Chapter 11 - Unexpected
Neville was hunched over his desk, trying to write his report about his latest mission. He wrote a sentence, scratched it, wrote a fresh sentence, scratched it again, wrote another and scratched it once more. Finally, he threw the parchment in his wastebasket out of frustration. He picked up a fresh new parchment and thought once more how to start his paperwork. He did not notice Angela Smith coming over to him.
"Rough day, Neville?" she asked nonchalantly.
Neville did not reply but continued staring at his blank parchment, head in his hand, quill tapping on his table. He was in rather a pissed mood and not really up to talking with anyone.
Angela looked over his shoulder and noticed the blank parchment on his table, crumpled parchments in his wastebasket and the frustrated look on Neville's face. "Tsk, tsk. You need help with your report there? I could give you a little help, if you want," Angela smiled one of her dazzling smiles to try and win him.
"Bugger off, Angela. I'm not in the mood."
Angela pouted, turned around and stalked off but not without saying in a low voice, "What's with you people today? First Potter and now you. You really are partners…"
Neville just grunted, not bothering to look at Angela as she walked away. "So now it's Potter, already?" he thought, shaking his head. But then he remembered again what Harry said to him just that morning. And what Tonks added after that. He hated being out of the loop. Even during their Hogwarts days, he did not like being kept in the dark. Most people thought it safer if they did not share things with him, his Gryffindor pals knew better. Neville could be trusted with your innermost secret and one could rest assured that he would not divulge any of it.
So why do I feel that I'm missing something today? Especially at the earlier antics of my partner. Damn, he didn't even stay to help me write this bloody damn report when we, in fact, worked on this together! Where is he anyway?
At that exact moment, Harry was rather enjoying a late lunch with his girlfriend. It has a nice ring to it, `girlfriend'. He grinned at the thought.
"What are you grinning at?" asked Hermione while sipping her after-lunch coffee.
Harry looked at the pretty witch in front of him and his grin grew even larger, "I was just thinking that finally," he held Hermione's hand, "you are mine."
Hermione smiled and squeezed his hand in reply. They sat there quietly, reveling in the fact that they were finally together. Who would have thought that the perfect person was right under their noses this whole time?
"So, `Mione," said Harry, breaking the silence. "Fancy a movie and perhaps a late dinner tonight? We could use a break from all this magic and try to be a Muggle couple going on a Muggle date for a night."
Hermione's face lit up at the suggestion. It has been ages since she went to a movie, what with all the work that they are doing in the magical world. She was about to say yes, when she suddenly remembered that she has a meeting that night concerning the upcoming conference for the leaders of the different magical communities around the globe. Her face fell at the thought.
"'Mione?" asked Harry inquiringly.
Hermione let out a long breath and said, "I'd really love to, Harry. Unfortunately, my secretary just set me up a meeting with one of the financers of this conference that our department is organizing. You know-the Magical Leaders Conference."
"Oh. Oh, ok. I think we just have to reschedule. I thought it would do us some good you know… Well…" he trailed off.
"It was actually set for this afternoon. But the financer postponed it to tonight." Hermione took Harry's hand in both her hands and looked at him pleadingly. "Next time ok? I promise - we will have a Muggle date soon. We're in a Muggle restaurant now so this should do for now, right? So please? Please say it's ok with you."
Harry didn't budge. He tried to look really disappointed that they would not be able to go out that night. Truth be told, however, he just wanted to see Hermione biting her lower lip, pleading at him with that cute puppy-dog eyes. She's really cute doing that. Merlin, I'd like to kiss her here right now!
"Please? Please? Please, Harry?" she pleaded, pouting a bit and sticking her lower lip out.
Harry couldn't take it anymore; he leaned across the table and kissed her gently, brushing his lips against hers. "All right," he said when they parted, "next time then." Then he smiled at her lovingly. They stood up, Harry leaving enough money to cover their meal and tip, and went outside hand-in-hand.
Across the restaurant, Remus Lupin sat shocked at what he just witnessed. He rubbed his eyes, blinked a couple of times, and followed the young couple, who just went out, with his eyes. The young couple seems to have a world of their own, not really minding the people around them. Are my eyes deceiving me or was that Harry and Hermione I just saw kiss and hold hands?
He hastily paid for his coffee and tried to follow Harry and Hermione outside. He saw them walking a couple of blocks to the phone booth that would take them to the Ministry of Magic. Before they disappeared, Remus saw them share a smile and a kiss. I wonder if Tonks knows about this new development. He smiled to himself, glad that finally - those two are together.
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On her way back to her office that afternoon, after another internal meeting - Hermione stopped by Jane Brown's table and asked for her scheduled meetings for the remainder of the week. When she saw the list Jane gave her, she sighed. She has a meeting tomorrow lunch and at night. Then she has another meeting Friday night. Meaning - she's not free until the weekend.
"Jane, my meeting tonight with one of our financers was supposed to be this afternoon right?"
