Ahhh, so I slowed down my daily updates only because I am nearing the stopping point in my writing and I fear I will post shit up in order to keep up with demand and I don't want to risk the storyline or write in a filler just to give you readers something to devour. So just as a warning my updates won't be as frequent as they were.

Enjoy.


Dragon's Blood

Chapter Eleven

ooo

True to his word Draco hadn't visited. This gave the world of opportunities for Hermione to study and clean at the same time. There were several times she would trip over enchanted brooms that she ordered to sweep the dust out of the remaining room so she could mop later. She would later find herself sprawled on the floor from tripping into the brooms that grew tired and laid on the floor in exhaustion. Hermione laughed at herself the first time it had happened. She even found it hilarious that due to her constant reading she couldn't concentrate even on the simplest tasks, like walking. But the third time she found her cheek against the cold ground, she didn't find it as amusing.

Two weeks of exhausting work, Hermione had managed to clean out the remainder of the rooms. She had a daunting task to decorate the rooms and dust off the mattresses but overall she had done a great job in clearing out the musk out of the air that hung in most of the manor. It seemed like the cold was helping. Every morning Hermione would get up and open every single window of the rooms to air them out. The first day she had done this, the whole house smelled like the gardenia and sweet peas that were giving out their final last dying fragrance before the frost of the fall came along. Hermione was saddened that all her gardening work was coming to an end and all that would be left of her garden that winter will be nothing but dried sticks and dead leaves under a foot of snow. But at least the fragrance was over powering the musk inside leaving a sweet scent along with a cold draft.

Hermione didn't mind, she layered on her clothing as much as she could and if she were to be shivering, she would simply take cover in the ballroom where a warm giant fire was always roaring.

Despite the advancement of her house work there was still plenty to work on but was put off for later. Hermione was completely immersed in her study. Draco did her a great favor and marked off sections she would be particularity interested in like, for example, in the Wizard's Guide to Dragons he excluded all the dragons from the America's due the relative danger and the ban of any of them in Britain. After hours of examining the blood in the jar Hermione was sure she had a Common Welsh Green Dragon's blood on her hands.

"The blood of the Welsh Green is extraordinarily hard to extract as it is, Welsh Greens are extremely isolated creatures and avoid human interaction. Baby Welsh Green's were hunted for in the late 1400s over speculation that young blood was far more valuable. Alchemist Nicolas Flamel disproved this theory and the hunt for Baby Dragons of any species was banned. The blood of a Welsh Green is very similar to other breeds of dragon, the only variation is that the blood holds a thicker consistency partly due to their diet and reluctance to do any physical activity other than hunting. The blood was use widely in the 1000s in England for their homeland access and the availability..."

Hermione stared at her jar and squinted, "You look pretty thick to me."

She tipped the jar back and forth to reveal the slow heavy movements of the blood.

"The best preservation of this blood is a clear glass jar, a cloth soaked in fire whiskey screwed under the cap."

Hermione shrugged and unscrewed the jar. She had a thought. If Ron had still been alive, Hermione was sure that this task would have been easier due to his knowledge of Dragons. Hermione snorted and examined it further, quickly dismissing the thought. If Ron had been here, there would be no need of trying to experiment with the blood.

"Dragons blood gleams in the light." She recited, "And be easily identified if an oven is near by."

She dipped her finger into the blood and extracted it. The consistency reminded Hermione of honey as she smeared the blood over the roof of the oven that had burnt caked on food from years ago.

Hermione watched it the blood gurgle and then turned a violet color. Hermione, amused and curious, reached for a hand towel and wiped away the blood to reveal a smooth marble rock underneath the layer of baked residue.

Hermione was mildly impressed. Once she had discovered that she was indeed in possession of dragon's blood she moved on to her Alchemy books, three in all. One to introduce the subject, a thick looking one to advance techniques and explain theoretical reasoning, and the third was Ronaldo Wood's. Much to her surprise, there wasn't a lot of magic involved in Alchemy. Perhaps maybe the reason muggle alchemists never were able to produce the sought after Philosopher stone was because it needed a magical kick for the stone to generate the kind of miracles it did. After Hermione had her fill during a study session late at night she had found a lead to her experiment. She had found a clue to help her understand a bit of her last experiment. Beaming, she summoned her journal and took a quill out.

