Disclaimer... Dont own... dont sue
Okay, so I redid chapters 1 and 2, nothing major but I had to tweak some things since I realised there were inconsistencies. I also wrote out a plan so hopefully I wont have to re edit.
The evening had been more enjoyable than she had expected. Alexander had been great company as always and so attentive to her and Gabriel. It was the exact thing that she needed to make her feel more at home here. One of the things that she had missed most about home was the constant need for parties and social outings. In America the Muggle and Wizarding communities weren't so openly integrated but still managed to be integrated. People still hung out together, their world was just seen as more of a secret society. Muggles had plenty of those so any suspicious behavior was seen as part of some club. Her stay in America had been enjoyable, if only for the anonymity of it all, there were times more trying than others such as when Draco would send one of his lackeys in search of her but she handled them before they even came close to discovering her. She told herself time and time again that she couldn't possibly stay there for much longer but the longer she put it off the more entrenched she became. It started from Lamaze class till just after Gabriel's first birthday when she realized how many friends she had acquired unintentionally. From soon to be mothers to mothers of toddlers then their families and friends until she had a whole network of people that cared about her. Once Alexander came along no matter how hard she tried she couldn't seem to deter him. He was humorous, caring, intelligent and adored Gabriel.
From the first moment Alexander and Gabriel met they seemed to have their own bond. It hurt sometimes to see, especially in the beginning since she knew that by all rights that should be Draco but then she reminded herself of why she had left. Their relationship started out as somewhat of a friendship, she knew he was interested in being more but she was hesitant. On a particularly bad day she thought why not. She turned up at Gabe's preschool soaking wet, agitated and then he appeared with an invitation to have coffee, it had seemed like fate how he just happened to be picking up his niece that day but she later learnt that he had been picking her up on purpose in an attempt to appear casual and friendly rather than his overzealous first approach.
Their relationship was every girls dream. The decision to come back seemed so natural when the opportunity arose. Gabriel was her main concern but he ended up being the most excited about moving. He had always heard stories about various people and his uncle Harry and grandparents lived there She knew that she would have to deal with Draco at some point but if what she read was true it didn't take him long to move on.
When she first descended the staircase she quickly scanned the room and noticed Draco straight away, looking like he just swallowed a blast ended skrewt, in the company of two women and looking like he had consumed a whole bottle of firewhiskey.
Not much seemed to have changed from when she had left.
After the initial greetings with various people old and new she made her way over to the bar. Gabriel was with Harry and Luna across the dance floor, she could clearly see him doing his impression of the Marshmallow Man which Luna seemed to be taking much delight in. Alexander was off with the Minister being introduced to various Department Heads. She couldn't have imagined a better night than this. Propping herself up on one of the bar stools she ordered a white wine, once t arrived she was about to turn around but found a pair of hands to be on either side of her effectively trapping her.
'You know… you look absolutely gorgeous in that dress'
A slow smile crept over her face and after slowly turning it had turned into an all out grin.
'As I live and breathe, Viktor Krum'
He himself was sporting a smile and she couldn't help but feel elated to see him. It had been far too long. She flung herself into his arms and felt an overwhelming need to cry. If there was one person that she had missed out of everyone it was him. Their relationship wasn't understood by many. He was the only person that she felt completely normal around. She figured that it was some inane need of his to relive his youth since it was practically nonexistent at 14. Fourteen was the age that everyone decided that they wanted a piece of him. So by the time that he was turning eighteen and met Hermione who acted more like a seventeen year old herself there was always this strong connection between them. He was the only one that understood the importance of her studies, her ambition and drive without mocking her. Even Harry and Ron never bothered to understand or at least support her causes.
'You know, I can't help but wonder how this American fiancé of yours could possibly let you out of his sight'
Perusing her in such a way it made her blush she turned her head to look for Gabriel again.
'Well, it was difficult however I managed to persuade him'
Sitting beside her he ordered a firewhiskey and turned somber eyes on her.
'I've missed you, you know… the last time I visited here I went to Malfoy's and found out from him that you had left.'
His tone of voice was so somber that she didn't even want to chance a glance in his direction. She never meant the absence to affect him, many times she had wanted to write him a letter like they used to, telling her of her developments in her life. What stopped her were Harry's warnings, Draco and he were doing business and she knew that once Draco became involved with her Viktor had in effect become friendlier with Draco. Ever the martyr she didn't want to burden him and have their business deals go bad or destroy their friendship. Draco had very few people he could rely on and Viktor was one of the only ones who he could.
She fixed him with an apologetic look, he was still watching her and now had one hand on the counter and the other one tapping the underside. She leant over and took his left hand in hers, holding it in both of hers.
'I'm sorry about that, I didn't mean to do that to you, I just didn't want our break up to mess with any of your business deals. I also didn't want to put you into an awkward situation with Draco. You know how he gets'
'Myone' He sighed.
