Fore Play (Dramione)

Chapter 3

As Hermione pulled up to Gleneagles Hotel and Golf Resort she stared open-mouthed at the looming grandeur of the large country house. Driving at a snail's pace around the huge fountain towards the front entrance, she marvelled at the beautiful grey sandstone building and its well-kept gardens. She had seen pictures of it in the catalogue, but nothing compared to standing in front of it; it resembled more of a palace than a hotel. Climbing out of her modest Volkswagon Polo her eyes were drawn away from the luxury hotel towards the long line of luxury cars in the resident's driveway. She wasn't poor by any means – Viktor's career had been well-paid and he had left her a sizeable some of gold in his vaults after he had passed away – but Hermione wasn't inclined to flaunt her wealth; she had nothing to prove to anyone. Dragging her suitcase passed various Porsches, Mercedes and a Rolls-Royce, she did a double-take and paused at the car nearest the entrance.

An emerald green Ferrari was auspiciously placed so that anyone who entered the hotel would see it. There was no denying that it was a beautiful car, although it was clearly a show-piece and not purpose built for country roads. Hermione snorted. In place of the Ferrari emblem was a hood ornament; a golden snitch with silver wings. Very subtle, she mused. Whoever owned this ridiculous care was obviously an utter prat. She kept her fingers crossed and hoped that whoever it belonged to, she and they wouldn't cross paths.

Hermione got checked in as quickly as possible, dumped her suitcase without giving the room a second look and headed straight for the golf course. It was perfect golfing weather; the spring sun was high in a cloudless sky and only a slight breeze tousled her wild curls. Taking position at the first teeing ground, she struck the ball hard and watched it disappear over the horizon. It bounced onto the fairway, rolled forward a little then came to a standstill on the edge of the green. Not bad, she mused. Sliding her driver back into her golf bag, she sauntered down the hill in the direction of the green. She paused as her phone buzzed in her pocket. Pulling it out to read the message she smiled:

Harry: How's it going, Bagger Vance?

Hermione: Great, thanks! Just teed off actually, great weather for a round. FYI Bagger Vance wasn't a golfer, he was the caddie.

Harry: LOL ok let me try again...

Harry: How's it going, Tiger? ;)

Hermione: Haha, better!

Hermione putted the ball easily into the first hole and her phone buzzed again. Pulling out her phone again she snorted. It was Seamus this time:

Seamus: Awrite McIlroy! How you finding Gleneagles?

Hermione: Fine thanks. Just finishing up at the first hole now.

Seamus: Nice. How come you didn't invite me and Dean to play?? You know I love golf!

Hermione: Because I wanted peace and quiet for a change and I'm not going to get that with you two in my company.

Seamus: Ouch haha, fair point though!

Hermione: I'm just about to start the second hole. Text you back when I'm finished.

Seamus: Cool, ttyl xx

Hermione shoved her phone back into her pocket and only made it a few paces towards the next hole before it buzzed again. She sighed and glanced at it, this time she had a message from Ron.

Ron: Hermione, I'm bored.

Hermione: Slow day at the office?

Ron: VERY.