Twisted Roots

Chapter 9

Draco held tightly to Hermione for a few minutes until he regained his composure. He was still furious with his father, but he didn't want to immediately start storming about her bedroom ranting like a lunatic. Her presence and the warmth of her body calmed him significantly. After only a moment the fury he'd felt over his dinner conversation with his father subsided slightly.

"Are you okay, Draco?" she asked her voice muffled against his chest. Draco released her and sat heavily on her bed.

"I will be. I just need a minute to calm down," he said, although he was not honestly sure he would be all right any time soon. Hermione sat across from him in her window seat in order to give him some space. She waited patiently, watching him. He seemed to be fighting an internal battle as his emotions warred over which would take precedence. Hermione had seen the look on Harry's face before during fifth year when he thought that Voldemort might possess him through his scar. He always looked like he wanted to sulk in a fit of temper and reach out for his friends at the same time. It was just as heartbreaking to see the look on Draco's face as it was on Harry's. Finally, after a few minutes he spoke.

"My father ordered me not to see you anymore."

"Yet, here you are," she stated.

"Here I am. I told you I would not let him prevent me from being with you. I might need a place to stay soon," he said in a halfway joking tone.

"He wouldn't kick you out, would he? He seems more like the type to forbid you from leaving," Hermione said.

"He is that type, which is why I would have to just find a way to leave."

"Well, I have to be honest. I expected this to happen. Your father is not ready for the changes you are making. I don't know if he ever will be. He saw me today at the Ministry as you were leaving, and the look he gave me nearly sent me to my grave all by itself. That man does not like me," Hermione stated matter-of-factly. "And to tell you the truth, Draco, the feeling is rather mutual."

"What he doesn't like is what you represent to him. He would like you very much if he knew you. I truly believe that," he said getting up and walking toward her. He reached out a hand and smoothed it down her hair. He was glad he had come; just seeing her face was enough to reinforce his decision to side with Hermione over his father. "He just can't see past your blood heritage and your associations with Potter to make a rational decision. But I was able to quite easily once I was away from all the negativity of the war. I hope he will come around; it is just going to be difficult."

Hermione leaned her head into his hand. His touch was oddly comforting considering he was the person in distress. Hermione was unsurprised by the turn of events, but what did surprise her was Draco's apparent indignation. Perhaps Lucius Malfoy was not as awful of a father as Hermione expected him to be if Draco held enough hope that the man would accept his relationship with Hermione. After all, if Lucius was always completely unsupportive, Draco would not have bothered seeking his father's approval in the first place.

"Did he have anything else to say?" Hermione asked, wanting to change the subject.

"Not really. He wants me to start on the business soon. The rest was just a petty argument over whose fault everything was. I would prefer to discuss it later if you don't mind," he said leaning down to kiss her forehead. "Are your mother and father home?"

"No, they are at a colleague's house playing bridge. They will come pouring themselves in some time before dawn," she replied flashing him a mischievous smile.

"Good. Now I finally have the time to properly do this…" Draco leaned against the window seat and bent his head down just long enough to lightly brush his lips against hers. Then he wrapped one hand firmly in her hair and the other around the back of her neck before bending to kiss her again, this time more hungrily. He teased at her lips for just a second before kissing her hard. She immediately responded, opening her mouth and lacing her fingers through his hair. Draco licked her upper lip and then nipped her bottom lip before plunging his tongue in to fully taste her.

Hermione moaned as her tongue met Draco's. He tasted sweet and delicious like warm wine, and she was swiftly losing control of all her faculties. The hand on her hair started traveling down her back. He eventually brought it around to rest on her ribcage as he broke the kiss.

"You see, Hermione," he said huskily, his silver eyes darkened with desire, "I could not live without that. Nothing my father could say or do would be able to keep me from wanting to feel you," he touched her face, "smell you," he buried his nose in her hair, "taste you," he said bending down and kissing her again. This time the kiss was slow and languorous as he explored her mouth.

Hermione's hands began to roam across his shoulders and down his back. He felt so good to touch, and she could feel his touch so firm on her. His hands were not hesitant as they explored her, and his kiss was so passionate she felt as if it was the first time. Ron had nevermade her feel so desired. Hermione found she was saddened momentarily that a memory of Ron had to haunt this wonderful time with Draco.

Draco pulled back from her mouth again, but this time it was to pull her up into a standing position. He wrapped one arm around her waist and with the other he reached up to trace the lines of her jaw and collarbone. He leaned over and kissed her throat just on the pulse point and was pleased to feel that her heart was beating just as rapidly as his. He lightly flicked her skin with his tongue, and she moaned, arching her back against him. Praying that he wasn't going too far, Draco reached down and swiftly lifted Hermione's night dress up and over her head. She looked at him shyly for a moment before stepping into his arms and allowing him to press the full length of his body against hers as they kissed again. His body was warm and firm, and she felt his desire against her stomach. Hermione felt a throb in her nether regions that was almost painful, and she instinctively ground her hips against his.

Draco ground against her body deepening the kiss for a moment before pulling away, taking a step back.

"If I don't stop now, I won't be able to later," he said breathlessly, reaching for her hand and sitting down in the window seat. "I don't want to go too fast. I am enjoying the anticipation."

Hermione could not help a flash of disappointment from crossing her eyes. He saw it.

