A/N: In this chapter, we get a little insight in my version of the Malfoy family history (it's AU so I totally made up/changed what I wanted). I also decided I needed to clarify some things on pureblood status — again totally made up and not at all matching the JKR's books.
The notifications of favs/followers for the story brings a little bubble of happiness. So thanks.
Characters, places and such all belong to their respective owners.
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"Oh Merlin, Draco...it's so much larger than I had imagined!" Hermione spun slowly and looked at the overwhelming display around of her. The library was larger than the one at Hogwarts! Draco was more caught out by her unintentional innuendo regarding size. How he wanted her to say that about other things the wizard wished to share with her.
"'Mione if you don't stop spinning you are going to pass out. It's just a library." Draco laughed using her hated nickname and set their bags on the table. Hoping that would misdirect her from some embarrassment if she thought about her first statement. And also given him another moment to determine what strategy to employ in their search because Hermione was right. To find something in six hours was going to be a task if they didn't have a plan.
"Sorry Draco, I'll try to contain my excitement." Hermione frowned slightly not understanding why it was wrong to be excited.
"Please, I didn't mean you shouldn't be excited. It is a large library, it was my sanctuary when I lived here, before. But even with all those memories, to me, this is just my library. I love it but I've always had this and as my mother said, you are welcome here as often as you want and to enjoy this place to the best of your ability. I just hope you'll allow me to accompany you on your visits so that I can experience someone enjoying this room as much as I have."
Draco had wrapped his arms around and held her tightly. A voice in his head simply said 'Mine'.
Hermione, on the other hand, had laid her head on his chest and leaned into him. His scent was overpowering her mind. All she wanted was to stay in his warm embrace, she was safe, she was home, and she was his. 'Where did that come from?' They both thought at the same time.
A slight 'pop' pulled the two apart, they turned to see Twinky bringing them tea and sandwiches. Twinky was proudly wearing her new lace skirt and smiled widely at Draco before popping out of the room.
"I think we should eat quickly and then start looking. I'll take that side and you can start on the left. I think what we are looking for should be near the back." Draco mumbled as he stepped from Hermione and instantly missed her warmth. Hermione shivered too and moved toward the couch. Draco lit the fire and sat next to her.
Both ate in silence thinking about the moment that had just happened. Hermione took a deep breath; she realized her feelings were more than that of friendship. She wanted more; she wanted a relationship and she wanted it with Draco Malfoy. She also knew she was going to have to make the first move. She had noticed, when Draco thought she wasn't looking, his expression seemed to be a longing gaze. She had wondered if Draco wanted her as she wanted him. She couldn't be certain and her feelings of worth were something that battled against her observations. With all of these thoughts Hermione also knew Draco was not going to risk their friendship if he didn't know the feeling would be reciprocated.
Hermione willed her Gryffindor courage and leaned into Draco. She set her head on his shoulder. Draco had felt her starting to shift and was afraid she was going to stand. He wasn't willing to let her move yet but he couldn't get his arms around her shoulders fast enough. When her head reached his shoulder all his fears dissolved and wrapped his arm around her slim waist.
Draco was the first to speak. "Hermione, I have some feelings for you and have for some time now but I'm not sure how you feel." Draco could not will himself to look into the brown eyes staring at him or to see the angelic smile that was spreading across her face. Neither noticed the darkening of the golden bands on their wrists.
"Draco, I have similar feelings. I'm not sure where this will go; I want to find out, I do, more than I can explain. My words fail me when you are involved. I need to go slow, I just want you to know, I do want to explore whatever this is. I have some baggage and emotionally I'm having a difficult time. Right now, being in your arms is about as far as I think I am able to go. Will that be ok with you?" Hermione feared his reaction, he was the Slytherin Sex God and his exploits were infamous. She would understand if he wanted nothing to do with a mousy, quiet, know-it-all, virgin.
