Preparing for the Hunt
Chapter 12
"Ginny, Hermione," Remus knocked on their bedroom door, calling their names. "Mrs. Weasley has breakfast prepared."
"What time did she arrive?" Severus asked, slipping through 'his' bedroom door as he buttoned the cuffs at the wrists of his shirt.
"Ten minutes after Tonks flooed home."
Severus raised an eyebrow.
"Cutting it a little close there, eh?"
"Morning, Moony," Hermione opened her bedroom door, stepping through and kissing her brother on the cheek.
"Good morning, Malenki. Sleep well?"
"Quite," she said with a smile. "Good morning, Agapi."
"Taioyu," he gave her a slight nod, then beckoned her to precede him down the stairs.
"Ginny should be down shortly, is Draco awake yet?" she asked innocently, as the three sat down at the table.
"He was dressing as I left," Severus answered. "Good morning, Molly."
"Morning Severus. How did the first day of class go?" Molly set the platter of toast and fried tomatoes on the table, hovering behind them.
"Sit, Molly, have a cup of tea." Remus gestured to the empty seat beside him, and was pleased to see her accept his invitation.
"I'm simply worried about Ron and Harry; it's driving me to distraction."
"They'll be home soon, Mum," Ginny gave her mother a hug before plopping down in the free seat to the right of Hermione.
"Ginny? What exactly does your shirt say?" Molly leaned down to read the silver words on the maroon shirt.
Remus and Hermione followed her lead, and it took all Remus' self control not to choke on his toast.
"Oh, this?" She gave the Lupins a grin. "Fred and George found it for me."
"Other than being vulgar – I don't understand," Severus look perturbed to not be in on the joke. "It says I solemnly swear I am up to no good."
"Oh, God, Moony, look at the back!" Hermione pushed Ginny's shoulder so Remus could see the reverse.
"Mischief Managed?" Remus read aloud. "You say Fred and George found this for you?"
"Yes, sir," Ginny answered, her eyes glinting.
"Can they get one in my size?"
"I've already asked for Ron and Harry's birthday…I'm sure they can scrounge up another."
"What does it mean?" Molly asked, her attention focused on Remus.
"It's a very old joke, back when Severus and I were in school – "
"I don't remember the joke," Snape commented, darkly.
"I knew Harry, Hermione, and Ron knew of it, from James. I didn't realize the twins would understand."
At the mention of James, Severus grew even more sullen, chewing the last bite of his toast, he chugged his tea and waved his hand to send the dish and cup flying to the sink.
"Severus?" Hermione reached over to place a hand on his arm.
"I'm going upstairs," he muttered, shaking Hermione off and passing Draco, who was entering, hair still a bit damp.
"Good morning, Professor Snape," Draco said, moving out of Severus' way.
"Class starts in fifteen minutes," barked the retort from the retreating figure.
"Holy Jarvey, Ferret. What did you do to your head?" Ginny stared in awe.
"I cut it."
"You're – "
"Myself."
Hermione, purely for the sake of research, couldn't help from reaching over and touching one of the blond prickles that poked up from Malfoy's head.
"How did you do it?" she asked, leaning closer in fascination.
"I cut the back close, and trimmed the top to be the same length as my fringe – then charmed it to spike."
"It's – " Ginny began.
"Hot?" Draco answered.
"Edgy, Ferret, very edgy."
"Malfoys can do edgy," he gave her an arrogant grin and fixed a bowl of cereal, with his sliced strawberries.
"Hurry up, you two, don't keep us waiting." Remus stood and cleared his place.
"He'll be fine, Moony," Hermione called after her brother.
"Doesn't mean he won't pout first," Remus called back from the kitchen. "Five minutes, Ginny, Draco."
"Yes, Professor," came the answers in unison.
Hermione waited until Draco and Ginny had left the dining room, before leaning in to her co-conspirator, Mrs. Weasley.
"I've made a list of what I can remember, but if we do the colors in green and silver that should be perfect."
"His favorite food?" Molly pulled out a spare quill and sheet of parchment that was full of notes.
"I think roast beef, with boiled potatoes."
"Rather mundane for the heir to the Malfoy family," Molly gave an ironic chuckle.
"He's still entirely too skinny."
"Grief will do that, dear," Molly reassured the younger witch. "Moving on, I already purchased the fixings for strawberry cream. I was thinking of a nice chocolate cake to go along with?"
"Do we still have our appointment this afternoon?"
"Tonks should come by around two-thirty, and we'll be gone until five to have enough time to also finish the shopping."
"Will the twins come again?"
"If that will make Severus happy, then I'll floo them while I'm out gathering the texts from Hogwarts."
"Mrs. Weasley?"
"Molly, dear."
"Molly? What did you excel at when you were a student?"
"Me? Let me think. I had six NEWTS, four Os and two Es."
"In what, if I may ask?"