"I want you, I really do. I just want to savour each step. You're so beautiful and wonderful, Hermione. I want to cherish each moment with you. I have never done that before--have never felt that it was so important," Draco said, pleading with his eyes for her to understand.

"Of course, I understand, and I agree. I just never thought that the physical side of a relationship could feel that way. It was never that way with…" she trailed off not wanting to spoil the conversation by mentioning names.

Draco wrapped an arm around her and smirked. The part of him that was still an overconfident egoist was pleased to know that Ron had not been able to satisfy her.

"You have no idea how happy you make me," he said handing her back her nightshirt. "Now, let's go get some food. My appetite at dinner was ruined for some reason, and you have made me hungry again."

"In more ways than one, I hope," she said playfully, leading him down the stairs and wiggling her hips a little.

Behind her, Draco groaned. She was going to make taking things slow the death of them both.

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A few days later at the Ministry, Senior Undersecretary to the Minister, Percy Weasley, was visiting with his personal secretary, Dolores Umbridge. They were going over employee evaluations for the apprentices in Percy's office. Percy was promoted to Shacklebolt's Undersecretary while Umbridge was demoted to her current position after the war. There was an uproar in the community when she was not immediately released from her post after her dealings with Muggleborns the previous year, but Percy Weasley and a few other loyal friends defended her, stating that she was merely following the orders of the current regime and would have protected Muggleborns if that was what she had been told to do. Kingsley Shacklebolt had endorsed Percy's support, allowing Umbridge to act as his secretary's secretary. The choice led to a standoff between those who allowed Umbridge's return and those who were verbally opposed to it. The air of discontent in the Ministry was as thick as ever, and the rift between Percy and the rest of his family, unfortunately renewed slightly. The only difference this time was that they were not shunning each other, and Arthur wanted to keep Percy on speaking and visiting terms so they could maintain a close watch on him. Kingsley had managed to calm Arthur Weasley down enough to convince him that Kingsley knew what he was doing, but Percy had yet to make a case for himself. Hermione had a ballistic temper tantrum when the news had reached her, but up to this point, she had not had any interaction with the toad and was grateful for it. That time would end soon when she was evaluated. Percy, however, despite his admission that Voldemort really was an insane megalomaniac, still held Umbridge in high regard much to the chagrin of his family.

"Draco Malfoy's evaluation is in good order, Dolores. He has been doing his job without complaining, and Philemon stated that his reports are flawless. Philemon believes that he is actually developing a taste for some of the Muggle contraptions he is learning to use," Percy said smirking.

"I am sure it is just for show. He is a Malfoy, after all, and they are well versed in pleasing the right people." Draco Malfoy had proven that during his time on her Inquisitorial Squad. At first she was furious at being demoted to such an unworthy position, but after working directly under Mr. Weasley for the past five months, she had come to realize that she was in a pleasant position of power still. Her plans could more easily be executed if they had Percy's signature on them, and she was finding it easier and easier to get what she wanted from the boy. Percy was always easily manipulated.

"All the same, it is fortunate. It would appear in a negative light for us if the boy was doing poorly. It would make our effort to get Lucius out of prison a waste. We have to do everything we can to assure Draco's success here. We will assist him with whatever it takes in order to clear his family's name with the Ministry. Lucius' house arrest will keep him out of the public eye while he establishes his old connections, leaving Draco free to be the poster child of the reformed Death Eater. Lucius will be cleared by proxy over time," Percy said pointedly.

Umbridge smiled her sickeningly sweet smile at Percy, an evil glint in her tiny eyes. She moved Draco's evaluation aside and pulled out the next one. After reading the name she sneered in contempt.

"Granger," she spat as if the name tasted filthy on her tongue. She flipped through the evaluation, reading it carefully before passing it on to Percy with contempt. "Frank sings her praises."

Percy took the file and gave it a cursory glance. "Yes, it all appears to be in order. She was always very studious."

"She is a disrespectful little nitwit, and I hear she has been spending a lot of time with Draco. I thought she was cavorting with your younger brother," Umbridge said coldly.

"Yes, yes, she was, but she broke it off with him. My brother isn't exactly a shining example of wizarding intelligence, so it was not surprise. I happen to think her interest in Draco Malfoy shows a positive change in her character," Percy replied.

"It just shows that the uppity little Mudblood still has not learned her place," complained Umbridge, her face turning purple with loathing.

"Careful Dolores. We must maintain appearances, and I have a feeling that Hermione Granger is going to be important. We shall keep an eye on her, but you will do nothing to interfere with her and Draco. It would arouse too much suspicion. Leave that to his father. We can discuss it with him at the dinner party," Percy said signing off on Hermione's evaluation and dismissing Umbridge with a wave of his hand.

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"Hermione, I think Malfoy might be right about his father," Harry said quietly over lunch in the Auror break room.

"What? What do you know? What are you talking about?" Hermione asked, excitement at finding some answers for Draco coursing through her.

"I wasn't really included in the decisions made regarding Lucius because I am too junior in the Auror department, but ever since you have started seeing Malfoy, I have been a little more vigilant towards anything that might be related to him. Don't get offended, Hermione," Harry urged after seeing her frown. "It is not that I don't trust you. It is just that we really don't know what's going on in Lucius' head, do we? Anyway, Ron was saying that Percy has started getting secretive and even more pompous than usual just like he was when he was siding with Voldemort's supporters the last time. He said that a couple of days ago Lucius Malfoy had invited him and Umbridge to a dinner party at the Manor this Saturday. The Malfoys hate the Weasley's, so I think it is kind of suspicious that he would invite Percy to his first dinner party after coming home. But that's not all," Harry said taking a bite of his sandwich. Hermione nodded eagerly for him to continue, mouth agape.

