Chapter Eleven
She didn't speak to Antonin the entire walk up the drive at Lestrange Manor. It was as if he were not even there. Antonin tried to ignore the miniscule amount of hurt feelings on his part due to her behavior. Everything between them had been going so well the past several days until he forced her to come with him to the one place she had no desire to ever return simply because Rabastan made him feel obligated to do so. Finding his own home was becoming more and more of an attractive prospect.
The damned dog was anxiously awaiting their return in the front hall. With a loud 'woof' and a frantic wagging tail, Argos was more than just a little excited to witness their return. Antonin wasn't deluded however. He knew the massive mutt only had big, puppy dog eyes for Hermione. When she dropped to her knees to pull the dog into a warm embrace and drop multiple kisses on its smelly furry head, Antonin had to suppress the urge to kick the animal. She'd certainly never greeted him with the same amount of fervor. Jealous of a damn dog, old man? He shook the increasingly depressing thoughts from his overtaxed brain.
Hermione and Argos led the way up the stairs toward their bedroom without a single word. She was obviously upset by their evening away. Part of him hoped she would feel at ease enough to confide in him but the rest was still a bit miffed at her for her behavior in front of Lucius. No doubt the wizard found her rebellious nature positively charming because it made his former cell neighbor miserable. Their time together in Azkaban had certainly been unpleasant and their relationship during the First and Second Wars had been contentious as well. Only a couple of years younger, Lucius always felt the need to lord over the other Death Eaters with his massive Gringotts vault and close proximity to the Dark Lord. Everyone knew, however, that Lucius was only in the position he was in because Abraxas Malfoy was the largest funder of the Dark Lord's campaign. Without his shiny sickles Lucius would've been much further down the food chain. If Antonin could exploit his meteoric fall from grace he would do so with a joy filled heart.
"I'm taking a bath," Hermione announced the moment she pushed open the door to their bedroom. "I want to wash the stench of Malfoy Manor out of my pores."
Antonin could sympathize. Indeed he had much the same plan before retiring to bed. Too bad he knew the witch would be averse to sharing the tub with him. He was certain that would be one hell of a way to end their dismal evening. His thoughts strayed to the night of the dinner party in short order. Remembering the delicious details of how the lavender bubbles slid off of the young woman's naked body made his trousers tight in a manner that was uncomfortable only because he knew the outlet for the pent up desire would be denied if he even worked up the courage to ask. He lowered himself on the sofa in an attempt to bring about different thoughts in his ever-increasingly sexually frustrated brain. Remembering that she was on the other side of the bathroom door soaking in the tub once more did not help matters in the slightest. Oh well, he thought before deciding to take care of the problem in the shower before bed.
She emerged from the bathroom a short time later fully dressed in her favorite purple pajamas. A quiet voice in the back of his mind chastised him yet again for buying the pajamas that covered her completely from neck to ankles. She owned more sleeping attire that provided a better feast for his eyes, but she continued to cover herself in the almost frumpy garments.
"Goodnight, Antonin," she said as she slipped under the covers of their bed.
When he emerged from the bathroom half an hour later feeling clean and a tiny bit more relaxed, he smiled when he saw the young woman had maneuvered herself to the very center of the bed. Their bed was large enough that he would still have plenty of room to be comfortable on his side, but the simple act of her no longer confining herself to the very edge as far away from him as possible was a bit heart-warming. Antonin was careful not to jostle the bed unnecessarily when he climbed in to join her. Sleep overtook him only moments after his head touched his pillow.
The moon was still high in the sky and shining through their bedroom windows when Antonin's eyes popped open. His instincts had served him well in battle. He was able to tell at a moment's notice even while completely asleep when something was wrong. Hermione was sobbing next to him. He closed the small gap between their bodies to pull her frame to his chest. Yet another instinct. Argos caught his eyes moments later. The dog was staring at his human from her side of the bed with an anxious look plastered across his furry face.
Antonin could feel how fast her heart was racing when he settled her against his broad chest. The quiet whimpers and sobs let him know swiftly that Hermione was still very much asleep and in the throes of a particularly disturbing nightmare. Antonin ran his hands up and down her sides softly murmuring comforting and soothing words. He didn't want to jar her awake and run the risk of further traumatizing the girl. If there was anyone that understood the sheer terror and power of nightmares, it was a man who spent fifteen years of his life locked up in Azkaban.
