Chapter 11
"Engaged," shouted Hermione.
Harry cleared his throat and began to look around to see if anyone was looking over. But Pansy had been correct in her earlier statement. This restaurant was one of the very few places where the Prophet was not allowed to enter. They could camp outside all they wanted. However, they were refused entrance into the place. They had a strict policy here among the wizarding elite about keeping things classified. No one would find out unless Harry and Pansy allowed it. The way Hermione was hyperventilating on the matter made him wonder if she would go straight to the Weasleys and inform them.
"To be married," Hermione questioned with wide eyes.
"Yes, Granger. Merlin what other sort of engaged is there," Pansy retorted with a slight roll of her eyes as she picked up her glass and put it to her lips.
"Are you pregnant," Draco asked causing Pansy to spit out her drink.
Harry handed her a napkin as she dabbed at her mouth. She held out her other hand and Harry put his hand in hers. "No I'm not. And don't look at me like that Draco," she scolded him as her grip tightened on Harry's hand. "There's no other reason why I shouldn't be as happy with him as I would with any other wizard."
"So this is a marriage of convenience," Draco continued to question causing Harry to narrow his eyes at him. Hermione on the other hand turned and requested for some more water.
Pansy sighed and her whole demeanor seemed to change. "I care for Harry," her voice was soft. Hermione stopped and looked up at the pair of them. Pansy shifted to face Harry. "We've been seeing each other for months. And," a true genuine smile broke out on her face. "He forgave me. Harry Potter forgave me," her smile widened and she let out a small gasp of excitement. "And there is a sweetness to him that I have found in no other wizard," Pansy beamed. "I am in love with Harry sodding Potter!"
"Harry," Hermione's voice carried over the table after hearing Pansy's confession and Harry's expression of admiration in her statement.
"This is why I wanted to speak with you," Harry turned to Hermione. "Out of all our friends you would understand and support me the most. I know that I may be asking a lot out of you to do so. You have been my friend since we were young. You stuck by my side like no other, risking your life, your family's well-being all for my sake. And I feel like such an imbecile to ask it of you yet again, 'Mione. But I want at least one friend to support me in my decision in marrying Pansy."
Hermione looked down, taking in the information.
"I assure you that it was quite the shock for me at first," Harry began to explain as he looked at Draco and then glanced back at his friend. "I have been programmed for many years of my life since I came into this Wizarding World that everything was for the greater good, sacrificing myself at such a young age for others. I," Harry cleared his throat. "There's a freedom that I haven't experienced in a while. It is a freedom to be myself, to want what I want, to be," Harry blushed, "to be selfish. Is that wrong?"
Harry looked to his friend to see her smiling gently. "No, it's not. You've given a lot of yourself. It's nice to finally say that I deserve this small piece of happiness in my life, on my own terms, the way I see fit," Hermione agreed. "But Parkinson," she questioned. "No offense," she cheekily grinned over at the black-haired witch.
"None taken," she smirked sipping her drink and looking over at Draco.
"I've had so many outspoken women in my life, it was only natural that I was attracted to someone just as mouthy," his lips turned up in a smile and he eyed Pansy. She reached over and playfully slapped his shoulder.
"I'll show you just how mouthy I can get, Potter," the threat was laced with amusement.
Harry lifted their joined hands to his mouth and pressed a kiss to Pansy's palm. Draco couldn't believe his eyes. He even glanced around to see if this was actually happening or if someone had taken a poly-juice potion to the couple in front of him. Another second had him glancing down at the glass in his hand as well. Did someone slip a love potion in here? He had heard rumors of Parkinson and Potter spending a considerable amount of time together but he didn't think it was this serious. Pansy wanted a career. She didn't want to start a family - at least that is what he remembered her protesting when Blaise said he wouldn't marry her when she became a partner. But here she sat before him, defending her relationship with Potter. You heard that statement correct! It was Potter!
"You are strong willed and determined and loyal," Harry continued. "It truly means a lot to me that you stand next to me, Hermione."
"I've stood next to you when everyone else was against you Harry. I stayed with you when everyone wanted to kill us," Mione reached over and took his free hand. "If she makes you happy, then I am here for you."
