Thank you all for the great reviews! I will try to update quicker for those of you anxious to read the next chapter. *NOTE* How I describe the castle can be confusing. I will try to add pictures of things similar to how I view things on my profile. Such as the staircases in this chapter. I knew how I wanted them to look but I knew some people may be confused. So there will be a picture to help you better understand what i'm saying.
Also remember I have no Beta, therefore there will be some mistakes. I try to catch them and fix them as I re read my chapters but I don't always catching things.
Hermione's body became stiff as her eyes widened further.
The Master? She thought. What master? The only masters of the home were deceased, besides herself.
The air around her seemed to press against her lungs and mind. It was as if the room was filled with immense amounts of sorrow and pain. She didn't know whether to cry or run, it was very perplexing.
"Mitzy" Hermione whispered "Help..please" she opened her eyes in a pleading manor , hoping the elf would do something.
The elf cowered deeper into her nook "Mitzy is very fond of Missus Hermione, but Mitzy cannot disobey the house of Malfoy." And with that the small elf scrambled to her feet and ran out of the hall, leaving Hermione alone with whatever was behind her.
"I..I know magical beasts and other creatures" she started, but cringed as the cold breath beat harder against her neck.
"I grew up at Hogwarts, We've studied many animal-"she was cut off as the creature behind her let out a chilling laugh, its icy breath chilling her further.
"Hhhhhoooogwaarrrts? Youuuu sssssssay?" it hissed in her ear, the sound being as faint as a whisper.
Hermione nodded and continued "The school of Witchcraft and Wizardry."
Again she received another chuckle that sent chills down her spine.
"IIIII knnoooow liiiitle Gryyyyfindoooor." It whispered as it moved its chilly hand around her neck, then tracing the outline of her collarbone.
Hermione's breath caught in her throat. It knew her.
Before she could turn around the hand was lifted from her throat and the air that pressed against her was gone. She quickly did a scan of the room with her eyes, taking in every detail of the dark and dimly lit room.
Nothing was there.
Suddenly, the floating candles flickered to life and lit the entire entryway. Hermione could no longer see her breath and the room felt warmer; signaling whatever it was she had just felt was gone.
"MITZY!" Hermione screamed, hoping that the elf could hear her in the large home.
With a loud *POP* Mitzy stumbled up to Hermione.
"Yes Missus?" she whimpered. The small elf was shaking and Hermione knew she was on the verge of 'punishing herself' if she hadn't already started.
"Mitzy.. it's okay, calm down." Hermione soothed the elf, trying her best to calm the poor thing down.
"Mitzy is sorry missus! How shall Mitzy be punished?" The small creature had taken to wringing its hands at the bottom of its pillowcase clothing, its eyes never meeting Hermione's.
"Mitzy there will be no punishment-"the small elf tried to protest but Hermione continued as if she hadn't heard her "But I do need your help. I need to figure out what that…thing..was."
Hermione stared intently at Mitzy, hoping she could convey how serious this matter was. She was trapped here for 6 months with a dangerous creature, with no help from the outside world.
"Missus could always ask Master and Mistress Malfoy.."
Letting out a sigh in frustration and rubbing the space above her eyebrows, Hermione was growing impatient. "No Mitzy..they are dead. I need to find-"
"They is dead!" Mitzy rushed "But they is alive in the paintings"
Of course they would have paintings. She was briefly brought back to her time at Grimmauld place and the constant pureblood nagging. Harry had to threaten many of them, stating he would put them in the attic or hang drapes over their frames. Even then the pureblood bigots would chirp their opinions from time to time.
Hermione quickly followed Mitzy down the hallway and up a grand staircase. The marble was as black as night with silver flecks inside of it. Large circular lights lit up this part of the home. The top of the stairs opened to four more sets of stairs and a large room that allowed you to see the balconies of the top 2 floors.
Two set of stairs were in front of her, and two behind her. They both went to the same level of the large Manor. Hermione could only see part of the balcony of the next level but that was it.
