A/N: I do not own any of these characters, as much as I wistfully wished I did, they are figments of JKR spectacular imagination.
This is not a smut story, nor is it mushy. This story follows J. Ro's characterization to the point and therefore, Draco and Hermione will not lapse easily into a happily ever after. This story is about two broken souls who are affected by a war; "Lying Helpless In Her Arms" is a tale of humor, drama, angst, and healing. They are two separate characters on a journey - and only time will tell.
This is their story.
His laugh was chilling and hollow. She half-heartedly attempted to suppress a cringe and retracted two steps. In the transient light she could see his lean sinewy silhouette, accented muscles through a thinly crisp Oxford shirt, and platinum blond hair still slicked back. She crept back against the wall and plastered herself to the cold bricks. Since he was unaware of her presence, she took the time to peruse him. He was still tall, six foot at least, and had maintained his Seeker figure over the winding years. From the illumination, she could see his faint frown and vacant grey orbs. Five years had aged him. Not physically-he was still painstakingly beautiful and flawless- but emotionally scarred through the years of war, hardship, and reconstruction. His once asinine eyes were now opaque and sage; his lips -which had been permanently snarled during Hogwarts days -were thin, chapped and straight. He no longer strutted but instead moved slowly and patiently. There was a calculated svelte and serenity to his gait. He was still the same sneering ferret Hermione remembered, but she could not dispel the harrowing fact that there was something so different about the man.
She could not put her finger on what exactly had changed.
As he moved in her direction, Hermione's breath hitched. Malfoy froze in his tracks. Languidly, he turned and caught her chocolate mousse eyes. Her breathing became more haphazard and ragged. Their eyes locked and Malfoy headed towards her. His voice was arrogant but soft, as though leashed.
"Granger," he purred.
"Nice to see you too, Malfoy."
"The altruistic, magnanimous, zealot, insufferable know-it-all Granger," he continued as though she hadn't interrupted his monologue.
"No need to recite my resume, Malfoy."
He snickered.
"I see these years haven't marred your quips and retorts," he mused.
"You say that as if you haven't known me for several years."
"Touché."
He was silent now, but not because he lacked anything to say to her. Instead, Malfoy grazed his eyes achingly slow over Hermione's petite body. She crossed her arms self-consciously and fought to hide her crimson fresco. Malfoy merely chuckled.
"Granger…"
"Yes?"
"I don't mean to come off… forward," he began.
"You always have, so I assure you this won't change my opinion of you."
He smirked, and oddly made Hermione flush. It suddenly became hot, and she flustered, realizing his close proximity to her. He was inches away, bending over her with his arm rested above her head to steady his stance.
"What exactly are you doing in the Manor cellar, Granger?"
Hermione's eyes widened. She would remember to hex Harry for saying she was over-prepared and acting pedantic about this inspection. She was a bloody fool for not expecting to be found by Malfoy so quickly. Think, Hermione, seen by Malfoy so quickly. Think, Hermione, think.
"Uh, I accidently Apparated here," she answered quickly, and then nodded for self-assurance.
Malfoy looked a tad amused.
"The smartest witch of our age, and she can't even muster a convincing lie? Blasphemy."
He gave her a snarky look.
"Let's try again, Granger. Why are you here?"
"Well if you must know, the ministry thinks you're harboring war criminals."
She wanted to punch the amused expression on his face.
"I was sent here to search and see what I could discover."
"Well you're doing a horrid near-Weasel King bad job," he responded with a signature sneer.
Hermione resolutely crossed her arms and jutted out her chin.
"And that's your new insult? Adding Ron references in your comments? How mature, Malfoy."
He feigned an expression of innocence and hurt.
"New? You know I've used Weasel in my insults since we first met on the Hogwarts Express. I can't believe how lowly you think of me, and my insults for that matter, Granger."
Hermione gritted her teeth with ire, already beginning to be aggravated by Draco's presence in her general vicinity. Her voice became quiet.
"We haven't dated in almost two years now."
Draco looked bored.
"So?"
"So?" she glared at him, appalled, "You can drop the Weasel jokes then."
"Not going to happen. Those jokes will always be funny. Just because the two of you aren't dating doesn't mean I repeal all rights to Weasel jests… and gay Potter jokes for that matter."
