Thank you all for the lovely reviews. Here's another chapter I've been editing. I hope you enjoy it!
Malfoy Manor
Draco asked Mipsy to show Hermione to her room before he pulled his mother aside.
"Where's the signet ring," he asked urgently.
Narcissa lifted a delicate brow and led him down the hall to his old room. "I stored it in the box on your dresser. Why do you need it?"
He didn't answer at first until he rushed into his old room. His mother had given Hermione the guest room just down the hall from it and he felt she'd likely done it on purpose. She often told him his room was available to him more than just on the holidays but he'd never taken her up on the offer. Now that his girlfriend, who was being targeted by some pureblood maniac, was just down the hall he figured she was trying to entice him.
Draco found the aforementioned box and quickly searched through the random bits of old parchment and cufflinks he no longer wore until he found the Malfoy signet ring. The ring was surprisingly subtle in its design. A simple emerald lay in the center surrounded by knotted snakes dancing along the edges.
He hated it. Refused to wear it but now it might have some sort of positive purpose.
He turned to find his mother watching him, arms crossed and a bemused expression on her mouth.
"If she'll wear it, it will be more protection than just being inside the Manor. It's archaic and she'll hate it but they'll know she's spoken for."
"Utilizing ancient protection magic then," she nodded. "I'm a bit ashamed I didn't think of it either. If they dare attack her while she wears it then they'll owe the Malfoy family a life debt."
He nodded, "I'll need a chain. Is there anything you'd consider loaning her? This won't fit any of her fingers."
Narcissa snapped her fingers and another house elf appeared at her side. "Kip," she smiled kindly, "would you bring me the silver chain from my jewelry box. The shorter one, dear."
The elf bobbed his head in a nod and was gone and back within seconds.
"I think that should do, Draco. She can keep it. It really serves me no purpose."
Draco sighed as he strung the ring on the chain and leaned down to kiss his mother's cheek. "Thank you."
She waved him off, "As I told you before I'll do whatever I can to help protect her." Her eyes held a serious glint to them. "I believe we, and this house, owe her that."
Draco simply nodded, not wanting his mind to venture down the dark path of remembering her torture and how he'd been powerless to stop it. There were still times, rare as they now were, when he'd hear her screams in his dreams.
Narcissa noted the seriousness in his expression as he fingered the ring in his hands. It wasn't enough for him to finally earn her trust but now he had to deal with another pureblood sympathizer going after her. Neither of them deserved it. She remembered all too well the look in his eyes that night when the girl had lay on their floor, screaming and bleeding just like anyone else with magic flooding their veins. As a mother, it frustrated her to see it again.
"I'm going to speak with Kip about dinner. I imagine Miss Granger won't be up for socializing after the stressful day. I'll have Mipsy bring her a tray to her room. Make sure you say goodnight before you leave."
Draco narrowed his eyes at his mother's knowing smile and followed her out of his room, shutting the door tightly behind him. Hermione's door was ajar when he stood outside of it. He knocked on the doorframe softly and waited until she called out for him to enter.
He smirked when he saw that she'd already unpacked some of her things and changed out of her work clothes. There was a tightness to her shoulders that he'd not seen in the last few weeks since she'd learned the truth about his feelings for her and he hated to see it back again. She was stressed and there wasn't much he could do to alleviate it. It caused a familiar bubble of guilt to form in his gut.
"I have something for you," he spoke as he approached her.
Hermione watched his hands as he held up the necklace with the ring strung on it. She held her cupped hand out and accepted it hesitantly. She fingered the ring intently, studying it. Her breath caught in her throat as she made out the details.
"Draco, I—I can't…"
"Please," he insisted. "Wearing it will enact an old form of protection magic. Being hidden in the Manor is one thing but the structure can't protect you. The Malfoy signet ring…" He paused and grimaced, "it signifies my claim on you." He held his hands up in supplication when he saw the dangerous flash in her brown eyes, "I know it's archaic, and I don't like it, but it will offer some additional protection."
A part of her cringed at the ring. It was clearly ancient and had been worn by dozens of pureblood sympathizers before him. She stupidly almost wondered if the thing would curse her just for touching it but when she considered the desperate look in his eyes, she put it on anyway.
