Chapter 2

A large thestrial drawn carriage clanged loudly with each bump as it travelled the gravel path. It was not a normal carriage, however. This carriage was built like a cage on wheels covered in a moth-eaten, dark green curtain. Inside, Harry tried his best to see out the holes in the fabric covering. This was it. After a two week wait, a rather embarrassing trip to St. Mungo's, and a couple hours on Air Prison, Harry would be getting the first glimpse of his new home. His palms were sweaty for reasons other than the July heat. For two weeks, Harry was left to ponder what he was to say or do concerning this Hermione Granger.

He knew for certain he had to make it clear to her so long as there was enslavement, he did not want to his bloodline continued. No descendants of his was ever going to bow to a pure! But then what of Hermione herself? Harry did admit that life as an impure was lonely. Being allowed to finally have a friend was an opportunity he would rather not waste. But would it be too awkward to be friends with their slave owner breathing down their necks about breeding? Would they have anything in common? Other than their enslavement, of course. Would they get along, or be constantly at each others' throats? What if he found he fancied her and she did not feel the same? Or more importantly, what if she did? What would their dating life be like. Would they be allowed to marry? At that point, would he have the strength to deny her children if she asked? Harry shook his head when he realized he was again thinking too far into advance.

Suddenly a prickle on the back of Harry's neck drew him from his musing. He rubbed at it in an irritated manner. No matter how many times he was moved from place to place, he would never get use to the Ministry mark on his neck keying into the barrier around his new master's property. Not as much as he hated the mark's other purpose. With a single order from certain people, the branded 'M' would flare to life and ignite Harry's body into a world of pain. It was an insurance policy; giving the pures means of controlling Harry's kind. Not that he submitted under the pain, but he still hated the idea of those bastards having a clear weak spot to attack him with.

The pin holding one side of the curtain on the back finally gave loose under the bumpy ride. The fabric flapped back and Harry was given clear view of the yard to his new home. He was surprised by the size. Clearly the Malfoys were a wealthy family. A flash of colour drew his attention to one of the gardens. A peacock? A bloody peacock? Oh great, of course they would be egotistic rich snobs. Harry already hated them. As the carriage came round the U-bend cobblestone path, he got his first glimpse of the manor itself. To sum it up in one word, it was big. Clean of ivy, and gorgeous glass pane windows. Yep, definitely dealing with rich snobs. No wonder they once needed twenty servants. Then, Harry's attention was swiftly shifted to something new.

There, in the garden of lilac and rose bushes lining the manor wall, was a girl. She was young; that much was clear. Her brown locks were up in a messy, loose bun in attempt to keep it from her face. Her pale features had the slightest coating of dirt and sweat. No doubt from pulling weeds if the pile next to her was any indication. She was intently watching the carriage as it finally stopped before the grand steps. Harry continued to study her. He was curious as to why she would choose to pull weeds by hand instead of using the wand sitting just within reach. He only turned away when he heard the large mansion doors opening in response to the driver's knock.

"Wotcher," greeted a female voice. Harry carefully slid over to peer through the holes of the cover again. He did not see much with the driver standing in the way. He did, however, make out spiky, bubblegum coloured hair.

The driver cleared his throat, "Is this the Malfoy residence?"

"No, 'fraid you've got the wrong place," the woman answered.

"P-pardon me?" the driver stuttered in an embarrassed tone. Harry smirked as the driver searched his person for the delivery address. Was he really so daft he missed the plate above the letter box reading 'Malfoy Mansion'?

"Tonks, don't be rude," this came from the girl in the garden. Harry's eyes were on her again as she approached while using simple spell work to clean herself. "Lord Malfoy has been expecting you. He should be in the lounge, directly up the grand stairs there."

"Yes, thank you," the man nodded before entering the house. The woman with the pink hair let him pass before coming outside and closing the door behind her.

"Haven't you grown tired of tormented idiot delivery boys yet?" the younger one asked.

