Disclaimer: I own nothing.
oOo Chapter Two
The next afternoon, as Hermione made her way towards the Malfoy Manor entry gates, determined to follow through with paying back the young Malfoy heir, she thought back to the previous evening. She hadn't spoken to Ron except to inform him and the rest of the Weasley clan that she would be looking for a home of her own. She also thanked Mrs. Weasley for her hospitality in allowing her to stay upon her return to London. The declaration was met with a mixed reaction. Ron whined that she shouldn't live alone and Mr. and Mrs. Weasley humbly accepted her appreciation and told her they were happy she was back.
The majestic gates opened automatically, and she walked through. The path to the door was paved with slate stone, which made it easy for her walk in heels. Squaring her shoulders, she straightened invisible wrinkles from her sleeveless spring dress.
It was one of her favorites: white fitted bodice with a slightly flared four inch ruffle, starting from mid thigh to just above her knees. It had large red flowers printed on the light cotton fabric. Her shoes matched the flowers. She felt pretty in its simplicity.
As she arrived at the door, she took a calming breath and didn't think about the last time that she'd been here.
Gripping the large silver knocker, she knocked three times. Seconds later, she heard the click clack of heeled shoes approach. The door opened to reveal a beautiful blonde witch, who she knew to be the lady of the house: Narcissa Malfoy.
The woman's eyes widened a fraction, before she smiled.
"Good afternoon, Mrs. Malfoy. My name is-"
"Hermione Granger. Please, come in."
Hermione smiled and stepped forward. "Thank you. I'm sorry to interrupt your afternoon, but I was looking for Draco. Is he here?"
If possible, Narcissa's smile broadened. "No, he's not. We expect him back shortly. Would you have tea with us, perhaps? We could wait for Draco together."
"I- Okay. Yes, thank you. Tea would be lovely."
Narcissa closed the door and took Hermione's hand. "Wonderful. Marie?" she called as they walked past the drawing room that Hermione remembered, with growing anxiety.
Narcissa seemed to understand the young witch's hesitation and propelled her forward into a lady's sitting room. Marie, the elf, had already set out tea with biscuits. The room was light, airy and feminine with large French doors that were opened to allow a slight breeze, bringing with it the scent of Verbena. It calmed Hermione's nerves almost immediately.
Conversation ended as Hermione took in her surroundings. "Oh, Mrs. Malfoy, I don't want to impose! I only came-"
Narcissa interrupted with a wave her delicate hand. "Nonsense. Please, sit down. I'll make introductions."
Marie poured the witches tea and served them biscuits on small flowered plates.
"Miss Granger, please meet Katesch Zabini-Rosier, Elizabeth Pucey, Rebecca Nott and Tova Flint. Ladies, allow me to introduce Hermione Granger."
"How do you do?" Hermione greeted, nodding at each of the ladies. She was a bit uncomfortable, but instead of acting skittish, she told herself to relax and act like a lady. The latter was offered mentally, in her mother's voice.
"I had heard you returned, Miss Granger. Are you just visiting or seeking permanent residence?" It was Katesch Zabini-Rosier. Hermione thought the woman was lovelier than any model she'd ever seen. Rumors of Blaise's mother's beauty had run rampant among the Hogwarts fourth and fifth year boys, but Hermione hadn't ever laid eyes on the woman until now.
"Permanent, Ms. Zabini-Rosier."
Katesch smiled, which knocked the breath out of Hermione; it was radiant. "Oh pish! Please call me Katesch."
"Thank you. You must call me Hermione then. Katesch is a beautiful name."
This earned Hermione a groan from the two ladies on her right: Elizabeth and Rebecca. They were clearly overly used to someone commenting on something of beauty in regards to Katesch. Hermione fought the urge to snicker.
"My mother was Egyptian, and named me for her grandmother."
Curiosity getting the best of her, Hermione prolonged the explanation. "And your father Italian? Is Zabini your maiden name then?" She had to ask. It was strange for a woman to hyphenate two married names.
"Yes! I gave my dear Blaise the family name; Morganna knows his father didn't deserve to have his name carried on."
A slightly awkward silence followed; everyone knew of Katesch's rather controversial luck with dying spouses.
