Unjust

Rate M: Violence, Language, Lemons

When Draco arrived at the Weasley/Parkinson residence it was swarming with aurors. "Malfoy!" he heard his name over the chaos. "Over here!"

Harry was standing by an ornate bench upon which Ginny and Pansy were gathered close together. Pansy's eyes were red and swollen and a freshly healed cut could be seen on her right cheek. "It was Yaxley," Harry said quietly. "He didn't even try to hide his identity."

"We'll get him back," Draco said to the group. "We will get Ron back."

"We have to find someplace safe for everyone involved Malfoy," Harry said taking him by the arm and pulling him away from the girls. "The wards were in place when Yaxley broke through. According to Pansy they never even heard him in the house until it was too late."

"The Manor is the only place that I can think of Potter. I know they'll be protected there."

"I was hoping you would say that Malfoy."

"Mipsy closed the floo so we'll have to apparate them to the Manor grounds."

"Then let's get them moved and we'll come back to investigate further."

"Send a patronus to Hermione and let her know we are coming so that father can adjust the wards to accept everyone. I don't want to fight with the stones at the gate again."

Within half an hour Ginny, Pansy and Hermione were bundled up together in one of the larger Malfoy Manor bedrooms. They were all sound asleep thanks to calming draughts and dreamless sleep potions that had been administered by Narcissa.

Narcissa and Mipsy were seated in the front drawing room watching Lucius pace. "Lucius darling, please have a seat. All of this pacing is not going to help anything."

"I cannot sit love. I… my… my ignorance has cost so much," Lucius drug a hand down his face and frowned. "It has cost all of us so much and now is effecting those around us."

"Mipsy will fix some tea Cissy. We needs tea," the little house elf said before apparating with a pop out of the room.

"Lucius, you cannot take all the blame upon yourself."

"Can't I Cissy? I was under the impression that I involved myself of my own free will in the madness of that man and drug you and Draco along with me. And for what? To protect a blood line that was dying out? To protect a way of life that only causes pain and harm?"

"You have learned Lucius. We all have learned."

"It is unjust that all are being punished for my misgivings Narcissa."

Narcissa shook her head but didn't say anything else. "Mipsy has the tea," the house elf said returning with a pop. "Master Draco and Master Potter is returning. Mipsy felt them apparate within the wards."

Lucius left the drawing room and headed straight for the front door opening it to a weary looking Draco and Harry. "Father," Draco said tiredly.

"Come in lads come in, do you have any news of Mr. Weasley?"

Lucius led them to the drawing where Mipsy had replaced the tea with fire whiskey and glass tumblers. Narcissa handed both men a glass before taking a seat next to Mipsy again. Draco threw the whiskey back in one solid gulp and closed his eyes while Harry just held his glass. "Yaxley took Ron," Draco said into the silence. "He was unaware that Ron and Pansy were married and thought that he was breaking into Ron and Hermione's home."

"So you found him then?" Lucius asked with a hopeful tone.

Harry shook his head. "No Mr. Malfoy. After searching the house we found nothing so we went to Azkaban to speak with Rowle. He told us what the plan was to be if he was captured. The three men are under the impression that Ron and Hermione married. I'm not sure what Yaxley thought when he discovered Pansy in bed with Ron instead of Hermione."

"Harry?" came a female voice from the door.

"Ginny love why are you awake?" Narcissa asked with concern.

"I was in search of the loo and heard voices. Your home echoes."

Harry stood from the chair and wrapped Ginny in a tight hug. "We haven't found him Gin, but we have a decent lead. How is Pansy?"

"Dreamless sleep didn't work for her, she's been talking in her sleep and whimpering. That's what woke me really," Ginny mumbled. "Are you staying?"

Harry glanced at Draco who nodded affirmation. "We need to rest Potter. Get cleaned up and feel somewhat normal again. Mipsy would you mind showing the Potter's a room?"

"Mipsy would be pleased. Come Potter's follow Mipsy please."

Draco nodded at Harry and turned back to his parents. "I need a favor," he said.

"Whatever it is will not be a favor Draco. You owe us nothing and we are glad to help in any way," Narcissa said with a glance at Lucius who was nodding.

"The Manor is the safest place for Hermione, Ginny, and Pansy right now…"

"Their belongings have already been brought here son."

Draco nodded at Lucius. "Have no worries about Ms. Granger, Mrs. Potter, and Mrs. Weasley," Lucius continued. "They will be well cared for and protected within the walls of the Manor."

"Now off to bed with you dove," Narcissa said. "Clean up first and then rest we'll see you in a few hours."

"Thank you mother," and he hesitated a moment before adding, "thank you father."

Draco stepped into his bedroom from the shower with a towel wrapped around his waist. He didn't bother to light any candles because he was exhausted and looking forward to falling into the comfort of his bed. He toweled his hair quickly before dropping both towels on the floor and slipping beneath the heavy duvet and silk sheet. He smelled her before he realized she was in his bed.

"Hermione?" he asked into the darkness of the room while the scent of strawberries and honey filled his nostrils.

"Shhh," she said moving close to him in the bed. "Go to sleep Draco. I just had to know you were ok."

He felt her hands moved softly across his shoulders and chest before her mouth settled gently against his lips. "Good night," she said beginning to pull away from him, but he caught her hand.

"Stay," was all he said and he grinned in his exhaustion as she settled back against him.

To be continued…..