"Thank you," he told her, giving her hand a squeeze before releasing it. He looked over at Parkinson and pressed their lips together briefly before turning to eye Malfoy who still seemed to be in a daze.
He remained silent on the matter throughout the rest of the evening but the next day at work Pansy demanded an answer.
"Are you upset about it," she asked Draco. "You didn't say anything at dinner and I just spoke with Hermione and..."
"Since when did she become 'Hermione' to you," Draco put his papers down and stared at her. "Since when did anything about the Gryffindor bunch there become important to you?"
"Merlin Draco," she sounded exasperated. "Are you the only one allowed to be happy?"
That night when Draco and Hermione had returned to Malfoy cottage he could see the happiness that Hermione held for her friend. But Draco could not. For some reason he felt utterly selfish about the whole ordeal. It had caused an argument between Hermione and Draco - their one of many arguments that came with their relationship. She had hurled various things at him - both by her hands and by the power of her wand. It had turned into a wonderful match, magically. That was until he could not take the heaving of her chest and the fire in her eyes any longer.
He pushed away Granger's hand that held her wand in his face - threatening him with a hex - and began to snog her in the middle of his living room until she had demanded that he take her right then and there. Draco had complied and at the end when their breathing had settled and the pleasure had been taken she looked over at him and smiled.
"You're still an obnoxious scoundrel," she teased.
Before he could stop himself, he ended up apologizing. "Forgive me for calling your friend an oaf. I really meant to call Weasley that," he finished. He had to finish it that way. He was becoming sensitive and an utter useless Hufflepuff. "Potter is far from being one. Parkinson would hex him if he was."
"So you will give your friend your blessing," Hermione rolled to her side and lifted her fingertips to dance on his naked chest. "You know that it would mean a lot to her."
"I don't know why but I just feel upset about it."
"Is it protectiveness over your friend," she had asked.
"A bit of that I suppose," he answered.
"Well, you must talk to her," Hermione moved so that she was straddling Draco as he lay there. "I wouldn't know what I'd do if Harry was upset about you and I."
Draco sighed, thinking about the conversation slash argument slash wonderful shagging that night. He knew that Hermione was right. There truly was nothing wrong with Potter, other than the fact that Parkinson's father might object to the match. That was probably why she wanted his backing.
He had admitted to Hermione that he had been selfish. He was enjoying bliss beyond compare in his relationship. He and Granger had been mentioned in the papers, both muggle and magical. Somehow Potter and Parkinson deciding to shack up together meant that they would be the new 'desired' couple. The attention would have shifted.
And though he did not like being the subject of malicious gossip, he adored being the center of attention. He adored the fact that he had Hermione. He adored the fact that he was living in happiness while Potter had; well he had nothing at the time. And now he was engaged!
He and Hermione should have been engaged first.
Their union should have been the talk of all Wizarding Community.
Did Potter seriously have to come in and take away the limelight?
Was Granger expecting a proposal?
He wanted her. He needed her. He fancied her. He adored her. He was irritated with her. He could listen to her. He would be there for her.
Draco closed his eyes. He was happy with her.
He let out another deep, thoughtful sigh. "You are allowed to have happiness too," he looked up to see Parkinson's eyes glistening.
She was truly happy with Potter and he couldn't fault her for finding someone in Gryffindor since he had done so as well. True part of him wanted to be the first one to be engaged to a Gryffindor. But he wasn't going to do it out of some sort of competition. Despite the fact that Hermione and him were getting along so swimmingly didn't mean that he needed to take the plunge - those Muggles and their sayings. He couldn't gauge his relationship the same way that Potter had been with Parkinson. If this is how they wanted to act then who was he to get in their way? He certainly did not like it when Flint had questioned Hermione's employment or when Goyle had insulted her. This was between him and Hermione, him the witch that he adored.
This engagement was between Potter and his friend.
"It was shameful of me to not congratulate you that evening. Potter had gained his friend's approval and yet you did not and for that I apologize. If he makes you happy then you go and be happy, Pans."
Pansy looked away, letting out a breath of relief and joy. She muffled a cry of excitement and turned back to Draco. "You mean it, Drake?"
