**Disclaimer: I do not own any part of Harry Potter the amazingly talented JK Rowling does…I just enjoy playing with her characters.
**Please review! I hope it was worth the wait...again I'm sorry work schedules are hectic right now!
Chapter 10:
Hermione gasped for air as they appeared in his bedroom, momentarily caught off guard by the sudden apparition. Draco chuckled as she shook her head before he captured her lips once more, his hand cupping her cheek as his fingers wrapped around the nape of her neck. He flicked his wand and lit the few candles he had scattered in the room, silently thanking Pansy's decorative ideas. Her hands fisted his robes as she pulled him against her, backing them into a door. She moaned when he nipped her bottom lip as his free hand slid down her side, gripping her hip as he pressed himself against her.
Draco tried to remind himself to slow down as he trailed his lips over her jawline and up to her ear. He heard her whimper as nibbled her soft skin and felt the way her hands trembled as she fumbled with the fastenings on his robes. "Hermione" he said in a husky voice, his arousal was overwhelming "sweetheart what's wrong?" he asked when his brain registered her shaking.
"N-nothing" she whispered. He pulled back just enough to look her in the eyes, his hand caressing her cheek as he rested his forehead against hers.
"Hermione, it's okay…talk to me what's wrong?" he asked again as he noted a mixture of hunger and trepidation warring within her eyes.
"Nothing's wrong…I'm just a little nervous" she admitted as her voice trailed off, she bit her lip as she stared into his molten silver eyes.
"Is it" he swallowed "is it because it's me?" his voice sounded vulnerable as he whispered the question and glanced away.
"What? No! No, Draco it's not because it's you…well a little but not for the reasons you think" she supplied quickly at his furrowed brow. "It's just been a while since I've…and you…well I doubt it's been very long and well…I…I don't want" she bit her lip before exhaling "I don't want to disappoint you" she said so low he nearly missed it. He stared at her in shocked silence for a moment before he tilted her chin to look at him.
"You could never disappoint me, you drive me mad by the mere touch of your lips" he told her as he pressed a passionate kiss to her lips for several minutes before pulling back and smirking at her. "See what I mean" he pressed his groin to hers so she could feel exactly how she affected him. He smirked when a blush spread over her face. "How long is a while 'Mione?" he wasn't sure what answer he was hoping for but knew it was before her divorce by the way she averted her eyes. "Over a year?" he whispered leaving the implication that this would be the first time she'd been with someone new in probably six years.
"Closer to two" she admitted. Draco didn't speak, he wasn't sure what to say because one, he'd rarely gone longer than three months without bedding a witch since the war and two, he couldn't fathom being married to her and not making love to her every other night. He then recalled that Ron's infidelity was a major factor in their divorce and mentally cursed the red-headed weasel. Externally he smiled softly at Hermione, attempting to quell her fears.
"Then I think it's best we take our time" he said as he kissed the crook of her neck softly before moving up and kissing her again over the pulse point on her neck "tell me if you want to stop" he said. His lips moved across her chin and back to her lips as his hands slowly unfastened her robes. Her breath hitched when she felt the tips of his fingers graze over her silk chemise. His hands grasped the edge of her robe as he slowly slid it off her shoulders, letting it pool onto the floor.
Draco's eyes raked over her body hungrily before he pulled her to him kissing her hard on the lips. He drew another whimper from her lips as his fingers slipped beneath the silk fabric, slipping it over her head and dropping it to the floor, leaving her clad in a matching set of blue lace knickers. His silver eyes drank her in as she blushed and folded her arms across her chest, refusing to meet his eyes.
"Hermione you're beautiful…don't hide" he said softly as he tenderly kissed her lips. Hermione trembled slightly in his arms, the adoration in his eyes sent her reeling as his hands grasped her hips. Drawing on her courage, she made quick work of his robes and pushed them to the floor before reaching for his button down and tie. She smiled as she slowly undid his tie, slipping it from his neck and tossing it over her shoulder. "Why are you smiling like that?" he asked as his hands slid up her ribcage.