The practice is Spagyric. It is based off the field of Alchemy, a method that primarily uses metals and solid substances to try and attempt the making of a stone. Spagyric is the use of herbal subtances using Alchemy techniques to extract the basic components needed to heal. Muggles used this method back then to create healing remedies like a potioneer makes potions. Alchemy is a lengthy process that cannot be done by magic alone. It requires patience that has been lost in our world due to the ease that comes with magic. I suspect that the second experiment requires some of these techniques rather than simply tossing in petals into the bath. I suppose the flowers mention have more than just symbolism attached to them. I have previously done as much research as I could on the Belladonna, wondering what it's significance was. I quickly found its significance by the neighbor's gardener who was packing up since he was no longer needed to tend over dead plants. I mentioned to him, to put it plainly, that I wanted to plant the Belladonna because I heard it was a beautiful flower. He immediately reacted to this and shook his head. He wagged his finger at me and warned me if I choose to have any children not to plant them. I didn't understand so I probed further. The Belladonna is a species that produces poisonous berries that children might eat if their curious nature got the best of them. He then told me if I still wished to plant them, to never touch the roots with my bare hand.

The experiment has a poison base.

I couldn't wrap my head around the implications of immersing myself in poison when I realized that in order to see Ron, I suppose I'd have to be a little dead, or harmed, to enter his world. The thought of poisoning myself to see Ron one last time is scaring me. I'm not sure what would people think if, by some possibility, the experiment goes wrong. I could be poisoned and possibly die from it. I suppose Draco was right in being concerned. I am on a suicide mission. This has the potential to take my life for good and for once, the idea isn't comforting. Even now, when I find myself terribly sad, I don't wish to go. I still see that I have a purpose to fulfill and I have yet to discover it…

Hermione looked over her entry and nodded approvingly. She reached out for another book where she had been taking notes.

Second Experiment

Dragon's Blood- Many magical properties, healing seems to be the priority for this particular design.
Yarrow- Has many medical implications but overall healing.
Chrysanthemum- I didn't find much on this flower for its uses. Perhaps the only one that seems relevant to this was that if brewed it can keep the person alert and awake. Plus learning from Draco, it's a symbol of death.
Belladonna- Poisonous.

I suspect that the broth of this is meant to kill me while it's healing properties keep me a bit alive. Also, I strongly believe that the possession needed I'm supposed to hang onto while in the bath has to be a belonging of someone you wish to see. I don't have anything of Ron's but I'll make sure I'll get something of his soon enough.

Hermione read over her notes to make sure she had gotten all the information right. She referenced to the books she used and left gaps in some pages because there was simply not enough information to confirm her beliefs.

Hermione sighed, closing her books. She felt it impossible to keep her lids open so with one last yawn she got up and dragged herself to bed.

ooo

Ginny banged on Hermione's door. She was extremely uncomfortable as she looked at Harry who looked as anxious as she was. Ginny had no idea how to explain this to Hermione. They were visiting unannounced and she wasn't sure how Hermione would take it.

"Maybe she's asleep." Ginny shrugged.

"We should still check up on her." Harry insisted, banging on the door. Ginny wasn't sure what to think of her husband's actions. He seemed to be more attentive of Hermione than he was with her. She crossed her arms in jealously and took a step back. There was no way she was going to help him out.

"C'mon 'Mione." Harry muttered, "Open."

Ginny sighed, "Harry, it's best we come later. It's too early either way. Come, let's take a walk to Mere. Hermione said there was a tea shop we should try out."

Harry looked dejectedly to the ground but obliged. Ginny frowned as she linked her arms with Harry's as they walked forward. Harry didn't talk much but Ginny kept him entertained with baby names in order to keep his mind off Hermione.

"Alastor." Ginny joked.

Harry snorted but shook his head, "You know what I want to call all of our children."

Ginny frown, "It's unfair that I can't name one."

"You can give them a middle name." Harry suggested.

"Fine his middle name will be James." Ginny shrugged nonchalantly.

Harry laughed, "You can't used James as a middle name. His name is already James."

Ginny cleared her throat, "So he has been given a name them. James James Potter."

Harry chuckled in laughter.

The continued to argue over names. Both Harry and Ginny were much too involved in their fight that they almost overlooked a tall slender girl walking past them giving them a haughty look. Harry thought she looked familiar but Ginny was the one who fully recognized her. She waited till they were well into Mere to mention her.

"Astoria Greengrass." Ginny said in astonishment, "I didn't know Hermione was in a wizarding community. I mean it has to be. It's one thing bumping into other magical people in a city but in a small sparse village like 'Mione's…"

Harry looked nervous as they entered the teashop. Ginny was too busy figuring out what to order to notice Harry.