"I do," he nodded, standing up and making his way to her. He gestured with his arms for her to come closer. Taking one hand in his, he leaned down and brushed his lips against her knuckles. "Potter is a lucky wizard to have you. Regardless of who you chose to marry, know that you will always have a job here. Your partnership will always be open with Blaise. I will not fire you for being with whoever you want to be with, that is not my place to say. And you have my continued support when you approach your father with this news."
Pansy threw her arms around Draco's shoulders and wrapped him in an embrace. He patted her back before releasing her.
"I take it that the selfish beast of a friend finally gave in."
They both turned to see Hermione leaning up against the frame of the door to Draco's office with a smile upon her lips.
"Did you make him apologize," his witch asked.
"He did so, on his own accord."
"Oh really," Hermione seemed shocked.
"I didn't have to shed a tear as you insisted upon," Pansy stood straighter and lifted her chin at Hermione.
One look between the two of them had Draco groaning. It was obvious that they had somehow plotted together. Had Hermione really encouraged Pansy to shed tears in front of him? Those blasted women; he all but shook his head. It was then he remembered that Pansy and Daphne had somehow arranged for Hermione's beautiful dress that she wore to their first dinner date. If he didn't know any better, he would have said that both he and Potter would have to watch themselves with such cunning women around them.
Dinner with Narcissa had being well as could be. Hermione had been visibly shaken upon entering the Manor - even if it was through floo. She stood in the welcoming room with Draco's arms around her and her face buried in his chest. She closed her eyes and allowed the difference of atmosphere to infect her mind. This wasn't the same place, it didn't look the same. According to Draco, his mother had gone through great lengths and a whole lot of galleons to change the place. Draco had even blasted a few rooms himself - rooms that had been tainted by the Dark Lord's presence all those years ago.
"Thank you," Draco whispered into her ear. "You didn't have to but you did," he acknowledged.
His mother didn't intrude on their moment, giving Hermione time to adjust. Draco placed Hermione's arm around his once she had assured him that she was sane enough to move. Draco showed her the different tea rooms, entertaining rooms and even the Malfoy library. They would have lost themselves in there - at least Hermione would have - if Draco hadn't reminded her of their dinner. And in the dining room that no longer held the grand table that the Dark Lord sat at was where they met Narcissa.
Chip had been nowhere in sight and Draco wondered where his mother had sent him to. He had explained to his mother that there might be some tension if Chip was present at dinner, serving them as usual. So when dinner appeared on the tables with a swish of Narcissa's wand he wondered exactly what his mother had been up to.
Conversation was light and had much to do about business propositions that Hermione had planned for the company. "I had once suggested to my father the need for expanding to the Muggle business field," Narcissa admitted with a slight smile. "That was the same year however that my sister was disowned," her smiled disappeared. "My other sister spoke what is known as 'common sense' into me. I had to reject such blasphemous thoughts."
"How old were you," Hermione asked. "I was under the impression that you were really young when Andromeda left."
Narcissa graced another small smile her way. "I had not yet started at Hogwarts when it happened. My mind was impressionable and I assume that Andromeda's thoughts of the Muggle world looked appealing."
"That is before," Hermione closed her eyes, "before your other sister insisted that it was wrong."
Draco reached for Hermione's hand over the table and held it tenderly. Narcissa eyed the movement and then went to take a sip of her water. The evidence of the care her son had for this young witch was overwhelming. She wanted to protect her boy and she vowed that she would. She gave him her word that she would support him but old habits die hard and she was finding it hard not to want to protest. So a small piece of silence grew as she tried to regain her calm.
"You must understand that my parents were loving," Narcissa said after a while. "They loved each and every one of their daughters," she continued as her eyes watered. "But we were told that we were pure, the highest bred family that there was. I am fighting internally with the pair of you. I love my son, Miss Granger," she turned to her. "I want him happy and if he is happy with you then I will do everything in my power to support him. But I must warn you that I do not have the ease of simply deleting every prejudice notion in my body. You are a brilliant and beautiful witch but a part of me is still nervous to have you here in my home."
"I understand Mrs. Malfoy," Hermione nodded. "I know that you won't completely accept me as easily as one could cast a lumos spell. It will take time and I," she looked down, feeling her courage disappear.
Draco sensed this as well and gave her another reassuring squeeze.