"Shh, daragaya, you're safe with me," he crooned softly into her hair.
Hermione gasped and sat up abruptly in bed. She struggled for a moment to catch her breath as she gradually woke up.
"It's all right, Hermione," he whispered, still rubbing her back. "It was just a nightmare."
Hermione turned to face the man lying next to her with brown eyes filled with tears. Antonin reached a hand up to brush a few off of her cheeks. She rotated completely until she was facing him before throwing both of her thin arms around him to sob unashamedly into his chest. Antonin wasted no time wrapping both of his arms around her to hold her in place. He was going to provide whatever comfort he could to the distraught witch.
"I'm sorry," she whispered several minutes later when her sobbing had subsided to adorable little hiccups.
"Nothing to apologize for, Hermione," he assured her. "We all have nightmares. Unfortunately some of us have them worse than most."
She snuggled in closer to Antonin's chest causing him to take an involuntary sharp intake of air. He settled down after a moment and secured his hold. When she didn't protest his increased pressure on her figure, he placed a soft kiss on the top of her head.
"Do you want to talk about it?" he asked. "Sometimes it helps."
"I was dreaming about my friend Luna," she answered in a whisper. Her hiccups were almost completely gone.
"Who is she?" Antonin kissed her head again in encouragement.
"She's a very strange girl," Hermione said with a laugh. "But she grows on you after a while. We were in the DA together, the only non-Gryffindor at the Ministry."
Antonin's stomach clenched at her words. He'd been able to go almost three years without having a name to match the face of the pretty blonde Ravenclaw who often haunted his own nightmares. He thought of her beautiful eyes meeting his across the Great Hall while she was being raped by Amycus Carrow. It was a moment that would be seared into his memory until he died. He reflexively tried to pull Hermione closer to his chest as if he could somehow shield her from the same fate as her odd, dreamy expressioned friend.
"I remember her," he said, ignoring the lump forming in his throat. "She was very pretty and I remember being a little disappointed that a member of my own House got herself mixed up with a brash group of Gryffindors."
Hermione quietly snorted into his chest. The tiny sound of mirth helped loosen the clenching in his gut. They both needed the comfort of another human being.
"She's the girl that Draco Malfoy visits at the Umbridge Home. He was dragged there by some of the other Death Eaters against his will, but as soon as he found Luna there, he's been doing everything he can to protect her."
"I'm so sorry, Hermione."
"When Draco greeted me he whispered that Luna 'sends her love' and that they've both been worried about me."
He'd been intensely curious ever since the moment he knew the young Malfoy was whispering into the ear of his witch. It was a bit of a relief to learn the content of his words. Sometimes Antonin had difficulty suppressing the jealousy monster that he knew lived inside of him. Always had, even as a child. He longed for the day, assuming it ever happened, that he felt secure enough with Hermione to no longer worry. Of course considering the type of wizards they were forced to interact with at present, it wouldn't be wise to get too secure and complacent.
"We were talking about Luna the entire time we were away from everyone else," she continued. "Draco is so in love with her that is makes me sad."
"Why, daragaya? Shouldn't knowing that your friend is well-loved make you happy?"
"Under normal circumstances, absolutely. If they'd reconnected at a pub or in Diagon Alley and fell in love, I would be very pleased for both of them. Draco and I didn't get along in school, but if he was smart enough to see what a jewel Luna is, I'd be able to move past our school years to accept him. I honestly never really expected Luna to pick a conventional mate anyway. Draco makes sense in a strange way."
She sighed before continuing her thought.
"But they reconnected in a fucking prison, Antonin. And not just any prison, a prison whose sole purpose is to allow disgusting wizards free range to rape and impregnate as many terrified young women as possible. Yes, Draco has managed to find a way to become her protector so she's not forced to entertain other men, but what kind of future can they really have?"
Antonin's hands ran up and down Hermione's back in an effort to soothe the distraught woman. She seemed to appreciate the gesture and didn't hesitate to allow him to pull her back down on his chest when he lay back on his pillow. Hermione settled her head on his shoulder and slung her arm across his stomach. Antonin couldn't remember the last time he felt so at ease with a witch in his bed. She seemed to fit.
"I hate Dolores Umbridge," she announced in a clear tone after a few minutes of silence.