"I was just thinking how funny it was that all night I was barely wearing anything in comparison to you…and you had no idea" she smirked at him as he slowly registered that she'd been scantily clad all night. Her nimble fingers quickly worked to undo his shirt, exposing his toned chest and a thin white scar. "Is this where…?" she asked as she traced her fingertips over the thin line.
"Potter got me in sixth year?" Draco said wryly. "Yeah" she traced the line down to the edge of his waistband, smirking as she unclasped them and pushed them to the floor. Draco stepped out of them and in one fluid motion spun her around and kissed her back onto the bed. "Climb up to the pillows" he said as he shrugged off his shirt and shoes.
Hermione followed his directive and leaned back against the plush pillows. Draco kneeled on the bed before crawling towards her stopping just between her knees. A soft smile touched his lips as he began to trail his fingers over her ankle and slowly up her leg, his eyes following every inch he touched. As he reached her hip he turned and started on the other leg taking his time to memorize her body and how it felt under him.
Her breath hitched as his fingertips reached her hips and skimmed over the edge of her knickers. Leaning down he placed a kiss just above the band, before he slowly made his way up her torso. She was overwhelmed by the gentle way his hands caressed her skin and the heat from the kisses he placed over her blue tinged scar. "You'll have to tell me about this one later" he murmured as his lips reached her breasts. She arched into him as his hands cupped each mound but his lips continued their trek upwards.
Draco kissed all the way to her chin before he moved down the right side of her neck, her shoulder, down to the tips of each finger. As he pressed a kiss to her palm his grey gaze locked with hers before he reached for her left hand.
"Draco" she breathed, her body was on fire and she yearned for more than just the feel of his lips. She felt his lips press against her wrist and once more against the smooth center of her forearm before she felt him freeze. Glancing down her heart stopped, the concealment charm she'd placed over her scar had faded and Draco was staring at it with pain filled eyes. "I'm sorry, the charm must have faded…I can…"
"No" he whispered, his finger tips lightly tracing each letter. "Hermione, I'm…I'm sorry" he squeezed his eyes shut "if I only had…"
"Stop" she said reaching over and cupping his cheek "don't do that. You and I both know there was nothing you could have done. They would have tortured you right along with me if you had interfered or worse killed you. Don't blame yourself for something you couldn't control" she said seriously as her thumb stroked his cheek. He nodded in understanding before he grasped her hand and kissed it.
"I know you're right, I just wish you had never had to live through it" he said as he leaned down and gently kissed each jagged red letter. "You don't have to hide it from me Hermione, it serves as a reminder as to why I atone for my past." He kissed the 'M' for several seconds before making his way back up to her lips. They kissed with longing desperation and barely controlled passion.
"Please Draco" she whispered as her hands ran down his back.
"Patience sweetheart" he chuckled.
"Draco" she sighed as he nipped her throat and kissed over each breast. He smirked when he noticed the front clasp on the bra and slowly undid it while staring into her eyes. She bit her lip as lavished each breast, suckling the pointed tips while his hands wrapped around them. Hermione wrapped her legs around his and ground her pelvis against his hardened member. "Draco…please" she pleaded as he ran his tongue down her stomach, her fingers threading his hair.
He pulled off her knickers and placed a kiss just above her core. "You don't have to…" she whispered as his tongue trailed over her swollen lips.
"I know…but I want to" he said huskily before dipping his tongue into her slick heat. Her hips bucked against him as she grasped the sheets in her hands. He devoured her center before swirling his tongue over her clit and suckling it until she mewled. As he continued his ministrations he slid two fingers in her sheath, slowly pumping them in and out.
Hermione writhed under his touch, moaning as fire and pressure coiled within her. Her legs trembled as he hummed against her clit and began pumping faster as she pulsed around him. The coil tightened as her knees held him against her and his tongue flicked over her pearl. She bit her lip attempting to suppress her moans but when he suckled her once more and his fingers beckoned deep within her she shattered.