"I was not expecting a hearty welcome as though I belonged here but I see the great lengths that you have gone through to make me feel comfortable and that speaks volumes to me and to Draco," Hermione squeezed his hand back. "I am glad that you are trying."
"That's all that I want you to know. For Draco, I will try and do my best to make you comfortable," Narcissa assured looking warmly at her son.
"Thank you Mother," he replied before they continued eating.
They retired for tea and more conversation in a sitting room that Narcissa had regrettably decorated to be brown and gold. "I could not stand to see red in here," she shook her head.
"Of course, brown is a more natural color and it blends in with the golden lining," Hermione noted as she sat down, tucking one ankle behind the other and turned to the side smoothing out her dress.
And it was a lovely dress, Narcissa noted. True she was no pure-blood heiress but she knew her manners and Narcissa gave her credit for that. She wasn't lying either when she stated that Miss Granger was beautiful and brilliant. It seemed that her son was besotted. Why wouldn't he be with such brilliance in front of him? She remembered him being annoyed with this witch when they were younger but that was the case with many young witches and wizards at that age. It made her smile as she noticed how Hermione and Draco began speaking lively, yet lovingly about something intimate.
When Narcissa bid them farewell, she shocked her son, Hermione and herself when she held her two arms open for Hermione to embrace her. It wasn't long but it wasn't awkward either. She felt a sense of warmth come over her when she held the witch in her arms - a daughter that she had always wanted. She sighed happily and released the young woman before opening her arms up to her son.
"Well that went," Draco paused as he and Hermione arrived at his place.
"Well," she finished for him as they walked to his bedroom, "That went well."
"She tried to be civil."
"That she did," Hermione agreed.
"And you were so behaved. I had thought that you'd," he stopped when he realized what she had begun doing.
"I sat in place that gave me nightmares for months. I sat down and had dinner with someone who would have Avada me without a second thought," she stood before him in a deep green bra and matching lace knickers causing him to gulp. She undid her brown curls from the bun she wore to dinner and they softly fell down her skin. "And the entire time I felt safe with you," Hermione smiled shyly before turning to his bed, his eyes immediately going to her arse as she walked.
Draco gulped as he watched her crawl on top of the bed, giving him a glance over her shoulder.
"Are you coming?"
His lips turned into that Malfoy smirk that she had adored, sending goosebumps all over her body as he slowly stripped. Hermione laid back, closed her eyes and began to pant softly, arching her back in anticipation. It caused Draco to stumble as he tried desperately to free himself from his underwear.
"Draco," Hermione continued to tease him as she slowly spread her legs and began to heave her chest as though he were already there. It was exciting Draco to his limit.
He reached over once he was naked and decided that as much as he loved that rich green on her, it had to go. He laced his fingers in the inside of her knickers, tugged them down and tossed them behind him. He reached down each leg and drew her body against his as he placed his lips on her belly. His fingers tickled her thigh, massaging and coaxing them to spread more open for him. He reached her breast and with his other hand ripped her bra off before he decided to feast upon her flesh there.
"Merlin," Hermione shook as Draco flicked his tongue on her nipple, over and over again. He was swirling, biting and tugging. It was causing her to go absolutely insane until she thought she would reach her climax right there. He shifted his focus to her other breast that was aching for attention.
Hermione's soft fingers pulled his hair, causing Draco to groan. He finally released her and scooted up to snog her deeply and passionately. It was then that she felt his hands dance between her legs and with one small brush against her womanhood, she cried out climaxing. It wasn't the greatest release he had ever given her but it was a release nonetheless and caused her body to jerk and spasm.
"Did you just," Draco began to ask as he pulled their lips apart. He moved down so that his face was between her legs and licked it very slowly. "Yes, you did," he smiled against her tasting her juices. "I can't have just one taste now can I," he looked up at her to see her still in her bliss. She finally glanced down at him to see his silvery eyes right there and just as she was about to protest, he returned his mouth to her heat.
"Draco," she screamed as his tongue flicked back and forth on her womanhood. He played with it just as he had done to her breast until finally her leg began to clench around his face. Her hands were gripping the sheets and his tongue began to take in large licks. "Draco, Draco! Oh Draco, yes!"
She was hot and wet and he had to have her now. Just as she received her high of pleasure, Draco pulled back and sat up quickly, kneeling before her. He wrapped one leg around him and settled himself at her entrance. "Damn it Hermione, you feel wonderful," he thrust into her warmth and feeling her tight around him.