Antonin couldn't blame her for her feelings after all that he'd learned about her history with the woman. Sometimes a deep hatred could even be beneficial to a person. It could help keep them grounded and even give them motivation to keep going when life got rough. He understood, in theory, that love could do much the same with fewer nasty side effects. Simply hadn't experienced it yet in his life.
"She is a disgusting excuse for a human being and I would love to be there for the moment that she finally gets what she deserves."
"I'm certain you aren't the only one," he replied.
"I dreamt that I was stuck in that Hell with Luna. She was being repeatedly attacked and I couldn't do anything to stop them. I was completely helpless. Useless."
Antonin tried to pull her body even closer to his, but there really wasn't any way to do so. As it was, she was already practically lying on top of him. Naturally he didn't mind one bit. His hands never stopped moving up and down her back, across her arms, through her wonderfully wild hair. He could feel her tears dampen his shirt, but he certainly didn't mind. If he had to remain in that bed for the rest of his life comforting Hermione, he would do so gladly.
"I haven't been fair to you, Antonin."
Her words surprised him enough that he stopped the calming caresses on her pajama clad frame to stare. She tilted her head up to meet his eyes. Hers were red rimmed and puffy. How she could manage to look absolutely delectable with tears streaks across her cheeks and the faintest runny nose he'd never understand. He wandlessly conjured her a fresh handkerchief.
"Thanks," she said with a self-deprecating laugh. "I'm sure I look horrendous."
"On the contrary."
He kissed her curls and felt a jolt in his stomach when her cheeks turned red. He wondered if she was feeling at least a fraction of what he was. Probably not.
"I mean it, Antonin. I haven't been fair to you. I guess tonight is really the first time that's been made clear to me."
"What do you mean exactly, Hermione?"
"You know how bloody angry I've been with you since I woke up here after Azkaban. I've been a nightmare at times."
"This has not been an easy adjustment for you to make."
"Please stop trying to excuse me, Antonin," she begged with a groan. "Draco explained to me how the Umbridge Home worked when we were down in the cellar."
Antonin tensed just a bit at that revelation. He had been hoping to shield her from the harsh realities of the prison many of her friends were locked up in. She didn't need to be terrified even further especially if there was nothing she could do for them. Hermione began to move her hand across his chest in much the same manner he had been doing to soothe her. With his free hand he took her hand in his. After bringing it to his lips for a soft kiss, he held it close to his chest once more.
"He told me that they line up girls like livestock so their horny, disgusting visitors can pick which one they want to drag off into a private room and rape. He said that he knew every single one of the poor girls and it almost made him throw up."
"Understandable."
"When I think that that could be my reality, I can't breathe for the fear. I know Muggleborns aren't allowed, but Azkaban certainly isn't any better."
He couldn't argue with her about that. Sexual assault in Azkaban was almost unheard of. Inmates were separated from each other by bars at all times except for when they were being processed at the very beginning of their sentences. Dementors had no physical contact with the prisoners and there were very few aurors who worked at the prison. Azkaban had its own special kinds of torture that could turn a man insane, but a sentence at the Umbridge Home condemned the poor witches to repeated and frequent sexual assault. Labelling it disgusting wasn't a strong enough label.
"So I could be stuck in Azkaban or the Umbridge Home or I could be 'under the protection' of another Death Eater like Walden Macnair or Rabastan himself."
She shuddered at the thought of either man having permission and the free license to touch her whenever they wished. Antonin squeezed her tiny hand and she smiled.
"You've never forced yourself on me."
"Nor would I ever, Hermione."
"And I know that, Antonin, and I actually trust you. Considering our history I'd say that was a giant step."
He privately wondered if there would ever be a day when she wouldn't think about how he tried to kill her… twice.
"You frightened me that night in the library. Sometimes it can be all too easy to forget what you are ordered to do when you step outside this room."
"It's a part of who I am, Hermione, but I have promised to keep you protected. I could not bear to imagine you in Azkaban or at the mercy of some of the other Death Eaters."
Antonin placed another soft kiss into her intoxicating lavender scented curls. He could breathe in her scent for the rest of his life. It seemed to only improve with time.
"I think I have a hard time separating Antonin the man from Dolohov the Death Eater," she admitted in a whisper. "Living here and being forced to interact with the others doesn't help. I forget and even take for granted that without you claiming me and offering me your personal protection, I'd be stuck somewhere horrible. I am truly sorry for that, Antonin. I promise to be more grateful in the future."
