a/n Happy New Year! May 2019 be the best year for you!
I loved writing chapter20! If you haven't realized it yet, I love mystery so much!
I want to thank you for reading this story even if I make mistakes, which are a lot, I am aware, but I am a really stubborn person, and I want to improve myself and learn from my mistakes.
To all of you, thank you. You are great!
Love, Γ.
The Unity of Opposites
Chapter Twenty
Distance
''You are such a child! Hold still!'' Blaise yelled, grabbing his hand and placing it on top of his leg.
''I beg your pardon?'' he said, frowning and turned his head to look at him with his old dangerous gaze.
Blaise looked at him, rising his brow, high, as a smirk appeared on his lips and he crossed his arms under his chest.
''Are we in Hogwarts still? Does this awfully well sewed robe remind you our old Slythering gown?'' he asked looking at him with amusement.
Draco rolled his eyes, reminding himself that his tricks will not make any impact on his friend, so he stood still, allowing him to finish his check up.
His eyes searched the office, he was, in an effort to keep his mind occupied as Blaise was using his hands to see his big bruise.
Not realizing how, his eyes landed at the frames holding the certificates of his healer's knowledge, been placed in one of the walls, in perfect distance from one another.
The name of his childhood friend, written with black calligraphic letters, in each one of them, made him smile a little.
Secretly Draco was feeling proud of him. Not only because his life was much more exciting than his, but mostly, because he managed to leave the society that hurt them.
It was not that long ago, when he saved him from the Battle of Hogwarts, appareting him to his father's house in Sicily. He could still remember the way he was yelling at one of the Eaters cursing him.
Looking back at it now, he knew that he cared much about his friend - he was one of the many who tried to befriend him and managed to hold that sacred bond.
Maybe he deserved a friend like Blaise, someone who could see right through him and pass by all the bullshit of a talk that people spoke about him.
And looking at him now, having a life that he was proud of, living, working, loving, it all made sense to Draco. He was a happy man.
He could feel a small heat coming from the end of his healer's wand, gently spreading all over his bruised side and he exhaled slowly, knowing that this shall pass.
With the corner of his eye, he saw the way his eyes held a concerned look, something that told him he fucked up.
''Am I going to live Mr Zabini?'' he asked, not wanting to sound desperate as the heat started to feel like fire licking his injury.
He didn't speak. He just took his healer's wand and placed it in the metal box he took it from. He cleared his throat and he crossed his arms under his chest.
''Why didn't you come earlier?'' he asked him narrowing his eyes.
''You said I was totally alright. Walk through it.'' he mimicked his voice with success and smirked.
He watched him taking the box in hand, and walking to the glass shelves, placing it at its spot and sighing at his friend's stupidity.
''When you see a bruise at your ribs you call me Draco! You are not twelve!'' he said, turning his head to him and then looking back on the glass shelves in front of him.
His eyes were scanning up and down the shelves, trying to find something special, something that was new to the Wizarding Healer Society.
Grabbing a velvet fabric with a ribbon in the middle, he placed it on top of the helping stand and opened it, revealing a white wand, with a perfect thin top, reminding of a needle.
''Are you calling me an elder?'' he complained wiping an invisible stain off his slacks and not paying attention to what he was doing.
''I am calling you irresponsible.'' he smirked, taking the wand in hand and admiring it.
''Aren't you going to comment on it with one of your charismatic statements?'' he asked when the long pause made him look at him.
''No. You are right.'' he said with a calm voice, not wanting to believe he admitted it.
''Have I entered a parallel world where you run out of clever puns?'' he questioned, and he moved closer to him.
''I am a Malfoy. I never run out of anything.'' he spoke with confidence only to hear his friend's snort.
''Only of guts.''
''If you are going to insult me further - ''
''I knew the answer, I got excited.'' he said with a smirk.
''Can you fix it or not?'' he asked at once, not wanting to smile as well.
''To put your fears at rest, yes.'' he said, pointing with the wand the examination bed.
Draco exhaled loudly and lay down on his side, as his friend told him, and he rose up and back his arm, so he could do his job better.
He took a big breath, the cold leather fabric felt pleasant to his skin, as the day was rather warm for his likes.
He felt his hand slightly pinching the centre of his bruise, and he forced his eyes to look something else, as he could feel the pain rising.
Watching outside, the old architecture buildings of Catania stand proud and tall, as the morning light showered them with glory.
Even if he was not a big fan of any place than home, that moment he came to enjoy the well sculpted Church in Piazza Duomo, perfectly visible from his office's window.
He wondered how his friend's life was, being away from all the drama and the pain that a place can offer. He wondered if he could do the same.
Distant noises from the busy street managed to calm him, and his eyes slowly blinking, trying to make himself see by the way his friend did.
He left everything behind him for this, a small private medical office, everyday interaction with Muggles, and a family.
He wondered if he regretted it, if for once thought of how his life could be if he hadn't given in to his love for his wife and to helping people.
He wondered if he could do the same too, leave everything and help others - no, he thought, he loved himself too much to leave his comfort.
''I am impressed you did not heal yourself. I know how you can be with physical pain.'' Blaise said with a voice that calmed him more, breaking his train of thoughts.
Yes, he was right. He hated when he was feeling any physical pain, but if he wanted to be honest with himself, he wanted to have that at the moment.
He wanted to be a reminder of what he has done to Granger. He wanted to punish himself for allowing his feelings to take over and act so childish.
Because even now, now that he tasted the forbidden fruit that too many craved, he was feeling his thirst rising to levels he never thought they existed.