"Of course not," the pink haired woman answered. They were now outside of Harry's view as they drew closer to the back side of the carriage. "It's the only entertaining part of waiting around for deliveries. Come on, let's have a look at who uncle dragged in here this time."

"Probably another boring, egotistic brute with more muscle than..." whatever the girl was going to say stopped when the loose curtain was thrown back and all three parties could clearly see one another.

On the right was the pink haired woman that had answered the door. She was pale with a lovely heart shaped face. Though she was young, she was likely older than Harry. Tonks, he had heard her being called. He did not bother to really study her more. The other on the left was who he was more interested in. She had removed her bun allowing her bushy curls to frame her face. Harry found that although he would not call her gorgeous, she did hold a certain subtlety that was alluring. She was thin, most likely under fed, and appeared warn from a hard day's labour. Further more, a thin prominent scar marked a path from her left jaw down across her neck and disappearing under her blouse collar on the right side. Crossing over that scar was a much older one cutting from near her lip and back towards her ear lobe. If her working in the garden did not prove it before, those clues alone erased any doubt this girl was a slave. The only slave the Malfoys currently owned besides himself. She was Hermione Granger, and at that moment her cinnamon colour eyes remained fierce and alert as she took in Harry's appearance. It made him feel a bit self conscious as he subconsciously tried to lay his messy, black hair flat.

In his attempt to self grooming, Harry had unknowingly moved his fringe bangs away from his forehead enough to display his scar. The famous lighting bolt shaped scar that he had since the night of his parents death. The eyebrows of both girls rose with surprise, but Hermione's just as quickly knitted together in a thoughtful expression.

"Harry Potter? You joined the new blood program?" Hermione asked in disbelief.

"Wow," Tonks muttered. "Who'd have thought? At least he's not another boring brute." She nudge Hermione teasingly. Then on a more serious note she added, "Remus and Sirius are going to be disappointed when I tell them." Before Harry could speak up for himself, another voice cut into the conversation.

"Nymphadora!" a man's voice growled. Hermione jumped slightly, but Tonks rolled her eyes hidden by the cover she was holding. "Here we go," she muttered. The curtain fell back into place when she released it, but Harry could still see the two women stand at attention. Tonks' demeanour was bold while Hermione took on a subdued bow of her head. "I believe I've warned you about having your hair that dreadful colour," the man's voice snapped. Harry glanced out the hole again to see if he could see the speaker. He did not but he did see a blonde boy about his age. No doubt the heir of the manor by the way he presented himself. Harry's mind already swirled with different plots to knock the git down a few pegs.

"I believe you have, Uncle," Tonks mockingly retaliated. "Just like I've told you about calling me Nymphadora."

"That better not be attitude I'm hearing from you, young lady."

"Of course not, Uncle," each word dripped with sarcasm.

"Nymphadora, change your hair colour this instant."

Tonks took on a thoughtful expression before shrugging. "Have it your way." To Harry's amazement and amusement, her hair changed from pink to neon green... without using a wand! She was smirking at her uncle with a triumphant look in her dark eyes.

"Miss Granger," the man snapped.

"Yes, Lord Malfoy?" Hermione answered politely.

"You are excused from cleaning the ballroom tonight. Miss Tonks," he spat, "you will be doing so instead. Without the use of cleaning spells. Do I make myself clear?"

"Yes, uncle," she nodded as a slight bow.

"Good," Lord Malfoy sneered. Then his tone changed to slightly more cheery as he added, "Now, lets have a look at our newest addition, shall we?"

A mutter from the driver and the fabric covering vanished. Harry blinked with the sudden brightness of day light. As soon as his vision adjusted, he took note of the three strangers before him. There was a woman that Harry had not even known was there. She was a tall and slim with blonde hair. In the regal way she held herself, Harry could tell she was the Lady of the house. Beside her was the boy Harry had spotted. He was equally pale as the Lord and Lady, with grey eyes like his father. Speaking of the Malfoy Lord, the way the blonde man looked at Harry like a prize sparked anger within him all the more. Forget pranks on the son. This man was about to be the star in the drama How Harry Potter Drove Me Insain.