"Having you in my arms is a dream answered. I will hold you until you want more, if ever, or until to tell me to go. I will tell you this now, if you tell me to go then be ready to hex me because I plan to refuse. Now that you are here, with me, all I want is to keep you safe, happy and mine."
Draco leaned in, gently kissed the top of her head and deeply inhaled. Her scent was now imprinted on his brain, it will always mean home. The clock in hall chimed reminding them of their task. They had six hours to find the unknown and figure out how to use it to make the map function as they intended. They would discuss 'this', whatever 'this' was, tonight, in their common room. Both stood and for a moment looked deeply into the other's eyes. The intensity of their feelings no longer stunned them; it was obvious they cared deeply for the other.
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Hermione ran her fingers along the spines of the ancient books. She knew she couldn't read each and every book. Even for her there wasn't that much time. She made due by skimming them to determine if it held the answer. How she longed for enough time to read entire library. Then she realized she had a solution. More importantly, this was a solution she was completely comfortable with as well.
"Draco, I think I would like to come back again. There are so many books I've never heard of and I know I can't read them tonight. If it weren't for the promises we made to the Headmistress I would have a hard time going back tonight. Would you mind if we visited again?"
Draco was stunned. He should have known that the books would give her comfort. He wished he would have thought of it months ago. He banged his head lightly on the bookshelf in front of him, had he realized this he would be farther along in his quest to win the heart of the Gryffindor.
"Of course we can and I'm sure Mother will allow you to borrow some of the books. I would not recommend some of the darker ones as Hogwarts doesn't allow them." Draco was happy to have an activity they only shared. Harry wasn't one to read. At one point this term Potter had called himself a 'man of action'. Hermione laughed at him. Draco hadn't hear that term so he assumed it was of muggle origin. It had a nice ring to it but with Hermione's response he wasn't sure if it was a moniker Draco wanted. Hermione's response to Draco's mother's nickname was more important. As a child Draco did spend countless hours in the library and Narcissa took up calling Draco her 'book-dragon'. Dragons were far superior creatures to worms. "I can point out some of my favorites if you are stumped at which ones to select."
"Not the darker ones, no definitely not those; I don't think that having anything dark would be a good thing right now." Hermione had thought about Ron and she didn't want to give him any ideas.
"I was thinking about some of the books in that first bookcase. And maybe a few I've noticed on a couple other shelves. I'll also take suggestions. Honestly, I want to read every book here. If I could. The ones I've mentioned aren't the rare first editions but they are books that I could never afford to purchase. "
As a war heroine she had been given a reward, a way for the wizarding world to thank her, and it was sizable; however, she was frugal. Books were her passion but they weren't a necessity.
"I promise that is something you don't have to worry about. We can figure out which books to borrow after we find what we need for the map. The other books will wait their turn."
"That sounds like a wonderful idea."
Draco quietly started to plot how and when he could get Hermione back. He would have to take it slowly and not suggest they come back too soon. Would next weekend be too soon? It wasn't a Hogsmeade weekend and they could make sure all their studies and teaching plans were ready before Saturday. Really they weren't students, they were of age, and McGonagall didn't have to give permission for them to leave. They asked out of respect for the woman more than anything. Plus it always helped to have her on your side. If he was lucky he could talk Hermione into staying the weekend. 'Would Mother allow Hermione to stay in my wing? There is a spare room next to mine.' Draco's mind started to wander into the gutter again and he had to stop thinking about her in his bed. He shook his head and started to focus on his task and the books in front of him.
'She looks amazing in green. Imagine what she would look like on your green sheets...' Draco yelled at himself and tried to refocus on their task.
Draco knew each of the books in the library, having spent a great deal of his childhood reading them. While a number of the books might have held something similar nothing seemed quite right to what they needed. He was looking for one particular book but it wasn't where it should have been. This was the one book only he and his father could read. He prayed Lucius hadn't somehow been able to remove it from the library. When this library was built the book was charmed to not allow its removal from the four walls. The library was originally built for this lone book; but now the book was missing. It was frustrating and frightening for Draco. That book contained spells that could devastate if they fell into the wrong hands.
