Disclaimer: I don't own any of the Harry Potter characters (I do own Sebastian Corax)
Now That You're Here
Chapter 1
Almost two months have gone by since Hermione came home from St. Mungo's. She and Ginny have moved their belongings into Hermione's room and they have been getting to know each other in a new light. Ginny was still cautious about the subject of advancing their relationship to include more physical intimacy. Ginny didn't feel Hermione was fully recovered mentally from Ron's assault and didn't want to put pressure on her.
Hermione has now resumed her role at Malfoy Industries on a full time basis and Draco keeps a close eye on her so she doesn't overwork herself. When the war began and Draco had switched sides Hermione and Ginny were really the first to accept him.
The three of them spent several missions together huddled in small hideouts, staking out Death Eaters, and running from Death Eaters. You can learn a lot from a person that way. For example Draco learned that Hermione was a very sweet and caring person and he did develop a small crush on her. He knew that Ginny had an ongoing love for her so he didn't make his feelings known to Hermione. Draco and Ginny were closer too; Ginny had a dark side that Draco was instantly attracted to.
When Hermione came into Draco's office, he was on the phone but looked up at her and smiled. She made herself a cup of tea. She raised the pot to offer some to Draco but he raised his own cup and shook his head. She put her cup on his desk and sat across from him as he concluded his call.
"Its five Draco, you said you wanted to see me before I left for the day." She said
"I did, how are you getting on? Everything alright?" Draco asked her
"Oh yes things are going along fine, I'm really enjoying the challenge"
"And how's Ginny?"
"That's a whole different challenge…" Hermione trailed off
"Problems? Anything I can do?" Draco pressed
"Sex" Hermione sighed after a short pause
"Well let me just lock the door while you disrobe" he said with a smirk"
"No, I mean Ginny isn't pressuring me or anything, I just don't know if I'm ready" Hermione laughed
"Oh you two haven't….?"
"No and I want to….but …." Hermione looks at the floor as Draco raises her face to him
"But?" he urges "you can tell me, maybe I can help."
Hermione takes a sip of her tea and a deep breath, "my body doesn't look right" Draco looks her over with a confused expression as she continues "I mean underneath, because of the attack I have marks, discoloration and those awful scars….I don't want Ginny to see me and be reminded of what Ron did, she feels guilty enough, and I feel so ugly." She begins to cry.
Draco pulls her into a hug "Mione you could never be ugly" he kisses the top of her head "and I'm sure Ginny sees all of you not just those scars…but as always I have a solution." He guides her back to the chair.
"I don't know if Potter or Ginny told you but the dagger Ron used had very specific magical properties. I asked Potter if I could examine it and he brought it to me the other day, it was evidence for a while. After I tested it I came to the conclusion that I can remove the scars on your back." Draco explained and Hermione's eyes widened with hope
"No they didn't tell me, what kind of properties?"
"Well they probably didn't want to get your hopes up if my assumption had been wrong. You see all the pureblood families…." Draco went on to tell Hermione then same tale he told Harry that day at the coffee shop. She listened and asked her own questions until she thoroughly understood the implications. "So I offered the use of the Malfoy dagger to remove the scars for you." Draco concluded
"Oh Draco that's wonderful, yes please I would like them removed, and I know you said it was going to hurt and I understand what I'm getting into. Does it have to be done all at once?" she asked
"I'm afraid so luv, if not the original marks come back, I will try to make it as quick as I can." Draco assured her "and we'll need to make you as comfortable as we can…put some thought into where and when you want to do this and also if you want anyone there for support that would be fine as well."
"Thank you Draco. I'm going to give it some thought and let you know, I feel better already" She leaned over and kissed his cheek and waved as she left his office.
Back at the house Harry, Luna, Sebastian and Ginny were in the great room having a discussion when Hermione flooed in and immediately went to Ginny for a huge hug and deep kiss, the red-head was caught up in the moment and forgot where she was.
When the kiss was broken Hermione looked around the room as she seated herself on Ginny's lap.
"Hey everyone I just got some great news from Draco…" Hermione burst out and explained to them what Draco had told her. They were all very happy that the scars would finally be removed soon.
"Ginny, Draco said I could have someone with me and I don't want you to be offended, you know I love you with all my heart but I don't want you watching this…" Ginny started to protest but was cut off "it will upset you too much and that will upset me in return and I need to focus and be calm to deal with the pain. Forgive me luv?" Hermione nuzzled into Ginny's neck and sobbed
"Mione, as hard as this is…I understand and I do think you're right, I would be very upset and I don't want to make this harder for you. I trust that Draco will make you as comfortable as he can. No need to forgive luv."
"If I may interject" Luna's soft voice floated through the room and everyone looked at her. "I would like to offer my services to Hermione; I have studied several different relaxation techniques that could be helpful in instances of this nature. I can help Hermione focus on other things and take her mind off the pain."
"Thank you Luna I would like that" Hermione said
"Good we'll start preparing your mind tomorrow evening and then in about a week or so you can make an appointment with Draco."
"That sounds wonderful. What were you all discussing before I so rudely interrupted?"
They all exchange looks of dread and concern until all eyes fall on Ginny. Ginny looks at Hermione
"We were discussing Ron" Ginny said softly