"You have nothing to apologize for, daragaya."
Hermione pushed herself up on her elbows and turned her face back towards Antonin. When their eyes met Hermione leaned up to place the gentlest of kisses on Antonin's mouth. The sensation only lasted a few moments before she removed her lips from his.
"Thank you for keeping me safe, Antonin."
She lay back down with her back facing the wizard. Without asking for permission (as if Antonin would deny her) she leaned her small back into his much larger chest. He enveloped his strong arms around her and for only the second time in two months of sharing a bed, they both fell asleep in each other's arms.
Antonin woke several hours later when he took a deep breath and almost choked on Hermione's hair. He'd forgotten how close she was lying next to him. Both of his arms were still wrapped around her quietly snoring frame. He laughed to himself before kissing the woman on the top of her head. Even snoring she was adorable and desirable. At his last thought he scooted his hips back a few inches. No reason to scare the poor witch when she woke up. She made him feel young again and unfortunately, awkward morning erections were apparently part of the experience.
"G'morning," she mumbled when he started shifting around on the bed.
"Good morning, daragaya," he replied placing another kiss in her marvelous curls. "How did you sleep?"
"Much better the second time."
She attempted to snuggle backwards closer to Antonin. When her perfect, round bum brushed against his groin, Antonin accidentally released a quiet groan at the sensation. Hermione did not know the power she possessed without even trying.
"I'm sorry," she muttered, her cheeks flushed.
Or maybe she does know the power, he thought.
"Once again, Hermione, you have nothing to apologize for," he whispered in her ear. His voice was still a bit rough with sleep and it sounded a bit more husky than he really intended. He hoped she wasn't afraid he was going to attempt to seduce her. But if she's interested…
"I'm starving," she announced quickly rolling out of their large, rumpled bed. "I'm going to get dressed and head down to breakfast."
She couldn't meet his eyes when she crossed the room to their closet. Antonin smiled to himself. She really was too adorable when she was uncomfortable. He waited for her to finish dressing and disappear into the bathroom before extricating himself from the sheets. Even though it was almost April the room was quite chilly in the morning. He entered the closet to dress, forcing his mind to dwell on other thoughts than how perfect his witch felt in his arms pressed against the length of his body.
When he emerged fully dressed and a great deal calmer, Hermione was actually lying on the rug next to Argos rubbing his well-fed belly. Antonin rolled his eyes at the dog's happy and content expression. Argos was greatly enjoying the ministrations and yet again, Antonin felt a stab of jealousy towards the dog. Of course he couldn't deny that if he were the one lying on the rug next to her with his paws in the air as she rubbed his belly, he'd have a similar expression on his own face. He shook his head and sincerely hoped a day would come when the dog would be jealous of him instead of the other way around.
"Come on, Argos," she said as she pushed herself off of the floor. "I bet Rosie has something delicious waiting for you for breakfast."
Hermione smiled at Antonin when he met them both at the door. Argos was anxious for them to open up. That dog never missed a meal as his oversized belly could attest to. The moment Antonin pulled the door open just an inch or two, Argos was trying to shove his oversized head through the crack. Antonin had to resist the urge to kick the dog when he heard Hermione's musical laughter behind him. Immediately he felt a tiny bit guilty.
They walked down to breakfast together in silence. Neither of them really had anything important to say. Antonin had always been able to appreciate a comfortable silence. Being around people like Rabastan who felt that a silence must constantly be filled with inane chatter could really get on his nerves. He was glad to learn that even though Hermione had a small babbling problem when she was nervous, she too could appreciate and enjoy time spent without speaking.
Argos sped off towards the kitchen when they arrived at the less formal family dining room. Antonin opened the door for Hermione and led her in with a gentle hand on the small of her back. It was always encouraging when she allowed the small touches without flinching or asking that he stop. They were making very slow progress, but he was determined to be encouraged instead of frustrated.
"Good morning, Antonin," greeted Thorfinn Rowle when they entered the room completely. "Good morning, Princess."
Antonin wasn't aware that Rowle had spent the night at the manor. No doubt Rabastan needed assistance home from Lucius' and he rewarded Thorfinn with enough alcohol that he was forced to remain. After a quick survey of the rest of the room, he was glad to see that Vince wasn't there. He could only handle a minute amount of time in that daft wizard's presence before he desired nothing more than to hex his mouth shut.