His thrusts were slow and deep as he filled her. He grabbed both of her hands and held them above her head with one of his as he leaned down and ran his tongue over each breast. Arching her back in response, Draco groaned against each one feeling her hold on him flex around his cock. His tongue and lips continued up her body until they sought out her mouth. She tasted herself as his tongue danced in hers and she whimpered at his continued movement, in and out, in and...
"Oh, oh," Hermione moaned as Draco prolonged his thrust, measured each stroke.
"Let go, Granger," he nipped at her neck. "Let go," he pleaded and Hermione knew he was about to give out.
Hermione wrapped her other leg around his waist as he continued his slow torture on her body. With one hand, he reached around her arse and moved her hips in another angle and that had done it for her. It hit that sweet spot, throwing back her head, arching her back and screaming out his name she reached her climatic end. And Godric what an end it was. Draco released her hands and in a few quick thrusts brought himself to an end too. Hermione ran her fingers softly up Draco's back and then through his hair, pulling him down for one final kiss as she felt him shudder.
"Hermione," he murmured against her lips before rolling them over.
They lay still for a moment, letting their breathing settle and their hearts calm.
"I meant it Malfoy," she said still a bit out of breath as she lay on his chest, trailing her fingers in a circular pattern on his shoulder. "I felt safe with you, safer than I had in a long time."
Draco closed his eyes and wondered if this was how it felt to have absolution. Hermione may not have been a pure-blood but she was pure at heart and he couldn't have asked for a better wife. His eyes shot open then because though he had thought it, they certainly had not discussed it. Damn that Potter for proposing to Pansy and making him think about marriage. Draco leaned down and kissed Hermione's forehead.
"If you didn't know by now, then I'll tell you that I care about you a lot. I care so much that I wouldn't want anything to happen to you," Draco confessed.
"Thank you for telling me that. You don't voice your feelings that often but when you do," she moved her head to look up at him, "it means the world to me, Draco. Thank you again for tonight. I think I needed that closure with the Manor and I was glad that you gave it to me."
"Believe it or not, you gave me closure too."
That night they slept, holding one another tightly and lost in their feelings for one another. The next morning however, brought everything crash back down.
Chip had suddenly made an appearance and told Draco that his Mother had wanted to speak to him on a rather urgent matter. It couldn't be prolonged any more, especially after seeing how serious he was about Hermione. He believed his Mother would support him and that she was making a sincere effort. So after spending an hour or so in the shower with Granger, he left to go to the Manor, promising Hermione that he would be back.
The news that his Mother had did not go well. Why did she have to tell him this now? An overwhelming feeling came over him and it wasn't excitement. It wasn't even pride and joy. No it was something entirely different.
Fear makes people do desperate things. He knew this because it was fear for his life, fear for his mother, fear for his family that had drove him to do the Dark Lord's bidding. But this was a different type of fear. For some reason he had never felt more scared in his life than he did at this moment.
"Draco darling did you hear me?"
He looked back up at his mother and nodded.
"I know that you were hoping to wait a while but you have been courting that young witch for a couple months. There is no better time than right now. Perhaps you should consider..."
"Father wanted her dead," Draco interrupted, his fists clenching as he sat at the table in his mother's garden. "Your sister tortured her in that room," he pointed back towards the Manor. "We held her prisoner in this very place! I am shocked that she allows me to touch her after all of the hateful words and spiteful behavior," he stood up and shook his head, walking away from the table. "And now, now Father is being released. You know he's going to ask about that building! You know that he could ban me from being with her. She is more than just a witch that I'm courting for Merlin's sake."
"Then you will tell your father what she means to you," Narcissa stood up as well, smoothing out her dress.
"You talk about it like it will be that simple."
"I saw something worth fighting for last night," his mother told him. "You were genuinely happy with her. And I have to say that I am impressed with her conduct and speech. She seems to be the know-it-all you once described," her eye was twinkling at the memory before she let out a burst of laughter. "If I didn't know any better I would say that you were infatuated with her ever since you came home that one year. How old were you?"
"Fourteen," Draco closed his eyes also recalling the memory.