She hated the idea of the archaic claim it signified, despite their relationship. She wasn't some object he could own but clearly the ring didn't see it that way. He was clearly going to any length to protect her and for that she honestly couldn't fault him for it.
The ring fell heavily against her chest and she tucked it away between her breasts. Maybe if she didn't have to look at it then she might be able to forget it was there.
Draco breathed more easily when she complied with his request, vaguely wishing to be that ring now as it settled between her cleavage even if he couldn't see it. He banished the inappropriately timed thought.
"My mother is going to have dinner sent up for you. She didn't think you'd be up for a sit-down meal tonight. Did you want to see the library while you wait?"
He watched the way her brown eyes lit eagerly and had to stifle his smirk so as not to ruin it for her. She was so predictable sometimes. Her calm smile was a good sign and he held his arm out to her which she quickly took.
"Do you come home often," she asked as they moved down the long hall of the west wing. She ignored the paintings magicked to the walls, silent but some glaring. She imagined they weren't any easier to remove than those at 12 Grimmauld Place. And Merlin knew that Harry and Ginny had tried.
Draco placed a gentle hand on the small of her back and guided her toward the opulent doors at the end of the hall. He pulled them open without much issue and waved her inside.
"Not often, no. I have my issues with the place."
She glanced up at him curiously, "But your mother…"
He swallowed, his eyes hardening as he stared straight ahead to avoid her questioning stare. "She knows my reasons. You're not the only one with bad memories here."
Hermione didn't bother to question him any further after that. How could she possibly argue? He'd lived here with that monster and had somehow survived it. His father had abused him for years here. She tried not to focus on the thought after that. He'd spent years grieving over how she'd been wronged and she was only just beginning to worry over him.
"You're free to read anything you'd like," he spoke as he trailed along the shelves in front of her.
Hermione's eyes were wide with intrigue as she studied the vast shelves of old wizarding literature and research. So much information that her fingertips nearly literally itched to choose one at random and hide in one of the fluffy looking armchairs she'd seen upon entering the room.
Draco turned to find her crouching over a shelf near the bottom, fingers trailing spines of books as her lips moved while reading the titles. A slow smirk lifted the corner of his mouth and he crossed his arms as he leaned against the shelves to watch her.
He used to love watching her search for books at Hogwarts. When she was free to be herself, that muggle-born girl had fascinated him. Taught him how much he'd taken for granted with his magic. Perhaps it made him odd but there was something in this witch's sense of wonder that he'd found so innocent and charming. She loved knowing things and while he'd once professed it to be annoying, possibly even believed it in their early years, truly it only increased his attraction to her as time went on.
"And you can take them to your room if you feel more comfortable," he added after she stood, studying the covers of two books.
Hermione looked up and a furious blush colored her cheeks when she realized she'd been so engrossed. "Your mother won't mind?"
"Not in the least."
Mipsy appeared after a soft knock on the door and bowed deeply. "Miss Hermione's dinner is waiting in her room."
Draco nodded his thanks and turned to face her head on. "I can stay a little longer if you want."
She shook her head and gave him her most confident smile. Perhaps if she acted it, she'd begin to feel it. "I'll be fine, Draco."
He escorted her back to her room and leaned down to kiss her softly. "I'll come back to kiss you goodnight," he whispered at her ear.
Her heart fluttered stupidly at his husky whisper and something ignited in her blood further south. He disappeared with a pop and she found herself taking a shuddering breath as her mind tried to wander. She'd had little experience with feeling this way in the past but he made her want him in a way she never imagined she'd want anyone.
The room they'd set her up in was far too large but looked extremely comfortable. Fluffy armchairs flanked a fireplace and the tall four poster bed was covered in pillows and a soft looking comforter. Had she been anywhere but Malfoy Manor, she'd have been as giddy as a kneazle in a room full of rats. Something at the edges of her mind kept reminding her that this place was foreign and bad things had happened here.
For his and his mother's sake, she chose to push those misgivings aside and tried her best to relax. She'd not think about being the focus of yet another pureblood maniac's assault plan. Not consider just why they wanted her specifically dead. Not analyze what people were likely saying about her relationship with Draco now that it was out in the open.
No, she'd relax. As best she could.
The dinner his mother had sent up to her was exquisite and she'd have expected no less. Belly full and mind ready to relax, she took herself a warm shower and then piled into the overly luxurious bed. She summoned one more book from the library that she'd forgotten to take earlier with an accio and then nestled back against the plush pillows, forgetting entirely about Draco's insistence that he'd be back to kiss her goodnight.
She was halfway through the third chapter of her current book when the fireplace erupted in green flames. She nearly tossed the book aside as it startled her before Draco stepped out.
Her brown eyes studied him, dressed neatly in black pajama bottoms and a plain grey t-shirt stretched tightly over his chest, his blonde hair was tousled still from his shower. She lifted a hand to cover her mouth as she hid an amused grin; she'd never seen him not look like his usual, composed self. This was a Draco clearly only for the eyes of those he trusted most and she filed that idea away for later to dissect further.
Draco lifted a pale brow when he noticed her trying to hide a grin. However, he was distracted from any feelings of animosity when he noticed her pajamas.
Her damp hair was pulled back and braided over one shoulder. Her pale shoulders were bare under her red tank top and he could tell she wasn't wearing a bra underneath. She might be on the short side but her legs were long and he had a lovely view of them from her shorts as they lay stretched out in front of her.
However, best of all, she wasn't wearing an ounce of makeup. She didn't wear much as it was but he appreciated seeing her in all of her natural glory. Freckles across her cheeks and all.
A confident smirk lit his features and he circled to the side of her bed. "Forget I was coming back?"
Hermione swallowed against the sudden dry feeling in her throat and nodded.
Draco sat on the edge of the bed and braced a hand on either side of her hips as he leaned in to kiss her. Her book slid carelessly from her hands when she reached up to frame his face with them. His lips were gentle but thorough as he worked her mouth over in a sensual kiss.
No one had ever really kissed her the way that he did—so deep and soulful. It was if he was trying to drink her in. And she couldn't help wanting to return the gesture.
Draco felt her shift and move to her knees. Not breaking contact, he accepted her easily when she moved around to settle on his lap, straddling his hips. He groaned appreciatively and held her tighter.
Hermione pulled back after she realized what she'd done and stared at him with wide eyes.
"What," he asked, pushing her braid over her shoulder.
Her cheeks were flaming at her boldness and she shook her head, already beginning to detach herself before she gave him the wrong idea. They hadn't been seeing each other every long and she really did want to take her time with this.
Draco wasn't having it though. His hands latched onto her hips and pulled her back. "What's wrong, Hermione? What'd I do?"
She nearly laughed; how could he think it was something he'd done?
"I didn't mean to—I wanted—I just got carried away," she sighed.
He pulled her closer, not certain how it was possible but he did. He reached for one of her hands resting on his shoulder and placed a soft kiss to her wrist.
"I know that you haven't dated much but you're allowed to ask for what you want. You don't need to be ashamed or embarrassed to want me." He smirked rather arrogantly, "And I'm sure as hell not going to be ashamed of wanting you."
Hermione rolled her eyes at him and leaned forward to rest her head on his shoulder, pleased when he quickly understood what she wanted and wrapped his arms tightly around her back.
"It is a little embarrassing though," she mumbled and sighed when one of his hands began soothing strokes along her spine. Merlin, if he kept doing that she'd soon melt into a relaxed puddle.
"Well, you don't need to be embarrassed. If you want me to kiss your neck, tell me. If you want me to let you take the lead, tell me." He grinned to himself. "If you want me to shag you into the mattress, just ask."
Hermione pulled away from him and slapped his shoulder. "Draco!"
He couldn't help but laugh as he stood with her in his arms and turned to deposit her back on the bed. "Can't say I didn't offer," he grinned.
He knew better. She wasn't ready for that yet. Might even make him wait until he'd made her his wife. Either way, he could wait. She was worth it.
"Merlin, you're still insufferable sometimes," she groaned.
He could see a smile threatening to peek through and felt satisfied to have put her mind at ease again.
"I'll let you get back to reading. I'll be by tomorrow to see you."
Hermione settled against the pillows and reached for her book. "When tomorrow?"
His smirk returned. He still wasn't quite used to the fact that she wanted to see him, was eager to see him. It did stupid things to his stomach that he'd never admit aloud.