The coil snapped and she cried out in ecstasy as wave after wave of pleasure washed over her. Draco was relentless as he continued to thrust his fingers into her, dragging out her orgasm. Her legs shook around him and she covered her face with her hands as she took deep ragged breaths.
When the shaking stopped Draco gently pushed her legs open and kissed his way up to her neck. He was surprised when she grabbed him and kissed him hard, clearly not deterred by her essence on his lips. As she wrapped her arms around his neck and snogged him senseless, she dipped her toes into the waistband of his boxers and pushed them to his ankles. "I need you Draco…please" she murmured against his lips. Without further encouragement he slowly pushed into her slick tight core, groaning in pleasure as her heat enveloped him.
She whimpered and moaned as he pushed until he was fully sheathed inside her. His arms shook as he held himself still, giving her time to adjust. His silver eyes traced her face, imprinting the memory of bliss in his mind. Her chocolate eyes opened; when she noticed him watching her she smiled at him before reaching up and grasping his face between her palms. She pulled him down and pressed a languid kiss against his lips. Her fingers running over his shoulder blades as he slowly began moving, sliding in and out of her tight core.
They stared into each other's eyes, gently kissing, tasting, and caressing each other as they made love atop his bed. Draco trailed his lips down her neck, nipping gently as he went. He wanted to tell her then how much he cared, wanted to whisper the words in the candle lit room as he pushed them closer to that pleasure peak. But he held back, afraid she'd think it was only because of the passion and heat of the moment. So, he settled for telling her how beautiful she was and how perfect she felt beneath him. She reciprocated as she moaned his name and begged him for more.
They moved as one and slowly increased the movement of their thrusts, seeking pleasure in each other. Draco increased the speed of his thrusts as he felt her begin to pulse around him. Their sweat slicked bodies glided against one another. Reaching between them he circled his thumb over her clit a few times before she shattered, once more crying out. Her core tightened and pulsed around him as he continued to thrust, sending him over the edge as he came within her.
Hermione wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him, tears sliding down her cheeks. Draco rolled onto this back pulling her with him as he continued to kiss her tenderly, their bodies still joined as one. She broke the kiss to catch her breath, her hair falling like a curtain around her face. Draco reached up and brushed it back behind her neck as he stared up at her unguarded. As he stroked his thumb over her cheek he felt her tears and gently wiped them away. "'Mione are you alright?" he asked and she nodded.
"Yeah, sorry…I was just a little overwhelmed" she whispered. She leaned forward and placed a chaste kiss against his lips before curling against his chest. Her throat constricted as she tried to hold back tears, she couldn't recall a time when she'd ever felt so desired or cared for as she had with Draco. She wasn't certain, and to be frank she was afraid she misread him, but when he'd hovered over her just after he fully sheathed himself within her core she could have sworn she saw much more than lust in the depths of his eyes. The tender way he caressed her body and the time he took to bring them both undeniable pleasure, overwhelmed her.
She trembled against his chest as he gently ran his fingertips up and down her back. Thinking she was cold he slipped from her folds and moved them beneath the blankets. His arms wrapped protectively around her and he seemed reluctant to let her go. Hermione nuzzled his chest as she breathed in his musky scent. They laid like that for nearly an hour, wrapped in each other and contented silence.
Hermione pressed a kiss against his lips before she moved off him and made her way to the edge of the bed. Bending down she began searching for her clothes as Draco sat up behind her.
"What are you doing?" he asked tentatively, though it was fairly obvious.
"I was getting dressed, I didn't want to impose. I've heard about your rule and it's okay" she said as she stepped into her knickers. He swiftly moved to the edge of the bed, bundling the sheet around his waist as he reached for her.
"Don't go…stay" he asked with pleading eyes "that rule will never apply to you Hermione." She stared into his eyes, noticing the sincerity in their depths.
"Okay" she whispered before he pulled her against him kissing her soundly as he rolled them back against the pillows. Draco summoned his wand and flicked it once to extinguish the candles. His arms snaked around her body as she snuggled against his chest and drifted to sleep.