"I went in to Dawlish's office to get some accident reports, and I happened to see a receipt from Gringott's on his desk. And no, I was not snooping," he said defensively at her raised eyebrow. "I just saw Malfoy's name on it, so I looked. Apparently, Lucius made a sizable transfer into Dawlish's personal account at the bank. And,he also had an invitation to the dinner party," Harry finished dramatically.

Hermione gasped. "So that means Lucius is trying to get on good terms with the Undersecretary and he is paying off the Head Auror? Harry, you really ought to tell Draco what you know. Despite what you might think, he really does not want to be involved with any sort of Death Eater activity. Not just because it looks bad, but because he truly disagrees with it. I think you two would get on quite well."

"No, Hermione. At least not yet. I know you like him and all that, and he seems like he is turning into a pretty nice bloke, but the whole lot of them have a history of being good at keeping up appearances. Money and connections go a long way, and I don't think Shacklebolt had the full measure of things when he warned Draco to behave at his final hearing," Harry said seriously. "Or if he did, he is hiding an awful lot, even from his trusted advisors. We can't take the risk of telling Malfoy this without finding out what he already knows. You were invited to the dinner party also as Draco's guest, so you can try to get as much information as possible while you are there. Watch everyone and memorise everything. You would make a useful spy."

"Harry, I don't have the subtlety for spying. Remember that day at the Borgin and Burkes?" Harry remembered that day well when she tried to play off as if Draco were her boyfriend. Harry doubted she would be able to pull it off even now that he really was her boyfriend, but he had to encourage her anyway.

"Well now, Draco isyour boyfriend, so it won't be total lies this time, will it? This is important Hermione. I need you to get Draco to talk about as much as you can without him getting suspicious of your interest. I knowyou can do this," Harry said encouragingly.

"I will do my best, but I don't like lying to him. You have to promise me, though, that you will tell Draco everything you know after the dinner party," she insisted, worry etching her brow.

"Fine, but find out what he knows first. It will make it easier," Harry replied.

"What do you think all this means, Harry?" She had her suspicions, but she needed to hear them from someone else.

"It means the war is not over yet. And that once again, the devils are inside the Ministry."

"That's what I was afraid of."

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The morning of the Malfoy dinner party Draco awoke early with a sense of foreboding. It was barely dawn, but he was unable to sleep due to the constant anxiety over the myriad things that could go wrong at the party. Giving up on the possibility of more sleep, Draco slid from the warmth of his bed and walked to his window. Pulling the heavy brocade curtain aside, Draco frowned. The grounds of the Manor were covered in a thick blanket of snow. Normally new snow made Draco feel content and peaceful, but today it just made him feel as cold and as blank as the grounds below him. From Draco's viewpoint, he could see one of the house elves melting the snow around the peacock coop so the Albino creatures could walk outside comfortably. Draco smirked at the sight. His father's taste in grandeur was overly theatrical in Draco's opinion. Squaring his shoulders, Draco let the heavy curtain darken the room once more.

By the time Draco made his way to the dining room for breakfast, his mood was positively dark. The last few days had done nothing but confirm his suspicions that his father was up to something. As to what, though, Draco could not fathom, and it was frustrating him to no end. Percy Weasley had come to visit his father one evening, but Draco was not included in the conversation, and Lucius had placed wards on the parlour room so he was not able to spy either. But the next morning over breakfast, Lucius had apologised to Draco for his hasty and insensible reaction to Draco's involvement with Hermione Granger. 'I am afraid you are learning valuable lessons in tolerance at a much faster rate than I am, Draco,' his father had said. Draco's father never conceded defeat that quickly, not even when he was shunned by his own peers in Voldemort's ranks after the Ministry fiasco at the end of fifth year. Draco's mother was unusually quiet on the subject; leaving Draco even more convinced that his father was being duplicitous. The fact that his change of attitude occurred after a most unusual private visit with Minister for Magic's Senior Undersecretary only reinforced his fears. As far as Draco was aware, his father was no friend of the Weasley's, and Shacklebolt had not publicly commented on his opinion of Lucius's early release.

And then there was the matter of the guest list. Of course, Hermione's invitation was re-extended after Lucius' change of heart on Draco's involvement with her. Andromeda was still attending as well, but so were Percy Weasley and Dolores Umbridge. Hermione was going to love that. The Parkinson's were invited which was not a surprise to Draco. Pansy's father, Anselm, was one of Lucius' business partners along with Xavrius Troy, an Irish partner who assisted Lucius with some of his more controversial business contracts. Xavrius would also be attending. Draco thought the invitation to include Pansy was unnecessary and just Lucius' not so subtle attempt to push the girl towards Draco.

Two other guests included were Zacharias Koslov, one Voldemort's Russian supporters. Zacharias had been recruited shortly before Voldemort's demise and was actively recruiting supporters in Moscow. Rumour had it that his connections in the Asiatic countries were extensive. Draco did not know what had happened with that effort and had not bothered to think about it, but the invitation was suspect. The other guest, Simon Matthias, was also a supporter of Voldemort's cause but never a Death Eater. He was a good friend of Lucius' from his school days and owned the Slug & Jiggers chain of apothecaries that could be found in mostly seedy areas, like Knockturn Alley, although he did maintain a location on Diagon Alley as well.