"I'll see you for breakfast. Let's hope it's not the Weasel that comes to check on you in the morning or I might lose my appetite."
She reached for the closest pillow and chucked it at him. "Oh, get out of here, you prat!"
He was still laughing when he disappeared into the green flames.
She read for quite a while after he left but slept rather peacefully when she did manage to get to bed. Draco wasn't so lucky and tossed and turned much of the night, unable to get his mind off of her. She'd ignited his desire and he'd found himself getting up for a cold shower that morning.
When he arrived back at the manor as promised by floo for breakfast, he sneered upon entering the family dining room.
Hermione was already seated and speaking with his mother over a traditional English breakfast. It was a relief to find the two women enjoying a casual conversation over wizarding social issues. He was none too surprised about that as his mother had become quite progressive in her views over the years.
Weasley sat opposite his girlfriend, stuffing his face with sausages. The red-haired git had the nerve to look up when Draco entered the room and grin smugly at him.
"Oh, Draco," his mother smiled when she spotted him. "Good of you to join us. Have a seat next to Hermione."
He made a point of stooping to kiss Hermione on the mouth before he took his seat, smirking to himself when Ron looked sick.
"Weasley," he drawled in greeting. "Didn't realize I'd be treated to your ugly mug so early in the morning."
"Draco," Hermione hissed at him in reproach.
"I invited him to stay," his mother informed him gently, her tone clear. Behave in front of company.
"Not like he'd pass on a free meal," he snarked.
"Get bent, Malfoy," Ron mumbled around a bite of eggs. "I've been perfectly polite this morning."
"Her friends are taking extra time out of their day for security purposes, Draco," his mother chastised. "While it may be their job, it would be beneficial if you'd be civil."
Draco began serving himself and took in Hermione sitting next to him. Kingsley had agreed to let her work from the Manor and send in her reports in the evening with the one of the aurors. Therefore, she was casually dressed in those tight jeans he enjoyed so much on her and a soft looking jumper similar to the off shoulder one she'd worn with him to the quidditch game.
He discreetly rested a hand on her knee closest to him and squeezed gently. He leaned closer and whispered, "Keep wearing those sexy little jumpers and I might be tempted to snog you senseless like last night."
Hermione gulped, stuttering over her words in response to something his mother said.
Ron rolled his eyes and quickly wiped his mouth with his napkin. He reached for his auror robes on the back of his chair and stood.
"Thanks for breakfast, Mrs. Malfoy. I should really get going though and update Harry." He nodded at Hermione as he made his way towards the door. "Harry will be by later, Hermione."
"Now that the Weasel is gone—"
"Draco," his mother warned him, her tone bland but stern.
"Fine, Weasley," he sneered, "Now that he's gone, how did you sleep?"
Hermione shook her head at him and leaned back in her chair with a sigh as she watched him eat. She couldn't even describe how bizarre it was to wake not just in a different bed from her own, but in Malfoy Manor of all places. When Mipsy had knocked on her door and asked if she'd like to join Narcissa for breakfast in the family dining room, she'd mustered all of her bravery not to fall flat on her face.
She'd been pleasantly surprised by the warm reception the evening before and even more so this morning over breakfast as they discussed issues that Hermione was quite surprised to learn the witch was so progressive on.
"Quite well actually after you left."
"Hm," he lifted a knowing brow, a slight smirk curving his lips.
Narcissa observed their apparently silent conversation conveyed through expressions. She'd been rather relieved when Hermione had agreed to join her for breakfast, finding herself thankful for the company for once when she usually ate alone.
It was clear why her son had been so enamored with the woman since they were children. She was brilliant—well-spoken, clever, and thoughtful. Based off of what she remembered of Draco's descriptions of her as a child, it was clear she'd also grown into her looks because she could find no flaws in her physical appearance. And whether he realized it or not, her son had always had a weakness for brunettes, considering the few women she'd ever seen around him.
"Oh, Draco, will you go by my place after work and put out some of the cat food I keep in the kitchen," Hermione asked. "There's a neighborhood cat I feed and I'm afraid he'll go without if I don't feed him. He's small and the neighbor's cat down the street picks on him. Check on Crookshanks, too."
Draco rolled his grey eyes and nodded as he wiped his mouth before standing. "Bleeding heart Gryffindor," he muttered.
Hermione crossed her arms defiantly and eyed him closely. "What can I say? I have a thing for lost causes."
He snorted at her retort and leaned down to kiss her goodbye, completely missing his mother's amused smirk. He was glad her fire and stubbornness were back this morning and none of that insecurity from the night before.
Narcissa shook her head and turned her attention back to her son's girlfriend. "Did Draco show you the library yet, dear?"
Hermione nodded, "He did. He said you wouldn't mind and I borrowed some books last night."
She waved a dismissive hand, "Of course not. There's rather a lot on those shelves and it can be quite daunting to find something of interest if you're not familiar with the organization. Would you like me to show you a bit more?"
Hermione paused for a moment as she considered her offer. She was growing quite certain that her feelings for Draco were getting more serious every day. The thought alone was a bit alarming but she'd had little precious time to dissect it, forcing her to do what she never did—act purely on instinct.
And if her instincts were telling her anything, it was that she should continue getting to know his mother as best she could.
"Yeah, that would be very helpful."
The blonde smiled warmly and nodded. "If you're going to be stuck here for a while, you might as well know your way around."
Hermione followed the older witch back up the stairs and along the corridor which was slowly becoming more familiar. Hall sconces lit on their own as they passed, bathing the warm rugs with soft light.
"You know, Draco spent quite a deal of time in here growing up," Narcissa informed her as they entered together.
In the daylight, Hermione had to stop once more to take in the library before her. Last night it had seemed enormous and breathtaking. She had no words for what it was in the warm daylight. The shelves were old and well-aged, carved from a rich walnut. No doubt many Malfoys before had spent time collecting and adding to the books here.
"Your portraits are silent," Hermione noted after a while of following his mother into the depths of the library where the blonde finally took a seat on the closest settee to rest while she looked.
She'd summoned a teapot and two cups and sat sipping her tea calmly.
Narcissa nodded, her face placid but the expression in her eyes seemed pained. "Yes, they have been for some time. I grew rather tired of their tedious and insulting comments after the war."
"They insulted you," Hermione asked in surprise, an old copy of Magical Water Plants of the Tropics in her hands.
The older witch crossed her legs demurely. "I hired a muggle-born interior decorator after the war. I didn't much enjoy the embarrassment their comments brought on. I'd have removed them but I'm afraid they've been attached with rather strong sticking charms."
Hermione nodded, her surprise hidden as best she could.
Narcissa watched the witch with veiled amusement as she flitted from shelf to shelf, compiling quite the stack of books she intended to read during her time there. She half wanted to ask her if she really thought she could read them all but Draco's description of the woman's voracious reading habits prompted her not to bother.
She wondered what her grandchildren would look like. Lucius would have had a coronary had he known how much she enjoyed the idea of their son settling down with the muggle-born witch.
Would they have the light blonde hair of the Malfoys? Hermione Granger's curls? Chocolate eyes or eyes grey as winter storms?
Narcissa sighed wistfully at the possibilities. The only important thing was that Draco was finally happy. That in itself was worth every galleon in the Malfoy vaults.
"Have you prepared yourself for the day when he asks you to marry him?"
Hermione startled at the question, dropping a book to the floor before she hastily stooped to pick it up.
She held the thick tome to her chest as she turned back to the Malfoy matriarch. "I'm sorry?"
Perhaps it was normal in pureblood circles to discuss the prospect of marriage so soon after beginning a relationship but it certainly wasn't for Hermione.
"Have I mistaken the signs? I know it's been some time since I've been in such a situation myself but I was fairly certain you were in love."
Hermione nearly choked on her own saliva at that. In love? How could she be? It hadn't been long since she'd learned the truth about him. Yes, she certainly fancied him. Fancied him quite a bit honestly. She enjoyed conversations with him and certainly enjoyed his touch if last night was any testament.
However, long term? She'd really not stopped to consider it. The idea of him proposing to her…well it seemed rather foreign and a bit unlikely in her mind. She hadn't gained quite that much confidence in his commitment yet.
But wait…did she think he was in love already? With her?
"I don't know that Draco would ever ask," Hermione admitted quietly, not facing the witch now.