"Ah right," she nodded, "That Granger hit me, Father," she imitated her son with precision causing him to look at her in shock. "You were a spoiled brat sometimes." He shook his head and looked away. "But now you are grown," he felt her hand on his arm. He looked over to see a reassuring smile on her face. "Bring her over again. I find that I can tolerate her company. And the more you do it the more I believe I will come to enjoy it. As for your father, tell Miss Granger soon. You two will need to stick together should he make his demands."
Hector had been visiting again. He had done something back at home that had shocked their poor mother and so their father had requested and Hermione had agreed. Hector was currently being entertained by Chip. Hermione had been apprehensive from the beginning but eventually she saw her brother's interest in the little house elf and she relented. She was determined to show that the Wizarding World and his magic was something he could be proud of.
"I have some last minute things to take care of," Draco told her earlier that day at work.
"My brother is here. I was hoping that we could..."
Draco leaned over and pressed his lips to her brow. "We can have dinner at my place with your brother. I just need to finish this one last thing."
"So why can't we wait at your place until you come home," Hermione questioned him.
"Take Chip with you and then I'll summon him when I'm ready."
"Seriously Draco, you want me to be ordering around your house-elf? You know that we still need to talk about that, right?"
"Chip is treated fairly. I thought that we went over this," he feigned innocence. Hermione narrowed her eyes at him. "Chip doesn't want to be free from service to my family. I'll admit my father was harsh to those who he deemed beneath him but I am not my father. Chip is paid."
"How many knuts?"
"Excuse me?"
"Or does the almighty Malfoy heir pay his house elf in galleons?"
Draco sighed. "He received a spoon the other day."
"Malfoy," she exclaimed in horror.
"Listen here Granger," he stood taller, "If Chip sees something he likes in the house I allow him to keep it. He liked the spoon because," Draco paused, "because the spoon had a hole in it. I don't know how it happened but it was ruined and I considered throwing it out."
"So you gave him garbage?" Hermione's frustration was truly building.
"What is it that Muggles say - one man's trash is another man's treasure," Draco teased, not liking the idea that Hermione was questioning him about the little house-elf. She opened her mouth but Draco continued. "Chip likes things that are broken, for some odd reason. He asks if he can keep it and I allow him to have it. It's his one delight in life. He has no use for knuts, sickles or galleons. He even has a muggle pen that ran out of ink. He takes that thing apart in his spare time with his own hands. He," Draco shook his head. "As I said, I can't explain it but he is happy. I assure you he is not being mistreated."
Hermione had given up upon hearing that Chip was happy. She still wasn't sure how such a creature could be happy in being enslaved. But for some reason after being with Draco and coming to understand him in some odd way she knew that what he said about Chip's treatment had to have been true.
Chip had appeared outside her building when they had arrived home.
"Chip," she practically shouted when opening the door. "Why didn't you just apparate inside? There are Muggles who live on this street. Someone could have seen you!"
"Chip is sorry, Mistress. Chip will leaves you now," he looked down, his ears drooped and he raised his hand to snap away.
She was disconcerted now. She did not mean to yell at the little elf. "Chip, forgive me. I did not..."
"Mistress does not need to ask for forgiveness. Master told Chip that Mistress might not want Chip in her presence."
"That blasted Malfoy," she shook her head. "That isn't what I meant when I told him that, oh just come on in will you," she sighed heavily.
"Does Mistress want a cup of tea," Chip asked sensing her mood.
"No, there is no need. I can make it myself. Thank you Chip."
"Is Mistress still upset with Chip?"
Hermione shook her head and knelt down to his level once the door was closed. "Is there a reason why you did not apparate into my building?"
Chip started to twist his little hands nervously. "Chip could not sense it."
"What do you mean you could not sense it? Was it my wards," she glanced around.
"No Miss," Chip answered before looking around as well. "Chip could not feel you or young Master Hector. Chip simply could not come here. Something stops Chip from coming, feeling," he continued as he glanced at the ceiling where Hermione's room was upstairs, separate from the bookstore they were standing in. "But nows that Chip is inside, Chip senses something."