Hermione sipped her tea and marveled at the fine taste. "This is delicious, Mrs. Malfoy." The elder witch smiled. She was thrilled Hermione Granger had shown up at her door. The girl was not only a war heroine, but also stunning. She was educated and obviously well-mannered. Narcissa had secretly kept track of the comings and going of the illustrious Gryffindor.
Narcissa also knew that she was not the only one from her circle who had designs on the small witch. Hermione would make an exceptional addition to a family, especially ones with no daughters.
Hermione felt surreal, being here at Malfoy Manor, having tea with The Narcissa Malfoy and company. And though she was greeted with an exceptionally warm welcome, Hermione was still a little intimidated.
"Where are you staying presently, Hermione?" Elizabeth asked. Hermione noted that her son clearly got his refined beauty from his mother.
"I've been staying at the Burrow, with the Weasleys, but it's time for me to leave gracefully before I outstay my welcome. I'm ready to begin house hunting."
Narcissa set her cup down on the small table. "Lucius has a number of properties that he owns. I'm sure he would be happy to assist you in your discovery for the perfect home." Narcissa was surprised she was able to say that with a straight face. It was a risk; she had no idea how Hermione would react to offering Lucius' assistance with anything.
As if the fates had listened in on the conversation, Lucius walked through the door to greet his wife, followed by three other gentlemen.
Hermione's heart thawed a bit at the brilliant expression of love on their faces when their eyes met their wives.
Focusing on Lucius for a moment, Hermione also remembered the desperation that Lucius Malfoy had presented when looking for his son during the battle. She knew then that he loved his son more than his own life. Someone that loved his family that deeply couldn't be all bad, she rationalized.
"Volunteering my services again, 'Cissa," Lucius teased. "Ladies," he greeted with a nod in their direction.
Narcissa stood just as Lucius stopped when he saw Hermione.
"Lucius, you remember Hermione Granger." There was an edge to Narcissa's voice and he knew that he was expected to be on his best behavior; not that he wouldn't have already, but his 'Cissy had a temper.
Smiling, he walked forward. "Miss Granger, a pleasure." He bowed over her hand, but didn't kiss it. Hermione was relieved.
"Mr. Malfoy." Hermione gave him a tight smile, but it wasn't all removed. There was some warmth to it. He was grateful for the girl's effort. He wasn't certain he'd have the fortitude to act similarly if the shoe were on the other foot, so to speak.
He turned back to the men currently waiting for introduction. "Hermione Granger, allow me to introduce you to Castor Flint, Pavo Pucey and Ragnar Rosier. Gentlemen, Hermione Granger."
Hermione was definitely intimidated now, though she didn't feel any malice, they were all watching her like she was a bug under a glass. "How do you do?" she asked, once again nodding in greeting. She wasn't able to make her feet move in their direction.
Lucius felt her anxiety and made to break the tension. "What brings you to our home?" he asked, making his way to pour himself a tumbler of brandy.
Hermione watched him unbutton the top button of his dress shirt and roll the sleeves to his forearms. He sat gracefully next to his wife and crossed his legs. The other men took his lead and found seats.
It was all very casually elegant. Though, Hermione did note that Castor Flint took up almost the entire length of a two-seat sofa. He was enormous, she thought and schooled her features to reflect stoicism instead of a child about to be consumed by a monster.
Hermione's face must have said it all, because Pavo chuckled and remarked, "Come now, Miss Granger. We can't always follow formal protocol.
Lucius agreed. "This is our home after all. Where one can relax." In one sentence, he told her to lighten up and reminded her that she was a guest.
Smiling, a bit ashamed of herself and her slip in manners, she nodded. "Of course. I don't know what came over me. Please accept my apologies, Mr. Malfoy." Hermione's admittance surprised him, and Narcissa and the other ladies actually twittered.
Hermione didn't know what to do except explain her presence. "I was out shopping yesterday and ran into Draco, with Blaise, Marcus and Adrian. They followed me into a shoe store." She paused with a pointed look at the ladies, who all rolled their eyes at the young men's antics. "Draco bought my shoes, and I'm here to pay him back."
Lucius looked confused and Narcissa looked positively ecstatic. Tova looked chagrined, but Hermione couldn't tell. She didn't know if the woman was normally surly.
"Mr. Malfoy?"
He cleared his throat. "Draco doesn't buy witches …things, Miss Granger. He feels, as I do, that that type of behavior only brings out the more greedy sides of the opposite sex." Snorts of humor around the room filled the space, but all in all it was an agreeing sound, not one of contrary.