"Gay ferret jokes you mean," she clipped cavalierly.
His jaw twitched. Hermione knew queer Malfoy jokes were always his soft spot. She remembered that he'd pummeled a fifth year Hufflepuff during their final year at Hogwarts for saying something suggestive about his too-tight turtlenecks. Needless to say, the poor boy spent four days in the infirmary while Malfoy sat glumly on the bench that week during quidditch practice and the Slytherin-Hufflepuff match. Hermione didn't know why McGonagall bothered; the professors and Draco knew Slytherin would slaughter Hufflepuff anyway.
"Whatever, Granger."
He turned on his heels and stalked away from her. She breathed a sigh of relief until she heard his baritone voice calling her. It was laced too dangerously sweet for her liking.
"Are you coming or not?"
She grunted in response and trudged after him.
Hermione always found Malfoy Manor eerie. Hermione felt queasy here, as if the Dark Magic would permeate her insides. Malfoy's long strides were difficult to keep up with. She practically skipped behind him to match his pace. He had lit his wand and she'd followed him warily down the elongated corridors and dark passages. At one point, she had clutched his robes when a moving portrait had pointed its archaic Unicorns tail wand at her and wailed an eardrum piercing 'mudblood!'. Draco had smirked and Hermione removed her hands quickly.
"Don't worry, Granger. These portraits were charmed after the war not to harm Muggleborns and Half Bloods. You're completely safe. I'm here."
She inwardly groaned at his response. She did not feel safe or comforted by his words at all. She didn't even bother to hide her relief when they arrived in Narcissa's drawing room. In fact, she could have kissed Malfoy right then and there - if she were mad of course.
"Want a drink, Granger?"
She narrowed her eyes at him.
"No thanks… I wouldn't know if it were poisoned or not."
Malfoy gave another laugh and called in a House Elf regardless of her unheard cries. He asked Sperry for some Arabic tea and plain water for Hermione. She noticed the House Elf proudly bore two grandiose purple earrings. She mentioned the jewelry after Sperry left the room.
"We've freed all our House Elves, but every single one chose to stay with us instead of leave. We treat our House Elves much better than most, and they prefer to stay here in the servant.
"You've turned a new leaf, Malfoy."
He quirked an eyebrow and she color rise on her cheeks
"Hardly, Granger. Unless bolstering the Malfoy image is turning over a new leaf – I'd call it repairing the family name and always being on top."
Hermione wrinkled her nose. Subconsciously, his eyes were drawn to the smattering of freckles atop it.
"People in the Ministry still think you should be punished you know? Spliced open in fact, or given the Death Eaters' Kiss."
He cracked a small smile.
"Spliced open? I don't know if I'd want Potter and his ilk to perform an abscission on me…"
Hermione groaned at Malfoy's sarcasm.
"Point being: if witches and wizards knew how much you've, ahem changed, they wouldn't be continually requesting for your murder, would they?"
He grinned.
"I didn't know my death was in such high demand."
She threw her hands up, exasperated.
"You're such an ungrateful arse. There is no use trying to help you."
He sat down on the armchair and nodded gingerly towards the love seat across from him. She seated herself.
"I hear you, Granger, I do. I just don't see why I should bother. I don't care what others think of me."
At those last words, Hermione suddenly felt something other than aggravation towards Malfoy. He was a changed man, she knew that. But he was also wiser, not puerile like he once was. He was a big enough person to disregard rumors and quasi-gossip. She wished she were the same.
"Malfoy…"
"Hmm."
"You've changed," she said matter-of-factly.
"As have you, Granger. You're no longer ugly."
Hermione glared at Malfoy who just smirked back at her. She then let his words sink in. He backhandedly called her… pretty. Had Malfoy hit his head on the way here? He must've since there was no way in Merlin Draco Malfoy would compliment her.
"No need to over think it, Granger. Yes, I just called you pretty."
Hermione blushed. She couldn't have been more delighted when Sperry entered the room. No more awkwardness with Malfoy, she monotonously chanted. Hermione took the glass of water from Sperry. She was about to raise it to her lips when she realized Malfoy was looking at her. Not looking, staring at her with an expression of fascination. She stopped and placed the glass on the table.
"Drink this."
"What?"
"Drink this water, so I know it's not charmed."