Jane nodded. "But he cancelled and asked if he could move it tonight instead. His messenger Flooed, said he has an important business to attend to this afternoon that he could not cancel. I asked you a while ago if you're ok with that and you said it was ok."
Hermione sighed again. "Right, right. Did he say who he was?" She was a bit baffled with this new financer that the Head of their department was able to convince to sponsor their conference. He was rumored to be the biggest donator of a lot of institutions that helped the families of those that were affected by the previous war. What was more baffling, he did not want his name mentioned in all the donations and sponsorships that he gave. He also only talked with their Department Head but now that the Head is on vacation - the task of negotiating with this "mystery" financer fell on Hermione's shoulders, as she is in the next highest position in the department.
Jane shook her head and said, "No, Miss. He didn't. He just said that you should meet at the lobby of the Riche Magie Hotel, in Hogsmeade at 8PM tonight."
"Riche Magie Hotel? The Riche Magie Hotel in Hogsmeade? Are you sure about that, Jane?" Hermione asked.
Jane nodded. Hermione couldn't believe it. She was to meet one of the most prominent people in one of the wealthiest hotel in the country. The Riche Magie Hotel was built a couple of years after the war and was almost immediately considered the best hotel in the British Wizarding community.
"But how would I meet him there? He didn't even leave a name, you say."
"Well, the only thing he said was for you to follow the red roses. It would lead you straight to him."
"What? How - but…red roses? During a meeting? A formal business meeting?" said a confused Hermione.
Jane just shrugged. "That's what he said through his messenger that Flooed while you were in a meeting just now."
"Fine, fine. I suppose I'm to wear something formal right?"
"Yep, that's right. And oh, Miss Hermione - he also left a present for you. It's on your desk."
Hermione sighed and waved her hand dismissively at Jane then walked off to her office. A present? Whatever for? She thought upon entering her office and closing the door, still a little bit baffled about who this financer could be. Then she stopped at the sight that greeted her. On her desk was a big bouquet of red roses, about 6 dozens and on her floor was another vase with another 6 dozens of roses. She blinked twice unable to grasp the sight in front of her. He gave me these? All these? Who is this "he" anyway?
She walked to her desk and saw a parchment folded and sealed with her name written on top of it. She picked it up, unsealed it and started to read.
Dear Miss Granger,
It would be my pleasure to meet you tonight at the Riche Magie Hotel at Hogsmeade, 8PM. Please accept my simple token to you prior to our meeting. I hope roses are your favorite. I wouldn't disclose who I am in this letter; for fear that you would not show up because I am really looking forward to seeing you tonight.
Just follow the red roses.
It was unsigned. She placed the note back on her desk. Her gaze fell on the roses and then back on the note. She picked up the note and read it again twice. This handwriting looks familiar. I'm sure I've seen this somewhere.
She read it again. "I wouldn't disclose who I am in this letter; for fear that you would not show up…" she read aloud, then paused. "It seems like he knows me and if he tells me who he is, he's afraid that I wouldn't show up? Did he ever pause to think that I need to meet with him since he will be sponsoring our conference?" she asked to no one in particular.
But what if he was a Death Eater and is just planning to get to Harry through me? She shuddered at the thought and shook her head. "No one knows about our relationship yet. Well, except for Ron. And since this person has been doing a lot of good already, what is wrong with meeting him?"
Now more curious than ever, she tucked the parchment in her purse and looked at her watch. 5PM, it said. I have three hours to get ready. I have to get home. She took with her one of the bouquet of roses and walked to the Apparition points in the Atrium and Apparated home.
Once home, she saw Luna lounging on their living room couch, watching TV and eating popcorn.
Luna turned and said, "Oh, hi Hermione. You're home pretty early." Upon noticing the roses in her arms, she said, "Did Harry give those to you? If so, that is so thoughtful of him. Ronald rarely gives me flowers. One time, he gave me yellow mums. I would have preferred roses like those you're holding now though."
Hermione had no time to ponder on Luna's mutterings and just said, "I'll let Ron know about that, Luna and no - this didn't come from Harry. It's from one of our financers who I'm supposed to meet tonight."
She filled a vase with water and placed the bouquet on top of the coffee table in their living room. She looked at it admiringly for a second and then turned to Luna. "Is Ron around?"
"No. He just left to buy something for dinner."
"Oh. Well, I'm just going to be in my room getting ready for my meeting if you need anything ok?"
"Sure, Hermione," said Luna, who sat on the couch again and continued to watch the television.
After an hour of debating what to wear for the meeting, she decided on a simple but sleeveless, velvet black cocktail dress, which Ginny picked for her during their make-over shopping spree. It fell just before her knees and hugged her curves nicely. She paired it off with black open-toed stilettos and silver dangling earrings and bangles. She stood before the mirror deciding how to do her hair, when her bedroom door opened, there stood Harry giving her the once over.
"You look really beautiful in that, `Mione. What's the occasion?" he asked, his arms folded across his chest.
"I told you I have to meet this financer of ours and discuss the proceeds for the conference that we are organizing," she walked over to where Harry stood and gave him a soft kiss.