''This might hurt a bit.'' Blaise warned him, knowing that he was not going to answer.
What else is new? Draco thought and he took a big breath, closing his eyes and accepting the powerful magic entering his body.
He could feel a pointing end, giving him a cut, entering to his side like a lightning in a raining day.
At once, like a puzzle piece, his rib glued together and a painful wave vibrated his whole torso. He let out the breath, feeling the pain reaching his finger tips.
''Done.'' Blaise voice sound like an alarm clock and he opened his eyes to see the same glowing buildings outside of Blaise's office.
He took his time, allowing himself to relax, breathing in and out and feeling the pain escaping his body.
Lowering his hand to his side, he stayed there, not wanted to think of what his friend might say to him now that he was done.
It was not his natural stage to feel uncomfortable around people he chose to have in his life, but here he was, fearing of his questions.
He watched him putting the weird wand back to the box and gently placing it at the velvet fabric before he brought him his perfectly well folded shirt to wear.
Draco sat on the examination bed, his muscles starting to feel better with every passing minute and he raised his arm to see the bruise fading away.
Looking at his shirt, he took it in his hands, admiring the way his cufflinks were shining under the light, as the green line was running circles around the jewel.
''How come you didn't visit me earlier?'' he asked the question that he cared to find the answer.
Draco slipped his arms in the sleeves of his black shirt, his eyes refusing to see the faded now mark on his forearm and buttoning it.
''I've been busy.'' he said, watching the familiar gaze of his friend on his face.
''With what that might be? You are not in the Ministry anymore, you have to set foot in the Enterprise for a month, even Narcissa says you missed some events. She is truly hurt.''
''Could you stop referring to my mother with her given name? It is disturbing enough as you been my friend.'' he said with a rose brow.
''There he is! That's my boy.''
''Am I some kind of an owl, calling me your boy?'' he asked feeling offended with his statement.
''No, but I know you well enough to know when you are lying.'' he said with a smirk.
''I am not lying! I did not have the time for - ''
''What is wrong Draconis?'' he asked, slightly sitting at the end of his desk. ''I can see there is something troubling you.''
''I have it under control. For now.'' he admitted taking his eyes away from him.
''For now? Should that quieten me?'' he asked with frowned brows.
''I am not attempting to summon the evils if that is a concern of yours.''
''Well, to be honest, I thought that you are refusing to see your mother because of the engagement.'' he said crossing his arms.
''What is with all of you and my assumed engagement? I am not going to marry a Greengrass.'' he said with a laugh.
''All of you?'' he repeated his words and he looked at him with amusement. ''Who else is crazy enough to ask you about your personal life?'' he asked with a raised brow.
''People that clearly are crazy.'' he said smirking.
''Could you enlighten me with the reason you do not want to tie the knot?'' Blaise asked, curiosity written on his forehead.
''Yes. My interests changed. She is not the type of woman I will accept to be by my side and share the proud name of a Malfoy.'' he said looking at his feet.
''Weren't you the one saying that you want your mother to stop matchmaking you? I will have her in front and ten in the bag, those were your words!'' he said with a laugh.
''I do no recall saying that.'' he said still looking at his feet.
''You little knob head! You found yourself a woman, didn't you!'' he said, extending his leg to hit his.
''I did not! I simply refuse to have her by my side.'' he said with a serious gaze.
''Is that why you have been acting all weird? Missing games, leaving early, not coming to dinner?'' he said and a smirk appeared on his lips.
''Have you finished with my interrogation? I really have a rather urgent appointment.'' he said, taking his blazer in hand.
''I will tell Eleonora you visit. Be prepared for a storm of extreme pouting.'' he warned him and Draco smirked.
''She will always love me.'' he winked and disappeared from his sight.
The morning light was making his eyes watery. He hated when the sun was all bright, cheering the people around him.
In his heart, he was feeling blue, and he knew who to blame - but could he really blame her? She was not the one crossing the lines.
A loud horn made him turn around to see one of those cars everyone was impressed with. The back door opened wide and a woman shown.
She thanked the driver and told him to wait, before her eyes caught sight of the stood still proud body of Draco eyeing the car.
A bright smile made its appearance and she walked towards him, clothes imposing but holding a playful sauciness.
She slowed her walking before passing by Draco, as her eyes took in every inch of his body, until they resting on his face.
Unexpressed features, gathering around grey fierce eyes, as only a small appreciation shown to them, and made her frowned.
''Those youthful girls making me regret my wasted time in the Wizarding World.'' a voice lower than a whisper, made him turn his head.
''Life is not only pleasure Steele.'' Draco said, looking at his tired face.
''Who said that? Life is for pleasure!'' he said with a smile, fixing his hat on top of his head.
''Can we please finish with this? I do not enjoy - ''
''What's with the rush? You were the one asking for my help.''
''Fine.'' he said, looking at his feet and putting his hands in his pockets.
''Fine?'' he asked with his brows frowned.
''Yes, fine.'' he repeated, rolling his eyes.
''Since when do you agree to my say?'' he asked, amusement painted on his face.
''You know Steele, sometimes in the life of decent men, compromises has to been made in order to get what we want.'' he said fixing his blazer.
''I missed this undeniable cockiness mate.'' he said, putting a hand behind his neck and putting pressure, making Draco lean forward.
''This way.'' he talked again, starting to walk.
Draco rolled his eyes, starting to walk behind him, not wanting to get lost in the city where the no one knew him.
He watched his partner, his proud walking gave the impression that he walked those streets before.
It wouldn't be that must of a surprise - Steele had spent most of his life in muggle cities, living and working before accepting his old job back.