'You know your English has improved so much since we were at school I don't know why you insist on calling me that, I know you can say my name right'
Chuckling softly he removed his hand from hers and tapped her nose.
'I do it because you let me and of course to annoy you, besides I don't think your fiancé would like what I used to call you'
'No, I daresay he wouldn't' she chanced a glance in Alexander's direction but he was preoccupied with more important looking people
'You know he's here tonight, some say he left after you were announced but I know for a fact that he's still around, lurking in the shadows.'
She pursed her lips and took another sip of her wine.
'It's amazing really, how you've shown back up here with a child that looks nothing like your fiancé and everything like Draco'
His eyes were downcast but she knew why he left an opening like that.
'It's complicated Viktor and I felt I had very few options. It's better this way'
Casting one more smile at him she leant forward and kissed him once on either cheek, she felt the need to use the lavatory and so politely excused herself with a promise of lunch later that week. He offered a brief smile in return.
'Just remember'
He almost seemed at a loss for words.
' Draco… he hasn't changed much. He won't have learnt from his mistakes. Be careful, I have a feeling that he won't be in the best moods tonight so try your best to avoid him'
She smiled ingratiatingly towards him with a whispered 'thanks'
As she was on her way to the lavatory she was contemplating her and Viktor's strange relationship. In some ways he felt like a brother yet she didn't like labeling their relationship under 'sibling' since they had had a past. It was something so sweet and strange since she never felt like anything was taboo with them. Even with their past they realized that even though there was love there, it wasn't enough to sustain a passionate relationship. However after their initial break up they still found it hard to cut each other out of their lives so with that type of need they reconciled in a friend like capacity. She had thought that it would be uncomfortable for her to start seeing other people or for him to but she realized that so long as they held on to their friendship and never let anyone come between them then they were fine. The fact that Draco admired and respected him was also a help. Just as she was contemplating Alexander's possible reaction to Viktor she was abruptly yanked into what she was sure was some type of storage cupboard yet turned out to be a small meeting room. It was furnished with two arm chairs, coffee table, larger working table and various trinkets and a fireplace.
She didn't even have to look at the culprit, there were only two people in the world who would think to manhandle her, one was in the South Pacific studying the migration patterns of Antipodean Opaleye Dragons and she was sure that if he ever did dare she would hear a sputtered excuse as to why by now. That left one person, yanking her arm out of his grip she looked down at herself and needlessly brushed her hands down her front trying to smooth out invisible wrinkles.
'Five years certainly hasn't improved your manners I see'
She looked up at him with a raised eyebrow. He was standing a couple of meters in front of her, facing the wall adjacent to her, left hand holding a whisky bottle and the other clenching as though he wanted to hit something. She had never been afraid of Draco, his father was a cruel man but if there was one thing that Draco was taught it was to never hit a woman. After taking a few furtive glances her way he ended up throwing the whisky bottle against the wall, at this she did cower. Draco had always been controlled during their arguments so this was completely new to her and she could see that act of rebellion did nothing for him as he was now throwing chairs and whatever else in his reach around the room. She stood still knowing any hope of escaping would not be possible without causing a big scene. Finally coming to a half in front of the fireplace he leant his head on his forearm against the fireplace.
'How could you do that to me, to leave without a word?'
'If you remember we broke up' was her succinct reply.
He merely shook his head from side to side and looked up at her.
'We were young and angry, I was in love with you, then you up and left'
'What part of we broke up don't you understand, don't you remember Draco, you got bored' she said mockingly then went over to a chair and started to set the room to rights. He continued to stare at her in disbelief.
'That wasn't an end of relationship split, that was two people letting their emotions getting the better of them and saying things that they didn't mean'
She was surprised at how composed he was being. Draco was a child of instinct and she expected more of a tantrum than him just throwing random objects around the room
'Didn't you mean them Draco? We had been drifting apart for a while before then and yes in the beginning I thought it was best to work things out but enough was enough, it got to the point where I couldn't be sure what you were saying was real or not... besides, it didn't take you long to move on now did it'
He gave her a sardonic smile, not quite sure what to say to that. Should he tell her how he wanted to drown himself in pity and alcohol, which the string of bed partners he had had took the edge off his helplessness away or should he say that no matter how many different women he had they could never be her. He was Draco Malfoy, he could buy anything he wanted, travel anywhere, experience whatever he wanted, yet for some reason he couldn't find her. After awhile of repeated failures he got sick of waiting and started showing up at events again with some model or other. At first it was just for show, he was never intimate with the first ones but by the fifth and sixth he couldn't help it, he needed to know that there were some aspects she could never taint. Even with her absence.
'That is certainly the pot calling the kettle black isn't it, here you are, judging me but at least I never fell for one of them, they meant nothing'
She scoffed at that.
'That has always been your rationalization hasn't it, 'they meant nothing' as though that's somehow going to make me feel better, they must have meant something Draco, you've been engaged twice'
He gave her an incredulous look then turned around as though to calm himself, by the time that he had turned back towards her he was speaking in a strained voice.