"Ahh, there they are," Rabastan said with a wink in his direction. "Thorfinn and I were just wondering if we would be seeing the two of you for breakfast."
Thorfinn's eyes raked over Hermione's frame for far longer than Antonin appreciated.
"Have a bit of a lie in, Princess?" he asked with a grin that needed no interpretation. "Late night?"
Hermione settled herself down in her usual seat exactly across the table from the burly blonde.
"Very," she replied, a great deal of emphasis placed on the single word. "We were both positively exhausted."
Antonin didn't even try to hide the proud smirk that appeared on his face at her words. Both men seated at the table guffawed at her response. Hermione actually gave him a private wink when he settled down in the open seat next to hers. She reached under the table to grasp his hand for a blissful, fleeting moment.
"I don't know about you, daragaya, but I am famished this morning," Antonin announced as he began to pile eggs on his plate.
"Oddly enough, Antonin, I'm starving as well," she answered. "These scones smell heavenly. Rabastan, please give my compliments to your house elves."
Thorfinn released a loud belly laugh at her comment. Rabastan simply rolled his eyes. He was already used to her strange views on the treatment and protection of house elves. No need to spend yet another meal in attempting to educate the naïve girl on his servants' true worth and status. It was obvious to every wizard seated at the table that there was no changing Hermione's strange little mind when it came to the elves that attended their every need or whim.
"Antonin, I was under the impression that you and Hermione missed out on having an enjoyable evening by leaving Lucius' manor early," said Rabastan. "Obviously Thorfinn and I were mistaken."
Antonin started to say something in response, but he was cut off by Hermione's quick wit.
"I apologize that Antonin and I left early last night, gentlemen. We just couldn't bear to spend another minute stuck at Lucius' home when our empty bed was waiting for us here. I'm sure you both can understand."
Thorfinn was back to staring at Hermione with an obnoxious smirk across his countenance. Antonin didn't like having the younger wizard around his witch one bit. He would never be able to forget the sheer fury and hatred he had for the woman following the evening they were both forced to endure under the pain of the Cruciatus Curse cast by Draco Malfoy. Rowle had been angry enough that he was certain the man would seek out the woman to strangle her or worse. He hated that the words of Alecto Carrow kept running through his mind whenever he found the two of them in the same room together. Hermione certainly wasn't interested in the wizard. She'd made that perfectly clear on multiple occasions. Thorfinn on the other hand, could be read like an open book. Antonin knew his desires and knew that he would act on them if given half an opportunity.
"I would like to say that you both missed an exciting evening once you left the manor, but I'm afraid that would make me a liar," Rabastan said, obviously making an attempt to ignore the implications behind Hermione's response.
"Rabastan was inconsolable once Lucius' goddaughter went to bed," explained Thorfinn.
"I wouldn't say I was 'inconsolable', merely disappointed. I was hoping to make a better acquaintance of her last night."
"You bullied Lucius into bringing her to your party in May," added Thorfinn. "That's something at least. You can get to know her better there."
"Perhaps."
Despite his assurance that he wasn't inconsolable, Rabastan was in a strange mood that morning. Antonin knew that the wizard had been led around by his trousers since they escaped from Azkaban the first time. Lestrange had over a decade to make up for in lost intimacy. He was not used to women not falling at his feet once they were introduced to him. Antonin couldn't help but laugh to himself at his friend's predicament. If Lucius was half as intelligent as Antonin knew he was, he would be spending every waking moment in his goddaughter's presence warning her to stay away from the Lestrange heir. He was a dangerous man especially when it came to young witch's affections.
"Personally, I thought she was a bit strange," Thorfinn announced after a few moments of uncomfortable stillness.
"I don't know about that, Thorfinn. She just seemed shy," added Hermione. "I couldn't blame her for being so uncomfortable last night. We all just invited ourselves over with no warning. Miss Black doesn't seem like the kind of person who enjoys a great deal of attention."
"She was pretty, sure, but I don't know. Guess I like my witches with just a little bit more fire in them."
The wink that Thorfinn shot across the table at Hermione incensed Antonin. He was half-tempted to leap across the table and end the young wizard's life with his bare hands. A reassuring hand placed delicately on his thigh stopped him for a moment. He covered Hermione's hand with his and chose to ignore the obviously unwelcome attentions sent in Hermione's direction.