At the top of the guest list was Armand Dawlish, the head of the Auror department. He was one of the Aurors responsible for the Malfoy's arrest, but during the war he had also been manipulated by the Death Eaters. He had never openly fought with them, nor endorsed their activities, but it was incredibly easy to get information from him. He succumbed to the mildest of Imperius Curses and cracked easily under pressure. He had a weakness for expensive gifts and was very discreet about his possessions. He behaved as if everything he got his greedy little hands on was going to be stolen from him, so it was simple for the Death Eaters to ply him with bribes for information because they all knew he would never breathe a word of it to anyone. His usefulness on both sides of the war kept him unharmed, for the most part, but the only reason he made it to head of the Auror Department was because he was the most senior surviving Auror left after the war.

Draco found the guest list to be a motley group and believed that nothing good could possibly come of it. Out of the whole situation, the one thing that disturbed him the most was the fact that his father was excluding him from everything. It was clear that his mistrust of his father had returned in full, and Draco was not sure if he should be angry or afraid.

"Draco!" Draco's head snapped around to face his father. He had been staring into space for several minutes with a piece of toast in his hand, completely oblivious to what was going around him as he contemplated the events of the last week.

"Draco, you need to pull your head out of your arse and focus when people are speaking to you. I don't know what has gotten into you, but I will need you to be cognizant of your surroundings at the dinner party. Do you think you can manage that?" Lucius snapped.

"Yes Father," Draco said quietly.

"Now, as I was saying, Draco, tonight at the dinner party I am placing you across from Miss Granger as it is customary not sit directly next to your, ah- partner." Lucius sneered over the word 'partner.' "As such, you will be sitting at the table in between Pansy and myself."

As if I care,thought Draco. He knew exactly what his father was doing, and he was going to go along with it. By placing him directly next to Pansy, they would be in close proximity while forcing Hermione to watch. And placing Hermione on Lucius' other side was blatantly showing the world that Lucius was pretending to accept her.

"That is agreeable," Draco responded. Lucius frowned at his acquiescence for a moment and then smiled slightly.

"I knew you would understand. Tonight will be an important night. Just because I am under house arrest does not mean I cannot be active in society. I will need you to be a representative of this home. I do not want you to have any unnecessary distractions," Lucius stated.

"Yes, father. If you will excuse me, I will see you later tonight." Draco left the table thoroughly annoyed. He knew his father's acceptance of Hermione was just an act. Draco hoped he could reign in his sarcasm and animosity for at least one evening. Draco was doubtful though; the Malfoys were adept at playing the part of benevolent citizens, but that didn't mean they wouldn't wave their daggers in front of your face before sticking them in when they were agitated. And Hermione Granger definitely agitated Lucius Malfoy.

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Hermione dressed for the Malfoy dinner party with her stomach tied up in knots. She was already nervous, but after Draco briefed her on who would be in attendance she nearly lost all her fortitude. A night in the company of a few pure-blood supremacists and their ringleader was bad enough, but now she had to deal with Umbridge. That toad of a woman had been a thorn in Hermione's side from day one, and all the self-control in the world wouldn't stop Hermione from hexing her into oblivion if she so much as looked at her sideways. And to top it off, Draco's Slytherin ex-girlfriend was going to be there. Draco assured Hermione not to worry and she trusted him, but that did not stop the green monster of jealousy from rearing its ugly head.

Hermione stared at the dress she had stretched across her bed with trepidation. She had splurged on a designer wizarding gown made by Fabienne LaRue, who was supposed to be the new rising star in witch couture. Draco assured Hermione that the choice was a good one, and she would fit in well. The gown was a deep teal color that brought out the natural tan in her skin and deepened the brown of her eyes. The fabric was a fine silk that clung to each of her curves and was so smooth it felt like water when she let it slip through her fingers. The dress was cut in A-line style and was low cut in the front, just enough to hint at her cleavage, and opened into a deep V down her back. It came with a cape that was charmed to warm because the thin shoulder straps would provide little warmth in the wintry air. Hermione had never dressed so elegantly before. She hoped Draco liked it, but she was really hoping that his family approved of her appearance. Hermione's family was not rich, but she had been properly trained in etiquette and she wanted to show those pureblood elitists she was just as good as they thought themselves to be.

After applying several layers of Sleekeazy's to her hair and pulling it up into a twist with loose curls framing her face, she dressed. Once the dress was on, her nerves really let loose a hell storm in her stomach. Hermione did not know where the day had gone. She had spent half the day getting ready, but it felt as if she had just woken up. Time was always fickle when you needed it to pass slowly. One minute Hermione felt like the party would never come, and now Draco was due to pick her up in just a few minutes. She was really glad he would escort her to the Manor. She didn't think even her Gryfifindor courage could get her there on her own. Hermione slipped her wand in her purse and descended the stairs as soon as she heard the doorbell ring and the door open. Might as well make an entrance,she decided.

As Hermione rounded the bend in the stairs and looked down, her breath caught in her throat. Draco was dressed in a handsome set of slate grey dress robes that had a slight shimmer. His eyes were steely and stunning next the robes. His hair was carefully styled to appear purposely casual, and the effect against the elegance of his robes was beautiful. Hermione believed she had never seen anyone so handsome in her life and never would again.