"Is that her name? Are you sure?" Harry asked nervously.

Ginny nodded, "Yes. Is she still dating Malfoy? Ugh she wouldn't stop talking about it our seventh year. As if she hit the jackpot. If she really knew what a coward he was during the battle I'm sure she wouldn't be gushing over him. I wonder what she's doing down here, she used to mention that she in France but her Parents rather her go to Hogwarts because… Harry?"

Harry snapped his head toward Ginny, "Yes?"

"Do you want me to order?" Ginny pointed to the register. The man behind it was waving them over.

"Yes." Harry quickly said.

"What do you want?" Ginny asked.

"I- uhhh," Harry glanced up the menu display and cleared his throat, "Black with milk."

Ginny flashed him a grin and approached the register. Harry rocked back and forth on his heels, anxiously. He had been pushing Ginny to visit Hermione since he received a letter from Draco explaining he couldn't due to pending priorities that would take him out of town. Although, Harry wasn't too informed about his engagement he was, however, well aware of Astoria since Draco had mentioned her in his letter.

He was worried for Hermione. Ron's death had taken a toll on his energy lately that he relied on Ginny sometimes to make him smile. Every once in a while she would trip over her own feet or say something completely ridiculous that it lifted his mood. Even the news of being a father soon nearly destroyed his grief over Ron but Hermione…

Harry knew if he was having a hard time dealing with his death with Ginny by his side, Hermione couldn't be doing better alone. Even more so when she impulsively decided to move into a manor Wilshire without warning anybody. It was unlike her, to do something so drastic by herself, something out of her element. It raised several red flags for Harry, even more so when he found out she was moving very close by Draco Malfoy's residence. Wiltshire was the breeding grounds of supremacist purebloods.

Harry doubted that Hermione knew much about Wizarding communities and their reputations but a simple sweep of a book and she would have know what she was getting herself into. Harry sense that her compulsion made her overlook the facts. It sent him in an outrage to find out that Hermione wasn't thinking, wasn't being herself. And in desperation, knowing that Hermione wasn't in the mind frame to be looked after by anyone she trusted, Harry contacted Draco.

He was comforted by his constant information even more so with the details he provided.

…She's grieving Harry. What else do you think she's expressing? She's borderline depressed. This is worse than a break-up. She's heartbroken. She loved that twat but she is being responsive. She gets up every morning and seems alert. Do you think it's a warning sign that she's warming up to me out of everybody? Don't you find that a least bit strange? Can't you send Ginny? Send someone. Please…

Harry persuaded Ginny soon after to visit Hermione. It took a while before Hermione accepted but as long as Hermione didn't spend an extended period of time alone Harry was somewhat at peace.

"Here's your tea." Ginny nudged Harry's side, "Let's sit do-"

"No," Harry said, "Let's take these and go back to Hermione's."

Ginny eyes suspiciously and frowned. She was in no mood to fight but boy was she going to bring this up tonight. She agreed and they were back in the path to Hermione's Manor. They walked in silence this time, each thinking up a storm of completely different things.

As they neared Hermione's home, they noticed a women raking up leaves with three rakes working by themselves as she pushed a manual lawn mower over the patches of neat grass.

"Hermione!" Ginny called, waving high in the air.

The women, lifted up her brimmed hat revealing a happier Hermione. Harry was stunned at the improvement. He felt a relief wash over him to find her in this state and to see for himself that Draco had been very accurate with his information. Hermione dropped the lawn mover and raced towards them, flinging her arms around Harry's neck. Harry squeezed his eyes and hugged her back glad that she was still here, with him. Ginny laughed as Hermione suddenly attacked her in a hug. They were both very pleased to see Hermione in such a state.

"Harry! It's been so long!" Hermione beamed, "I hear that you're going to be a father soon, eh?"
Harry ducked his head down, kicking the pebbles at his foot, "Well yes. The news was exactly what I needed to pull me through. You know after Ron, I think we all need some good news."

Hermione gulped but nodded, "I agree, I agree. Do you want to come in? I just finished having breakfast but I can make something for you. If you'd like, that is."

Ginny bounced, "A warm breakfast sounds nice. Harry you have to see what Hermione's doing with the place."

Harry, already scoping out the Manor, nodded, "Yes, I see."

Hermione looked back at her home, proudly, "I think after I'm done I'm going to give it away."