"She was certainly shy," agreed Rabastan, oblivious to the tension that reigned on the other side of the table. "Nothing at all like her mother."
"Of course she's not like her mother. Otherwise she would've had her robes up around her ears about ten seconds after she met you, Rabastan," added Antonin to the general amusement of his other diners.
"How droll you are this morning, Antonin. I think I rather like you in such good spirits," Rabastan replied. "Do I have our dear Hermione to thank for this upswing in your mood?"
"Naturally," Hermione answered. "Who else did you think it was?"
She slightly increased the pressure of her tiny hand on his thigh. Antonin couldn't keep the satisfied smirk off of his lips. If this is how it feels when we're only implying our relationship is physical, how much better will it be when we actually are physical? He wasn't sure the answer to his question, but he knew he couldn't wait to find out.
"Miss Black must take after her father in personality," Rabastan continued. "Arcturus Black was one of the most boring wizards I've ever had the misfortune to know. It's a shame really. To look just like her mother and be just like her father."
Privately Antonin thought there were worst people to be like than Arcturus Black. The poor girl could've ended up a daft slag like her mother. That would be the real tragedy. At least in the short period of time he spent with Miss Black while he was waiting on Hermione to return from the wine cellar with little Malfoy, he found her sweet and perhaps, a little naïve. She wouldn't remain either for very long if forced to interact with the people seated around the table he was seated at. He thought Lucius bringing her to Rabastan's Merlin-forsaken party would be comparable to throwing a weak kitten into a hungry lions' den. She would either learn to use her claws or get eaten up fairly early.
"I am not deterred, gentlemen," Rabastan announced. "I will continue to visit the young Miss Black even if I am forced to endure Lucius' company to do so. Are you free this evening, Thorfinn?"
"As far as I know," the wizard replied.
"Excellent. We will drink more of Lucius' wine and make a better acquaintance of Miss Black. Antonin, you are welcome to join us as well."
"No, thank you, Rabastan. I've had about as much of Lucius as I can stand at present."
"Your loss, I suppose. Now, Thorfinn, you are only allowed to come with me if you understand that any affection that Miss Black chooses to bestow will be on me, not you."
Thorfinn chuckled.
"Not to worry, Rabastan," he continued to laugh. "Like I said earlier, I prefer my women to have a little more fire in them than that girl. She is all yours. Not interested in the slightest."
"I'm sure she will be thankful to hear that bit of news," Hermione responded.
"Very cheeky, Princess."
Hermione finished picking at her breakfast a few minutes later. She placed her napkin on the table next to her plate and stood from the table. All three men rose from their seats at the same moment.
"Please, sit back down," she said. She turned to address Antonin directly. "I'm going to go to the library."
"Always in the library. Why am I not surprised?" queried Thorfinn with a grin.
"Shut up, Thorfinn."
Hermione leaned down to place a light kiss on Antonin's cheek. He was not expecting the display of affection and almost leapt out of his seat at the contact. Thankfully neither of the other wizards witnessed how uncomfortable he was for a brief moment. Obviously she was enjoying making the other two wizards believe there was something more between the two of them. She rubbed his shoulders lightly with a single hand as she walked towards the door.
"Hey, Princess."
She stopped in the doorway to turn back around to face the blonde wizard.
"You might want to think about running a brush through that mane of yours," Thorfinn continued. "You've got that 'all shagged out' look going for you this morning."
"Thanks for the advice, Thorfinn, but I rather like the way my hair looks."
Hermione left the room while all three men laughed at her response.
"You know, Antonin, I was a bit afraid last night when you two left early that you both were coming home in poor spirits," said Rabastan when the laughter died down. "She can be a very difficult woman to keep happy. Even I know that and I've just been somewhat on the outside of your budding relationship."
"Do you have a point, Rabastan?"
"There have been several of us who have been whispering that maybe your relationship with Hermione wasn't all that you had been claiming it was."
"I don't see how this is any of your business."
"All I'm saying, Antonin, is that I am pleased to find out that we were all wrong."
Antonin no longer had any desire to sit in the same room with his host. He knew there were rumors that his act of requesting Hermione as his 'war prize' was a decision that left many questioning his true motives. He'd even been aware of the fact that there were plenty out there who would gladly take up the arduous task of keeping the witch 'protected' if he were somehow put out of commission. Thorfinn had been staring at his witch all through breakfast. Antonin could only imagine the thoughts that were coursing through that behemoth's limited-capacity brain. It was enough to make him want to curse him out of existence.