Hermione blinked awake as sunlight fell across the bed, peering in from the large bay window across the room. She was sprawled across a comfortable bed, wrapped in soft silver sheets that smelled pleasantly of Draco. Laying there, she smiled at the memories from the night before she made to get up in search of the loo. The arm around her waist tightened as she attempted to leave, dragging her across the bed and into a hard chest. "Mine" he mumbled into her hair sleepily, sending shivers down her spine.
"Draco" she whispered as she tried to untangle herself from him. "Draco, I need to get up..." he curled against her. "Draco" she said louder causing his eyes to snap open. "I'm sorry" she chuckled "but I need the loo and you won't let me up." He blinked his silver eyes to focus on her face and a smile spread across his lips as he leaned forward to kiss her.
"Morning" he murmured as he nuzzled her neck.
"Morning" she replied before pulling back from him "Draco, I need to get up and find the loo." He sighed and rolled onto his back, releasing her before pointing lazily to the door in the corner. "Thanks" she said before quickly shuffling from the bed and disappearing beyond the door.
Idly she noted it was just as beautifully decorated as the rest of Draco's house and made a note to compliment Pansy. She splashed cool water on her face before looking in the mirror and wincing at her reflection. Her hair was tangled and mussed from Draco's long fingers. Small love bites decorated her neck and chest as a thin layer of sweat left her feeling sticky.
Glancing behind her at the large shower she bit her lip and looked at the door. There was a high probability he'd fallen back to sleep as his head had flopped back onto the pillow. The need to feel clean trumped the propriety of asking. Rushing over she turned the knobs, adjusting them slightly before stepping under the warm cascading water.
She sighed as the water massaged her tender muscles. Looking over his shelf of potions she found the shampoo and massaged it into her scalp with her eyes closed. Strong arms wrapped around her midriff, startling her before she felt his lips press against her shoulder.
"You started without me" he teased, his hands pulling her back into him. She turned in his arms and tilted her head back to rinse her hair, giving him an uninhibited view of her chest. Leaning into her, he planted gentle kisses over her breasts, moving his way up her neck and capturing her lips.
"Sorry" she breathed as she wrapped her arms around his neck. "I was a mess...someone enjoyed running his fingers through my hair, effectively undoing the charms" she giggled.
"I'm not sorry" he replied with a smile. "Do you have any idea how long I've wanted to run my hands through these curls?" he asked as his fingers twirled around the ends of her hair.
"I thought you hated my hair" she asked, shocked at his words.
"Don't get me wrong first and second year it was wildly out of control...but by fourth year I found myself wanting to know what it would feel like tangled around my fingers" he gently pulled until her head tilted back and kissed her lips. "Stay for breakfast" he said as the water rolled over them.
"Gladly" Hermione replied before embracing him once again. They took their time showering before making their way into his bedroom. Hermione noticed it was painted a cool grey with dark wooden furniture including a king-sized sleigh bed, dresser, and desk. The large bay windows overlooked the lake and were trimmed with thick cream curtains.
She followed him into his closet, gapping at the size before he pulled put a large tee for her to put on over her knickers. Draco slid on a pair of black lounge pants and dried his hair before following her back into his room to find a tray of food on the bedspread.
"How did they know?" she inquired, slightly disturbed by the thought of the elves watching them.
"When I heard the shower kick on I called for Bomber and asked for a variety of food to be sent up. I didn't know what you liked" he said as he moved to sit on the bed against the headboard as she mirrored him at the foot.
"Thanks, I'm starving" she said before popping a strawberry in her mouth.
"I bet" he smirked as he reached for a cup of coffee.
"Shut up" she giggled as she tossed a berry at him. He laughed and caught it with ease. Her face fell slightly as she tucked her arm against her as she picked up toast to nibble on.
"You don't have to hide it 'Mione" he said calmly as his hand touched hers.