Ginny and Harry exchanged glances.

Hermione looked sheepishly at the ground, "I was thinking to give it to Teddy. It should be his after all. It was once his family's."

Harry have her a look, "Really?"

Hermione nodded, "I think he deserves having something that once belongs to his family."

"That's preposterous, 'Mione." Ginny shook her head, "You can't expect a kid to live here all by himself."

Harry shrugged, "I kind of like the idea."

Ginny playfully slapped his shoulder, "Of course you do, he's your godson! You spoil him as much as you can."

Harry grinned, "I just thought it was nice of Hermione to think of Teddy when the Hermione I know might have turned this into a summer school to help students of they're falling behind or want to prep for O.W.L.s or N.E.W.T.s. All right let's have a look at this place."

The three of them advance towards the Manor leaving Hermione thinking as she introduced them to her home. Harry was very impressed with the ballroom and was delighted to find ten rooms. He even commented they could have a family as big as Ginny's parents did and still have room to spare. Harry looked around appreciatively and even joked that the Library has to be where Hermione spent most of her time. Hermione chuckled lightly at his teasing.

As she sat them down for a hearty breakfast, much to Ginny's delight, they began lightly talking about grown-up things, like the weather and the next time they should all get together to see each other.

"Halloween," Ginny insisted, "It's perfect. We can set up the Floo Network and make sure everyone can come."

Harry leaned back on his chair, enjoying the freshly brewed cup of tea Hermione placed in front of him, "Only if it's alright with Hermione."

"It is, isn't it?" Ginny pleaded.

Hermione lightly scoffed, "Of course, my work on the house would be underappreciated if I didn't have a reason to be working on it."

Ginny grinned at Harry with a triumphant nod.

"Are you sure?" Harry insisted.

"Yes. Of course." Hermione replied, "It would be a pleasure to see everyone again with some fire whiskey…"

Ginny immediately frowned, "I can't have fire whiskey."

Harry shrugged, "Maybe some pumpkin juice?"

Ginny crossed her arms, ignoring Harry. She was about to remain silent for the rest of the conversation when she immediately remembered a face that had to be mentioned.

"Hermione, you know Astoria Greengrass, right?" Ginny asked.

Harry tensed up.

Hermione finally sat down after tending to their breakfast needs. She cocked her head to the side and narrowed her eyes as if she was thinking.

"Yes, I know who she is but I never met her." Hermione spoke slowly.

Ginny bit her lip, "Harry and I just saw her while we walked to Mere to check out the teashop you wrote about once, remember."

Hermione's expression grew vacant as she let her thoughts get the best of her.

"Yes," She responded," "You went to the teashop, you say?"

"Did you know that Astoria live around here? Seems strange to me. I thought she lived in France." Ginny shrugged.

Hermione snapped out of her trance and smiled warmly, "No, maybe she was dropping by. Meeting a friend here, perhaps."

Ginny re-crossed her arms, clearly unsatisfied, "I still don't know and the fact that she was walking. Spoiled witch never liked doing much, even less if she considered it something muggles do."

Hermione, once again, was sent into a whirlwind of thoughts. If it were true that pureblood all shared a dislike of muggles and their menial normal activities then why would she constantly see Draco and Astoria on a walk, nearly every single morning? It was a curious question Hermione wanted to know the answer to but was quickly shoved to the back of her head. Even more so that Astoria was around when Draco had said he was going to be away. Hermione thought that they were both going to be traveling together.

"Perhaps she likes the view." Harry shrugged, "Wiltshire is very beautiful. I can see why you chose living far away from everything, 'Mione."

Hermione smiled, "It is very scenic, isn't it?"

"Astoria…"Ginny said under her breath.

"More tea, Ginny?" Hermione asked.

"Can I have some?" Harry piped up.

"Oh!" Ginny exclaimed, "We could make cauldron cakes and pumpkin pastries for Halloween!"

Hermione and Harry quickly agreed and complimented Ginny for the excellent idea as Ginny sat up straighter, proud be contributing a great deal for this upcoming party she helped start in the first place. Astoria wasn't mentioned for the rest of the day.


If you're asking "Hey Natasha, you know... when are we going to see some hope, a glimmer, even a glance of some Dramione? You're killing me." Well I can say that... well it's not in the next chapter. BUT it will be very soon and I'm tempted to add in more to that chapter because all it really contains is fluff and you guys don't want that, DO YOU?

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