"My Os were in Transfiguration, Care of Magical Creatures, Charms, and Ancient Runes. My Es were Potions and Herbology."
"You studied Ancient Runes?"
"Of course I did, Hermione, where do you think Bill got his talent from? I taught him at home until he left for Hogwarts, and again during the summers."
"Would you be willing to tutor Draco?"
"That's what he wants to focus on?" Her voice took on a quality one would expect from an Auror or an Order member, not from a mother.
"His mother was good at it."
"Narcissa Black was quite a bit younger than me, but if I recall from speaking to my old Professor, she certainly had a talent for it."
"You'll do it?"
"I'll talk to Arthur, Minerva, Severus, and Remus about it," she said. "That is all I can promise, Hermione. Ancient Runes has many Dark applications."
"How do you know when to trust, Molly?"
"You don't always, dear," she laid a comforting hand on Hermione's and waved her wand to warm their tea. "Sometimes you have to step out on faith."
"But what if this isn't a smart move, trusting him?"
"If you can't do something smart, Hermione, do something right." Molly gave her hand a squeeze. "It's never wrong to give someone a second chance."
"Do you trust Draco Malfoy?"
"No, but I trust Severus, as I trusted Albus and as I trust Minerva."
"Do you truly trust Severus?"
Molly's eyes looked distant as she spoke. "I couldn't kill Arthur. I daresay Ron couldn't kill you or Harry if asked. Minerva couldn't have been the one to take Albus' life. No one could have but Severus. I cannot even fathom being asked to murder your best friend. Strangely, I trust him even more now than I ever did. He has proved, in the most horrific way possible, that he truly did love Albus, and the Order."
"And that's enough?"
"It has to be, for now. Speaking of Severus, how are the two of you?"
"Having a minor disagreement at the moment."
"About what?" Molly looked at Hermione and chuckled at the low blush creeping up the girl's neck. "Ah, well, if you would like to talk about it, Arthur and I had the same 'disagreement'."
"The same one?" Hermione asked.
"Minus the time-turner issue. Arthur insisted we wait to get married, and insisted we not sleep together until we were married."
"You wanted to?"
"If you ever tell Ginny, or any of my children for that matter!" She shook her finger across her tea cup.
Hermione shifted in her seat. "I wouldn't, but he wants to wait until after the war is over, and then after I finish my apprenticeship!"
"He's likely a bit frightened. You have memories of so many things he's never been able to experience. While you're a virgin, you still have intimate knowledge of how his body works – "
"Molly!"
"Don't be a prude, dear, I think you're both lucky. He'll have the talent to help you enjoy your first time, not to mention the age to help him slow down to make it good for you, and you've got years of memories of how to please him."
"I cannot believe we are having this conversation." Hermione looked absolutely mortified.
"It's not as if I'm giving you pointers," Molly said, tapping her forefinger on her chin thoughtfully. "Though I could if you need any."
"No, no," Hermione said, rather hastily, "you're right in that I have plenty of knowledge in my head about how to please him. I don't have the actual experience, though."
"There is nothing wrong with both of you learning each other. It's a heady experience, and one of the amazing benefits of being married and waking up to the same man every day."
"I'm ready for that now."
"You've only had him back for three days, dear. Give him a little while to come around. There are always things to do besides actual sex."
"MOLLY!"
"I have seven children, Hermione; did you think they came by owl post?"
Hermione let her forehead drop to her arms and sighed when Mrs. Weasley began stroking her hair, tucking the errant frizz behind her ear.
"If you ever want to talk about it, I'm here for you."
"Thank you, Molly," she replied, her voice muffled into the table.
Their musings were interrupted by a whoop from the front door, as the boys returned home.
"MIONE! Wait till you hear what happened to Ron!"
"Filthy Traitors! May the Dark Lord kill you as you sleep!"
"Remus!" Molly called to the werewolf who had stuck his head out of the classroom hearing all the commotion. "Please silence her! Boys – come into the dining room."
"Merlin, Ron, you look as if you haven't slept since you left yesterday," Hermione commented, filling two cups of coffee for the rest of the trio.
"I haven't," he answered, his voice gravelly.
"Did they try to hurt you?" Molly pulled her wand out of her apron and laid it on the table.
"No, Mum, it wasn't the Dursleys."
"Harry, why haven't you stopped snickering since you came in?" Hermione asked.
"That was the best day ever at their house…maybe even better than the day I got my Hogwarts letter in front of them."
"Your best day ever with the Dursleys?" Hermione cocked an eyebrow, channeling her inner Snape.
"Harry, you're no longer my best mate," Ron took a sip of the coffee, and reached for a piece of fruit. "From now on, Mione's my best mate and you rank a distant second." He paused for a moment over his cup. "A very distant second."
"You wound me," Harry laid a hand on Ron's back, mirth still bubbling forth.
"Spill, Harry, so Ron can take a nap before we get to work."
"Did you know spiders could talk, Hermione?"
"Actually, yes. It's a known fact that Acromantula are capable of human speech, as noted in Newt Scamander's Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. Lesser known is that common household spiders are actual magical creatures who can learn human speech – if taught by a Tansi-speak, a witch or wizard who can speak spider. It's a gift you're born with, similar to you being a Parselmouth, Harry. Once the spider can speak English, it can communicate with anyone. Rowena Ravenclaw was said to be a Tansi-speak, and Hagrid is one. I've often thought it would be a very helpful – "
"STOP!" Harry said, raising his voice and his hand. "I should have known not to ask you if you knew something."
"You asked," she huffed.
"I've told you about the spiders, the ones that use to keep me company when I lived in the cupboard?"
Molly's face wrenched into a grimace that matched Ron's, although for entirely different reasons.
"I though when I was younger I was actually talking to them. I was five or six or so. It never occurred to me that I was really hearing them talk back. Well, last night, after basically being ignored by Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon, Ron and I were locked in my bedroom, and all the spiders came upstairs. There were almost a hundred, pouring out of the wardrobe and gathering around the bed."
Ron's face began to drain of color.
"Then they started talking, Hermione, it was brill! They said that they had been sent to watch over me when I was a baby, and they wanted to say goodbye before I left."
"That's amazing!" Hermione beamed at Harry. "Did you invite any of them to come live here?"
"God, no…" Ron leaned back in his seat, his hand on his forehead. "Can we stop talking about the sp-sp-spiders?"
"Oh, Ron, I'm so sorry." Hermione reached over to hug her friend. "It must have been terrible for you."
"Don't tell anyone else," Ron moaned. "I'll never live it down."
"Not even Ginny?" Harry asked with a grin.
"Especially not Ginny."
"Go take a nap, Ron," Molly stood and levitated the cups from the table to the sink. "I'll have Harry or Hermione wake you up for lunch."
"Thanks, Mum," the lanky boy stood and kissed his mum on the cheek before dragging himself up the stairs.
"You two head to the library," she patted Hermione on the arm, and gave Harry a small push towards the door. "I'm going to start the baking."
Hermione gave her a smile and a thank you, before leading Harry to the room where her papers were scattered.
"Shit, Hermione, it's like your room right before OWLS."
"Hush and sit," she pointed to the sofa, and knelt on the floor to scrounge through the papers. "I've narrowed down where I think we should start searching for the teapot. We can leave tomorrow morning with Ron, and head for the two orphanages that are likely where Tom Riddle was left. The maps lead me to believe that he was abandoned at the Stockwell Orphanage, but there is another one about three miles south that could be a possible location. The book shows that there is a spell we can cast to capture a magical signature left by a Horcrux. It can help us determine if one has been in the vicinity at all."
"Can we pinpoint where it is?"
"Not exactly, but as long as a Horcrux has been through the area, it will leave residue. Sort of like a scent trail that Muggle hounds pick up."
"Slime from a slug trail…"
"Yes, Harry, that too." She shook her head ruefully and shuffled the papers, pulling out the one with the map of London. "We'll start here, and work our way south. I have a list of other, less likely, orphanages. My idea was to simply cast the signature spell outside each orphanage, and if we found a trace, come back at night."
"We've had enough sneaking around Hogwarts to handle one Muggle building."
"My thoughts exactly," she looked up from her notes and gave a wide grin. Harry took a moment to look at her, look into her, before getting off the sofa and crouching down next to her. He took her chin in his hand and locked eyes.
"Are you really and truly happy? You're not disappointed in him?"
"Harry," she rocked back on her heels. "I am complete. There was a part of me missing, and I never knew why. It wasn't that you and Ron weren't enough for me, but I knew. I always knew that there was something else for me. Someone else."
"You're certain about this?"
"I love him. I love him like Molly loves Arthur, and I want to be there with him waiting for grandchildren together. I love him like Tonks loves Remus; I want to crawl into bed with him, and never get out again. I love him like Fleur loves Bill, and I want him to know how much I respect him and trust him – "
"And you feel your beauty is enough for both of you?"
Hermione chuckled softly, and a bit sadly, at the joke at Fleur's expense.
"I love him, Harry. No matter what you and Ron say or do. I can't stop loving him. Even if I wanted to, he's the bravest, most loyal man I've ever met. How can I be disappointed in having him love me?"
"His family, are they going to accept you?"
"His family…" Hermione wrinkled her nose and bit her lower lip, the way she did when she was trying to remember an answer for a test. "His mum…"
Suddenly her eyes grew as big as saucers and she jumped to her feet.
"That conniving old, barmy, crazy, doddering, ALBUS!"
"What?" Harry leaned back to move away from her flailing arms.
"There's ANOTHER charm on me! One that hasn't worn off yet!"
"Why would there be another charm?"
"I know I've met Severus' mother and father. I'm positive of it. But I can't grasp anything other than a shadowy image when I try to pull the memories to the forefront of my mind. DAMN that man!" She stormed out of the door, leaving a confused Harry in her wake.
"Severus! We need to talk."
"Hermione, I'm in the middle of something right now," her beloved lifted his head from the cauldron where Draco and Ginny were concocting a potion and gave a low snarl.
"It's important."
Though tempted to refuse her, Severus did realize that rarely did Hermione make false claims about the importance of things.
"Fine, I'll be outside in a moment." Turning his attention back to the two pupils he gave a curt set of orders to continue with the ingredient preparation, before turning the instruction over to Lupin and stepping outside.
"What is so vital that it couldn't have waited until lunch?"
"Where is your mother."
"She's deceased."
"No, she's not. Albus left another charm on me, I have no idea when it's going to leave, but it has something to do with your parents."
"My mother is deceased, Eileen Prince died before you returned, Hermione."
"Then tell me why I can't see her face."
She noted that his eyes grew darker – if black could grow any darker – and he clenched his fists.
"I don't know why you cannot recall my mother's features. But I feel certain that if the Headmaster saw fit to leave yet another charm on you, he had his reasons. Damn old man."
She laid a hand at the crux of his elbow and squeezed.
"It will become clearer in time, I'm sure. Do you possibly have any photos of her to jog my memory?"
"No, Hermione, I don't keep any photos of my mother around."
"Back at Hogwarts, maybe?"
"NOWHERE!"
She took a step back and narrowed her eyes.
"You're not telling me something."
"We will talk later."
"Damn straight we will."
"After lunch."
"After lunch, Tonks, Ginny, Molly and I have another appointment. And tonight is – "
"I know what tonight is, Hermione. We'll talk before bed."
"Agreed," she said, standing on her tiptoes to give him a kiss.
"Not in public," he stated, moving away from her.
"It's a bloody empty hallway, Severus!"
"Anyone could walk by us."
"I want to gently touch my lips to yours. I'm not accosting you and undressing you!"
"Our private life is not for others to mock."
"No one would laugh at you, because I kissed you."
"We will talk later," he repeated, turning on his heel and reentering the classroom.
"Bloody…useless…men!" she stomped back down the stairs to sit with Harry.
Lunch passed uneventfully, with the highlight being Molly extracting a promise from Severus and Remus that they would make sure the boys didn't kill each other playing Quick Seeker Quidditch. Tonks had stumbled through the fireplace with three minutes to spare, and five minutes behind the twins who were looking forward to the repeat excursion.
Gathering their bags, and dressed in the same attire as the previous jaunt, the women and their honor guard left the house, and the men behind.
"Do you think they'll be okay?" Hermione asked, right before apparating.
"It can't get much worse than Ginny slugging Draco in the nose yesterday," Molly consoled her.
"Ginny punched – "
"Malfoy and – "
"broke his – "
"nose?"
Molly looked at her sons and sighed. "I swear, if Harry or your brother tries to hurt that poor boy…"
"Mum? The last adjective you should use to describe Malfoy is poor," Ginny corrected.
"Ferret, maybe."
"Or ponce."
"Arsehole?"
"Prick?"
"BOYS!"
"Yes, mum?" they answered in unison.
"Apparate before I hurt you!"
"Yes, Mum!" they chorused before popping out.
"Boys…" Molly shook her head and waited till everyone else was gone before following.
"For Merlin's sake, Remus! Two grown men, and three practically grown men, and between the five of you, you couldn't manage to keep out of trouble?"
Molly had returned home with the girls fifteen minutes earlier and they had run to the girls bedroom to finish wrapping the gifts. Upon opening the door to put away the last of the food supplies she found a bloodbath in the kitchen. Apparently the boys, and she meant all of them, had thought it would be safer if they all played Quidditch. Which had equated to a disaster.
She had stormed into the room, following the sounds of shouting, to find five bloody, sweaty boys almost in fist-a-cuffs. Pulling her entire five foot one frame up, she stomped into the middle and took charge. Harry and Ron had quickly been stripped of their shirts, and it was determined that their cuts were minor, and bruises would heal. She sent them upstairs to shower, after a harsh scolding.
Her two chastised sons couldn't even manage a snide remark to Malfoy as they followed her orders, heads hung.
She then had ordered Draco's shirt off, and vanished the bloody, nasty mess. He had a lightly sprained shoulder, and a badly scratched back from where he and his broom had landed in the rose bushes. Narrowing her eyes, she healed him and gave him a rebuke as ruthless as the one she had given the other boys, before pointing him to the third shower.
Then she turned her wrath on Remus and Severus.
"ADULTS! You were suppose to be the adults!"
Remus was sitting at the table, his shirt unbuttoned, and Molly was healing the rather jagged gash on his chest. Severus sat across from him, with a small tear on his ear and a broken thumb.
"What in Merlin's name possessed the two of you to get in the air and play Quidditch with those boys? Or to allow them to play at all!"
"Molly," Remus tried to soothe, "we thought it would be good for Harry and Ron and Draco to get their frustrations out with a bit of physical exercise."
"They needed to have a go at each other," Severus interjected, pragmatically. "They were going to try and kill one another at some point. Better to have supervision."
"Stupid men," she muttered. "When the boys are out of the shower, you to get cleaned up. Then you'll both be down here for dinner. We are going to act like civilized witches and wizards if I have to petrify each and every one of you to your chairs!"
"Yes, Molly," Remus gave a sigh and slowly stood.
"There are potions in my chest," Severus offered.
"I'll find one after I shower," Remus agreed, moving towards his room, and Tonks. Before he could make it out the kitchen door, Hermione opened it, and let him pass.
"Severus?"
"Yes, Hermione?"
"Care to explain why you are sitting, half-naked, in the kitchen, with your thumb in a muggle splint?"
"I'm to tired to stand thanks to your idiot best friends trying to kill Malfoy, of which your brother was no help at all, Molly forced my shirt off me to see how damaged I was, the kitchen is the closest room to the backyard, and the potions I have to fix bones are upstairs. Do you have any other asinine questions?"
"Molly?" came Hermione's sugary sweet answer. "Could you give us a minute?"
"Of course," Mrs. Weasley wiped her hands on her slacks, "I'll floo home to change and be back in about twenty minutes to start supper."
"Tea," Severus sat with his forearms on the table, staring straight ahead. "I want a cup of hot tea."
"I, frankly, don't really give a flying hippogriff's ass what you want, Severus Tobias Snape." She rounded on the table to get directly in his line of vision. "If you EVER speak to me as if I am one of your idiotic students again, so help me God, I will make the Dark Lord seem tame by comparison. I am your betrothed, the woman you supposedly love, and I will be your wife and the mother of your children. So don't you dare take that tone of voice or that attitude with me in front of other people."
He blinked, as if seeing her for the first time.
"And when we are alone?" he asked, the corner of his lips twitching.
"Then we can talk like rational people. I'm trying to be a good partner here," her strong voice was betrayed by the fact that she was spinning her ring. The orange stone catching the light as she twisted it.
"Come," he only spoke one word, but had backed his chair away from the table. She moved towards him, and took his hand when he reached out to her. She was surprised that he pulled her onto his lap, wrapping his right arm around her waist, his broken thumb laying on her thigh. He cradled her back, tucking her head under his chin, as began undoing her bun.
Her brown curls fell down around her shoulders, and he used his good hand to run his fingers through the tangles.
She leaned her face against his chest, and inhaled deeply. The smell of sweat, which on the boys she found disgusting, was oddly arousing on Severus, her mind drifted to all the other positions she could put him in to produce this type of workout. She cautiously reached up with one hand and stroked the skin above his heart, her fingertips brushing over the fine black hairs and her thumb dancing over the nipple.
She grinned wickedly to herself at his sharp intake of breath, and continued exploring, bring her other hand up to join the first. Running over his collarbone and down his ribcage. Her tiny hands floated barely above the skin, glided their way up to the back of his neck, and her lips followed, dropping kisses so light and tender he could barely register their heat from his chest to the hollow beneath his ears.
Instinctively the fingers in her hair tightened, and he pulled her head firmly, but gently, back so her own neck was exposed. His feral side could detect a hint of her unique scent. Wherever she had been, she had been exerting herself. Fighting to gain control over his desire, he crushed her mouth with his, fighting for dominance with his little Slytherin, who had remembered a few tricks.
Her hands crept to his waistband, dipping along the inside and sliding back and forth, before he captured both wrists with his free hand. She stilled, her Gryffindor side refusing to allow her to wretch free from his damaged grip.
She pressed herself against him, inching her kisses up to his ear while he devoured her.
"I thought you hated public displays of our love," she whispered.
"I do," he lowly growled, moving his hand from her hair to underneath her shirt, to trace her spine.
"You're lying," she continued, her mouth so close to his ear that the words were barely formed before he heard them. "You may hate casual kisses and sappy words, but the thought of Tonks or Moony walking in on us right now, the idea that you may get caught so wholly given over to your desire, that turns you on."
She leaned back and gave him a wink, sliding off his lap and standing behind him, dropping her arms over his shoulders. Her hands drifted down to his navel, before she calmly ran them over the obvious source of his discomfort, giving it a little squeeze. He tried to control his moan, laying his head back on her shoulder.
"I love you, Agapi," Hermione gave him a kiss on his forehead before moving towards the sink.
"Wench," he muttered.
"Here is your tea," she placed the cup in front of him. "Go take a shower, heal your thumb. We'll talk tonight."
He watched her retreating hips, drinking his hot tea and debating how soon he could talk to Minerva.
She wasn't even thinking of anyone walking in to the bedroom when she collapsed onto her bed. She had helped Tonks finish wrapping the gifts, and sent the Auror off to Remus, suspecting that they intended on conserving energy by showering together. So when the door slammed and brought her out of her light sleep, it was all Ginny could do to mumble.
"Hermione? Is it time for dinner?"
"No, Weasellette. We haven't been called, although I can smell roast and gravy from up here."
"And boiled potatoes," she added, her face still buried under her pillow.
"Don't look, Red, I'm getting dressed."
"I'm not even the slightest bit tempted, Ferret."
"Your boyfriend's back."
"He's not my boyfriend," she sat up with a glare, staring at him as he buttoned his shirt.
"Teen angst never was my forté."
"Shut up, Malfoy."
"Are you ready to be escorted to dinner?"
She cocked her head to the side. "Escorted?"
"It is the correct thing to do, even though you hardly qualify as a lady."
"God, you are an arrogant prick."
He grinned as he ran his hands through his hair, creating the spikes. "Yes, yes I am."
She climbed out of the bed, fixing her ponytail, and leading him out of the door.
He trailed along behind her, his gaze drifting up and down her back. He could swear that her hips were rhythmically moving to a song he couldn't hear. Only his survival instincts alerted him to the fact that there was something big happening in the dining room.
Those instincts, however, didn't clue him in as to what it was. Severus would later let him know he looked similar to a fish, his mouth hanging open, sputtering while trying to take in the green and silver balloons that dotted the ceiling. Tiny charmed paper snakes drifted around the room, hissing "Happy Birthday" to the various attendants.
"Happy 17th birthday, Draco!" Hermione smiled, gesturing towards the table where a Ron and Harry, looking rather sullen, sat at one end, Fred and George sat in the middle – a huge roast in front of them, boiled potatoes and gravy on the side. Remus, Tonks, Molly, Arthur, and Severus filled the end closest to the door, leaving three seats open, two for Hermione and Ginny next to Severus and one for Draco across the table.
"Yours is the seat with the gifts, Ferret."
"Thank you, Weasellette, but being a Malfoy, I think I could figure out the immense pile of presents were for me."
His sarcasm caused Hermione to flinch, more in fear of Molly or Ginny's feeling being hurt. As if sarcasm could hurt a Weasley… Ginny simply chuckled and gave Draco a push.
"Sit, people are waiting on us."
Draco did as he was asked, his mind racing. Birthday gifts? No one gave a Malfoy anything without wanting something..
"Open your presents!" Ginny commanded, bouncing in her seat. "Start with the bag."
She pointed at a silver bag with a blue ribbon on top.
Draco lifted the bag and moved it in front of him, carefully untying the bow and placing the ribbon to the side. He pulled the tissue paper out to reveal a small tissue ball. Drawing it out of the bag, he removed the tissue and a small Snitch fell into his hand. Holding it in the palm of his hand he raised it to his face.
"It's signed?"
"By the current Seeker."
"You got me a Snitch signed by the Seeker of the Ballycastle Bats?"
"Open that box next," Hermione said, "That's from Severus and me."
Laying the golden ball aside, he picked up a long, skinny box wrapped in dark green paper. He slid his finger underneath the spellotape, and unwrapped the package, folding the paper into a neat square beside his plate. Opening the box, his eyes grew wide at the leather holster inside.
"Take it out," Hermione gave a little bounce in her chair. Severus' hand, under the table, squeezed her leg gently. Calming a bit, she continued, "it's from Romania, dragonhide leather, do you like it?"
Harry and Ron gave a frustrated snort as Draco lifted a wand holster out of the box. Perfectly sized to fit his forearm, it would keep a wand at the ready, and was ingrained with his name. A small asp was intertwined with the word "Malfoy", it's tiny magical leather tongue darting out to taste the letter "M".
"Mione!" Ron said, from the far end of the table. "That's like the special ones you gave Harry and me for Christmas this year. I thought those were just for us."
"Don't be silly, Ron." She replied. "I had one made for Ginny at the same time."
Ron's sullen look came back over his face, and he hunched down in his seat under his mother's glare.
"Draco, dear, open the rest."
He continued with his packages, at Molly's behest. There was a large box that held an assortment of items from Weasley's Wizarding Wheezes, including the brand new Serpent Puffs and Dragon Chews – an extension of the Canary Cream line. The entire table, sans Ron, Harry, and Severus, burst into laughter as Fred demonstrated the Dragon Chew, briefly turning into a border collie sized bright red dragon.
The next package he unwrapped was a NEWT level Ancient Runes text, and an apprenticeship level text. A small note, in small loopy handwriting, was tucked inside the book.
Draco,
I would be happy to tutor you in Ancient Runes. I have also spoken to my old mentor, and after your NEWTS – should you receive an "O", Master Erik Gergensen, will immediately take you on as an apprentice.