When Draco saw Hermione walk down the stairs, he fought the urge to let his jaw drop. She was so beautiful he almost professed his love for her right then and there in front of her whole family. And once he professed his love, he wanted to rip the dress right off of her. Even his mother's beauty would pale in comparison to Hermione's that evening.

"Hermione, you are radiant," he said bending over and kissing her hand as she reached the bottom step.

"So are you," she replied blushing slightly. The way Draco was looking at her was making her feel giddy.

"Oh, Hermione, you look so gorgeous," her mother gushed. "You two make such a handsome couple. Let me take a picture."

"Mum, please," Hermione said, taking Draco's hand.

"No, Hermione, it's alright. We have a moment. But before the picture I want to give you something." Draco reached in his pocket and pulled out a delicate silver necklace with a small tear drop shaped pendant. "It's smoky quartz. It is supposed to absorb negative energy and keep you focused," he whispered in her ear as he hooked it around her neck.

"Thank you, Draco. It's beautiful and just what I need right now," she breathed, her voice shaking with nerves. His breath on her neck and his touch as he clasped the necklace were sending shivers down her spine. After what felt like a million pictures were taken, and after her father lectured Draco on 'taking care of his little girl,' they were finally able to leave.

Once they were outside, Draco Apparated them right to the front door of Malfoy Manor.

"Draco, I don't know if I'm ready for this," she said, still grasping his arm.

"Hermione, I am right here with you. I won't let anything happen to you. I am nervous, too, because I have no idea what to expect tonight. Just pay attention to everything because something is going on, and I think tonight is the night we will find out what. You look so beautiful. You will be the envy of all the women here," Draco said gently, bending down to lightly kiss her lips. He reached up and brushed his thumb over her mouth. "I can't wait until this is over so I can be alone with you."

Hermione's arms covered in goose bumps despite the heat of her charmed cape. He was looking at her with such intense desire that for a moment she forgot her nerves. Trying to ignore the electric charge pulsing through her veins, she nodded at him with resolve.

"Okay, let's get it over with then," she said facing the door.

Draco opened the door and entered the Manor with Hermione on his arm. They arrived through the front door just as the Parkinson's were arriving through the floo. Pansy sneered at Hermione the moment she saw her. Her sneer, however, could not disguise the appreciation in her eyes for Hermione's attire. Hermione immediately stiffened at Draco's side.

"Draco, it is so good to see you," Pansy said to Draco, running her hand down his arm. "You too, Granger," she added as if as an afterthought. Hermione fought the urge to roll her eyes.

"It's good to see you again, too, Pansy. Are these your parents?" Hermione said sweetly extending her hand to Pansy's bewildered parents just as Lucius and Narcissa appeared to greet their guests.

"Draco, it's about time you arrived. Miss Granger, a pleasure, you look lovely this evening," Lucius said formally as he hung Hermione's cape on a hook and bent to kiss her hand. However, Hermione noticed that although it appeared he completed the gesture, his lips never actually made contact with her skin, and his eyes glinted with malevolence briefly before he released her.

"Good evening, Mr. Malfoy, Mrs. Malfoy," she replied, ignoring the bubbling anger she was feeling towards Lucius for his slight. Okay, I can do this, so far so good.

"Hermione, you do look stunning this evening." Narcissa smiled warmly as Hermione thanked her and returned the compliment. Narcissa was dressed in a lovely silver gown. In fact, Hermione could not help but notice that the entire Malfoy family was dressed in the same shades of shimmering silver, grey, and charcoal.

"Come, the rest of the guests have already arrived. Let's join them, shall we?" Lucius said, graciously offering Hermione his arm. "Pansy looks exceptionally lovely this evening as well, doesn't she, Draco?" Lucius said looking back at his son. Draco frowned at his father's comment but nodded for her to go with him. Pansy immediately wrapped her arm around Draco's so that he would have to escort her into the dining room.

Before everyone was seated, Lucius went around introducing everyone who had not already met. Hermione felt a wave of nausea when she shook Umbridge's hand. Umbridge gave her a curt nod when they greeted each other but didn't say anything. She didn't have to; Hermione was sure the enmity in Umbridge's eyes was reflected in her own. Hermione was decidedly uncomfortable as Draco was pushed off by his father to greet some men that Hermione assumed must be Xavrius Troy, Zacharias Koslov, and Simon Matthias. With profound relief, Hermione saw Andromeda Tonks talking to Percy Weasly and Dawlish in the corner of the room. She immediately made her way to them.

"Hello Percy, Mr. Dawlish. Hello Andromeda. How is Teddy? He is with Harry tonight, isn't he?" Hermione asked relieved that she was familiar with at least a couple people there.

"He is good, and yes he is with Harry. How have you been?" she replied. Hermione spent a few moments catching up with the other three before Percy excused himself to go speak with Umbridge. Dawlish followed along as Hermione watched, a frown creasing her brow. Percy was less pompous than usual, and Dawlish was acting positively skittish.

"Thank goodness I have a moment alone with you, Hermione," Andromeda said abruptly.

Hermione looked at her with concern.

"I have to ask, are you really sure you want to get involved any more with Draco? I have a bad feeling about this and so do your friends," she stated with concern.

