothing.
The witch continued making her way down the streets. She paid no mind to where she was going, obviously skipping out on work, and just continued to walk or fly or glide. Hermione moved at an unbelievable pace, lost in a cycle of her own thoughts.
Stupid Malfoy and his stupid kiss. Why did he have to go and lay one on her? What was Hell wrong with him?
She glowered as her cheeks continued to burn, not from the cold weather, but from the constant thought of the snarky blonde.
Before she knew it, Hermione stood in front of Number Twelve Grimmauld Place - Harry's (and unofficially, Ginny's) home. She hummed as her foot tapped impatiently on the cemented ground, watching the puff of steam escape through her nostrils.
He wouldn't have been home anyway -an Auror's job was a full time, around the clock kind of work. He never had much time off, especially with the wedding just a few months away. Harry needed to work overtime just so he could have some days off for their honeymoon.
Anyway, Hermione didn't come to their house to seek out his advice. Imagine, talking to Harry Potter about boys...and kissing...and Draco Malfoy, specifically.
Her lips twitched upwards at the thought. No, that would end in an nightmare.
"Okay. Fine. I will help you..." Blaise took a sip of his early afternoon scotch, staring at Draco, miffed. Ever since their reunion, the two of them hung out almost every single day, whether it was the Italian helping him with his work duties or just lounging around the apartment drinking.
But these past two weeks were spent home alone, pouting, and going on the still terrifying dates with Millicent. Just... just how many more dates did he have to suffer through? He'd already gone on five, and the woman would not let up on trying to get into his pants. He grew tired of batting her off.
"But I will not go on anymore dates with Millicent!" He pointed an accusing finger at Draco, frowning. "I swear to Salazar -if I have to deal with that... that troll of a woman again." He shuddered at the thought. The woman was desperate for a lay, but Blaise was determined not to be the one to help her with her...situation. "You know what? Let's make it so I don't have anymore dates with any troll-halflings...or giant-halflings -Keep them one-hundred percent human."
Draco held his hand up, sniggering as he promised his friend. "No more dates. Swear on my Mum's grave."
"Oy, that doesn't mean anything when she's still alive!"
It was the least Draco could do - to allow Blaise some sort of sanctuary since he was offered to the behemoth Slytherin cook as if he was some sort of sacrificial hunk of meat. But he'd been (quite rudely) kicked out every time Draco found him in his apartment, drinking his alcohol. Well, maybe that was it -they were expensive. The blonde made it known and was quite stingy about them.
Or maybe... he continued to stare at Draco as his friend blinked back, giving an odd look. Maybe there was something going on between him and the crazy-haired witch, Granger.
Ooh, that was probably it. The corner of his lips turned upwards as he brought his drink up to his lips once more, hiding the smirk behind amber liquid. "I wouldn't mind going on a date with, oh, what's her name - Miss Gryffindor princess, Hermione Granger."
Draco's attention snapped on to his friend as Blaise mentioned her with a terribly hidden grin.
The Italian waggled his brows. "Not sure if you've noticed, but she's grown quite. A. Bit." His hands moved in a wave lengthwise, gesturing an hourglass, and whistled. "A hot tamale."
Draco scowled at Blaise, realizing his friend caught on to the budding feelings he developed for Granger. "She's out of your league, mate. Wouldn't give you a time of day. Why you don't just mosey on into the background and play nice like the secondary character you're meant to play?" Blimey, he sounded so defensive.
"A muggleborn -out of my league?" Blaise gasped, a hand resting over his chest as he feigned a hurt expression. "You're my best chum, Malfoy. You're supposed to support my journey in finding looooove." He chortled, wrapping an arm around Draco. "And I would really appreciate a piece of that fine Granger. Mmm!"
Another sneer was shot in Blaise's direction as Draco jabbed him in the ribs, annoyed at his friend's endless teasing. "Sod off, Zabini."
"Hahaha, you're too cute," Blaise grabbed his side as he almost spilled his precious scotch before teetering away from the foul mood man. "Right, now. You've distracted us. Let's get this shite out of the way, yeah?"
"You kissed?" Ginny smacked Hermione with a stack of wedding notes, eyes so wide they were going to pop out of their sockets. "You-kissed-Malfoy?!"
"Technically, he kissed me." The back of her neck prickled, embarrassed at the thought.
The two women were seated in the living room as Ginny was in a rush to finish the rest of the invitations. There were well over four hundred witches and wizards from all over the world invited to attend their wedding.