Mrs. Molly Weasley
He closed the book, and set them aside, not trusting his speech at the moment. Erik Gergensen had been Bill Weasley's tutor post-Hogwarts, and he knew that years ago, his mother had been offered an apprenticeship under the Norwegian master. His father had forbidden it – Malfoy women don't work or need higher learning.
Tonks pointed to a small jewelry box, and encouraged him to look at that one next. Inside there was a solid platinum signet ring. As the new head of Malfoy, she had the crest placed on the top of the ring, but showed him that when he touched the sides at the same time it would morph into the Black family crest.
"Since we're cousins, and all!" she exclaimed.
He wasn't quite sure what to do with someone who wanted to align themselves with his family, and wasn't asking for a boon in return. The next bag held a pair of dragonhide Quidditch gloves, and though the card said "From Harry and Ron", he recognized the handwriting as Mrs. Weasley's and snickered to himself.
"The Headmistress couldn't be here, there are a few issues at Hogwarts she was dealing with this evening. She sent this though," Arthur pulled a long envelope out of his pocket and handed it to the birthday boy.
Hermione gave a gasp, turning to get Remus' attention.
"That's Albus' crest!"
Draco turned the letter over, staring at the shimmering Phoenix that sealed the paper. He cautiously ran his finger under the Phoenix, opening the letter and unfolding it.
Mr. Malfoy,
Your bravery facing Voldemort is astounding. I am pleased to know that you're a man of honor who puts the protection of his family above all else. That is trait that few possess. May I suggest evaluating the pros and cons of following Voldemort now that you are making your own choices?
As I'm sure you've noticed, Severus works for our side. He does more than that, he believes in our cause – and believes that his life will be better if Voldemort is destroyed. He has never guided you wrong in the past. I encourage you to seek his counsel, and Miss Lupin's (she was a wonderful Slytherin in her day).
But above all, remember your Mother. She gave you life, and then she gave you the opportunity to make your own choices by sacrificing much in her life so you could come to Hogwarts. I know you won't fail her now.
I forgive you, Draco Malfoy, completely and absolutely.
Never tickle a sleeping dragon, they bite.
Headmaster Albus Dumbledore
He reverently folded the letter and slowly placed it in the Ancient Runes text, stacking his gifts and moving them off the table.
"Shall we eat?" Molly asked, recognizing he needed a moment. Fred and George dived into the roast and passed it around the table, breaking the mood.
The rest of dinner was lighthearted, and a few times Draco actually felt like he was at home, celebrating with his mum. After dinner was finished, Fred and Mrs. Weasley cleared the table, and then brought out a huge chocolate cake with candles and a platter of strawberry cream.
Hermione was delighted to see Malfoy actually seeming to enjoy himself, although her attention was split between the birthday boy and Severus.
Severus, on the other hand, was rather uncomfortable at the tiny hand drawing circles on his upper leg and the graze of fingernails on his thigh. The first time, he clamped his hand on hers and leaned down to whisper in her ear.
"We're at dinner, in front of everyone," he hissed.
"And you love it," she had countered.
"Hermione!"
"What?" she had whispered in his own ear. "It's not as if I'm going to slid under the table and kneel between your legs."
She waited half a second before continuing innocently. "I mean, the tablecloth isn't near long enough, and I think they'd miss me. Perhaps next time?"
He took his hand off hers to rub his temples and try to figure out how he got into this – oh, her hand was back on his thigh – delightfully frustrating situation to begin with.
As soon as dinner was over, Harry and Ron made their hasty excuses to hide upstairs playing Exploding Snap. Remus left to escort Tonks home. Fred and George headed home, while Molly and Arthur cleaned the kitchen and flooed to the Burrow.
Ginny made her polite goodnight, and followed the boys for a few rounds of Exploding Snap, leaving Draco, Hermione, and Severus.
"Thank you, Lupin."
"You're welcome, Draco. It was also Mrs. Weasley's idea."
"I'll thank her tomorrow," he answered with a nod. "Snape?"
"Yes?"
"Can we talk?" He leaned down and pulled Albus' letter out of the book, and handed it to Severus.
"I'll go catch up with the guys upstairs," Hermione graciously gave Severus' hand a pat, then left them alone.
"You want my advice?" Severus asked.
"Please."
"Then let's talk," he said, settling back for a long conversation.
He had stayed up late talking to Snape, and was hoping Red would be asleep by the time he got into his room. Hermione had come downstairs around thirty minutes prior to say goodnight to Snape from the doorway. Snape, himself, had left only five minutes ago, likely heading straight up to his betrothed, it had taken all Malfoy's cunning – but he had gotten out of the older man that there would be on official engagement soon.
He slid out of the chair, carrying his coffee cup and empty biscuit plate to the sink. He crept up the stairs – no need to wake Potter and the Weasel – heading into the second landing bathroom to shower. His short hair was easy to dry, and he slipped his spare Quidditch practice shorts on, before sliding to his room.
"Finally," came Ginny's voice from her bed, where she was sitting.
"You're still awake."
"You can restate the obvious."
"It's almost one in the morning, excuse me if I assumed you would be knackered and asleep."
"Two things, Malfoy," she stood up off her bed, crossing the room towards him.
Instinctively he backed away, self-preservation is lesson one in the Slytherin House.
"I'm not going to hurt you," Ginny said with a sigh, "stand still."
"I know that," he retorted haughtily, ceasing his retreat. "What do you want this early in the morning?"
"I have your birthday present."
"You already gave me a birthday present, Weasellette."
"This was the rest, I didn't want to give it to you at the table."
"Worried about what your boyfriend would say?"
"He's not my boyfriend. And I was more worried about what Hermione and my mum would say."
She handed him a small velvet bag, solid black. He took it in his hand, weighing it carefully.
"It's heavy."
"Open it, Ferret."
He warily pulled on the drawstrings, turning the bag upside down so the gift fell into his left palm. Gathering the strip of leather in his hand he managed to contain the shock he felt. He held the cord up, allowing the solid silver tag to hang down.
"What is it?"
"It's a choker, Genius."
"I meant, what does it say?"
She leaned close to him, fingering the tag.
"It's your name, written in Runes." She answered, "and the other side is a protective charm."
"Protective charm?"
"Thought it might come in handy," she shrugged. "You don't have to wear it."
He held it out to her.
"I can always return it," she said, taking it from him.
"I can't tie it on my neck tight enough," he turned, his back to her, and knelt.
She slowly lowered the cord around his neck, her nimble fingers tying the leather in a tight knot at the top of his spine. A soft spell shortened the cord ends, and he thought she let her hands linger a bit longer than necessary. He turned on his knee and stood to face her.
"Thank you, Red."
"You're welcome, Ferret," she reached up to straighten the silver pendant on his chest.
"What was the other thing?" he asked, delighted he managed to keep the quake out of his voice.
"You keep falling off your bed."
"I'm not use to this size sleeping arrangement," he snorted.
"I know, that's why I have a solution."
"Transfiguration won't work. They're spelled not to allow enlargement," he answered. "I believe it was to keep over-amorous lovers from finding a place to sleep."
"I'm highly aware of that," she replied, "Mum has all the boys beds done that way at the Burrow. Caused a right funny stir the night Percy tried to sneak Penelope Clearwater home." She snickered in spite of herself.
"Then your solution is? Get on with it, I'm tired."
"This," she said, as she waved her wand levitating her bed and moving it against Draco's.
"Fuck no, Weasellette, I'm not sharing a bed with you."
"We aren't sharing a bed," she wrinkled her nose in disgust. "You'll stay on your side, and I'll stay on mine. Except, should you attempt to fall out of bed, you'll roll towards me and I can kick you back in place."
"Sounds delightful."
"Oh, it is." She gave a grin. "Best of all, I don't have to wake up six times a night because you hit the floor."
"You could always cast a silencing charm."
"What fun would that be?" she blinked her eyes innocently, "you say such interesting things in your sleep."
"Tonight, and tonight only."
"We'll see how it goes tonight and evaluate in the morning," she countered.
"You have to put on more clothes."
She looked down at her Cannons jersey, and then lifted the hem.
"I'm wearing shorts, idiot. Did you honestly think I would sit in a room with you wearing nothing but a shirt?"
Oh God, how he had hoped… He had to admit the thought of her curled up on his bed wearing nothing but his Ballycastle Bat jersey wasn't as unappealing as he would have imagined a few months prior.
"Get in bed, Weasellette."
She did as he asked, crawling onto her side of the makeshift bed, pulling her covers over her shoulders.
"Goodnight, Malfoy."
"Nox." He answered, before falling onto his own side.
This had been a much better birthday than he could have ever imagined.
A/N: What you have just read is a partially betaed version of this chapter. However, my choices were simple – either make ya'll wait another couple of days because my DARLING beta had flight troubles getting home from Vegas, or let you read the 24 pages as they are.
Yes, Vegas. My beta and I spent a delightful three days in Las Vegas (my first time). I was groped and kissed by the Thunder from Down Under, sat in the best seats in the house (loveseat sofas) at Cirque de Soliel's Zumanity, and had a 18 Carat pedicure at the Venetian Spa. It was easily one of the best weekends I've had in forever. BUT – because of horrid weather, my beta is stuck trying to reschedule a flight, and we don't know when she'll be able to finish this.
So – enjoy. And know that the entire trip was spent being bitten by rabid plot bunnies. (Sometimes in leather!) Thank you to everyone who reviewed. OH! And, if Miles is reading this (the best seat buddy ever) – WE LOVE YOU! Lone Butterfly