Shaking his head as a rushed man hit him in the shoulder, he wished it would be Hermione in his shoe his morning, heading to the police station.
Not to be ungrateful, but his mind had been long lost in the thoughts of whats and ifs the past days - and clearly seeing her all the time was not helping him.
Even if he was not that present at his own home, they did spend time together, balancing their emotions on top of a thin line.
But this was not the place or the time to think about that - finally Kingsley gave him a pass to enter the Muggle World and his work there was clear.
He knew that Hermione grew old staying in that great loft of his, and she made it clear to him with every passing day.
He wished to Merlin that this case could end soon, so she could be free - even if that meant the end of their relationship.
A loud sigh escaped his lips, and Steele turned his head to see his troubled face. He frowned, not knowing if he should even ask what was wrong.
They turned to a more widen sidewalk and at once the noises multiplied like bees in the summer. Draco looked shocked next to the peaceful face of Steele.
Horns were sound from everywhere his eyes dared to look, as cars were trapped in the middle of the road, or weird black cars with yellow stripes pulled aside to take or leave people.
Why could someone use a car when they can use their feet? he thought as a man passed by him, holding a small black thing on his ear and talking to himself.
His eyes followed him, as to his surprise, he looked like he had some kind of an argument with the black device. Muggle's are odd, he thought and he opened up his step to reach his partner.
A hand on his chest stopped him and he met Steele's eyes. ''We are here.'' he said removing his hand and looking at the big building in front of him.
''That's it? That is a police station?'' Draco asked as the reality messed up with the image he created in his head that morning.
Steele turned his head to look at him, a playful smirk appeared on his lips as the idea of Draco Malfoy learning the Muggle World seemed funny to him.
It was not that hard for him to see that he was trying greater than ever - it almost gave him the idea of teasing him a bit more.
''Kingsley gave me this pass - ''
''Yes, yes, great, now, don't talk.'' Steele said, taking his eyes away from him, fixing his leather jacket and looking at the entrance of the police station.
Draco frowned, not like the way a disturbing smirk appeared on his face. It came to his realization, that every time he smirked like so, things were about to be weird.
He watched him as his feet lead him inside the building, two-two walking the stone stairs outside of the police station, his body relaxed and full of confidence.
Draco followed him, praying to Merlin he wouldn't have to use any magic, knowing how much of a troublemaker his partner was.
They both opened the glass door and walked inside, looking at the full lobby of the building with people gathering in the front of the reception.
Draco fixed his blazer as his eyes looked at the room he was, bright light coming from those lamps he so much hated.
''Excuse me.'' a voice sound and the two men turned their heads to see a young man in a blue suit looking at them with frowned brows.
''Yes. Good morning to you too.'' Steele said, taking his eyes off him and starting to walk to the reception.
''Gentlemen.'' his strong voice sound again and he pointed at some kind of a door frame with red lamps at the sides.
Steele looked at him with narrowed eyes as his feet drove him in front of him, one hand slipping in the inside pocket of his leather jacket.
Draco watched at the way the guard automatically put his hand on his side, grabbing a thick black base of something he was caring.
Not knowing why, or how, Draco mimicked his move, touching his wand with his fingertips, trying to keep himself relaxed.
''There it is.'' Steele said, taking out a piece of paper that was not bigger than his four fingers combine.
Draco frowned as he watched his partner smile at the guard of the door frame and he rose his brows not knowing he was able to show any type of happiness in the presence of a man.
''MID?'' the guard asked with frowned brows. ''Should that tell me something Mr..'' he said, looking back at the card, ''.. Russell?''
Draco's face mimicked the confused features of the guard and he slightly rose his hand to take the pass that Kingsley gave him but the snort of Steele made him stop.
''What is your status boy?'' Steele asked, taking a step forward, being nose to nose with him.
''I am a - ''
''Let me tell you what you are not. A Ministry's Official.'' Steele said with a strong and intimidating voice.
Draco frowned even more watching the face of the young guard changing colours and then falling his gaze to his perfectly polish boots.
''Now, if I have explained myself to a common uniformed, I would rather get ahead and done with the job I've been assigned.''
''I am sorry, Mr Russell.'' the guard said and he gave back the card. ''If you could only..'' he said, pointing at the door frame.
Steele looked at Draco, eyes full of anger, begging him to do as being told. Draco nodded and he tentatively walked inside of it.
To his surprise, the red light turned green as he turned his whole body around to see it, meeting the unsurprised eyes of Steele looking back at him.
''Sir.'' the guard said and Steele looked at him with the corner of his eye.
Steele walked inside the door frame, but the colour of the lamps was not turned to green. Draco frowned, and a loud, high buzz echoed.
''Do you carry a gun Mr Russell?'' the guard asked him, watching his empty hands.
''Yes.'' he said with a confident voice, guessing what that guard might do.
He watched him looking at him blankly as if the wasn't even there. Steele narrowed his eyes, realizing what he wanted and cursed himself for drinking those whiskeys the night before.
''If even a scratch appears..'' he warned taking the gun out of the other side pocket and giving it to the guard before he walked through the frame again.
He turned around to see the young man, putting his gun inside a small vault and he sighed feeling his self unprotected.
''Who the fuck is Russell?'' Draco whispered, as they walked to the big lobby.
''It's a fake identity that I persuaded long ago.'' he said with the same low voice.
''Fake?'' he asked with a curious tone.
''Yes, Malfoy.'' he said, looking at him with the corner of his eye. ''Muggles too, do illegal shit sometimes.''
''For tricking the Muggle's higher authority?'' he questioned him, trying to find a reasonable reason for that action.