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Hermione, being raised in the muggle world, had missed out on the histories of the great families. These stories made up her new world's traditions. She had read stories on some of the more famous and infamous individuals and had heard a little about the history of the Potter and Weasley families but not of the other families. The Prophet would reference some famous families and their histories; however, Hermione had a hard time believing that gossip rag. Especially when most of the articles were written by that bug of a woman; who could believe any of it? Now that she and Draco were friends, and maybe more, Hermione may be able to hear some of the real stories. Assuming Draco knew them.
"Draco, I've never heard the story about the Malfoy family. I know that you are one of the oldest families in on the isle but have you always been here?"
Draco was elated that Hermione wanted to know about his family and was so excited to tell her the story. The general public had heard what the family wanted portrayed as their story, but only a Malfoy could tell the story to its fullest. Deep down, he hoped one day to include Hermione as a Malfoy and for their children to be the next generation to hear the story.
"The Malfoy family history was a story of family, love, sadness and tradition. I will tell you everything that I know and when we get to the point where the portraits can help I will introduce you to my family and let them tell you their stories themselves. Will you still be able to concentrate on the books and why we are here while I tell the story? It's very long and quite exciting."
"Yes, Draco I can listen and read at the same time. Just tell me the story already."
Draco chuckled imaging the look on Hermione's face.
"Alright then, it started before the Roman invasion. To be honest we really don't know how long we have been here but it has been more than 2000 years, possibly closer to 2500 years. The earliest Malfoy, Cygnus, was the second son of a powerful wizarding family. They were from Europe and with very little surviving documentation we are left with assumptions. Based on the little evidence the family was probably Greek or Thracian. We know the name Malfoy wasn't used until after the Romans left Britain and possibly after that. We aren't sure what the original surname was. During the Roman times the family migrated back and forth between the continent. This was the only time the family would not be a consistent resident. While in Gaul we married into an equally powerful family. It was sometime after that union the Malfoy name was born. That is a story for later, when we reach that time."
Hermione realized family names changed over time, but she had never assumed it happened with the Malfoys.
"After the death of Cygnus' father, whose name is lost to history, Cygnus left to search for a new home. Being the second son he was not entitled to any of his family land or wealth. His mother, knowing she would never see her son again, gave him the only thing that was truly hers, her wedding ring. I've been told the ring had been handed down from mother to daughter-in-law for generations. It was said her ring was a gold band with a large sapphire. Sapphires are known to bring protection, good fortune, kindness, strength, and power. Over the generations the ring had been imbued with power from each witch who wore it. The ring protected its wearer and the wearer protected it. She told Cygnus one day the ring would reunite the family again."
Hermione wondered why Narcissa never wore the ring. The only ring Hermione remembered seeing was a large diamond.
"It was said that Cygnus older brother, who was good man and a strong wizard, knew he could not provide any assistance to his younger brother. Family was very important and the elder brother could not, in good conscience, allow his younger brother to leave with nothing. He was able to find a loop hole and provided Cygnus with a copy of the book that detailed all of the family spells. The ring and book were the only things Cygnus took with him while in search of a new place to call home and to start a new family."
Draco heard Hermione sniffle a little. So emotional was his little lioness.
"Eventually Cygnus made it to Britain and lived in harmony with the Druids. We are not sure if he met Ailith here or during his journey. We know once they were together they settled here and started their family. Personally, I think she met him here. I think she was from one of the Nordic wizard families as their son was the first to have blonde hair and silver eyes. Cygnus was darker in complexion with dark eyes and hair."
Draco thought about Cygnus's portrait on the family tree. He was the only family member to have dark hair and eyes. It was a stark difference when compared to the rest of the family. Even the wives typically were fairer in complexion with light hair and eyes.