"You sure you don't want Malfoy germs all over it?"
"You're funny," she retorted, her words dripping with sarcasm.
Malfoy shrugged and leaned over the table towards her. He lifted the glass up to his lips and took a swig. He held her eyes for a few seconds, and she did a sharp intake. Brown eyes melted into grey. They both waited a second and then when nothing happened, Malfoy winked and handed the glass to her.
"Nothing to worry about, Granger."
Hermione responded in a small whisper,
"Lies. I always have to be on my toes around you."
When she caught his eyes they were dark, brooding even. His next words floored her.
"I never asked you to be."
She pondered his notion and took a sip.
"How's the Weasel clan?"
She arched an eyebrow.
"Since when do you care?"
"No need to jump to defense, Granger. I'm just making a pleasant conversation, but if small talk is too much for you?"
She raised her hand and nodded.
"They're all fine. Fleur and Bill are great. She's having her third child and Bill's excitement is uncontainable. Percy and Audrey are quite content. They've finally moved out of the burrow like Bill and Fleur and live in a cottage in Ireland with the two girls. Charlie's still not married since his job with the Care of Magical Creatures in Romania keeps his hands tied and occupied. George is still running the joke shop, WWW. Its popularity continues to skyrocket, its unfathomable sometimes. George's marrying Angelina soon and I quite like her so it should make for an enjoyable wedding. Ginny and Harry are celebrating their fourth wedding anniversary soon. I can't believe it. The Burrow is almost falling apart with all those children running amuck, I don't know how Molly and Arthur can handle it. Oh, and Ron's still single…"
She realized Malfoy was listening to her with rapt attention. It was unnerving.
"I'm done, Malfoy."
He blinked and arose from his stupor before nodding.
"That you are."
Hermione raised an eyebrow in light of this strange situation.
"And how are you, Malfoy?"
His eyes glinted gleefully.
"How kind of you to ask, Granger."
"Don't sound so unctuous, Malfoy. It's quite unbecoming."
"That's ridiculous. I've always been smarmy."
She rolled her eyes.
"I've continued work at Malfoy Industries. We're looking into cellular prototypes for the wizarding community," he told her.
"What?"
Her eyes widened. She gasped at him, incredulous.
"Muggle technology?"
"Right, Granger. We're updating it of course so it's more advanced for Witches and Wizards alike. You can perform verbal spells over the phone, sans the Unforgivables of course, and our next generation should be able to utilize the product to perform simple spells if you forget or misplace your wand."
"That's fantastic."
He smiled sheepishly. Hermione almost fainted; she never thought she'd see the day. Of course his smile was replaced moments later with a smirk.
"Glad you're impressed, Granger, but you should know my father already invested much of the Malfoy Industries wealth into muggle companies and corporations years ago. The bloody hypocritical git."
She merely murmured and took another sip of her water. This new Malfoy was giving her a migraine. The water suddenly became acetous in her mouth. She definitely had to get out of this now claustrophobic manor.
"Well seeing as I've deduced there are no war criminals lurking around the depths of your home, I must bid adieu."
He raised an eyebrow.
"Already, Granger? I'm starting to think you're scared of my company."
She scoffed, which made him sneer again.
"Hardly. I'm shocked your acting so placid is all."
"Well I didn't think you'd be so livid about it. If you want me nasty and vicious Granger all you had to do was ask."
She leveled her glare.
"I wasn't even suggesting that," she said lamely.
Malfoy gave a nonchalant shrug.
"We can chat if you'd like Granger," he drawled, "Or you can leave too. I really don't care."
Hermione sat for a moment. She put her glass down and arose from the plush velvet seating, heading towards the ostentatious wooden doors. She stopped on her path to the doors and looked back at Malfoy. He was staring out the windows, looking pensively. Perhaps this new Malfoy wasn't as daft.
"So what's your stance on the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teaching conduct?"
He turned and met her eyes. She smiled at the handsome man lounging perpendicular to her.
"Well," he chided, his eyes sparkling, "I'm so glad you asked."