It was quite the opposite of what Hermione would have wanted for her ceremony. If and when she married, she would want something small -friends and family only. Outdoors and in a different country, away from the curious eyes of Londoners -somewhere she wasn't so well known. Hermione would want Ginny to be her maid-of-honor, and Luna as a bridesmaid; their dresses would be a nice turquoise while the men's side would have matching ties.
It's not like she's given much thought on the event, not at all. Don't ask her for a binder of wedding scraps, because she would not have one hidden under her bed.
"Why are you just now telling me?" Ginny smacked her once more, snapping Hermione out of her daydream, annoyed
"I don't know?" She pursed her lips, slipping an invitation into tiny folder before sliding the bundle into an envelope. She lifted the flap, running her tongue over the glue before sealing it. "I...I've been lost in my mind. I don't know what to think of it. He just..." Hermione glanced over towards the checklist of names, writing the the receiver's name and address. "He won't get out of my head. I can't stop thinking about-" She stopped mid sentence, staring down at the envelope. When did she write Malfoy's name? Hermione peeked over towards Ginny, who was too busy with her own tasks, and quickly crumbled up the envelope, discarding it.
"Hermione, you're getting your priorities wrong." Ginny pulled out another sheet of invitations, "I need to know -how was the kiss?"
Sweat poured out of every pore as Madoff watched the two younger men tower, threateningly, over him. They wore stone cold expressions: eyes were hollowed, and a slight frown etched into their lips. The auras about them were just murderous.
It was clear Blaise and Draco were here for business.
The older man dabbed his forehead, wiping away the sweat, though it continued to pour out, drenching into his white collared shirt, surely to create a yellow stain afterwards.
From the pocket of his nicely ironed slacks, Draco took out a mason jar filled to the brim with the tracking gadgets Granger had given to him that day. "These are trackers," he explained tersely. "You have one job, and I expect you to get it done properly."
Madoff nodded, listening intently.
"Get these," Draco pointed to the jar, "Onto the bundle of money you'll be transferring to the American bank." He arched a delicate brow whilst glaring at the man. "Just as you're about to put the money into the bank, you activate these babies."
"How?"
"Invisitatum. And that's all you need to do."
The man nodded once more, understanding. He was determined to not screw up on his task, given what Draco had done to him last time they were out; he knew very well the young Malfoy would royally fuck him up for the rest of his life.
"Once you're done with your task, you're officially let go from Malfoy Industries. You'll be a free man to... well, do whomever you want."
Blaise smirked at his friend's goad, unable to maintain his fearsome façade.
"Oh yes," Draco continued, massaging his chin. "That reminds me," he glanced over to his friend, signaling him. Blaise pulled out a glass flask filled with a glowing liquid substance swimming around in circles. "Fuck up, and I'll be sure to send this nice recording of our conversation at Singing Serpent to your lovely wife -what's her name again?"
"I do believe it's Emmeline." Blaise piped up, his smirk growing wider.
"Right. And in case you think this is all a ruse -One Cozener Lane." The address of his estate.
"I-I-I promise this will all be done perfectly. Everything will be completed tomorrow. Please don't tell my wife." Madoff begged as he grabbed onto the mason jar with shaky hands. The idea of him being outed to his wife and sleeping with another man terrified him to no end. His family name would be in ruins afterwards. He wouldn't be able to find work, no one would want to associate themselves with him. No, he would do his job properly and get out of the foreboding Malfoy's life.
"I look forward to hearing from you tomorrow, then." Draco gave the man a sharp nod before he turned to his friend. The two of them Disapparated on the spot, creating a whirlwind of mess in the poor man's office.
Hermione sat on the beige couch with her head resting against the crest rail, exhausted. Just how many envelopes did she seal already? And there were still so many left! She rubbed the pad of her tongue against the roof of her mouth; it felt like sandpaper.
"Do you think I should invite him?" Ginny teetered, giddy at the thought.
"Who?"
"Malfoy, of course. Do you think I should invite him to the wedding, too? I'm sure we could squeeze him into your table. Oh!" The redhead clapped her hand loudly, as a lightbulb went off in her head, scaring Hermione. "Maybe you should invite him to the wedding! He could be your date!"
She rolled her eyes at Ginny's ridiculous antics. "I don-No, Ginny. I don't like him like that."
The bride-to-be hopped next to the tired witch. "Are you sure? The way you described his kiss? It sounds like you're already smitten."
Responses:
Sherlocked17: :) I thought it was a super sweet kiss. Thank you for thinking it, too!
HinnyGinny4eva: She's definitely inexperienced, but I think it's more so coming from the kindness of her heart than just to lead him on. ;) but there are a lot more 'inexperienced' flirting in the future, that's for sure!
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