"Come now, Mr Potter, it's rude to glare," the Malfoy Lord said in a 'I'm better than you' tone. "You should be grateful we took you in on such short notice." At that moment the back of the cage had melted away to create stairs. The man continued, "I am Lord Lucius Malfoy. This is my wife, Lady Narcissa, my son, Master Draco..." His face momentarily darkened as he growled, "and my niece, Nymphadora Tonks."

"Just call me Tonks," Tonks cut in. "Pisses uncle off like you wouldn't believe." Harry smirked. Even if she was a pure, he had a feeling he was going to get along with Tonks.

"Nymphadora! Would you like to add scrubbing the dinning hall floor to your punishments?" Lucius growled.

"Sure. Let's add the grand staircase while we're at it," her hair had turned a heated red to back her challenge. Lucius was turning an interesting shade of red as he tried to withhold his anger. Without taking his eyes off of Tonks, Lucius hissed, "Mr Young, if there is no other business to be attended to, I will ask you to leave."

"O' course, Governor," the driver's words spoke clearly of his desire to leave before hexes began to fly. He shoved past Tonks to get into the cage and grabbed Harry's shoulder. "Come on, boy. Come outta there," he ordered while dragging Harry along. He did not fight it... this time. He had too much to do to waste any more time out here in the smelly, metal carriage anyway. He stood before the two girls fairly confused when he noticed the dark glare from Hermione. "Good day, Sir," the driver tipped his hat to Lucius. He jumped up onto his podium, and flicked the reins. The small gathering waiting in tense silence for the carriage to make its way around the circle and onto the road toward the gate.

Lucius twisted the head of his cane. From within, he drew his wand and pointed it at Tonks. "Obedience," he shouted. Tonks let out a short scream as she fell to the ground in withering pain. Harry watched in shock not believing what he was seeing. She was marked! He looked up to Hermione wondering if this was really happening. She, on the other hand, was watching Tonks with obvious concern. Finally, Lucius let go of the curse. "How dare you show such disrespect to your betters. If we weren't related, I'd have you sent straight to the Department of Magical Management to have your status confiscated. Mark my words, Nymphadora. Cross me again, and I'll be having a word with Mr Knol about having you stay in Azkaban for a month. Maybe then you'll be a little more grateful for our taking you in." Straightening his composure, Lucius reached into his pocket and then practically threw Harry's wand at him. Then he rounded on Hermione. "Miss Granger. Get Mr Potter settled in. Be sure to show him about the manor and inform him of the rules and his duties. You both are excused from the rest of today's chores since Tonks will be doing so in your place. I still expect the ballroom to be cleaned without magic. You're all dismissed. Come Narcissa, Draco." With angry steps, Lucius strutted away through the front door. When Narcissa turned away, Harry swore she appeared slightly upset. Draco stayed a moment to sneer at them. Then he too followed.

The moment the door closed, Hermione was down at Tonks' side. "Are you alright?" she asked.

"Yeah, I'll be alright," Tonks' shaky voice countered her words. "He took me by surprise more than anything."

"You really shouldn't have angered him so badly," Hermione scolded. As Tonks made to get up, she stumbled some. Harry gently grabbed her arm to help steady her. She pulled away from him with a slight glare.

"Keep your hands to yourself, Potter," Hermione growled protectively stepping between with her wand drawn.

Now Harry was getting annoyed. "I haven't done anything!" he defended.

"And that's the way it's going to stay," Hermione countered getting in his face. Her wand was held dangerously pointing at his chest. "I should have known after all I had heard about you, you would let your fame get to your head. But you listen to me. I don't care if you are Harry Potter. We will not be doing so much as kissing let alone fornicating. I will not be used as some slave breeding bitch for the Ministry."

Harry was momentarily struck dumb. It looked like convincing her about the no kids thing was not going to be necessary. But just to be sure... "So let me get this straight. You didn't ask your master for a partner of any kind?" he asked.