"Your concern, and Harry's, is duly noted, Andromeda. I am sure about Draco, and Narcissa seems genuinely lovely this evening, which surprises me, but I am very wary of Lucius. You can rest assured of that," Hermione said.

"Don't you trust me, Miss Granger?" Hermione nearly jumped out of her skin as Lucius appeared behind her. She slowly turned to look him in the eye. He was looking down at her, challenging her to reply. Hermione's back stiffened, and her Gryffindor courage finally arrived. Lucius was nothing compared to the evils she had already fought. She only had to picture him wandless and pathetic at the Final Battle to fortuitously respond.

"It's not you I don't trust, Mr. Malfoy. It's your private thoughts that give me pause," she replied, looking directly in his eyes--eyes that looked so much like Draco's she had to suppress a shudder. Andromeda sucked in a breath at her audacity, but Lucius just smirked and let out a low dangerous laugh.

"Hm, I see. May I escort you to your seats?" he said in his aristocratic drawl. So, you want to play games, Miss Granger? Well then, let them begin.

Hermione once again placed her hand on Lucius' arm while Andromeda took the other. Draco was already seated with Pansy chattering away nonstop in his ear. He smiled warmly at her as she sat down and rolled his eyes and gestured to Pansy. Hermione smiled back at him and looked around the table. Narcissa was sitting at the other end with Andromeda to the right of her and Percy to her left. The Parkinsons were sitting next to Pansy. On Hermione's side also were Lucius' friends and Dawlish. Matthias and Troy were both well-dressed, handsome young men. Hermione thought she recognized Matthias as the owner of the Apothecary in Diagon Alley. Zacharias Koslov was a brunet man, who was dressed slightly like a vicar. Hermione found him perplexing because, while it was quite obvious he had a face, if asked, Hermione would not be able to describe it. She suspected a glamour charm that made him unrecognizable, yet unsuspicious was in use. Dolores Umbridge was seated next to Percy and made a great show of holding up the crystal and silver and nodding at it appreciatively.

The first two courses of the meal passed in idle chatter amongst the table. Lucius said nothing as he watched and listened to everyone around him. Draco made a few attempts to engage Hermione in conversation, but she was reluctant to speak because she, too, was observing. So far nothing out of the ordinary had happened, and the talk was mundane. The only interesting thing was watching Draco edge over in his seat to get as far away from Pansy as possible. Hermione was enjoying it. She could tell that Draco would not have been interested even if Hermione wasn't in the picture. Lucius seemed to sense it too and was clearly annoyed. Hermione did wonder if perhaps the people sitting next to her would be more loquacious if she were not around. As it was, they were giving her curious glances, and the man sitting next to her was extremely careful not to bump her elbow, or allow his eyes to stray over her when he addressed Lucius.

"So, Miss Granger, you are working in the offices that represent Magical Creatures with near human intelligence at the Ministry, are you not?" Lucius drawled her way.

Hermione couldn't read his expression, and she decided that was much worse than knowing what he was thinking. Which is exactly what he's trying to do. He doesn't want me to guess what his privatethoughts are. Touché, Mister Malfoy.

"Yes sir, I am," she replied with an equally unreadable expression. Across the table Hermione noticed Umbridge watching her carefully, a fake smile plastered across her wide mouth.

"And you are researching house-elf legislation?" he asked, this time a slight sneer in his voice.

"Yes, sir," she replied again stoically. She was not about to give him any more information than absolutely necessary.

"Well, I do hope you are enjoying your work," he said sarcastically. Hermione bit her tongue. She didn't want him to see that his condescending attitude was starting to rile her up. Just then, Percy started to tap his spoon against his wine glass to get everyone's attention. As soon as he had it, he stood up to speak.

"On behalf of Dolores Umbridge, Armand Dawlish, and myself, as representatives of the Ministry of Magic, we would like to thank the Malfoys for graciously welcoming us into their home. There was a time not too long ago when such a meeting would not be possible. But it is clear from the mixture of representatives at this table that times are changing, and a new more positive regime is among us." Percy paused for a moment. "The Ministry is pleased to offer an olive branch of a peace to Lucius Malfoy and his family in response to these improved times. The Ministry is delighted that the Malfoy family has been so open about recanting their previous anti-Muggle stance and are willing to adapt to the changes we are seeing all around us. We are here to officially accept Lucius Malfoy's generous donation of one million galleons to the Ministry to assist with the economic strain war leaves on many families. A toast to new friends and new beginnings."

The only people at the table who seemed surprised at the news were Draco, Hermione, and Pansy. All around everyone was raising their glasses as Hermione and Draco stared at each other in shock. Draco turned toward his father with hurt and fury in his eyes as Lucius stood to speak as well. Hermione felt for Draco. She couldn't imagine any reason why Lucius would keep something like this from him.

"Thank you, Percy. It is the least I can do to show the world that I have indeed learned from my past mistakes. I am most grateful to all you of who are here tonight. Not many of my old friends would be so willing to attend such a meeting and grace my company. Your loyalty is appreciated and means more to me than you know. I am honoured to assist the Ministry with rebuilding our community in any way I can." Lucius pushed his chair back from the table and walked toward the parlor signaling the end of the dinner.

Hermione was flummoxed. So far nobody's attitude had betrayed anything that she might be able to use. The only thing that was odd about the evening was the people in attendance, and that was not much for Hermione to go on. Of course the announcement that Lucius had donated a sizeable chunk of change to the Ministry was a complete shock.