To her left were three large arches that held beautiful windows with an almost stained glass look to them. They reminded Hermione of the windows at Herstmonceux Castle. When she turned her head to the right she saw three more large arches except this time there were no windows, just arches.
If she descended a small set of steps in front of her she would be at a large black door with a silver doorknob.
It seemed to stand out to Hermione How odd it is to have just a single door down there. She wanted to know what was inside of it; it seemed to make her whole body hum with anticipation.
As she took a step a step forward she was tugged back by Mitzy. She had a fearful look in her eye while staring at the black door.
"This way Missus" she called as she led the reluctant Hermione up the right side of the grand staircase in front of her.
They walked the long hallway in silence, Hermione casually looking around and taking in her surroundings. If this was to be to her home she wanted to know where everything was located.
"Mitzy.." Hermione said suddenly. The small creature turned to look at her in question "Is there a blue print of the Manor at all?"
Mitzy looked anywhere but at Hermione, her eyes darting from door to door as her pace picked up. Hermione had to sprint just to keep up with her. Finally caught up with the elf, Hermione had her hands on her knees trying to catch her breath.
"What the hell was –"she stopped talking as she looked up and into the beautiful room. It was filled with shelves upon shelves of books. The stained glass window let in light of mostly green since its image was of Eve being given the apple from the serpent.
The room took her breath away as she stepped inside; it was circular in shape and two floors high. Chairs and Chaises were set up in each nook while in the center was a grand desk. There were small busts of what she could only assume were Malfoy descendants scattered around the room, some between books and some on side tables.
A throat clearing caused Hermione to whip around. It certainly didn't come from Mitzy.
Situated on a wall inside of another archway was none other than Narcissa and Lucius Malfoy. The portrait looked like one belonging in a palace. They were fit in jewels and regal looking robes. The sneer she had come accustomed to seeing on their faces was long gone.
Narcissa looked tired, even in a painting. Even in the afterlife she seemed to worry more than needed. Her eyes were downcast and painted tears streamed down her face. At her side Lucius Malfoy had an arm around his wife's waist, whispering softly in her ear. He kept his steel blue eyes on Hermione while trying to soothe the blonde in his arms.
Hermione made her way over to the portrait, determined to get answers. Maybe later she would find Draco's portrait and rip him a new arsehole…or paint one.
"Miss Granger.. how can I assist you today?" Lucius gave her a small bow before straightening back up to his regal pose.
Hermione was taken back at his kind tone, and his non-use of slurs against her.
"Hello Mr. and Mrs. Malfoy.." Although she was older than her second year self, she still felt nervous and uneasy around the two Malfoy's. Luckily, they were in painting form so they couldn't really do any damage if she did upset them.
"Lucius and Narcissa please, You're practically family now." Lucius said.
Okay, uneasy feeling is back Hermione looked at the painting of Draco's father as if he were crazy.
"Mr. Malfoy-"
"Lucius my dear"
"…. Lucius. I'm not certain you know who you are speaking with right now. I am Hermione Granger, Gryffindor from Hogwarts. Harry Potter's best friend." At the mention of Harry, Lucius' brow seemed to twitch but other than that he remained impassive.
Hermione sighed and decided to continue regardless of his reaction "Why was I given Malfoy Manor?"
"I did not leave it to you; therefore I do not understand Draco's reasoning. Perhaps you should take it up with him" at the mention of Draco, Narcissa started to wail in her husband's arms. Hermione was tempted to cover her ears, but felt it would be rude. Obviously the woman was still mourning the loss of her son.
"Mr. Malfoy.." at the mention of his name Lucius looked from his wife to Hermione once more "Something downstairs snuffed the candles, and chilled the air. It felt like death and yet something else." She paused trying to collect her thoughts
"What is in this house?"
Lucius stared at her for a moment, before looking back at his wife.
"Sadness." It wasn't Lucius who spoke but Narcissa.