''The only higher authority that I believe in my dearest Draco, is God.'' he said turning his head to his way and smiled.
He rose his brows, realizing that Steele was one of the few people in his life that stayed completely honest with his beliefs.
Wondering about how he managed to do so, a faded memory of his partner running after some Eaters on the boards of La Rochelle, popped in his head.
Even if he fell unconscious on the ground, he remembered opening his eyes to see his partner punching his way out of the fight and a thin chain shown around his neck.
Draco's eyes had stayed at that chain, as it was the first time that he had ever seen something so personal about his partner.
As the Death Eater punched him, Steele fell to his knees and the chain escaped from the sweater he was wearing, revealing a gold cross.
It was smaller than his little finger, but as the light of the dawning sun covered it, it almost blind Draco's eyes.
On that day, Draco cowardly asked about it, and Steele put his hand inside the sweater's neck, and pulled out the thin chain with the cross.
He frowned when he heard about God, and a wave of curiosity hugged him when he understood that his constantly drunk, cursefull, sinful partner, was indeed religious.
Even if he was not talking much about his life, or his past, Draco had to learn with the hard way that he had a family, that he lost.
He wondered how much of will power someone had to have to manage to continue living his life even with the way that Steele did.
But from the other hand, he too had lost a member of his family, someone who he was looking up to as growing up, but managed to destroy everything in a blink of an eye.
''You should talk to Alex Marshall.'' the voice of the receptionist at the front desk made his thoughts break. ''Elevator, fourth floor, third office.'' she said, pointing at the elevator doors with the end of her pencil.
''Fuck.'' Draco said with a small voice and he looked at the glowing face of Steele.
He knew that he made some kind of a compliment to her - that could only explain the way he was looking at her.
Laughing in his head, he followed him at the end of the hall that they been told, and he stood next to him, hearing him yawning.
He didn't want to say anything, but he could see that he had spent the night before drinking, something that could only mean that he was slightly hangover.
Watching him, pressing the calling button, he looked at him with a smirk making Draco fear for the thoughts that might be in his head.
''How is that lovely Granger of yours?'' Steele asked when the elevator doors opened and they walked inside.
''She is not mine.'' he said with a sigh, preparing himself for the ride that it was about to follow.
He watched Steele pressing the number four on the board and the elevator started to move upwards, making Draco hold his breath.
''She is well.'' he finally said, realizing that it was not that awful like the first time.
''Of course she is! The world around her is falling apart and she is hiding.''
''What did you expect to happen? Run towards him, arms wide ready to tightly hug the man who wants to kill her?'' he looked at him with a raised brow.
''Since when are you taking her side? Weren't you the one calling her, what was it? An enthusiastic argumentative knowing-all?''
''And you called Potter a tosser, but you were the one helping him with Weasley's arrest.'' he said taking his eyes off him.
Steele's lips curled up a little, looking at him with amusement and then looking at the doors in front of them.
He knew that nothing could pass by unnoticed from him - especially something that regarded the case of a Weasley.
Everyone could see that there was bad blood between them and it was on his daily to-do list to make a statement that could drive Draco furious.
Malfoys - he thought and he snorted turning his gaze to his partner who clearly thought that he had something against him.
''Fonding her much?'' Steele said with a calm voice waiting for him to snap.
''I simply help a former classmate of mine.'' he said with his old famous gaze.
''Right, right.'' his lips curled more.
A high pitch ring made them look up, as the doors opened wide and the busy hallway of the room filled their ears with noises.
Men and women with matching clothes were walking up the down the corridors as their hands were filled with papers or folders.
Non stop tunes of ringing rhythms with panicking men running to reach them, almost made Draco take a step back.
In front of them there was a large board, with the words Crime Investigation Division and all the official's names in an alphabetic order.
Steele's eyes met Draco's as they both started to walk feeling invisible between the women and men in the huge room.
Their feet stopped outside of the third door as the name of the person they wanted to find was written in capital letters.
Steele was the one who knocked, watching the patient eyes of Draco taking in every new detail of the room.
He opened the door with a sudden move, making Draco frowned and walked in, closing the door behind him.
''Alex Marshall?'' he heard Steele calling the name and he looked around the room.
That sure didn't look like an office, he noticed as a small round desk in front of them, filled with papers and a computer in the middle, made him remember of the City Hall.
Numerous folders in a wall case behind it, a white shining board with some kind of a pen at the side, gave him the impression that he was in a library.
His eyes looked for Steele, as he was standing still in front of another desk, with two feet on top of it, and two hands holding a big newspaper.
''Is that him?'' Draco asked with a low voice walking towards his partner.
''He is a she and she is not pleased that you ported inside her office without hearing the proper say.'' a strong voice sounded.
''You must be - ''
''Go outside, knock as it is required and when I allow your enter you can tell me what I must and must not be.'' she said lowing her newspaper to see their faces.
Surprised eyes looked back at her, as her confident blue eyes met theirs and a game of intimidating chest started.
''I am truly sorry, Mrs Marshall.'' Draco said with a charming voice, looking at her.
She narrowed her eyes, watching his bizarre face glowing, like he had just swallowed a star and she frowned as her eyes fell to Steele.
He looked like the men that she was working with - high self-esteem, low competitive skills, drunk eyes full of unanswered questions.
She hated that kind of men - she looked at him and he took his hat off, revealing thick hair that was shining under the morning light.
''We did not mean to disturb you at your place of work, but your help is quite needed at the moment.'' he said, taking the file that was on Steele hand and gave it to her.