"If you will both excuse me," Antonin said as he rose from his chair. "I believe I will go find Hermione."
"Round two?" Thorfinn asked with a raised eyebrow.
Antonin chose to ignore the question as he swept out of the breakfast room. His desire to move out of the Lestrange Manor was growing stronger as each day passed. He was growing restless moving through the ornate hallways that didn't belong to him. Perhaps it was time to put his plan to buy his own home into action. No doubt Hermione would be pleased to no longer be forced to live with Rabastan.
"Do you mind if I join you?" Antonin asked as he stood in the doorway of the library.
Hermione looked up from the large volume she was perusing with a bright smile. She gently pushed Argos off of the sofa next to her and patted the seat. Antonin crossed the expanse of the library in just a few short strides. When he sat down she closed the book.
"Did I miss anything?" she asked with the hint of a grin.
"Not at all." He groaned. "The usual."
"Rabastan can be exhausting, can't he?"
Antonin chuckled quietly. She was not wrong.
"I've been thinking about buying my own house," he announced.
Hermione's head rotated quickly in his direction. She seemed interested and excited by the prospect.
"Please do!" she begged. "I cannot stand it here."
He reached across the few inches between them to clasp her hand in his. She didn't flinch or move her hand away. When neither said anything for several moments, Hermione scooted closer to him and laid her head on his shoulder. Her affectionate act surprised him once again that morning. Obviously she had not been lying when she said in the early hours of the morning that she was going to start trying to be more grateful for the risks he was taking in protecting her from harm. He kissed the top of her head.
"Do you feel unsafe here, daragaya?"
"Sometimes. Sometimes I'm afraid to be here without you. Rabastan is always popping up in random places when I'm moving around the manor."
"Has he ever tried to touch you?" He could feel his blood pressure begin to rise.
"No, nothing like that. Just sometimes it feels like he's following me around. It's unnerving."
Before he could continue the conversation he felt the burning in his left forearm that indicated his master would like his presence. Antonin rose from the sofa carefully so as not to jar the woman too much.
"Are you being summoned?" she asked,
"Yes, I'm afraid I am. I will be back later."
He travelled across the room to the door. When his hand touched the doorknob, he heard her voice behind him.
"Please be careful, Antonin."
For the next few weeks they created a routine. Usually they woke up each morning in the center of the bed and then headed down to breakfast with Rabastan. Sometimes Thorfinn would be there. Other times there would be another Death Eater or two. If he wasn't summoned that day, Antonin would spend most of the day with Hermione sitting in the library. It was amazing how comforting he found sitting on the same sofa next to a woman reading in silence for hours. While they had not progressed further in the physical aspect of their relationship, Antonin continued to hold out hope. She hadn't yet retreated to the edge of their bed. He would consider that progress.
It was about three in the morning when his almost-nightly summons was completed one night in the middle of April. After heading straight to their bedroom to take a long, hot shower before bed, he was surprised to find that the bedroom was empty. Antonin laughed to himself. She'd fallen asleep in the library more often than not in recent days. He took a short shower instead of the long one he desired and headed downstairs.
Argos greeted him at the door. Begrudgingly, Antonin leaned down to scratch the mutt behind his ears. He was starting to grow on him just a little bit. Not that he would ever admit that to Hermione. She might be able to persuade him in letting the animal in their bed if he wasn't careful.
Hermione was asleep on the sofa. He kneeled down on the floor next to her and used his hand to gently push her curls off of her face. She began to stir at his touch. When she opened up her sleepy eyes she actually smiled at him.
"Why aren't you in bed, Hermione?" he asked in a low tone. "It's very late."
"I fell asleep waiting up for you," she admitted.
"You shouldn't do that, daragaya. This couch is awful. Our bed is much more comfortable. I could've been out all night."
"It doesn't matter. I wouldn't have been able to sleep upstairs alone."
He ran his hands through her curls once more, loving the feel of the unruly hair between his fingers. The wilder her hair looked, the more he loved it.
"Why not?" he asked.
"I'm afraid I've grown accustomed to you being in the bed with me."
Hermione laid her hand over his still running through her curls. She shyly smiled at him before she leaned up to cover his soft lips with hers.