With a sniffle she continued "There is great sadness in this house Miss Granger. All this house needs is love and understanding."
Hermione looked closer at the sobbing blonde, trying to make sense of what she was saying. An emotion couldn't touch her and reignite flames. Something else was here.
"Don't open the black door Miss Granger. Stay away from that staircase and you shall be safe."
Nodding, Hermione turned her attention back to Lucius. "Where is Draco's portrait?" she asked.
"In the master bedroom." Great. Her bedroom. THAT will be removed immediately-
"But you won't find him there.." he interrupted her thoughts.
"What do you mean?" If the painting was painted, he should be active by now.
"He's not there, and he won't be until he-" Lucius stopped and stared in fear at a spot just beyond Hermione.
Ignoring his stare she stepped closer to the portrait "Until he what Lucius?" she seemed almost frantic.
Lucius' eyes turned from behind her and met her gaze once more.
"Finds you."
A large roar sounded that shook the walls and Narcissa once more started to wail, collapsing in on her husband who caught her with ease.
The lights once more started to flicker and Hermione turned to flee the library
Behind her she heard Lucius shout
"Be Safe Miss Granger..for all of our sakes."
AHAMM
Mitzy led the exhausted Hermione to her room that night. Having outran something that sounded like an angry lion, and barely eating anything at all, she felt the lack of sleep catch up with her.
The manors spare rooms were grand and luxurious. She would have to change most of the bedding but other than that the furnishings could stay. Some were in pale blues and purples while others were manlier in browns and dark blues
Her room had a sitting room with large windows lining the walls to let in light. You could tell Narcissa used this room the most since it was decorated in pale colors of peach and an off white. Everything was dainty and delicate and reminded Hermione of a string of pearls her grandmother once gave her. They were the same color as the room and if tugged too hard the pearls would break apart.
The room seemed to have glass and crystal everywhere. It was too breakable.
The master bedroom itself was a different story. Once she passed through the large wooden doors, the atmosphere turned dark. The large windows from the sitting room were not found here, only one large cathedral arched window let in the moonlight. It was covered by black velvet drapes tied with a silver colored rope.
The furnishings were black as well, with silver knobs and lining. The floor was even polished black marble with a large black rug in front of the fireplace.
Hermione remembered seeing the grand fireplaces at Grimmauld place, but this put them to shame. It was black as well, with Serpents protruding from it. Something caught her eye and Hermione stepped closer to the snakes. Their eyes seemed to glow and sparkle, almost as if they were..
They were diamonds. Their fireplace had DIAMONDS in it. What a waste Thought Hermione.
She rolled her eyes and turned her attention back to the room. There were two other doors, one she could see led to a bathroom and the other she had no clue. Slowly and cautiously approaching the door nearest the bed, she felt her heard speed up. Be Safe Miss Granger..for all of our sakes. Hadn't Lucius just asked her to be safe? Was opening random doors amongst the castle really safe?
She sighed and figured she would rather open it now than be in bed and something open it from the inside. The doorknob itself felt slick and cold but smooth to the touch. Turning it she opened the door and gasped.
It was a large closet, filled with robes of every color and style. Unfortunately for her, they were all men's clothing. She would have to send Mitzy to retrieve the rest of her things.
Running her finger tips along the soft fabrics she noted how nice the room had smelt. As much as she hated to admit it, Draco Malfoy always smelled nice. It was a mix of sugar cookies, fresh linen, and baby powder. He smelled sweet and edible, although his personality made Hermione want to hex him.
Finding a large white shirt of his, Hermione quickly stripped down until she was standing in her knickers. She would need Mitzy to get her things first thing in the morning; she desperately needed her own sleepwear.
After she had neatly folded her clothing, and placed them on a shelf, she turned out the lights and headed to bed. Hopefully, Mitzy had been a dutiful elf and washed the sheets prior to her visit. God help her if she had to sleep on the same sheets as Malfoy.
With that thought she drifted off to sleep.