Hermione wasn't sure if she was offended or not, but she did acknowledge an understanding of how someone with a vault full of Galleons would assume that approach. She did, however, look directly at the jewels covering the neck, fingers, wrists and ears of his wife.
Lucius smirked. "Point taken, but she is my wife."
Hermione nodded. "Then perhaps he was trying to get me to like him. The last time I saw him – well, we didn't part on good terms."
"Did it work?" he asked.
Narcissa's face fell for a split second. "Lucius!" she hissed.
He glanced at his wife with a mildly fearful expression, but then returned focus to Hermione. He wanted an answer.
Hermione wanted to shout no, but she couldn't. "A bit… but I shan't let it continue; therefore, I'm here to pay him back."
"Did any of the other young men buy you any trinkets, Miss Granger?" Pavo asked, wanting to laugh outright at her indignation, and hoping that Adrian was mindful enough to act a gentleman with this witch. Pavo would be thrilled to have her as part of the Pucey family.
Hermione cleared her throat. "No. But Marcus did…"
Tova sat forward. "Did what?"
Castor was mildly alarmed. He wasn't sure how to read the pretty young heroine. "Did he harm you?!"
"No! No, of course not." She lifted her chin a bit – out of habit. "I can handle myself…" she let the sentence trail and ignored the amused expressions, "he followed me into a book store and teased me about what I was thinking of reading." She was pouting; she knew it, but it had both annoyed and her flattered her.
Ragnar was chuckling quietly. He wouldn't tease though; this witch's temper was infamous.
Narcissa sipped her tea to hide her smile and then looked at Hermione's shoes. "Are those the pair, Hermione?"
Hermione raised her chin and straightened her already pin straight back. "No."
Hermione could tell that the wizards and witches in front of her wanted to laugh, but she wouldn't back down.
Just then a ruckus of sorts sounded from the foyer. Narcissa's eyes gleamed and she stood. "In here, Draco."
Four tall, ridiculously good-looking wizards sauntered into the sitting room, smiling as they realized who was visiting.
Draco spoke first, greeting his mother with a kiss and his father with a handshake. "Mum, Father." The other boys followed suit.
When Draco turned to Hermione, his toothy grin made her smile too. "Hermione, you missed me!"
"Not quite. I came to-"
"Marcus here has something for you, Granger." It was juvenile, the way that Blaise said it. But it had the desired affect, she shifted gears and looked at Marcus, who looked as uncomfortable as humanly possible. It also looked like Blaise's days alive were numbered.
"Marcus?"
Strangely, the room was silent; all listening intently to the conversation.
Marcus inhaled and shifted balance. He was slightly uncomfortable with all eyes on him. It was one thing to have fans cheer for you in a Quidditch Pitch stadium, but this was unnerving.
Dark eyes met pretty brown-hazel ones. Not breaking eye contact, he slowly reached behind is back.
Hermione heard rustling and tilted her head. He must have had it hidden in the small of his back, but she couldn't look away from his smoldering gaze to peak behind him. Pulling out what she immediately recognized was a book, her eyes lit up.
His hand shook slightly – she noticed – as he handed her the familiar paperback. It was the book Adrian had asked her about. It was the one with the warrior on the cover. Hermione's cheeks heated up. She knew they were tearing the mickey.
She took it from him, and when she looked up at him again, he looked uncertain. She got the impression that he wasn't poking fun.
"It's not a joke," Marcus said quickly.
Adrian stepped in with shaking his head. "Just something he thought you'd like," he said, defending his friend.
Not wanting to react harshly, and not wanting to leave a bad taste in his mouth, she decided to get to the heart of why she had visited Malfoy Manor. Turning to Draco, she said, "I came to bring you the money for my shoes." She took his hand and dropped a velvet bag of coins into it. "Thank you, but I have my own vaults."
Facing Marcus again, she tapped the book to his chest, and chirped. "Thank you for the book, Mr. Flint. I'll think of you while I read it."
With her business concluded, she faced Narcissa. "Thank you for the tea and wonderful conversation. I hope to see you again soon. Good bye, Mr. Malfoy. Ladies. Gentlemen."
She walked out of Manor with hips swaying, shoulders squared, chin up and click clacking heels.
All eyes were on Marcus' smiling face.