Hermione looked baffled for a moment. Why couldn't Chip apparate inside? She knew that house-elves had a power that no one could really discern. Dobby had broken through the wards at Malfoy Manor and she knew that that place had been heavily guarded with Dark Magic. But as she looked around she wondered what it was that could be stopping Chip. The neighbors could have spotted him but that was not the thing that concerned her mind at the moment. It was the fact that something had stopped this house-elf and she didn't know what it was. Is that why Draco wanted this building? He had stated that he wanted to tear it down. She shook her head and turned back to Chip to see his eyes wide with wonder.
"Chip," she tried to break him out of his reverie.
"Chip sees something in Mistress, something," Chip shook his head and then concentrated once again on Hermione. "Now it is gone. Now Chip is confused."
"It's alright Chip," she patted his shoulder. "Why don't I..."
"Chip!"
"Master Hector," Chip turned to the intruder, smiling at the little wizard. Chip adored spending time with Hector.
"I must introduce you to the telly," Hector took Chip's hand and escorted him off to the little area where he had been sitting.
Hermione walked over as well, watching the two of them. She noticed Chip's amazement with the television set. She had earned a few extra pounds that expected and decided to indulge, mostly for her brother's sake. Her parents had raised him differently in Australia, introducing him to various electronics and such. And therefore she had found herself at a store, purchasing items for such occasions as this. Once she knew that the pair would be alright, she turned back to the stairs and stared. What was up there?
Better yet - she turned away and looked around - what was in this building?
A sudden memory of seeing the building here on Triangle Row being attacked came to her mind.
Of course, she thought. The article that Susan had looked up in the Muggle papers explained the attacks that had occurred. She telephoned Susan, explaining to her that she needed that article on Triangle Row. Susan naturally wanted to catch up and was questioning if what her and Seamus read in the Prophet about Draco Malfoy and her were true. Hermione had no time to beat around the bush though, not when her mind was at work. She could feel the answer on the tip of her tongue. There was something about this building and she needed to know now.
Susan had arrived at her place with the article in hand and was just about to invite herself in when Hermione insisted that she couldn't entertain at the moment. "My brother is here and he's feeling quite ill."
"You have a brother," Susan asked.
"Yes, I thought I told you," Hermione replied.
"Well that explains the child that Seamus saw in the article. For a brief moment we were thinking that it might be Cormac's," Susan smiled.
"What on earth would give you that idea," Hermione asked.
"Well, weren't you two together, you know," Susan pressed.
She sighed at her old friend from the library, shaking her head. "My brother is five years old. Cormac and I were not together at the time. Please do not assume anything about my relationship with Cormac that..."
"He's been asking about you," Susan stated which caught Hermione's attention. Her eyes widened at the thought. "I told him that you no longer worked at the library and then when he asked if it was true that you were working with the Slytherins, well," Susan let out a laugh. "I told him it must have been because it was all over in the papers. Speaking about papers, Seamus read the most horrifying article the other day about Harry. Is it..."
"Did you know that in some countries, those who flap their tongues and spread malicious gossip are drawn and quartered?" There was a frightened expression on Susan's face at Hermione's question. "Whoever it is saying these things about our dear friend, I hope that Seamus Finnigan of all people is supporting Harry considering that he's been wrong before about information that was in the papers! Thank you for the article. It was nice seeing you Susan. Please do not talk to Cormac about me again," she said as she shut the door on Susan's face.
Yes, she had been harsh but she remembered how all that talk Susan had done had gotten her in trouble before with Draco. She remembered how Seamus had stood against Harry in the Gryffindor common room and tried to rally people against him, even George and Fred had to look at Harry warily. Then there was that talk about Cormac. Her breath caught and she swore that her eyes had looked about outside to see if he was nearby. She didn't think that Susan and Seamus had started their friendship with Cormac again. It seemed as though everything was coming down on her and she couldn't stand it.
Pushing herself away from the door, she promised that she'd apologize to Susan later on. Now just wasn't the time. She was scared and highly emotional about several things. She needed to regain her focus and she couldn't do that with a busy body like Susan floating around her, bringing up old memories and old boyfriends.
The article held the basic attack methods that would frighten Muggles - lights switching on and off, doors unwilling to open and items moving non their own. She came to her grandmother's statement where several hooded figures had appeared in the bookstore. That didn't make sense because she remembered Draco saying that only one wizard was allowed to come inside.