She was still rather busy analyzing the 'love' question. Was she? Could she be so soon? And him?
Narcissa clucked her tongue in disapproval, "Dear, what is it that you think he's doing with you? If not intending to marry you should your relationship progress to that level?"
She shrugged, fingering the spine of the old texts. "I've had a hard time imagining anyone marrying me if I'm honest. I went so long believing that no one would want me…" She flushed when she realized how much she'd admitted and clamped her mouth shut.
Hermione fidgeted on her feet then. True, she valued her own mind and her skills with a wand. She knew the Ministry and her friends valued her. Yet romance was an entirely different frontier. Though with more time and Draco's continued affection, she imagined that could change completely.
Narcissa gave a sharp nod in understanding and leaned back more comfortably in the nearby chair as she watched the young woman search the bookshelves.
"My husband was brilliant." She smiled warmly when Hermione gave her and incredulous look. "He was. But his brilliance, I believe, drove him to the madness of obsession with something far unworthy of such intent and attention."
"You mean to say you never agreed with his beliefs?"
She gave a shrug that might be described as stiff. "Hard to say looking back. I, too, had been brought up with a culture and society which strongly believed those like you didn't belong with us. However, when I saw my son clearly, even if not immediately knowingly, rebel against such beliefs…well I began to question them, too."
She reached for the tea she'd set down next to her and observed the way the woman was watching her. Hesitant but hopeful, it was sparking off her body.
"I feared for your relationship not because I didn't approve, Miss Granger."
"Hermione," she interrupted.
"Hermione," she spoke warmly again. "But because I knew that the risk still existed for others to judge you both. Not for anything you deserve but because those old judgements have been made to remain hidden by a select few instead of being entirely stamped out. The Tilshire family is clearly one such example.
"But my son is nearly as stubborn as he's always claimed you to be." She smirked at Hermione's blush. "Now that you've given him your acceptance and returned his interest, he'll settle for nothing less than the best. He'll settle for no one but you."
Hermione stared at her blankly for a moment before she eventually snorted inelegantly. "If I survive considering I've got some harebrained dolt after me again."
"Oh, you will, Hermione," Narcissa assured her. "My son will likely unleash every bit of darkness still chambered within him if someone so much as touches you with ill intent."
Hermione chose not to acknowledge that thought. She hated the idea of Draco tapping into any part of that again for her, even if it wasn't to harm her. She knew that he still hated himself for the way he'd acted, even if it had been to protect her.
While she spent the day exploring the family library, Draco found himself sitting behind his desk at the firm catching up on paperwork. Sentencing for Albindor Tilshire done, he found himself wrapped up in the legal work of tying up the man's assets and transferring them to his only living relative. What a surprise it had been to learn that the man had fathered a bastard half-blood son some years back, though through unsavory means. Draco relished the idea of the remaining assets not going to his sister as she'd originally requested.
He snickered to himself at the fury that would overcome that heinous bitch once she got the official notice. He'd acknowledged the boy in some documents and that was all that was needed to justify his inheritance.
By the end of the day, he'd received a note of appreciation from his boss, an annoying letter from Potter asking how Hermione's first night had been, and another from Weasley gloating about the lovely breakfast. Needless to say, he was done with mail by the time he made it into Hermione's neighborhood to feed that blasted cat.
With a constant vigilant eye for muggles, he undid her wards and slipped inside. The house was dark and quiet as he expected. He checked on the oversized 'ginger doorstop' as he called it and laughed when the cat hissed at him and ran up the stairs. He then slipped out to the small backyard.
A small black cat sat waiting expectantly, yellow gleaming eyes that looked far more intelligent than that of the common housecat.
"Merlin, you're a bit odd, aren't you," he muttered as he squatted down to be on eye level with it.
A faint scuffling sound sent him into a flurry and he stood with his wand thrust out. Harry Potter stood in a similar stance, wand out, the ends of each mere inches from each other's faces.
"Bloody hell, Potter!" He lowered his wand as he clutched at his heaving chest. "What are you doing here?"
"My job, Malfoy. Checking around the neighborhood. What are you doing here?"
"Hermione asked me to come by and feed that blasted cat."