Their initial small talk became heated debates and Draco found himself both enticed and shocked by Granger's audacity. He realized they disagreed on as many subjects as they acquiesced, and he found it pleasantly refreshing to hear her opinions. Though he would never outright admit it, he took on the role of Devil's Advocate just to rile her up. Granger felt the same way. She enjoyed listening to how eloquently he spoke -probably an attribute of his Pureblood upbringing- and his silent watchfulness when she voiced her thoughts. It caused her to blush constantly when she caught his noncommittal gaze, but it took her a few minutes to realize he meant nothing of it. He was simply being attentive.
"My! Look at the time."
Malfoy glanced at his grandfather clock.
"I suppose you're right, Granger. Best be off."
She gave him a small smile to his slight grimace.
"Don't worry, I'll tell the Ministry you don't have any Lestranges or Parkinsons teetering in your home."
"One less qualm for me to worry about," he muttered before the ends of his lips curled into a soft smile.
"Thank you."
She returned his thanks and headed for the Apparation point.
"You're welcome to visit anytime, Granger," his baritone voice called from the drawing room as she left.
Hermione fisted her skirt and suppressed a grin. She had enjoyed Malfoy's company more than she'd let on. She felt like an infatuated teenager as she skipped towards the Manor gardens. Little did she know, she had left quite an impression on the young man inside as well.
Granger arrived home winded. Not from the Apparation, but from being surrounded by all things Malfoy for a near five hours. If someone had told her during sixth year she would have actually enjoyed spending time with him, she would have hexed them into oblivion. Hermione rubbed her temples, a headache showing no sign of mitigating.
Relieved to end her day, she lay down and closed her eyes. Her dreamless sleep was awoken a few minutes later by incessant knocking at the door.
"Who is it?" she asked.
"Me! Ginny!"
"Oh, it's open."
Ginny unlocked the door and bustled inside, James and Rose clinging to her legs. Ginny dropped the groceries off on the table and sent her a 'help-me' look. Hermione rolled her eyes.
"Come here James, Rose."
The two kids ran into Hermione and knocked her off the couch.
"Hi Auntie Hermione," Rose singsonged and kissed her forehead.
"Ew, that's gross!" James exclaimed from the other side of her.
"You're gross!" Rose screamed before jumping onto him.
"Now now…"
Ginny peeled the two off each other, putting James on her left and Rose on her right. They gave each other self deprecating grins.
"You will apologize this instance, do you hear me?"
They both matched groans and mumbled a not-so-sorry apology before skipping off into Hermione's spare bedroom.
"I swear these kids will be the death of me."
Ginny's weary expression called Hermione to a pot of tea. She poured some for them both.
"You survived a war, Gin, I doubt these kids are any trouble compared to Death Eaters."
Ginny scoffed.
"I swear they're worse than Malfoy some days."
This comment caused Hermione to splutter her tea. Ginny turned from the couch, a crease appearing on her forehead.
"You okay?"
Hermione mumbled a yes while dabbing her robes. Ginny continued,
"What annoys me is that Harry never helps anymore. He's so busy being an Auror he doesn't have time. And I understand he has a job to do, helping civilians and what not, but he should have time for me and the kids. It's only fair."
Hermione nodded, still rubbing the stain on her clothing. She gave up and Scourgifyed the spot clean. "He should ask for some time off. I mean, his father-in-law has that power at the Ministry.
"But Arthur wouldn't want to abuse it."
"Hermione, you just don't understand," Ginny sighed, exasperated.
"I probably don't," Hermione spoke softly, "Just talk to Harry about it, I'm sure he'll understand."
Ginny shrugged her shoulders.
"You're probably right…"
There was a comfortable silence in the room, which was short lived.
"MOM!" came a squeal from down the hallway, "JAMES IS PULLING MY HAIR! OW! STOP IT!"
Ginny rolled her eyes and headed down the hallway.
"James Potter, you will stop pulling your sister's hair this instance!"
She turned to Hermione, tying up her chestnut mane and shaking her head.
"Kids; they're worse than trolls."
Hermione smiled lightly and laid back her head onto the couch, tired from what the day had provided her.
She had this feeling, call it intuition, that tonight was was going to be one of many sleepless nights.
A/N: It has been pointed out that Rose is Hermione and Ron's daughter. I'm aware but this story is AU and therefore Hermione and Ron have not conceived a child; Lily's name has been replaced with Rose.
Reviews would be adored as much as I adore Draco (:
