Over Protected
Disclaimer's Note: I don't own Harry Potter, although I wish. By the way, as many of you may have noticed this is sort of like an AU fic, so it's out of the ordinary, if you find some things hard to imagine, try to be less realistic. Reviews are very welcome, and thanks to the many that have been reviewing me.
Attention: It's funny; lately I've been thinking more about what I want to write in this author's note more than the actual story. As usual I would like to thank ALL that review me and everyone who likes my story and keeps coming back to read even if they don't review. Something I don't ever think I've added is that flames are welcome, sure I can't begin to understand why someone who doesn't like my story would care to read and review however we are all entitled to our opinions, so PLEASE tell me yours. I'm always open minded about what I write and sometimes an opinion from someone else can direct me in the right direction. I'm sorry this post has taken so long; I've had a bit of writer's block, not knowing where I want my story to go. Well thanks to all that read!
Ch 12:
Getting To Know You
Draco sat in his bedroom amidst the many candles he set out to give the Slytherin-esque room a more romantic feel. He was still in his clothes from the wedding and had nothing better to do than watch the clock tick: 1 minute… 5… 45 minutes… 3hours. Draco began to pick up half melted candle wax. When all the candles were gone Draco couldn't take it anymore. Opening the door to the room Draco stuck his head out and shouted loudly, "Elizabeth!" It was an earth shattering yell that made it sound like Elizabeth would be walking into her execution by going near him.
Elizabeth was completely focused on the story in front of her. She was the heroine riding on a tall white horse being chased by villains. Suddenly she heard Draco calling her, he sounded… angry. Elizabeth was about to leave the library to go to him when she realized she had no idea how to get to him.
"Draco, I'm in the library!" She shouted to see if he could hear her.
"Come here. NOW!" Was the only response she received. "Where exactly is here?" Elizabeth was sure she risked her life speaking to him, but she had to try. She was frightened when the response came from the fireplace, where his head had appeared.
"Here, is my room. There is a pot of floo powder on top of the mantel, you can floo here. Be sure you say Draco's room clearly." With a roll of his eyes his head disappeared. Elizabeth grabbed some powder and threw it into the fire. She named her location and stepped into the fireplace. As the green fire disappeared, Elizabeth cringed—she hated flooing.
Elizabeth tumbled out of the fireplace into the exact room she had been in that morning. Draco lay on the bed staring at the ceiling.
"What did you want?" Elizabeth asked the indifferent Draco.
"You must have forgotten the rules Elizabeth. Let me put it simply for you. Tonight is our wedding night, we have to produce an heir, together those two mean you should have been here hours ago!" Angry did not describe Draco Malfoy at the moment, he was furious.
"Listen Malfoy, if you think because we're married you can treat me like that, you are VERY wrong!"
"Well, excuse me MRS. Malfoy, since I don't know how to treat you why don't you show me how! Was the way you treated me before an example? Should I just ignore you and pretend the last two weeks never happened so that your father can kill the both of us when we go to his house?"
"Maybe you should? You know why? Because I refuse to consummate this marriage, marriage isn't about SEX, it's about making love! I don't love you and those feelings are reciprocated. If you don't have the nerve to tell my father that, then you deserve to die because you're a wimp, not a MAN!"
Elizabeth watched in horror as Draco walked up to her and placed his hands around her neck…she was going to die.
Starring down into her fear ridden eyes Draco paused. Was he turning into his father? Would he abuse and degrade his wife for the rest of their miserable lives? Loosening his grip on her neck, he pulled her towards him letting their lips connect. Wrapping his arms around her, he continued to plant soft, fluttery kisses on her lips wishing he could apologize to his mother for everything Lucius had ever done.
"I'm sorry." He whispered against her lips.
"What?" Elizabeth asked, breaking away from his lips and staring into his saddened eyes.
"I'm so sorry, for trying to strangle you—and everything my father ever did to my mother."
"So that's what this is about. You don't want to be like your father! I can't believe you."
Elizabeth tore away from his grasp. Pulling the door open, she ran into the hall to try and find the library again.
Draco sat on his bed surprised at what he felt, when she was in his arms he held her like he never wanted to let her go. He felt every emotion she went through, when she became upset at him it was almost as though his heart was being torn apart. It sounded almost as thought he liked her, which was ridiculous.
Elizabeth was standing in front of some random door feeling horrible. When that ferret had kissed her, he made her feel wanted and loved. But then, the only reason he had kissed her was because he didn't want to be like his father. Of course, that was probably a good thing. His father was so evil, so malicious and malignant. He was uncaring; being able to hurt or kill everything and everyone, at least that's what Elizabeth had always thought. That was before she found out about her true lineage, when she part of "the Trio", when she was in love with Harry James Potter. However, now she was someone different: Elizabeth Riddle, no Elizabeth Malfoy. She realized she was confused, she hadn't had a chance to sort out her feelings since beginning her new life. Hoping she could solve something, she resolved to call a truce with Malfoy—Draco.
Finding her way back to his Slytherin themed room. She knocked on the door.
"Come in." Draco called lazily from the other side. When Elizabeth walked in, she was surprised to find he was ready for bed: shirtless and wearing Quidditch pajama pants. Elizabeth felt like a fool, she was still wearing her wedding gown.
"I'm surprised to see you here." Draco's voice sounded eerily caring.
"I came—"
"To apologize?" He suggested, making her want to strangle him.
"No, I came to ask for a truce." Draco's interest was piqued.
"What would that be?" Draco asked from his stop on the bed.
"If we manage to be civil to each other for the rest of this week, I will be willing to try to consummate this marriage with you. For the sake of our health, of course, I wouldn't want to become a widow. Or worse, be dead, at the mere age of 17!" Elizabeth gave Draco an uneasy smile; she was so confused about her feelings.
"Right, of course, for our health." Draco looked around the room for something to entertain him. Conveniently there was a Daily Prophet on his bedside table; a house elf must have left it there. Draco picked it up and began to read, forgetting Elizabeth was in the room.
"Ahem." Draco looked up to see Elizabeth looking around shyly.
"Yes?"
"Well although it doesn't seem like you're all that tired, I am. As much as I don't want to bother you and wouldn't mind finding my own way to a guest room, I have nothing to wear…Wedding gowns aren't exactly comfortable." Draco ran his hand through his hair, he understood how much of a problem that could cause, as he meant to have her sleep in bed with him—not in a guest room. He didn't want to wake up to all that extra cloth being tangled between his legs. Looking at her size, he realized she was at least eight inches shorter than him. One of his muggle t-shirts would fit her like a dress.
"Behind you is my dresser, in the top drawer you will find a muggle t-shirt you can use."
"Oh, thanks." Elizabeth murmured as she turned to grab a t-shirt.
"Umm…"
"Yes?" Draco looked up from his paper, clearly irritated. After all, how hard was it to grab a t-shirt and throw it on?
"Do you mind pointing me to a bathroom, or leaving?" Elizabeth blushed profoundly at the incredulous stare Draco gave her.
"Why"
"Because, I have to change."
"As much as I want to be civil to you, I really do suggest you become comfortable changing in front of me because I'm not going anywhere."
Elizabeth did not answer; instead she pulled the t-shirt over her head so that it hung around her neck. Unzipping the wedding gown she pulled her arms out of the sleeves. Slipping her arms into the sleeves of the t-shirt, Elizabeth pulled the t-shirt completely over her body. She then pulled the wedding gown down to the floor, where it lay at her feet while she wondered where she should put it.
"Place it on the chair by the window." Draco suggested, not looking up from the paper.
Walking over to put the dress on the chair, Elizabeth realized she was still wearing the bustier that went under her dress. As much as she wasn't sure she wanted to take it off, it would be incredibly uncomfortable to sleep in. Sighing, Elizabeth placed the dress down and tried to undo the bustier through the t-shirt while facing away from Draco. After many unsuccessful tries, Elizabeth found foreign hands on her back. Suddenly the bustier was undone, and it lay at her feet.
"Will you come to bed now?" Draco asked, annoyed. "I've been with a lot of women, but none who were ever so timid or tentative. I mean really, how hard is it to get dressed and get into bed." By the time Draco finished his speech, he was already in bed getting comfortable. Elizabeth, however still stood at the edge of the bed, tentatively as Draco would put it and also mad. He had been with many women… Realizing what she had been thinking, Elizabeth was shocked. She was starting to sound jealous, not that there was anything to be jealous of, seeing that she didn't like Draco—AT ALL. Finally, Elizabeth climbed into bed with a groan of resignation.
"Goodnight." Draco said quietly as she placed her head gently on the very soft pillow.
"Goodnight!" Elizabeth said sharply, displaying her great dislike at his previous comment.
With a chuckle, Draco flicked his wand turning off the lights in the room. Closing his eyes, he pulled Elizabeth close to him and fell into a light dreamless sleep.
Elizabeth on the other hand was exhausted from the occurrences of the day. However, she was not lucky enough to fall deeply asleep without interruptions. Her sleep was restless and she was extremely uneasy with the proximately of Draco. Finally, Elizabeth's uneasy sleep was broken by the first light of dawn peeking in through the window. She found she was still tired, and finding a clock in the room she realized why. They had fallen asleep around 1:30 in the morning, it was only 5:30 and yet she knew she would not fall back asleep. Looking up at the peaceful figure next to her, she realized how different Draco looked in his sleep. He looked happy, good contrary to his usual smug, serious, and even evil look. She wondered if he was just as unhappy as the other "second generation death eaters," if he was just as unhappy as Pansy, his mother, and all of his friends looked. She would never find out.
Feeling Elizabeth's slight movement, Draco's eyes cracked open to see her craning her neck to see his face. Her expressions showed thought; her eyes seemed to be searching for something. He wondered what went on in the large mind of the woman. His chances of ever knowing were unlikely.
"Good morning." Draco said looking at the clock. "Were you not planning on waking me?" He received a grunt instead of a reply; apparently she wasn't a morning person. "Let me guess, waking up is not your favorite part of the day?"
"It's not that, I'm just tired." Elizabeth kept her eyes away from his, the grey orbs always seemed to be looking for something, and she wouldn't want to fall prey to those eyes.
"After you just slept, really now how ironic. Funny, you never seemed to be tired in school, always seemed like you were energetic and ready to learn anything your mind could possibly hold." Draco wished he could see facial expression, but Elizabeth was facing away from him, he could only see that she was shaking her head.
"School, we have one year left Draco. I'm sure it'll be an interesting year. I went from Hermione Granger to Elizabeth Riddle, to Elizabeth Malfoy all in two weeks. I wonder how everyone would react if they knew… although I'm not saying that they have to know." At this point Elizabeth had stood up and begun to pace the room, thinking for a moment she began to speak again. "I wonder how Harry will react… how he did react I mean. Dumbledore must've told him already, and Ron." At the mention of her previous two best friends, Elizabeth's face fell. She could never be close to them again, or she would die. Even if she could, they would never trust her again, not after who she had turned out to be.
"Oh, please. Don't even bother thinking about those two, it will just ruin the day I have planned out for us. But before the festivities begin, how about a nice warm bath."
Elizabeth managed to nod at Draco, although she sported an uneasy smile indicating she was nervous about what the day… and what life had in store for her.
"Wonderful, I'll go get the bath ready, if you follow me, you'll learn where the bathroom is and you can get ready for our bath." Draco and Elizabeth walked into the next room when what he had said finally settled in.
"Our bath?" Elizabeth couldn't believe it, even after their talk, he still wouldn't give up on trying to seduce her.
"Yes, our bath. Oh for the sake of Merlin, you're not going to get upset about this are you, really look at the size of the bath and there will be bubbles." Draco was right; the bathtub was the size of a standard swimming pool, meaning they could be nowhere near each other. Plus, bubbles would do the job of concealing, well, everything that needed to be concealed.
Knowing she should probably be putting up more of a fight, Elizabeth said, "Fine," and began to undress, making sure Draco wasn't looking.
Draco smirked as he turned his back as he knew she would want him to. He didn't understand why he was doing this for her. Yes, the Dark Lord would most likely murder him if he didn't do everything to make Elizabeth comfortable. But seeing the way he was acting the day of the wedding, Draco really wasn't sure if he actually cared. Then again, Elizabeth was different than all the other "ladies" he had consorted with over the years. With Pansy the relationship had been more platonic, judging that they were practically siblings because they had known each other before they could talk. There had been Katie, but she was a year above him and being the Slytherin she was, the relationship was completely physical. Although she felt nothing but lust for him, he had gained "experience" from being with her. There were others: girls he met on summer holidays and had flings with, some girls introduced to him by friends, the occasional hookup at a party—once again all physical. With Elizabeth it was different, he was becoming emotionally attached, and he wasn't sure that was a good thing.
"Draco I'm done, you can turn around and get in now." Draco turned around to see Elizabeth submerged in bubbles up to her neck. The sight was quite amusing, seeing how desperate she was to hide herself from him. Stripping in front of her very eyes, Draco laughed when she covered her eyes in an attempt to not see him stark naked. When his laughing fit stopped, he walked over to the other side of the pool and got in. Once again, his actions were just further proof to himself that Elizabeth was very, very different. With anyone else he would've sat right next to them, he sought after her comfort, something he was not used to, something that confused him.
"Sooo…" Elizabeth looked around, looking for something to say. "The bathroom is incredibly clean!" She said with a smile trying to break the awkward silence and Draco's intense stare at her.
"Yes, well my house elf Nymmy keeps it very clean."
"Oh really, well I must congratulate her for doing such a wonderful job."
"Hmmm, yes, well you may do that when she serves us breakfast."
"Oh."
"Yup, I'm sure you'll get along with her well. If you don't, get used to her, because she'll be joining us where ever we go. Except for Hogwarts, of course."
"Of course." Elizabeth's eyes were downcast. He could tell he struck a nerve, once again. What he still didn't understand was why striking a nerve was upsetting him so much. Realizing enough time had passed by that he was starting to get wrinkly; Draco stepped out of the bath and grabbed a towel. Wrapping it around his waist, he grabbed another to begin drying off his hair. Making his way to the sink he began to brush his teeth even though he hadn't yet eaten breakfast. He didn't want to have bad breath when they kissed—if they kissed. Not that he wanted them to kiss…
Also getting out of the bath Elizabeth wrapped a towel around her body and also began to brush her teeth, without thinking why she was brushing them. She liked standing next to Draco—only because he was being civil to her. Not because she might like him as more than a friend…
Elizabeth suddenly remembered she had nothing to wear. Realizing she could not go around for the rest of the week wearing Draco's t-shirts she didn't know what they were going to do. Perhaps Narcissa wouldn't mind if Elizabeth borrowed one of her robes, and they could go shopping later.
"Draco, what am I supposed to wear for the rest of the week." Elizabeth asked while both were fixing their hair.
"I dunno, Nymmy will find for something for you." Was his curt answer. Apparently his hair was more important than Elizabeth possibly having to walk around naked. Shaking her head, Elizabeth realized he would probably enjoy that. Rolling her eyes she went off to find the house elf Draco had spoken well of.
"Nymmy!" Elizabeth tried, hoping that the house elf responded to calls. Luckily for her the house elf appeared at her side, out of thin air.
"How may I help mistress?"
"Oh please, don't call me that," said Elizabeth thinking back on her SPEW days, "call me Elizabeth. I was wondering if you had anything for me to wear."
"Yes, yes, Master Malfoy sent over a wardrobe full of gowns and robes for Mistress Elizabeth to wear while living here with the young master."
"Well, that sounds wonderful, could you point me to the wardrobe. Also, Nymmy, did Lucius by any chance send over any sleeping clothes?"
"Oh no, I'm sorry, he must of overlooked that. I'm terribly sorry, I will find something!"
"No, no Nymmy, that's perfectly alright." While being led down the hall, to where she assumed the wardrobe must be, Elizabeth knew Lucius hadn't overlooked that. He had been hoping that Draco and Elizabeth wouldn't have the need for clothes to sleep in. Seeing the wardrobe she had Elizabeth was astonished, they clothes were nicer than the ones at her father's house. Choosing a silver and gold gown, Elizabeth began to dress. When she was done she was happily surprised to see that Nymmy had not left, as she would need a guide to the dining room.
"Nymmy, I'm pretty sure breakfast is next on the agenda. Could you please take me to the dining room?
Draco was concentrating on the map of the manor that he was going to give Elizabeth, he was trying to point out all of the rooms he was sure she would find interesting. When Elizabeth entered the room, he stood up promptly to pull out her seat.
"Thank you."
"Your welcome." Seeing her glance at the map he grabbed it and handed it to her. "Here's a map of the manor, so that you won't get lost. I've marked the library, sitting room, our room, the bathroom, and the room where your wardrobe is. Also, just so that you know the floor where our bedroom is can be considered my floor, so you will also find my study across the hall from our room."
"Oh well, I suppose that's good to know."
Their short lived conversation officially died when food magically appeared in front of them. After seeing Elizabeth eat more than enough bacon, eggs, and pancakes to last her a lifetime Draco decided to break the silence.
"Well I'm glad to see you were hungry."
"The food was very good."
"What are you planning to do today, I thought that perhaps we might go horseback riding."
"Oh no, I was planning on spending my time in the library." Draco raised an eyebrow at that comment.
"Right, well while you're there; make sure to research everything about the Dark Arts that you don't already know. Yes, I promised my father that I would teach you all I know, but I intend on making this stay pleasurable for you. I'm also positive that you know just as much if not more than me about the Dark Arts."
"Hmm…" was her only response.
Just as she said Elizabeth spent the rest of that Tuesday occupying herself in the library, while Draco was restless and bored wandering around the large manor. Wednesday passed exactly the same way, except Draco argued with Elizabeth to try and convince to go riding with him. When she refused Draco went off by himself and did not return till the next morning. Although Elizabeth would never admit it, she had been slightly nervous when he had not returned, hoping nothing had happened to him.
Thursday started off just as the last two had. Draco returned home and the two bathed and ate, as usual Elizabeth went off to the library. Although Draco did not know it, she was looking for the book that she had borrowed from him. She was still convinced that it had something to do with her current circumstance. While glancing through a book about transformational potions she heard a vague, tinkling music coming from somewhere in the house.
Walking into the hallway, Elizabeth tried to follow the music, but found herself becoming lost. Finally arriving on "Draco's floor" she realized the music was coming from a room all the way down the hall that she had never been in before. Pressing her ear to the door she realized the music must be coming from a piano, since muggle entertainment equipment would not work in the magical house. Opening the door a bit she realized it was Draco playing.
Being bold, Elizabeth decided to walk in clapping as the piece he was playing came to an end. Draco turned around on the bench, stunned that someone else was in the room.
"I didn't know you played." Elizabeth said to her surprised husband.
"I didn't know you cared." Draco said smugly, a tad bit surprised that she would actually come up to see who was playing.
"Well I like music."
"Are you a musician yourself?"
"No, well I took a couple of voice lessons when I was younger. But, no I'm not really a musician."
"Really, well then would you like to try to sing this?" Draco handed Elizabeth sheet music. On the top was written Only Hope, Elizabeth realized she was familiar with the song, it was from the muggle movie A Walk to Remember. Draco began to play the introduction and Elizabeth waited to begin.
There's a song that's inside of my soul,
It's the one that I've tried to write over and over again.
I'm awake in the infinite cold,
But you sing to me over and over and over again.
So I lay my head back down,
And I lift my hands and pray
To be only yours, I pray
To be only yours
And I know now you're my only hope
Sing to me the song of the stars
Of your galaxies dancing, and laughing and laughing again
When it feels like my dreams are so far
Sing to me of the plans that you have for me over again
So I lay my head back down,
And I lift my hands and pray
To be only yours, I pray
To be only yours
And I know now you're my only hope
I give you my destiny
I'm giving you all of me
I want your symphony
Singing in all that I am
At the top of my lungs
I'm giving it back
So I lay my head back down
And I lift my hands and pray
To be only yours, I pray
To be only yours, I pray
To be only yours, I know now you're my only hope
"Well for someone who isn't really a musician, that wasn't half bad." Draco said to Elizabeth with a smirk.
"Well you weren't half bad yourself." Elizabeth smiled. "Did you know that song is from a muggle movie?"
"Well most piano music comes from the muggle world; you don't exactly see the Weird Sisters jamming on the keyboard do you?"
"No, I guess not. Can I sing another?" Elizabeth really had been frustrated on not being able to find what she was looking for in the library and the singing was relaxing her.
"Sure, you can sing anything you like. Look over there in those cabinets for a song." Draco pointed to a wall that was covered with four foot cabinets that looked like they had been made especially to hold sheet music. Elizabeth walked over and saw that they were all alphabetized. Remembering the old jazz song her adopted mother used to play all the time, Elizabeth strolled over to the "u" section and pulled out Unforgettable.
"Ok, here you go." Seeing that Draco was staring intently at the page and not playing Elizabeth became impatient. "Are you going to play, or should I entertain myself elsewhere."
"Yes I'm going to play; I haven't played in this in a couple of months. It's not like I have a perfect memory, then of course I'm sure you know that… brightest witch at Hogwarts." He muttered that last part under his breath.
"Oh just shut up and play." Elizabeth was anxious to hear the soothing song. As Draco began to play Elizabeth closed her eyes, the song was always a good thing for her. Whenever her mother played it, it meant she was calming down, allowing Elizabeth to calm down because she knew her mother wouldn't scream at her any longer.
Unforgettable
Like a song of love that clings to me, Unforgettable That's why, darling, it's incredible Unforgettable That's why, darling, it's incredible
That's what you are,
Unforgettable
Tho' near or far.
How the thought of
you does things to me.
Never before
Has someone been more...
In every way,
And forever more
That's
how you'll stay.
That
someone so unforgettable
Thinks that I am
Unforgettable, too.
In every way,
And forever more
That's
how you'll stay.
That
someone so unforgettable
Thinks that I am
Unforgettable, too.
Draco sang the last four lines along with Elizabeth. As he played the ending, he watched her looking so peaceful. The light coming in from the windows washed over her, and allowed her to gleam in her champagne colored robes. Her head was slightly tilted and there was a small smile on her eyes. She looked like an angel.
Elizabeth was marveled, she hadn't expected Draco to have such a tempting voice. From the mere moment he opened his mouth, it sounded like her was trying to seduce her, yet the sound of his voice was so calming. It washed over like a wave of stillness; she wanted to be wrapped in the silk of his voice for the rest of eternity. When Elizabeth opened her eyes they immediately locked on Draco's. As they looked into each other's eyes Elizabeth saw admiration, hope, and love in the eyes of her husband. Something she would've never seen as Hermione Granger, some changes may have been for the best.
"Well Elizabeth Malfoy, I'm beginning to think you lied to me. You are a musician after all."
"Maybe I am…" Elizabeth was tantalized, realizing once again that she was becoming attracted to her husband she decided to change the subject.
"So, what would you like to do now?" Elizabeth asked.
"How about a game of Quidditch?"
"Um, no I don't play."
"Well I could teach you, lets go."
"No, no I really don't think I'm up to it. How about we go riding." Draco was angry; Elizabeth was always excusing herself from everything, everything he wanted to do that is.
"Why don't you ever want to do what I want to do?"
"That's not it at all, I'm just scared of flying… plus horse back riding is much more relaxing." Elizabeth tried to make the idea appeal to Draco, knowing she had upset him and not really understanding why. He didn't really expect her to do everything at his beck and call, or did he?
"Fine, let's go." His answer sounded more like a grunt than actual speech.
The day was perfect for riding, Elizabeth had decided to try and ride in her robes, since she had no pants anyway. As they slowly trotted onto the immense amount of land around the Malfoy Manor, neither spoke. Draco was still upset that Elizabeth didn't want to play Quidditch, and Elizabeth couldn't believe she had actually started to become attracted to someone who was exactly like Ron and Harry—obsessed with Quidditch. Elizabeth finally broke the silence when she noticed her favorite flowers off in the distance.
"I didn't know you had a garden here at the Manor."
"Of course we do, and it's full of nothing but my mother's favorite flowers: lilies."
"How ironic, it just so happens that my favorite flowers are lilies as well. They're just such a pure, beautiful flower, sometimes they can make me forget about the life I live and take me into a world of clean, innocent bliss. In a way they're sort of like books."
"I can't believe you're actually comparing a flower to a book. That doesn't sound right at all. Books have actual enthralling plots which deliver you to other places, a flower can only remind of innocence."
"If you say so, I'm not up for arguing with you Malfoy."
"When are you going to remember that your name is Malfoy as well, really we're supposed to be married, and married couples have responsibilities. If I ever inherit my father's home, which at this point I doubt I will, you would have to run it smoothly, you'd be constantly lording over the house elves and the few human servants we have making sure that they clean, cook, and maintain properly. If you had been any other sensible woman, you would be trying to figure out how this home worked already, instead you're constantly pent up in the library doing Merlin knows what!"