She read on and that was when something clicked in her mind. "They weren't real," she stated softly.
She remembered her incident with Cormac - Susan being the main cause for the memory - and how everyone had thought they saw something and yet she saw something else. Could it be that that wizard who entered her grandmother's building made her grandmother see something different than what actually was there?
Looking around again she knew that something had happened to her grandmother and it related to the incident that happened to her, it had something to do with Chip not being allowed to sense the building, to sense her or her brother. She shot up and realized now that her assumption about her grandmother was correct. She had thought that her grandmother was possibly a descendent from a squib but how could a squib protect itself against Dark magic like that. Her mind began reeling again. Things were confusing.
"Chip," she walked away from the table and headed over to the house-elf.
But the banquets all prepared
No one's gloomy or complaining
While the flatware's entertaining
She stumbled in to see Hector and Chip singing to the song coming from the television. Her brother had popped in Beauty and the Beast. Why Hermione had chosen that movie for her brother was beyond her. Why her brother had decided to play that movie was lost to her as well.
Watching her brother delighted in the elf's company had somehow taken every worry from her mind. Suddenly Chip had stopped dancing and stared with sad eyes at the screen.
"Oh how awful," he put his two little hands on his cheeks.
Hermione turned to see the animation movie had slowed in its music beat as well. The candlestick was there and singing sadly.
Life is so unnerving
For a servant who's not serving
He's not whole without a soul to wait upon
"That's terrible," Chip deflated.
Ah, those good old days when we were useful...
Suddenly those good old days are gone
"Chip does not want those days to be gone, no Chip does not," he shook his little head.
"It's okay Chip," Hector patted Chip on the back, sensing his new friend's grief.
"Those poor magical creatures."
"They're technically not magical creatures. They've been cursed," Hermione interjected.
"Master will curse me when I'm not useful, oh," Chip began to wail.
"No one will curse you. In fact look at that," Hector pointed to the screen just in time to hear Mrs. Potts take over in singing the song. It returned to its happy melody once again as the cursed cutlery began to shout with excitement that they had someone to serve. Hermione turned to look at Chip. Was it like that for a house-elf?
I'll be bubbling, I'll be brewing
I'll get warm, piping hot
Heaven's sakes! Is that a spot?
Clean it up! We want the company impressed
"Yes the company must always be impressed," Chip jumped.
We've got a lot to do!
Is it one lump or two?
"Look," Chip grabbed onto Hermione's finger. "There is Chip. Chip is me," he pointed excitedly at the telly.
She noticed the little tea cup in the movie that was named 'Chip' and wondered if that was why Hector had decided to show this movie to Chip. There were several movies that she had prepared for her brother but she didn't think that this one would have caused such a riot. She better calm Chip down before the elf returned to its master.
Chip released Hermione's hand and began running around in a circle with Hector as the song continued its merry singing. She said down and pondered for a bit on the song and its words before turning to see Chip.
Be our guest!
Our command is your request
It's been years since we've had anybody here
And we're obsessed
With your meal, with your ease
Yes, indeed, we aim to please
Chip had begun singing the words as though it was his personal motto and Hermione had found a new respect for the little creature. Sure there were some of them who were mistreated. But majority of them enjoyed their life of service. They didn't like to be freed - at least not all of them. They were fiercely loyal to those who showed them compassion and mercy. It was one of the ways that Harry had won Dobby over. She realized then that some of them didn't feel forced to do such things as prepare a meal or help around the home but they were happy to do it. It made them feel wanted and appreciated.
The little house-elf stopped again, coming to a halt in his movements. Hector crashed into him but neither hit the floor for Chip had magically lifted them both to their feet.
"Master calls for us," he took Hermione and Hector's hand, apparating them out of the building.
"Now why could you apparate out," Hermione looked at Chip once they had appeared in Draco's cottage. "Oh Hector," she knelt down seeing his queasy face.
"Chip will get something for the young Master. He is a guest," Chip disappeared and Hermione sighed.
"There'll be no stopping him now."
Hermione helped Hector over to the cushion and felt his forehead and then his tummy. He gave his sister a small lopsided smile and nodded that he was okay. It was not long until Draco made his presence known.
"Granger can you tell me what that is that my house elf is singing?"