"I'm not use to having it revealed. If I forgot to cover it before, Ron would get angry or just glare at it as though it had offended him. Now, I cover it because Rose is at an inquisitive age and I don't know how I'd explain it to her." Draco glanced at his own arm before canceling the concealment charm to expose his dark mark.
"I know what you mean" he sighed before looking up at her. "You shouldn't be ashamed of yours though" she furrowed her brow "it's a mark of how strong you are. I wasn't allowed to leave, so I witnessed everything she did and not once did you break. I want you to know I'd give up my magic to undo everything she did, to take back that day so you wouldn't have that derogatory word etched on your arm.
"But I can't" he moved towards her and braced her face between his hands. "You are one of the bravest people I know and when you tell Rose what my psychotic aunt did, you tell her that you never gave up. That you wear that scar because under pain and interrogation you refused to yield" he said staring deep into her eyes as tears slipped down her cheeks.
"Draco" she kissed him before taking his hands in hers. "Can I ask you something?"
"Anything" he said as he watched her nibble her lip.
"If you don't want to answer I understand...but" she exhaled slowly "I remember everything about that day. Sometimes I have nightmares from it, but they aren't as frequent as they used to be." He nodded wondering what she was going to ask. "I don't know if you know this or not but while Bellatrix tortured me" her voice cracked a bit "I watched you" she breathed and looked into his confused eyes.
"Why?" he asked.
"You were the only person there who seemed to care. In between her curses I saw you crying and looking away from me. I understand why you couldn't look...but I wondered if it upset you because you knew how I felt..." she left the question hanging in the air as he set his jaw and closed his eyes before nodding.
"I knew how it felt" he said as he stared down at the mark on his arm. "Part of the branding ceremony is undergoing a series of punishments…challenges was what they called them...the last being the cruciatus course" she inhaled sharply. "I couldn't watch you because it brought my nightmares to life. It took years for me to stop remembering the pain, and like you they still come back from time to time.
"After that night your screams joined my own, it's one of the many reasons as to why I begged you for forgiveness during our eighth year and why I silenced my bedroom in our dorms. Though looking back I don't think I was the only one who did because I can't remember hearing a sound from anyone's rooms after nightfall."
"I think you're right...I silenced mine because I'd wake up screaming, drenched in cold sweats. I didn't think anyone would want to hear it when they were dealing with their own issues." Draco pulled her into his arms and kissed her repeatedly as she wrapped her legs around his waist and held him tight to her chest. Words weren't needed to express themselves as they clung to each other, each reassuring the other they weren't alone.
They laid in bed talking and eating over the next few hours before Hermione realized she had to head home. She needed to change clothes before heading to the Burrow to collect Rose from Ron. She went to strip off his tee but he stopped her and insisted that she keep it. She argued that she couldn't go home dressed only in his shirt and blushed when he reminded her that Rose was at her father's and she was apparating not walking. After kissing him soundly for nearly five minutes she gathered her dress robes and shoes and went home.
Hermione changed into jeans and a black jumper before apparating to the Burrow's boundary line. She hummed to herself as she walked up the back steps and into the kitchen where Molly was preparing for dinner. "Hello dear, will you be staying for dinner tonight?" she asked as Hermione glanced at the clock. It was just after three and she didn't have the will power to deal with Ron for an extended period of time today.
"No Molly, I appreciate it but I'm worn out from the wedding yesterday. Can I take a raincheck?" she asked kindly.
"Oh, course Hermione, you know you're always welcome" Molly replied with a smile. "How was the wedding? Harry and Ginny haven't come to get James yet so I take it the reception went late."
"It was beautiful, Astoria and Theo really outdid themselves. They had elegant bouquets and candles everywhere while the band played a variety of music that Draco and I danced to most of the night. I even danced two dances with Harry" she laughed. "I honestly don't recall ever dancing so much, my feet were killing me by the time we left."
"That's wonderful, I'm glad you had such a good time" she said, happy that Hermione was finally enjoying her life.