'You can't be serious; you turn back up here, five years later, with a fiancé and not to mention a child'
He took a hold of the glass vase that was set on the coffee table and threw it against the wall behind her, with a look of pure fury he determinedly walked towards her and before she could even start to move out of his way he had both her arms clasped firmly in his hands and shoved her against the wall behind her. He was so close, too close. His body was leaning into her, his head was almost resting in the crook of her neck taking in her scent, and god he missed her. Laying a light kiss on her collarbone he drew back and clutched the back of her head in his hand.
She herself didn't know what was happening, her feelings for Draco had never gone away completely but she rationalized her relationship with Alexander. Draco was unpredictable and unstable at the best of times, she may love him but she wasn't sure she could live with him. Alexander was the exact opposite which was exactly why she knew she could stay with him. The fact that she loved him was just a bonus. Her brief paralysis was in no way being controlled by her. In a way she thought that she deserved his rough treatment, deep down she knew that he was right, he had a right to Gabriel but there was no way she was going to give him up without a fight. A sick part of her also acknowledged that maybe her immobility was in part curiosity to see where this would go but when he started kissing her she knew she should make him stop.
'You left me'
He laid a kiss on her cheek.
'And what's more you took my son, the Malfoy heir with you'
He looked into her eyes and saw that she was trying her hardest to avoid looking at him She wasn't surprised at all that he knew about Gabriel. The Malfoy traits were strong, especially the physical ones.
Grasping her head firmly in his hands he pulled her face towards him.
'Don't think that this is the end, my dear this is only the beginning'
He went in to kiss her lips however with both hands released she shoved him off of her with a force that he didn't know she possessed and a look of fury that he had never encountered before from her. She looked beyond angry and he supposed that he had been rough with her.
'I'm not one of your minions Draco, never mistake me for one of the many that flock around you, my son is not the Malfoy heir, he carries my name and when I'm married he will carry the de Lioncourt name'
Wiping away tears that she didn't even know she had shed she put herself to rights then headed for the door.
'If you even think of touching me like that again, I'll have you up for assault. The only reason I'm not reporting this now is because I don't want to ruin Gabriel or Alexander's night'
With that she turned and left the way that she had come. He stood there for a few more moments trying to make sense of what just happened. He had fully intended on being civil and brief. His plan was to gain access to the child then win Hermione over by letting her see that he was exactly what she needed. Seeing her so close again just made him lose it. She looked so beautiful yet all he could see was Alexander's hands all over her, playing husband to her and father to his child. He swept a cursory glance around him then left; the house elves would handle it. He was in desperate need of a drink.
Whilst making his way to the bar he spotted Krum talking to Potter. After Krum seeing him he sent him a perfunctory look then glanced across the dance floor. He already knew what he was pointing out; he shook his head then kept on walking to the bar. Once there, he turned in the direction that Krum pointed out and saw Hermione with a sleeping Gabriel lying against her shoulder. She suddenly smiled and he noticed that her fiancé was walking towards her; they seemed to have a brief conversation which ended with him placing a chaste kiss on her lips then taking the sleeping Gabriel in his arms. That same feeling came back that he was feeling earlier that night. He finished his drink off then ordered another. Once Gabriel had settled against Alex Hermione nodded her goodbyes to certain people, making a point of seeking out Krum which he found interesting. During his observations he had failed to notice a blonde working her way toward him. He couldn't help but take notice when a hand started to suggestively caress his knee. Tearing his eyes away from Grangers happy little fantasy he turned his head towards the blonde with his most charming smile and whispered in her ear. The slow curve of her mouth told him that tonight would be easier than most, no 'playing hard to get' techniques to get in the way and he lightly nuzzled her ear. It was while he stood up off the bar stool and offered his hand out to the blonde did he catch Hermione's eye while she moved to the floo area. She cast him a visibly unimpressed look after giving the blonde a onceover, her expression was close to one of pure loathing. She gave him that same look back in second and third year. The way he was feeling now though he didn't really care, if she had looked unaffected then he knew there would be problems. Indifference was not something he could work with, whereas hate… hate was the opposite to love and both needed as much passion as the other. All he needed to do was find a way.
After arriving back at the Manor he and Marcia? Marcy? Whatever… stumbled their way towards his room, he turned around to shut the door and by the time he had turned back she was already undressed. She snaked her arms around his neck and shoulders then tried to lay kisses on his chest and neck, closing his eyes his mind brought forth the earlier image of Hermione this evening up against the wall looking so demure and innocent, having the memory of her scent still clouding his head he grasped both of Marcy's arms in his hands and yanked them off of him. At her perplexed look he told her to get on the bed. She looked confused for a while but acquiesced to his request. Walking toward the bay windows he looked out over the grounds trying to clear his head. When his mind just became more jumbled he looked towards Marcia who was reclined in such a way that he couldn't help is reaction, he figured just one more time wouldn't hurt.