"My family has typically only had one son; however, every few generations have had both a son and daughter. For some reason those daughters never married or produced a child so the family tree has only had one line to follow. There has never been a squib in the Malfoy family. Sometime later I'll show you the family tree, it is actually quite fascinating. Anyway, this part will probably surprise you. I know it surprised me."
Draco chuckled a little before continuing the tale. Lucius had glossed over this part of the story and it was no wonder why. When Draco had discovered this fact his entire life started to change.
"The line started by Cygnus and Ailith has not always been 100% pureblooded, at least by current day standards. The family; however, was always the most powerful. In ancient times, blood purity was not as important as how powerful you were. Ailith is remembered as both a powerful witch and fierce warrior. She would fight alongside of her husband ensuring their family's safety and their lands remained secure. When she finally passed away her ring was given to her son for his wife to wear; however, the wife either did not want to or could not wear the ring. The exact reason has too been lost; however, as the generations passed Ailith's ring was never worn by another Malfoy bride. To this day it remains with the other Malfoy jewels waiting for the right witch to claim it. It is believed, when the time is right, the ring will make its presence know."
Hermione realized Narcissa did not wear the ring because Lucius had not given it to her. Or the ring knew it wasn't time yet.
"That is an amazing story. I don't know how to ask this. How can you be a pureblood family if you aren't?"
"At some point in history the Ministry decided rules needed to be established regarding what is considered pureblooded. The rule for a family name to be considered 'pureblooded' is if the family has to be pureblooded for the last three generations. Meaning the individual is a third generation pureblood. For an individual to be considered 'pureblood' they simply have two magical parents. The Sacred 28 hold themselves to a slightly higher standard these days. Based on that general definition Harry would technically be considered a first generation pureblood. If he and the Weaslette marry, their children would be second generation. If their grandchildren married a third generation (or more) pureblood than the family would be considered pureblood again. And it goes on and on. Half-bloods are just that, one magical and one muggle parent. Squibs are a different lot but don't really impact this discussion."
Draco never really understood why the Ministry decided they needed to define magic and label witches and wizards. Really you had it or your didn't. At least that is what Draco thought these days.
"Keeping track can get pretty complicated since you have to go back to the great grandparents which is why those family trees became needed. Plus it makes it easier to not marry your cousin. We all use the House of Black as an example of what not to do."
Hermione's little chuckle caught Draco unaware of the comment. He really did lose himself with her. He was thankful his mother was still having tea with Mrs. Nott. She did not appreciate how her family was viewed. Narcissa knew she was lucky to have been married into the relatively "clean" Malfoy family. Her sister and cousins were not as lucky.
"I am quite interested in seeing the tree. I've only ever seen the tree at Grimmauld Place. As with everything magical that has a muggle counterpart, it amazed me. I'd like to compare the Black tree to the Malfoy tree. I will admit this now. After the war, when you were hidden for safety, I would visit the tree at Gimmauld just to confirm you were ok. Even though the picture was still the younger (hair gel and all) you, I would get a smile. Other than your branch the rest of the tree at Gimmauld Place is so depressing with blasted holes. The Weasley's don't have a tree so I've ever only seen one."
Draco was pleased to know she used the tree to check on his saftey. He had forgotten he would be on the Grimmauld tree. He would also have to get a more updated portrait sent to the trees with his branch. The gelled hair was definitely not a good look for him. Hermione mentioned how much she preferred his more current style. He would insure the new portrait used this style. He added that to the list of things to mention to his mother.
"Today probably isn't going to be the day since we have other things to do. On our next trip back we can build in a little extra time and view the tree with all the undiagnosed megalomaniacs, sociopaths and psychotics that I have to offer a lady."
Hermione laughed again which made Draco smile as well. The Malfoys may not have had the true insanity of the Blacks but they did have their fair share of people who were not quite on the "right" side of normal. Those Malfoys just didn't have the opportunity to fully explore the depths of their insanity. Lucius was the winner of that timing pool.