"Yes, it was nearly a perfect night…outside of my run in with Mrs. Malfoy" Molly's hand froze midair as she looked up at Hermione. "Don't worry she didn't do anything other than make veiled insults. Draco told her a few times to stop but when she wouldn't he finally told her that if she couldn't respect me then he would have nothing to do with her."
"He did?" she asked shocked.
"Yeah, he didn't yell because he was trying not to make a scene at his best friend's wedding, but he was angry. He told her he didn't need or want her approval and that she needed to back off. You should have seen the look on her face when he called her out on her insults" she chuckled. "He then asked me to dance and left her at our table. We never went back, so I don't know what she did after that."
"I'm glad he took up for you dear, I was worried he wouldn't when it came to that woman but clearly he cares for you or he wouldn't risk his inheritance" Hermione blushed at Molly's words.
"I don't think he needs his inheritance, his business is doing really well and he was just licensed to trade in rare ingredients. I helped him put an advert together to hire his own collectors, the third-party individuals are just too expensive."
"Did I hear you say that Malfoy will be trading legally in rare ingredients?" George's voice made Hermione jump as he entered the kitchen.
"George dear, when did you get here? I didn't hear the floo" Molly said as she embraced her son.
"Just a few moments ago, so is it true?" he asked Hermione.
"Yes, he was licensed three weeks ago but he's working on hiring a few collectors before he advertises it. He met with a few third-party companies but they were astronomically overpriced and only guaranteed a fifty percent satisfaction."
"I know I'm currently dealing with a few of them for the ingredients needed at the shop. Do you know if he's willing to do contracts with frequent buyers? I'd happily switch if it guaranteed better quality ingredients." Hermione smiled and went to respond when Ron's voice cut across her.
"You can't honestly be willing to deal with that snake" Ron said incredulously.
"Why not little bro? I already go to him for the more time-consuming healing potions that I need. He's reasonably priced and knows his potions. Hell, if the man didn't own his own apothecary I'd have hired him to help brew at the shop" George said honestly.
"Have you forgotten he's a Death Eater? Forgotten that he probably learned everything he knows from daddy-dearest who's rotting away in Azkaban?" Ron argued.
"No, I haven't forgotten who his father was Ronald, but I also haven't forgotten that he was acquitted in court and that Harry and Hermione vouched for him. He's a good bloke, I've seen him give free potions to sick kids with parents who can barely rub two knut's together. Hell, he's come to the shop a few times and healed me after a new invention's backfired. What's your problem? He's not his father. Just because he's dating 'Mione doesn't mean you get to act like the jealous ex, you're the one who cheated on her! You're the one who left her! So, why don't you do everyone a favor and put a sock in it" George growled as he glared up at his brother from his seat.
"I don't give a damn who Hermione screws! I don't want that bastard around my daughter! Maybe you've forgotten but his brother's-in-arms killed our brother! Remember him George…about your height…looked an awful lot like…" Wham, George was out of his chair faster than anyone could react. He barreled Ron into the floor and punched him repeatedly everywhere he could reach.
Hermione sat frozen in her chair, her heart pounding and her eyes wide while Molly frantically looked for her wand to separate them. The backdoor opened and Ginny and Harry froze midstride as they watched George grasp Ron's collar in one hand and pull back with his other before swinging his fist squarely into his brother's nose. The sound of his nose breaking echoed around the room, snapping Harry to his senses and causing him to whip out his wand to separate the two.
George flew backwards into Hermione, toppling the chair and snapping her wrist as he landed on top of her. Her cry of pain shook him out of his rage and he scrambled off of her before turning around to see her cradling her arm. "'Mione, I'm so sorry I never meant to hurt you" he said as he reached for his own wand.
"What the bloody hell is going on here?" Ginny shouted as she held her sobbing mother in her arms. Harry was bent over Ron's unconscious body murmuring a few field spells to see how extensive the damage was.