''Silas Nehone.'' she said after some time of reading the file that Draco gave her. ''Who are you?'' she asked, looking back at them with sceptical eyes.
Steele took off the same card that he used for the guard at the front entrance and he gave it to her with a smile.
''Ministry's Investigation Division?'' she asked with a confused look and gave the id back.
Steele nodded and she looked at them, her pencil between her fingers tapping fast against the desk, not liking the feeling that was forming in her guts.
Throwing the pencil on her desk, she stood up, her chair made a sound that made Draco's ears hurt, and she put a hand on her waist, pushing back one side of her blazer so her badge could show.
''Why would the MID interest in a sixty five years old case?'' she asked watching Steele's eyes narrowed.
''If I had to explain myself to a lower, I wouldn't be an officer.'' he said mimicking her.
''But the officer needs my help now, isn't he.'' she said, extending her hand with the file to Draco.
''A help that you require to give.'' he said, taking the file before Draco could.
''Those files were not even placed in our database. I can not help you.''
''I strongly believe that a try might be worthful.'' Draco said with a kind voice, feeling the tension in the room raising.
She watched the way his eyes were full of desperation, something that made her realize that the case might be his.
Wishing she hadn't given that id back, she walked towards the other desk and her fingers started to play with the keyboard of the computer.
''This case was never solved.'' she announced and she rose a brow to them.
''We are aware.'' Draco said, holding his desire to walk towards her and see what she found on her computer.
Her eyes raised and landed on him, a shine that she had never seen before made her question their intentions.
An inner battle started, as Draco had pulled out his gentleman show and not knowing it, his eyes were still full of a new desperation, something that made her feel uncomfortable.
''I doubt that there is any type of document, but since you made such a long trip for it..'' she said after a while.
She stood up, and she waved at them with her head to follow her. They stepped out of her office and they walked towards the other side of the floor.
She opened a door and a small room appeared, filled with folders, boxes, papers with the division's name and some ink holders that Draco has never seen before.
He walked behind them, his eyes were trying to take in every little detail until he saw the iron doors that Marshall's hands opened.
Draco frowned at Steele, who walked in the elevator like it was the most normal thing. He waved his head at him and Draco walked inside, looking her closing the doors.
She pressed a button painted as a pointing down arrow, and Draco took a step back so he could meet Steele's eyes.
He looked at him, rising his shoulder not knowing where she might take them. ''I am afraid there is a mess down there.'' she said, turning her head to see Draco, who had slipped his hand in his pocket to grab his wand.
''What does that mean?'' he said, feeling their ride ended.
''Our electronic database starts fifty years ago. Everything else..'' she said, opening the iron doors of the elevator and stepping out. ''.. Is right there.''
Her hand reached out to the switch and the room filled with light. Both men widen their eyes, as an uncomfortably large room unfolded in front of them.
Each way their eyes looked, long corridors with metal tall shelves, holding large paper boxes with names and dates filled the room with the smell of wet paper.
''You will be allowed only for the day. If you don't find what you want, do not bother and step your feet here.'' she said with a calm voice.
''I will send an officer to accompany you. Don't want you to feel unwelcome in any way.'' she said with her lips curled and stepped into the elevator, closing the doors.
''What is it with the Muggles and their crimes?'' Draco asked himself out loud when she was gone.
''Most of our crimes stays hidden Malfoy.'' he said and he took his wand out. ''Accio.'' Steele said a strong voice.
A distant thud sounded and a paper package dragged at their feet. ''Happy your highness?'' Steele said to him, and Draco knelt to see it up close.
He waved at the lid and it flew away, leaving a thick dust in the air. Draco cleared his throat feeling disgust and watched at Steele, who was waving his hand up and down.
''What is that?'' he asked and Draco took out of the box a bag with a sticker that wrote evidence.
With capital letters, was the name of Silas Nehone, following by the word shirt, a date and with letters that made Draco narrowed his eyes to read, read forest.
He looked at Steele, who knelt too, and nodded to him to open the bag. Breaking the seal carefully, he looked inside to find a blouse full of blood.
He frowned and he gave it to Steele. ''What would they keep that? This is disgusting.'' he said and he let it aside.
Steele's hand took out another similar bag that was smaller but held the same name under the word evidence.
''What do you have there?'' Draco asked, extending his hand to see a hand wood handle.
''A jack knife.'' Steele said, taking it out and looking at it.
On top of its blades still had some dried blood, as Steele held it in his hand to see it up close, noticing small carved letters on the side.
''A jack knife?'' Draco asked, looking at it.
''Yes. It is common amongolder teens.'' he said starting to make a small show foro him to give him the idea.
Steele took the bag and read the note outside. ''That was not the murder weapon.'' Steele announced and looked at it again - not knowing why he didn't like the story so far.
Draco took out a folder with papers inside and he put it on the floor opening it. Official papers that looked like parchment filled Draco's hands.
On top of the paper there was a drawn - two lions that were not facing each other, guarding a crown and the words Crime Scene Report on top.
Draco noticed that on the folder there was the word confidential inside a red box. He frowned even more and his eyes run through some of the words.
1937, Silas Nehone, only-child - the sound of the elevator made him look at his partner. He cursed under his tongue, not believing that she did send someone to watch them over.
He tighten his jaw and they put everything back to the package closing it. Draco took his wand out and he pointed at it. ''Geminio.''
He spoke and the package started to vibrate, slowly at first until it fasten its shake and flew in the air only to fall down double.
''Diminuendo.'' Steele's voice sound perfectly clear and the original box started to shrink.