"Why would he hide something like that from me?" Draco whispered furiously in her ear when he was finally able to reach her side.

"I have no idea," she said, glad she was finally able to talk to him for the first time since she arrived.

"Now, the men are going to split from the women for awhile, and you are to go with them. We will be in the smoking room. I will see you soon." With that Draco kissed Hermione on the cheek and walked away. Hermione blushed and followed Andromeda to the drawing room. Both Lucius and Narcissa saw the exchange but only one of them was pleased about it. Narcissa thought that Hermione was enduring the evening with good grace, considering the many filthy looks she was receiving from people and portraits alike.

Narcissa led the ladies to the drawing room with sweaty palms as she recalled what happened to Hermione the last time she was in this very room. She prayed the remodel would keep her from noticing. Damn Lucius for insisting..! If the girl realized and became a simpering fool, though, it would upset her more, but she had a feeling that between the beautiful changes and the girl's amazing fortitude that it would be all right.

Narcissa needn't have worried. Hermione was vaguely cognizant that she was in the same general location of her unfortunate encounter with Bellatrix, but the room was so vastly changed the memory was not as sharp as she had expected. While Hermione was appraising her surroundings, Pansy accosted her.

"That really is a nice dress. Is it a Fabienne LaRue?" she asked not quite disguising the awe in her voice.

"Yes, it is," Hermione responded politely back. Pansy eyed her critically for a moment as Umbridge walked up behind her, fake smile still on her face. Hermione's eyes darkened at the older woman, and then she looked back at Pansy waiting for her to speak. Finally, Pansy crossed her arms and sneered at Hermione.

"It's never going to last, you know. You and Draco. Whatever love potion you are using on him won't last forever, and then where will you be?" she snarled.

She valiantly attempted to stifle a small bark of laughter, but failed, and it came out. "You are thicker than I thought, Pansy, if you believe I used a love potion to get Draco's attention. He approached me, or didn't you know?" Hermione said rising to the bait a little. She really didn't care what Pansy or Umbridge, who was listening intently, thought. Pansy sputtered for a second.

"Oh, he will get over you in due time, regardless. As if his father would accept a filthy Mudblood like you in his house," Pansy snapped back. Hermione felt her temperature rising, but she fought to control it.

"I am here right now, aren't I?" Hermione bit back.

"Indeed," Umbridge simpered happily behind Pansy. Hermione's attention immediately snapped to Umbridge, and she glared at her, fury evident in all her features.

"And what does this have to do with you?" Hermione demanded angrily. By now the rest of the women in the room had gathered around.

"You apparently still need to learn to respect your superiors, Ms. Granger," Umbridge said nastily.

"You are not my superior." Hermione was fighting the urge to go in the cloakroom and retrieve her wand so she could turn the woman into the toad that she truly was.

"Now, now, ladies what is going on here? Hermione, you must tell me where you got your lovely attire," Narcissa interrupted giving Pansy and Umbridge a reprimanding look. She quickly directed Hermione away from them. Andromeda followed.

"Now, Hermione," Narcissa whispered when they were out of earshot from the others, "I understand the position you are in tonight, but please trust me when I tell you it will do you no good to get on Dolores Umbridge's bad side. She has a lot of control at the Ministry still, and she can make your job very difficult." She was looking at Hermione with a slight look of pleading, as if begging Hermione to trust her.

"I appreciate your concern and your gracious hospitality, Mrs. Malfoy. But I have been on the wrong side of Dolores Umbridge since the day I met her, and she is one woman that I will never, ever, be afraid of," Hermione replied, steel in her voice. "My job at the Ministry isn't even worth putting up with one smug word out of that woman's mouth," Hermione added.

Narcissa and Andromeda both looked at Hermione with something akin to respect.

"That's good, Hermione," Andromeda said. "We have to be strong in our convictions sometimes."

"I agree," said Narcissa, "but I would still like to warn you to be on your best behaviour around the Ministry representatives you see here tonight. I know they are watching you."

"What do you know?" Hermione blurted, shocked. Narcissa was finally hinting at what might actually be going on here. "I know something is going on, Mrs. Malfoy. There is no way the Ministry would have allowed your husband out of prison early unless there was some sort of conspiracy. And why on earth wasn't Draco made aware of the donation? That is something he should have known about!" Hermione exclaimed her temper rising once more.

Narcissa looked affronted for the briefest of moments. She was about to speak when the door opened, and her son entered the parlour. Draco looked furious. Narcissa bent down and quickly whispered in Hermione's ear, "We will talk soon." And then she walked over to greet Draco her smile fixed back in place.

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Back in the smoking room, Lucius sat in his armchair regally as if he were a king reclaiming his throne.

"That was a lovely meal, Lucius. I never get fed as well anywhere else as I do here," Dawlish said.

"Indeed, Dawlish. We all know how appreciative you are of small courtesies," Lucius said. "Now, we need to get down to business. Everyone sit."

All the men around the room sat down at Lucius' command. Draco was violently reminded of Death Eater meetings that Lucius was in charge of back in his 'glory' days.

"Now, all of you, with the exception of Draco, know why you are here tonight," he began. "Draco I didn't inform you of anything that was going on because of your association with Granger and your position at the Ministry. I didn't want you bombarded with questions before it was absolutely necessary."

"Yes, sir," Draco said, although it did nothing to mollify him.