"Well, I'm sorry Draco I didn't realize that I wasn't being wifely enough for you. Shall I go and take over in the kitchen right now, I'm sure you'd enjoy that."
Between all the silence and bickering Hermione and Draco hadn't noticed how far away from the manor they had ambled. They were practically at the edge of the property when a flash of white light hit a nearby tree and thunder began to rumble in the sky. Elizabeth's horse began to become uncontrollable because of its fear and Draco had to grab Elizabeth and drag her onto his horse. Riding as fast as they could, the two were drench in the pouring rain by the time they reached the manor.
"Nymmy!" Draco shouted as he barged in the front door. Behind him Elizabeth shivered uncontrollably, it had taken them about a half an hour to ride back to the house.
"Yes sir?" Nymmy had appeared out of thin air at Draco's side.
"Hurry up to my room and start the fire, we will be up in a minute."
"Yes sir." With that Nymmy disappeared to do her errand.
"Are you ok?" Draco asked the dripping Elizabeth.
"I th-think sooo-oo." Said Elizabeth with chattering teeth.
"Come on we have to get you out of those wet clothes."
Starting up the stairs, Draco was halfway to the top when he realized Elizabeth was not next to him. In fact she was still standing on the first step, staring at the next as if it would be such a burden to move on to it.
"What's wrong?"
"M-my clothes are v-very heavy."
Becoming impatient Draco ran down the stairs, threw Elizabeth over his shoulder, and ran to his room as fast as possible.
"The fire is ready master." Nymmy said leaving the room.
"Thank you, please bring some towels."
"Yes sir."
Sitting Elizabeth down in front of the fire, Draco began to undress her.
"What do you think you're doing?" Elizabeth asked while trying to keep her clothes on.
"Oh please, you're going to get pneumonia."
"So I'll deal with that when it happens."
"I don't have patience for this." Draco began to rub his throbbing temples. Fighting with her all day had begun to give him a headache. Nymmy finally arrived with towels. Seeing her arrival, Draco grabbed a towel, yanked Elizabeth to her feet, ripped off her robes and threw the towel at her. Turning to get one for himself Draco began to undress and dry off.
When they were both covered respectably with towels, Draco sat next to Elizabeth and stared into the fire. He could still feel cold radiating off of her body; he longed to warm her, to hold her in his arms, to love her. But it would be impossible; Elizabeth loved only one man, Harry Potter. Her heart would never belong to anyone else.
"I'm sorry." Draco said quietly, more to the fire than to Elizabeth.
"Excuse me?" Elizabeth was shocked.
"I'm sorry." Draco had turned so that he was facing her.
"Why, because of what your father did to your mother?"
"No."
"Then why?"
"I'm sorry, for taking you away from your life. I'm sorry for taking Hermione Granger away. I'm sorry that you are the daughter of the Dark Lord. I'm sorry you had to marry me. I'm sorry, sorry that you will never be able to be with Harry Potter again. I'm sorry, Elizabeth, I'm sorry."
Elizabeth was in tears; Draco's heart was being torn to pieces. Staring into each other's eyes, they knew no one else but the other would ever feel or understand their pain. Draco wiped her tears away with his thumb. Leaning over he kissed her face where moisture from her pain lingered. His kisses went from her cheeks, to the tip of her nose, to her forehead, finally landing on her lips.
Elizabeth's eyes closed, his kisses took away her pain, he was like her books and flowers he took her away from the pain that filled her world and surrounded her with bliss. She kissed his lips as he pulled away from her. Wrapping his arms around her, Elizabeth continued to place butterfly kisses up and down his jaw line. Catching her lips in a kiss again, Draco felt her towel beginning to slip. Lifting her up, he carried her over to the bed and put her down gently. Looking into her eyes Draco began to undo the towel.
Tonight would be the night Lucius and Voldemort's wishes would come true.
Once again I'm really sorry this post took so long. The two songs were Only Hope by Mandy Moore and Unforgettable by Nat King Cole. I'm not quite sure if I mentioned this a couple of chapters ago but I have also used What a Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong in this story. Please review.