Steele took it in his hand and put it inside his pocket. ''Let's go.'' Steele said, but Draco waved at the top of the box and a thin layer of dust, covered it up.
''Wingardium Leviosa.'' Draco said, pointing at the fake package and driving it to where it belonged.
He put his hand on top of Steele shoulder and they apparated seconds before the door of the elevator opened and the guard found nothing but a small breeze.
She closed the book and left it on top of the nightstand. There were at least a hundred pages left, but she wanted to finish it at night.
She could never guess that a wizard writer could extend his knowledge around female ambition and express it on the paper.
Nevertheless, she came to enjoy it more than she expected - she thought that she might have to thank Narcissa Malfoy for suggesting it.
She exhaled loudly, hugging her knees and looking at the afternoon sky, giving its place to the night.
Even if she spent all of her morning alone, wondering around his house and catching up with some work, she knew that now he was here.
She noticed him the moment he apparated home, and even if he did knock on her door to announced her that they took the box to Kingsley, she chose to stay there.
Not because she was not curious to find out what they found, but that time she spent alone this morning was a blast.
Knowing that he was gone, made her let out a breath she didn't know she was holding, realizing that the much needed space between them had to be longer.
She looked at her watch and she wondered why she didn't hear him preparing his dinner - she too was not that hungry.
Standing up, she walked to her door, opening it, and cowardly walked out, heading to the living room. She took her time, watching the back of his head lean forward as his hand was holding a book.
She leaned to the wall, watching his fingertips holding it like something holy, liking that he too enjoyed the company of a good book.
Raising his head, he left the it aside, cleared his voice, knowing that she was standing behind him and her eyes were stuck to him.
''You can read my books, Draco, it is not a crime.'' she said walking to him.
''What is that?'' she asked, looking the small bottle that was next to his mug.
''Blaise gave it to me.'' he said not looking at her, but the bottle that he found in his study room when he came home.
She extended her hand, taking the bottle to look at it and she frowned, reading his name under the potion's details.
''Zabini is a healer?'' she asked with a surprised voice.
''Haven't you heard?'' he said and he took it from her hand, carefully so her fingers won't touch his.
She noticed it and she awkwardly took her hand away, finding a seat at the other side of the sofa, like they were strangers.
''What does it do?'' she asked with a sigh.
''Apparently help with the pain, but I haven't seen any difference yet.'' he spoke, starting to feel a bit uncomfortable around her presence.
''So you were hurt.'' she said with a small voice and she took her eyes away from his stiff body.
He only raised his head and looked at her, not daring to say something else to her, something that he would regret later.
''I've been thinking about the museum, your plan.'' she said, nodding, ''I will do it.'' she agreed and she raised her head to see his surprised eyes.
Silence fell among them, feeling fragile, like autumn leaves ready to make any sound if someone dared to disturb them.
''Why are you looking me like that?'' she asked, not liking the way his eyes were taking in every detail of her face like she was about to disappear.
''Too much of a risk.'' he said and he took his eyes away from her.
''Yes, it is but if you are right, we might get him out of his cave.'' she looked at him like he had forgotten what the goal was.
''We might be closer with a way to find him than we thought. Just allow Steele to do his job.'' Draco said with a strong voice and Hermione rose her brows.
''I said I am doing this. If you are not going to inform your mother, I will.'' she insisted cornering him.
''What can you not understand? We are too close to find his house.'' he said annoying and his eyes fell on her.
''Can you not see the point here? Nehone is not that fool to stay in the same house, and of course, Steele is too of a profitless to even think of a way to unspell Nehone's cast!''
''Give him some credit Granger. He was the one guarding your room when you were in a coma.'' he advised her and he took his eyes away from her.
''If you trust him this much, must mean his work will be finished earlier than the grand opening.'' she said with an innocent voice, perfectly reminding him of her job.
''Merlin you are stubborn.'' he said, looking at his feet.
''You were the one coming with the plan in the first place.'' she said with a laugh looking at him.
''My reputation has to have flaws of reckless plans, Granger.'' he smirked.
''And my reputation has to have flaws of reckless plans that I make them work, Malfoy.'' she said mimicking his smirk.
''Fine! But..'' he said, looking at her dangerously, ''.. You will not misbehave - we cannot risk anything happening to you.''
''You know me Draco, I will never do anything to make you applaud my rule breaking bravado.''
''It is because I know you I am concerned.'' he looked at her with a way it made her blush.
His eyes rested on her, like it would be the last time he would see her, and he stayed still, not even breathing, not even wanting to lose that picture.
She was just beautiful like that, casually sitting in his presence, sharp tongue sinked to a clever mind that no one managed to tame.
Raising her eyes at him, she looked at the way his cheeks painted pink and she smiled to him - he took his eyes away, tightened his jaw and trying to control his emotions.
''You know you will spend much time with Narcissa right?'' he said in an attempt to sound cool and not troubled with the thought of her.
''Why would you say that?'' she asked with frowned brows.
''Being around my mother days before a gathering that great, well, it is not pleasant.'' he said shaking his head.
''Is she stressed? Anxious?'' she asked, putting her legs on top of the sofa and at her side.
She heard him laughing and she looked at him, his perfect teeth visible under his lips. She tried to capture that smile in her mind, she tried to save it in her heart.
It had been days since he smiled to her - and now, watching him doing it so carefree, filled her heart with warmth and need.
''More of a perfectionist, bossy, chary spirit of a woman who trick the time to move slower every day that dares to come closer to her event.''
''She can do that?'' she asked with widened eyes. ''How? Tell me!''
''What do you mean how? Weren't you, the one using the Time Turner?'' he asked, crossing his arms under his chest.