"I am really pleased to have all of your support. I was beginning to wonder if there were going to be any followers of the old ways who would be willing to respond to my summons. Dawlish we all know that bribes are the only thing that brought you here, but I trust it will be enough to buy your silence."

Dawlish nodded his ascent. Draco was beginning to get really worried.

"And Draco, I need to know where your loyalties lie before this conversation goes any further as well. I expect you to do the right thing, but in honour of your new outlook on life, I am giving you the opportunity to walk away. But be careful in your decision," Lucius said coldly.

"I apologise, Father, but I don't understand. Are you planning on rekindling Voldemort's cause?" Draco asked warily, his eyes scanning the room. Every eye was on him. Draco locked eyes with Percy trying not to look surprised at the threatening look on Percy's face.

"Voldemort's cause?" Lucius barked. "Of course not. This is mycause. The ideology is essentially the same, but I will not make the same mistakes he did. Overt violence and threats were not an effective strategy. Muggles are a threat to us, Draco, and you would do well to realise it. I will not use the Dark Lord's methods. I am much more subtle than that as you are very well aware. I was embarrassed by Voldemort and encrusted in a patina of his shit in my own home. No, Draco, I have learned my lesson well. This will be different. I think you get the general idea of what I am eluding to here. You need to make a choice right now before we can go any further. I will offer you one opportunity to run off and entertain your Mudblood girlfriend while you make your decision. You need to make sure your priorities are in order before I include you in my plans. And I do hope I can include you. Your position in the Muggle Liasion office could be used to our advantage. I promised your mother I would allow you to choose this time, but I encourage you to choose wisely," Lucius finished looking at Draco intently.

"And what happens if I choose not to join you?" Draco asked defiantly.

"Then you will merely be a guest in this house until the time is appropriate for you to leave," Lucius finished.

Looking around the room one more time, Draco took in the icy glares. "Thank you, father, I will consider what you have said. Good night."

"Not so fast, Draco. You are not to speak of this to anyone. Do you understand me?" Lucius said, malice saturating his voice.

"Yes, Father, I understand." He understood perfectly. With that he turned on his heel to find Hermione so they could leave.

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"Draco, darling, are the men done in there already?" Narcissa said peering at the door behind him.

"No, Mother. I was excused from the meeting early, and I am merely here to escort Hermione home," Draco said as calmly as he could. He was shaking with rage, but he did not want to distress his mother. Hermione sensed Draco's ire and rushed to his side placing a soothing hand on his arm.

"I'm ready. Let's go," Hermione said, eager to leave and find out what happened.

"Good, excuse me while I get your cloak while you say your goodbyes," Draco said tersely.

"You will be returning after you drop her off, won't you?" Pansy asked hopefully.

"No, Pansy, I will not be returning," Draco said turning away. Think what you want of that Pansy, Draco thought spitefully. He was in no mood for her advances. Hermione smirked at Pansy at the same time trying to calm the butterflies that took flight in her stomach at Draco's innuendo.

Narcissa looked worried once again. "Thank you for coming, Hermione. I hope I will see you again soon."

"Thank you for inviting me and of course you will," Hermione replied. After saying good bye to Andromeda she turned to leave, but a squishy hand on her arm stopped her. Turning quickly, she turned to face Umbridge, yanking her arm out of her grip.

"A word in the hallway if I may, Miss Granger?" she asked in her saccharin voice, pushing Hermione out the drawing room door.

"Just a little warning, Miss Granger: you are overstepping your boundaries involving yourself with this family. You need to stay away from Draco," she hissed.

Hermione scowled at her. She'd had enough for one evening. Oh where is Draco? I want my bag so I can get my wand and hex this bitch."Excuse me, but I don't see how my relationship with Draco is any of your damn business," Hermione retorted fists clenched.

"Oh, I plan to make it my business. You may have seduced Draco with you whorish ways, but it won't be long before he sees you for the jumped up Mudblood that you are. I know your type, Miss Granger; you try to act innocent, but we all know you're not," Umbridge sneered.

"Don't speak to my guest that way," Draco interrupted from the doorway of the cloakroom, his face red with fury and anger darkening his tone.

"Oh, don't worry, Draco. I have this covered." And with that she pulled back her fist and punched Umbridge square in the face, knocking her on her large bottom. Hermione stood over her smirking. "Some things are better done the Muggle way."

With that Hermione took her cape and bag from Draco and stormed out the door with him right behind.

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A/N: And the plot thickens...

I just want everyone to know that this story is being posted as a revision, a SECOND time, which means it was written and completed a long time ago. The only reason why I am saying this is because there is a wonderful story called Heavy Lies the Crown out there that is currently in progress, but has a plot line almost identical to mine. Twisted Roots was written and published on this site before I discovered Heavy Lies the Crown, in fact I did not discover it. I was told about it by a friend who was reading it, and thought maybe the author of that story was copying my plot line. I am absolutely sure that our plotlines are similar only because we think alike, not because she was copying me, or vice versa. Such things can easily happen by coincidence on this site with so many stories floating around. The author of Heavy is excellent, has written many wonderful things, and I recommend her mightily. That being said, it was no intention of mine to write a story so close to someone else's, as I am sure it was not her intention either. So, if there is any question of my integrity, my story was written first. If there is any question of her integrity, don't, she's a fantastic author with plenty of her own original ideas.

Please review if you have comments, questions, or just liked the chapter!