A bright smirk transformed Harry's face and he lowered his wand finally as well. "Whipped much?"
Draco shrugged and allowed a small, devious smirk. "Perhaps I like it. I do enjoy a thorough tongue lashing."
Harry cringed and held up his hand, "Merlin, I don't need to hear about her snogging you. Just the thought makes me sick."
The blonde shrugged and continued his task of scooping up some of the muggle kibble for the cat. The two men crept out into the quiet backyard to find where the animal had scampered off to during their scuffle. They found him near the gate to her backyard but he wasn't alone.
"Fuck," Harry muttered as they jumped back from the hissing black cat.
Draco's eyes narrowed and he felt about ready to light everything on fire. There was another bloody package waiting by her gate. Plainly wrapped with no tag.
"Seems they've not given up," Harry muttered irritably. "Though this is quite bold. She'd have certainly found it when she came out to water her plants in the evening. Though why she keeps a small garden of magical plants is beyond me."
"Potion making likely," Draco muttered.
Harry lifted the package with a quick wave of his wand and turned it in the air. The cat stopped hissing but he still looked troubled.
"Smart cat," Draco noted as the feline began rubbing along his ankles.
"I'm going to take this back to the Ministry for inspection. Take the cat back to Hermione, would you?"
Draco eyed the man like he'd grown a second head. "Are you mad, Potter? My mother doesn't keep pets, which is why she left that orange menace in the house, and Hermione said it was stray."
Harry snorted as he waved his wand again, the package disappearing with a pop. "And if you think she'll be less pissed with you for leaving the damned thing here, then you're mental. She cared enough to send you to feed it so she'll care enough if whoever it is trying to get her harms the cat."
The blonde rolled his eyes but knew he was likely right. She'd hex his bollocks probably. He didn't need to be married to the witch to know that.
Oddly, the cat allowed him to scoop him up and the two disapparated on the spot.
Hermione startled when Draco appeared with a rather loud crack in front of her in the sitting room. She'd been reading another book, waiting for Narcissa to let her know that dinner was ready. Their talk that afternoon had sent her mind into a tailspin and she needed the solace of a good book to relax.
"What—" She shook her head as she stood and finally noticed the cat.
"Here," he grumbled as he transferred the small fur ball into her arms. "I cast an anti-pest charm on it so there shouldn't be any fleas. And I'm fairly certain that's not your average housecat. Too damn intelligent looking."
Hermione hurried after him as he left the room, holding the cat close to her chest. She fell into step with him and was surprised to find the small family dining table set and ready.
"Oh good," his mother nodded when she spotted the two of them. "I was just about to send Mipsy to get Hermione. Dinner is ready." She squinted at the black ball with yellow eyes. "Is that a cat?"
"Yes," Draco grumbled again as he took his seat, "And she's to be allowed to keep it while she's here. I ran into Potter while I was there to feed the blasted thing and there was another bloody package."
"What," Hermione cried, sliding limply into the seat next to him. The cat jumped from her lap and into the next chair to curl up.
Draco was acting a bit odd as he immediately unfolded his napkin in his lap before beginning to help himself to the food.
"This is getting rather serious," Narcissa muttered thoughtfully.
"You think," he growled. "And if that's not enough, I've had owls from Potter and Weasley both annoying the piss out of me today. I want to eat, snog my bloody girlfriend, and then I'm going home to get clothes because I'm staying the night." He turned to Hermione with a dark glint in his grey eyes. "I'm not letting you out of my sight after this."
Hermione shook her head, still trying to take in everything he was saying. She had the good grace to blush at the snogging comment but pressed on with her next question.
"What about work? Draco, you can't—"
"I bloody well can and will!" He sighed when his mother sent a wandless stinging hex at him for yelling. "I have the built up vacation time," he said more calmly. "It will be fine. I'll go in and tie up some loose ends tomorrow."
Hermione flinched when his mother shrieked loudly. She turned to find the cat now standing on its hind legs and attempting to steal a chicken breast from the serving dish closest to it. She was quite certain nothing so undignified had ever happened at the Malfoy dining table and of course it would happen now that she was here.
"What an eventful end to a lovely and uneventful day," Narcissa moaned miserably as the cat succeeded in his task and took off into the corner to feast on his treasure.