''How do you know about that?'' she asked raising a brow.
''I know everything that happens with any of my family's heirloom Granger.'' he spoke and she smiled, remembering how protective he was with his family name.
''My hands treated it with respect.'' she said with a smile and she buried her hand to her thick curls.
''Yes, Potter's too!'' he said with a smirk and looked at her, leaning back his head on the back of the sofa.
''What is wrong with you and Harry?'' she asked with amusement. ''You two have blamed for enemies and I cannot see a reasonable reason!''
''A reason? Should I, how Steele says it? Break it down for you?'' he said with a laugh, but he had a rather serious gaze in his eyes.
Hermione laughed and made herself even more comfortable on the sofa, watching his eyes finally appreciating her presence near him.
''Please do. I love tales!'' she said with a smirk similar to his.
''Are you mocking me?''
''You? Merlin no! I truly am curious, please, go on.'' she said, looking at him with a serious gaze, encourage him to say what was on his mind.
''I feel, you will make me regret it.''
''Why are you avoiding it?''
''I am not! A Malfoy never avoids anything!''
''It is a stupid reason, isn't it?'' she asked nodding her head.
''You were there! I offered him my friendship at the entrance of the Great Hall and he refused it!''
''Of course he would! You mocked Ron!'' she said with a laugh not wanted to believe what she just heard.
''He did it first! He laughed because of my given name!'' he said, feeling offended by her words.
''Well, truth being told - ''
''What?'' he asked in horror and she laughed making him smile too.
''It is not a common wizarding name Draco, I am sure you are aware of that.''
''Of course it is not! When I was born, my heart was weak. My parents named me Draconis, as an honourable attempt to empower me.'' he said with one breath, taking his eyes off hers.
''I didn't know that.'' she said with a small voice, her eyes filled with care and worry.
Cowardly he rose his head, his eyes locked with hers, as he realized what he just told her. He wanted to look away, but he couldn't.
She was looking at him with a way he had never seen before, and his heart filled with warmth. She was not right, not this time at least - he was not pushing her away.
He was just taking his time to allow her to enter completely and unconditionally in his life, letting aside fear and prejudgment.
''Now you do.'' finally he spoke, managing to take his eyes from her and look at his lap.
Silence hugged them as the thought of her caring this much for him was playing like fine music in their ears.
She wanted to say something, anything, but she couldn't. She couldn't find words to explain how much she came to care about him.
A fear that made her heart a shelter finally moved out, and it was like she could see, hear, feel, differently.
She looked at him, his perfectly combed hair, giving the impression of something gold and shining making her realize that he was just that - a man who held in, a treasure than no one seen before.
A treasure that he was the one guarding, at any cost, allowing no one to reach. If Hermione had a fog in her life that made her undaunted heart crack in the middle and filled with fear, Draco had a dragon.
A dragon that stuck his claws to his heart, pushing them deeper and deeper every time something hurt him, with long, heavy wings that curled around it, guarding it from anything and anyone who dared to reach it.
''Where you going?'' he asked with a soft voice as she stood up from her seat and walked to the grand piano.
''It is only fair to witness my talent.'' she said with a smile and she sat on the stool.
''Do not expect much, I stopped with my lessons when my letter arrived.'' she said with a sigh that he knew it meant she regret it.
He rose his head, not wanting to miss her delicate fingers being pressed on the keys he used to press and his mind stopped.
Tunes that filled his heart with a nostalgic wave of missing dreams, chances, regrets, and time. Time that he lost, time that he had.
He looked at her, the way she was playing, allowing herself to relax, allowing mistakes in her life. She knew she had to play in a long time, but she just did it for him.
Feeling his eyes watery, he bit the inside of his cheek, not allowing any emotion shown - his longing, his loneliness, his frustration, his isolation, his lust, his love.
He only allowed the melody, perfectly clear, as if it was a phrase, a statement, vibrate his mind, numb it and caress it as a mother's hand.
Hearing her sigh, he blinked, feeling like she closed the door that led him to heaven, and he watched her hands resting in her lap.
''That melody - is that all from your wild imagination?'' he asked, clearing his throat, feeling like he had just been spelled.
''No.'' she said, laughing and turning around to see him. ''It is from a muggle artist, Beethoven. He is long gone now. What you heard was a part of the Moonlight Sonata.''
''Sonata?'' he asked, standing up and walking towards her.
''Yes, it is..'' her mouth fell open at the sight of him walking to her ''..it is a composition of instrumental soloist, often with a piano accompaniment.'' she finished her thought, raising her head to see him.
His eyes fell to the empty spot at the stool and she moved further to allow him to sit. She watched as his face, his eyes held on a need she did not recognize.
He stood there, next to her, his leg was warming up hers, as his guards were falling down and the tension in the room rose high.
Hermione could feel the air around her brittle - it could snap at any moment, at any passing second, and if it doesn't she might.
She could feel her chest rising and falling with an unknown speed, fear waiting to take over and walk her legs to her room where she can lock herself forever.
But right now, she would not allow it - she would take it all in, feeling it completely and keep it there as she started to notice there is no danger around him anymore.
She was with him, and he was with her, and there was nothing and no one else that could make her feel this weird but yet new feeling - new and pleasant.
''Show me.'' he said with a soft voice.
Her eyes fell to his hands and her breath caught up to her chest, as she slowly extended her own and reached out his, placing them to the piano's keys.
At once she felt a familiar heat warming up her body and she looked at his eyes, making sure he felt it too.
She placed her own to the keys and told him the notes, taking her eyes off him. His eyes fell to her hands, and he mimicked her movements.