"It's a date. With as much time as I would like to spend in this library…" Hermione took a deep breath. "Maybe we could spend the weekend if the Headmistress and your mother wouldn't mind."
"Of course, Twinky will be pleased to see me for more than a quick stop over." Draco replied with a little chuckle while internally the wizard was pleased beyond measure. 'Green sheets plus Hermione equal a very happy Draco'.
"Now, in the case of the current Malfoys, Lucius and Mother are the seventh generation of pureblood to marry. Based on what I can tell from the tree this is the longest that the family has gone. My grandfather was a strong supporter of the Sacred 28 and those higher standards. He expected the family to only associate with other families that were as pure as we are. Because of those beliefs it wasn't a surprise when Lucius was betrothed to Mother. Other generations looked for the most powerful matches to ensure the Malfoy line was never bested. It was ironic that Mother ended up being as powerful as she is. Grandfather Malfoy had no idea of her power until Grandfather Black mentioned it years after the betrothal had been finalized.
There were suspicions among my Grandfather Black's generation that Mother would be very powerful, until her magic came in no one really knew. While both of her sisters were, and in Andromeda's case are powerful, there was a prophesy regarding their generation and third daughter of the Black line. I actually don't know what it was other than it foretelling Mother's power. Lucius and Mother's marriage was the best of both worlds; at least the worlds that my grandfathers cared for so deeply. Purity and Power." Draco shuddered a little at the thought of who Lucius would have wanted as his daughter-in-law. There weren't many who fit the pure criteria and Lucius seemed to be more interested in the pure than the power side. Looking at the pureblood daughters none were as powerful as the witch standing currently a few rows away.
"So how did you find out that your family was not always pure? I suspect it wasn't something Lucius would have told you."
"Ten points to Gryffindor. I was sitting in the study, that's the room with my family tree, looking at the generations and generations listed. I realized that we had to get new blood into the line or we would have squibs or insanity in the history. What I figured out was that either brides were coming from the continent, which with the exception of our time in Gaul I knew wasn't true, or there were some non-Sacred 28 purebloods. It didn't take too long for me to find the first one. I confirmed it with some of the older portraits. While all are considered pureblood by Ministry standards, they are definitely not the Sacred 28 standard the family has droned on about since Slytherin came up with the term. This was the trigger that got me to start formulating what I wanted to believe in and not believing everything that Lucius said."
"I'm glad that you started to think for yourself. I can't imagine my life without you."
Draco and Hermione were silent for a few minutes. Neither looking at the books in their hands but thinking how grateful they were, how their fates had played out thus far; even after the war and death they were together.
"So Cygnus and Ailith settled in Britain and had one son, his name was Cepheus. He was said to be a good and loyal son. He met and married Daralis. They, like Cygnus and Ailith, were deeply in love. Daralis, while a good wife never seemed to be as strong as her mother-in-law. I personally think the ring needs someone with great power which is why Daralis never wore it." Hermione interrupted.
"Draco, I'm sorry to be so rude. I want to hear more, I really do but probably now is not a good time." Draco chuckled knowing why but wanting to hear her say it.
"Why not Hermione, I still have like 2000 years to get to us."
"Us? Well, um, I sort of, well, got caught up in the story and haven't looked at any of the books." Hermione's response was mumbled quickly.
"Ok, later then." Hermione was stunned that he didn't taunt her about that. She had told him that she could do it but failed. She smiled and started to look through the first book she felt. Not five minutes later Hermione let out a gasp.
"Draco, I think I might have found something would you come here, please?" Hermione tried to hide the excitement in her voice as she stood with what might be one of the oldest books she had ever seen.
Draco came around the stack and saw her expression. He knew she had found the spell she needed to prove she was right. Draco decided to just always believe what Hermione said. It would just make his life easier. He would never admit it to her. He enjoyed their debates too much.
