Chapter Eleven – Come Dine With Me

Hermione arrived in the kitchen fireplace that evening, clutching her suitcase as if her life depended on it. The Floo network had brought her here in no time at all, and as she brushed the soot from her shoulders, she took in the warm surroundings. Although she had been here before, it had been late at night during Cuba's fainting spell. Now it seemed different. Silver pots and pans dangled from hooks in the ceiling, whilst the Aga was spotless – there was not a single bit of dirt, grime or grease to be seen. The handles of cupboard doors shone, and the flagstone floor had been polished – Hermione was almost scared to step onto it from the hearth. Atop the worn table in the middle of the room was a vase of fresh cut yellow tulips.

"They certainly do brighten up the room," she murmured, as a small hand tugged at her luggage.

A House Elf was stood by her side, trembling.

"Miss, I'm to take you to your room. Please follow Batsy this way."

Hermione opened her mouth to ask about how Lucius Malfoy treat his employees, but she remembered Cuba. And other temptations that had happened that night. She clamped her mouth shut, and followed Batsy.

Batsy was a lot like Cuba was – bright and eager to help. She took the case from Hermione instantly, and trotted off until they were in the main hallway. Batsy took the long staircase with ease, whilst Hermione felt out of shape and she clutched at the stitch growing in her side. She realised she needed to exercise more, and made a mental note to join a gym, or at the very least, think of joining.

"The Manor is very large, Miss. You'll be on the second floor, in one of the guest suite's on the west side."

Hermione nodded as they started up the next set of stairs.

"Batsy will be happy to give you a tour soon, if you wish."

"That would… Sounds good," Hermione managed.

"Very good, Miss!" Batsy sprung up the last few steps and waited on the landing for Hermione to arrive. As soon as Hermione's foot made contact with the carpet runner, Batsy was off again, walking with purpose towards a room at the very end of the corridor. Hermione barely had time to look at the moving paintings and art on the walls in her hurry to catch up. When her breath returned to normal as she entered the guest suite, she felt faint all of a sudden.

"This room is beautiful, Batsy."

It was a beautiful room, indeed. Upholstered settees and armchairs were arranged around a sunken pit fireplace, which glowed brightly. Small coal scuttles and a wood basket were full, a small iron shovel ready to dispense the items into the fire. Shelves and shelves of books adorned one wall, whilst on the other was a landscape painting of a garden in full bloom. Heavy linen curtains hung on either side of a bay window, that came complete with a cushioned seat. There was even an old fashioned wooden writing desk in one corner, complete with ink, quill, parchment, the chair tucked underneath.

"Would Miss like to see her bedroom?"

Hermione followed wordlessly. Decorated in shades of purple, black and white, a magnificent king sized bed, with a wooden frame dominated the room. She ran her hand along the cover, feeing the luxurious silk slide under her fingertips. On either side of the bed, were a set of identical wooden cupboards, each topped with a fancy golden candelabra. A plush rug was at the foot of the bed.

"There are many clothes and shoes in the wardrobes, Miss. Each will resize themselves to fit you once you touch them. They have been bespelled and came straight from various tailors and outfitters."

Hermione didn't even register that there were wardrobes. It was thoughtful, and a little creepy, but the man was a Malfoy after all. She could still see Draco and his smarmy little face from school and how he looked down at others who did not have the best of everything, whether it was robes, cauldrons or even pets.

"The washroom is through there, Miss. It is as wizards say, all mod cons."

Hermione smiled at the Elf's phrase. "Thank you very much, Batsy. It is all very lovely."

Batsy nodded and focused on the floor. "The Master wishes you to dine together in one hour."

"Oh, does he, really?" Hermione felt her stomach twist.

"As a welcome gesture, he says. I will be happy to escort you down once you are ready, Miss." The Elf kept her eyes on the floor, as if frightened of the reaction.

Hermione sat back on the bed, almost sliding off as her backside met the silk. What did one wear for dinner with a Malfoy? A Malfoy that she was expected to spend a weekend with, at that.


The dining room clock chimed seven. Lucius slumped in his chair at the head of the dining table. He was a fool to have thought she would consent to dinner with him. What was he hoping to accomplish? Besides prove that he was not up to his old tricks? And why had he decided to host a welcome dinner in this room of all places. The memories were bad enough as it was, but in his mind's eye, he could still see where the glasses had shattered, where scorch marks had burned the table (an Elf had resurfaced it so not a mark remained now), the place where his son had been Stunned to prevent him from escaping.

If he squinted further into the past, he could see men he once called comrades gathering around the table in darkness, planning acts that now made him sick to his stomach. He could see where a man he once followed into battle had tortured a teacher in front of his family, and made them watch as a filthy black snake had writhed towards its meal, jaw hanging open.

He scratched at the Dark Mark brand that was still seared into his skin as the memories continued to strike him. Merlin's beard, how he wanted the damn thing gone!

A small knock came at the door, and he stopped scratching through his black shirt sleeve. Dropping his hands into his lap, he made himself appear calm and collected, before he called out, "Enter."

He looked up in time as the door creaked open to reveal-

"Miss Granger, you look simply beautiful." His voice came out hoarse as he stared at the beautiful young lady. And it was then, staring at the young woman, at Hermione Granger, that he vowed that nothing bad would ever happen in this dining room again.