"Of course not!" Hermione huffed. "It had been Lord Malfoy's idea. He purposefully twisted my words into making it sound like I wanted to have a family. Give the memory to the right people, tell them I'm an only child with promising magical ability, and next thing I know, they start bring hopeful wizards in here for the New Blood Production Program."

"Which in itself is ridiculous," Tonks cut in having caught her second wind. "Hermione is a muggle-born. Being an only child is an excuse to get her into the program. They can't disprove her bloodline isn't 'strong enough'," Tonks made air quotes with her fingers as she rolled her eyes, "to produce magical children. But everyone knows they're really trying to make more slaves. They might keep on one or two to help detour the inbreeding problem pures are facing, but the rest are straight cases to the Department of Magical Management."

"That is why I absolutely refuse to have children. Especially with a man I don't even know!" Hermione finished. "And wizards like you that sign themselves up are selfish, idiot, perverts for worrying more about the chance to have sex than what will happen to the resulting children."

"But I didn't sign myself up," Harry countered. This clearly took both women by surprise.

"Huh?"

"What?" They said together.

"I didn't sign myself up," Harry repeated. "I got in an argument with my new case worker. Somehow he seemed to think if I had a family to protect, I might actually start to behave for a master. I don't want to have kids so long as slavery exists. Even if I met the love of my life; it's not going to happen."

"Really?" Hermione asked. She appeared unsure if she should believe him or not.

"Yeah. I've been going mad thinking you wanted someone to settle down with and would hex me when I told you I don't." This gained a light smile from Hermione. Harry found it endearing that he smiled as well.

"Thank the Heavens!" Tonks loudly sighed in relief. "You have no idea how glad I am to hear that. Thing is, the ones that came in here before you did want to be in the program. A lot of them didn't seem to understand the meaning of the word 'no'. Bunch of horny brutes, really. One would have succeeded in forcing himself on Hermione, if my fiancee hadn't turned up for a visit. I've heard people talk about you, Harry. Everyone says your resourceful. Not to mention stubborn as can be when you get an idea in your head. For a moment, I was worried if maybe I needed to plan an unfortunate accident just to keep Hermione safe."

Harry's blood boiled in anger. "Believe me, I'm not like them. And if any of those rapist bastards are still around here, I'm going to make them wish they were never born," he growled threateningly. He missed the smiles his deceleration brought to both women.

"That won't be necessary," Hermione said kindly. "I'm sorry for assuming you were one of them. Your the first to be brought in here that had not join the program voluntarily."

"It's fine," Harry shrugged. "I don't blame you if that's the kind of guys you've met before me."

"Now that that is cleared up," Tonks said. Her red locks suddenly turned back to pink. "I should owl Remus and get to work on those chores."

"Would you like some help?" Hermione offered.

"Nah, I'll be alright," Tonks shook her head. "You should go read or something. You've been restless ever since uncle announced they were bringing in a new guy."

"That does sound appealing," Hermione sighed tiredly.

"I could help if you want," Harry offered.

"You can help by not pulling any pranks until tomorrow," Tonks responded. "I don't want to have to clean anymore than I have to."

"I've told you not to anger your uncle," Hermione muttered.

"Oh hush you. The royal tart deserves it."

"You always say that."

"Because he always does. Never mind, I'll see you two later," with that Tonks waved goodbye and walked away. When she disappeared into the mansion, Harry and Hermione glanced at one another with uncertainty.

"Perhaps we should start again," she offered. She chewed her bottom lip nervously.

"Okay," Harry nodded in full agreement. He offered his hand and said, "Harry Potter."

"Pleased to meet you," Hermione smiled as she shook hands with him. "I'm Hermione Granger."

HP*HG

Another short one, and admittedly, this was suppose to be longer, but I loved how nicely this made for the ending of their first meeting. Anyway, updating this before midnight so I can got to bed early... luck you! :P

As always, please review!

~Nemarra