"I was talking with Hermione and mum about Malfoy's shop and seeing if he would be open to a contract since he's licensed to trade in rare ingredients" George began as he waved his wand and muttered episkey to mend Hermione's wrist. A bruise was forming on her cheekbone from where she hit the floor. "Anyways, ickle Ronnikins decided to jump in and spout off about Malfoy being a Death Eater, and how he doesn't care if Hermione screws him just as long as he stays away from Rosie…" he broke off clearly uncomfortable with the rest.
"So, you hit him for insulting Malfoy?" Ginny asked irritably.
"No, Ginny…" Hermione said, realizing George wasn't going to repeat what he'd said. "George said he remembered Draco being a Death Eater and that he was also acquitted based on my and Harry's testimony. He asked him what his problem was and Ron went red and spouted off about a lot of horrible things then asked…" she swallowed afraid to enrage George once more. "He asked if George remembered what Draco's comrades did to Fred…then" tears welled in her eyes as she saw some fall from George's. "Then he asked if George even remembered Fred" Ginny gasped and Molly sobbed harder into her arms.
Hermione chanced a glance at Harry and saw his eyes fill with rage at Ron's callous behavior. George made to stand but Hermione flung her arms over him and pulled him into a hug. Pain radiated through her shoulder as she did so but she held on as George shook with tears. "Tell me he killed him Harry!" Ginny growled, her face was red with furry and her light brown eyes narrowed.
"No, he didn't" Harry said flatly as he glowered at Ron's body. "He's just unconscious with a broken nose, split lip, black eye, and a few cracked ribs. He'll live."
"Bugger" Ginny muttered as she patted her mother on the back.
"Mummy?" Hermione's head whipped around to see James and Rose standing in the kitchen doorway rubbing the sleep from their eyes. "Mummy why's daddy laying on the floor?" she asked her eyes widening at her mother's bruised cheek and crying uncle. Luckily Harry was obscuring their view of Ron's upper body, he gripped his brother-in-law's arm and apparated him up to the guest room before the kids could see the blood. Rose stumbled over to her mum and reached up to her cheek "Mummy, you has an owie? Why?" she looked at George "Why is uncle George crying?"
"Oh, sweetie it's alright. Uncle George and daddy had a row. Your uncle accidently fell back into me and I hit the floor pretty hard, so did he. But we'll be okay, you don't need to worry." Rose leaned forward and placed a kiss on her mother's bruise before placing another on George's cheek. He'd sat up to wipe his face as Hermione explained everything would be alright.
"Thanks sprout" George said with a forced smile.
"Mummy always kisses my owies. It makes them all better" she said beaming at her uncle before running to Molly "Gramma it's okay mummy and uncle George will be alright. I kissed their owies and made them all better." Molly chuckled through a sob before she bent down to pick up Rose.
"Thank you, Rosie" she said, her voice breaking as she tried to blink back tears. Hermione's heart broke for the pair before her. None of them had fully healed from Fred's death, but it hurt Molly and George the most. She was furious with Ron for his callous attitude and raging temper.
"I think I'm gonna head home and check on Angie" George said after a minute. He turned and placed a hand on Hermione's shoulder "Thanks 'Mione…for everything. Do you mind asking Malfoy about the contract? I'd be open to negotiating, I'm sick of being ripped off by these contract collectors."
"Of course, George" she nodded and gave him another hug. "Thanks for knocking him out…I've been wanting to do that for years" she laughed as he pulled away, a grin spreading across his face.
"Anytime" he said before standing and heading to the floo.
"I think I'm going to take Rosie and head home too. I've a lot to get ready for this week and with these new bruises I'm going to need a soak in the tub" she said to Ginny and Molly as she reached for Rose. James was in his mother's arms with his arms wound around her neck. Harry came back into the room with a grim smile.
"I think he'll be unconscious for quite a while Molly. We can stay for dinner and make sure he gets back to his flat if you like?" Molly nodded as she wiped a few stray tears from her eyes and resumed preparing for dinner.
"We're headed out Harry" Hermione said as she gave Ginny and James a swift hug before crossing the room to him. "It's been a long day and I'd like to soak in the tub." He nodded and gave her a tight hug before she headed out the door, Rose tucked under her arms.