"Why the dress though?"
Hermione arched her brow at Harry and said, "Did I hear a hint of jealousy in that question?" When Harry did not budge but remained looking at her, she sighed and said, "He asked us to meet at the Riche Magie Hotel in Hogsmeade tonight at 8PM. That's why I'm wearing this dress." She walked towards the mirror and decided to put up her hair in an elegant upswept bun.
Harry remained silent for a while still gazing at Hermione. Then finally, he walked over to her, slipped an arm across her waist and kissed her exposed neck, gently. "Just take care all right? Like you told me earlier, you don't know who this person is and with you looking so beautiful like that, who knows what this guy can do?"
Hermione turned around and smiled at him. "Did you already forget Mr. Potter that I'm the reason why you are still standing here in front of me?" she asked teasingly.
Harry chuckled. "I know that Ms. Granger. If not for you and your quick thinking and logic - I might be dead now."
"That's why I'm perfectly capable of handling myself, right?"
He kissed her nose and smiled. "Right. But still, I want you to be careful."
She laughed and said, "All right. All right. I will, ok?"
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Hermione walked towards the entrance of the main lobby of the Riche Magie Hotel. She glanced at her watch. 7:50PM, it said. I'm 10 minutes early. That's ok, I suppose.
"Bonsoir, mademoiselle. Can I help you?" the concierge with a light French accent asked as she stepped inside.
She smiled and said, "No, thank you." And then her eyes fell on a vase of red roses sitting beneath the stairs leading to the upper rooms. She was shocked to see the exact looking vase of red roses she had received at her office at the foot of the grand staircase.
"Would you be, Mademoiselle Granger then?" the concierge asked again knowingly, upon noticing her stunned gaze falling on the vase of red roses.
"Wha - Oh! Yes, that would be me."
The concierge smiled and told her to follow him. He led her up the stairs. Once up, she saw a lot of the same vase of red roses lining the whole hallway leading her to where the "mystery" financer would be.
"I trust that mademoiselle knows her way now?"
Hermione turned to the concierge and smiled. "Yes, thank you very much."
The concierge bowed slightly and walked away. Hermione took a deep breath and muttered, "Well, here goes nothing." She walked through the hallway following the vases of red roses. Finally, the last vase was sitting in front of majestic bronze double doors at the end of the hall. This looks like a suite to me. Curious, but nervous, Hermione straightened herself and knocked lightly. The door opened by itself and Hermione was shocked at what she saw when she went inside.
It was a suite all right. But a very grand and magnificent suite that she couldn't help but stare all around her with her jaws dropped. The carpet was plush red, the couches, velvety white to match the carpet. Every piece of furniture she passed was made of the finest wood with excellent carvings. The paintings were exquisite and definitely well known. There were red roses everywhere. The chandelier at the middle of the sitting room where she walked to was exquisite. There was a grand piano at the other end of the sitting room. And another set of bronze doors was beside it which Hermione thought would lead to the master bedroom. The lighting in the sitting room was dim and cast a romantic mood and there was soft music playing. From where, Hermione did not fathom. One wall was lined with ceiling to floor sliding windows with a white satiny material for curtains leading to a balcony overlooking the whole of Hogsmeade.
Hermione was impressed. The suite was magnificent. But she couldn't help feeling that something is not right in the whole set-up. Why would they meet in a suite when in fact they could just meet in the restaurant in the hotel lobby? Why would the whole set-up look romantic even? Who is this "mystery" financer?
She removed her cloak, folded it and held her wand underneath. Just in case. After all, I don't know who this person is.
By the windows stood a tall, broad figure in robes of black, his back facing Hermione. He was holding a tall flute of champagne. Hermione couldn't really see who this person was given that the room didn't have enough light. But she assumed that this was the "mystery" financer that she ought to meet and discuss plans with.
She straightened herself, stood with her chin held up, wand clasped underneath her folded cloak, and cleared her throat. "Good evening."
The figure sipped his champagne and said in a low voice, "Good evening, Miss Granger. I'm glad you were able to make it. I trust that you didn't lose your way up here?"
"The roses were pretty much obvious on the way," she replied, thinking that she heard that voice somewhere and was somewhat familiar.
"Good… Good… Please, take a seat, Miss Granger," the "mystery" financer responded, not turning to look at Hermione. She sat down on one of the velvet couches and with a wave of his wand, a tall flute of champagne similar to his appeared in front of Hermione. She tentatively took it, held it against the light and placed it down again on the table.
The "mystery" financer chuckled in a deep voice. "I haven't poisoned that champagne, you know - Miss Granger…" he said with a slight drawl.
"Have we met?" Hermione asked impulsively.
He smiled, his back still turned towards Hermione and answered, "Why yes. Yes, indeed…" And with that, he turned around to face her and walked towards the couches where there was better light. When he came near her, she gasped upon realizing who the "mystery" financer was.
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(A/N - I love my beta so much! Lady Starlight! Thanks a bunch for your suggestions and your comments! I'm really grateful to you!)
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