It didn't take him much time to start and play by himself, not noticing when she had taken her hands off the keys.
In a bold move, Hermione rested her hand on his shoulder, making him miss a note, and she smiled, breathing in the familiar cologne and welcoming the feeling of him next to her again.
Draco opened his eyes to see the empty side of his bed. Even if he hadn't noticed it yet, he was looking to find her by his side.
Taking a big breath, he rolled to his back and he breathed out, trying to forbid any thought, any emotion to wake up, as pictures of them on his grand piano came to his mind.
He stayed there, lazily blinking at the ceiling of his bedroom, as the distant sounds of noises cowardly filling his room.
Knowing that it was too early in the morning, he felt a bit tired, but managed to keep himself from falling asleep again.
This day would be long, and he needed his time to allow himself to have the absolute control of his emotions - he could not risk to show how his heart was beating faster because of her.
He wished to Merlin the night before, Steele had managed to find something in that box they stole from the police station, because knowing Granger, she will want results faster than he could say Quidditch.
Throwing the blanket off his body, he sat on the bed watching his reflection in the mirror in front of him.
He ran his fingers through his messy hair and he stood up, his naked torso feeling the chilling temperature pleasing.
He rose his arms, stretching them, feeling only a small pain coming from his side. He looked at the potion on his nightstand.
Hermione was right - he just had to give it some time. He stood up, and he looked at his right hand, the Malfoy ring curling his finger proudly.
Making a crazy thought disappearing from his mind, he took off his night bottom and he walked to his bathroom.
He looked himself in the mirror again, some golden hair coming out of his chin, making him frown and he snapped his fingers disappearing them.
He was not a big fond of facial hair, even if each one of his friends started to grow beard. He laughed with the idea and he messed his hair more.
Turning around, he opened the tub, and at once the hot water filled the room with steam and he walked in, feeling the burning pleasant.
He rested one hand at the tiles, putting his head under the water and feeling his morning tension slowly escaping his body and he sighed.
Merlin he missed sex - with all his might, if there was a measuring, and his hand simply could not work anymore.
Trying to turn off his mind, he stepped out of the shower, covering his naked body with a towel and he walked to his room only to see his reflection again.
He lowered his eyes and he tried not to think about the craziest thing he ever thought of - because that could only mean something that he was afraid to admit.
He walked to his closet opening it, seeing the numerous costumes that he had. He took one and he dressed himself.
Then he opened his shoe case, and he took a pair, walking to his bed and putting them on. His grey eyes, fell to the family ring again, making the craziest idea popped in his head.
He sat there, his hand turned into a fist, as he was trying to realize why the hell he was afraid to see the truth - a truth that was begging him for attention.
He looked his reflection again, and walked towards the mirror, as if a voice guided him. He fixed his hair, magically this time and he wore his blazer.
Once he appreciated the man in front of him, he looked at his right hand's reflection in the mirror. He tighten his jaw and he cursed himself.
He put his thumb on it, and at once the mirror turned to liquid, revealing a small black velvet trunk. In the middle there was a thick iron line with a lock on it.
Draco looked at it, trying to convince himself that it was not the right thing to do - not at this moment at least.
But something made him open his mouth. ''Ex Nihilo Nihil Fit.'' he spoke and the lock untied like a ribbon.
He watched as the velvet box opened up with a gentle pop and his eyes looked inside of it, trying to remember when it was the last time he opened it.
Taking a big breath, he rose his hand and he took the ring that was similar to his. He looked at it, a large emerald stone in the middle, being held in place by one the dragon's claws.
It was much more delicate than his, with two extra emerald raw stones at the side of the main one, looking like eyes. He felt a small shiver as he remembered his grandfather giving him those two rings.
He turned it around, the sculpted tails of the dragons wrapped with each other, like they spoken an infinite vow, waiting to guard the next Malfoy woman.
He held it in his hand, tight, almost feeling like she would snap if he even say what was on his mind and he put it in the pocket of his slack.
He watched at his half opened door and he walked out, feeling his heart beat rising uncontrollably. He knew he had crazy ideas, but never turned wrong.
Passing by her room, he noticed that the door was wide opened and she was not there. He frowned and he walked to the kitchen to see her all dressed up.
Mimicking his own favourite colour, as well as his slack, he knew she had spent at least an hour debating herself if clothes can make a person, before she dressed herself up.
He crossed his arms under his chest, liking the way he was not in much pain anymore and he cleared his throat making her turn around.
''What are you doing?'' he asked not letting her speak first.
''I couldn't sleep.'' she said with a tired voice and her looks fired up a fear that might be on his mind since she agreed to this.
He watched her passing by him and going to the sofa, where a book was waiting for her. He was certain that she was feeling anxious about something.
''What are you doing?'' she repeated his question and she looked at him, not wanting her eyes to fall at the piano like it was a sinful place.
''I always wake up early.'' he said and he made himself a cup of tea.
''Do you think she will be mad? About me there?'' she asked with a soft voice making Draco's fears come alive.
''Having you there, would be like a needle sewing the lips of the people who dared to question her.'' Draco said and he sat in the armchair with his Daily Prophet at hand.
''I am flattered.'' she rose her brows, not believing that this might be true.
Starting to read her book, she noticed a pair of eyes looking at her every now and then, making her checks reddish as his eyes were resting on her more than a second.
Taken big breaths, she wondered what he might want, and a small excitement started to build up in her stomach.
Her worried thoughts flew away from the time they spent in silence, as her eyes were running through the lines of her book rushed.
When she finally looked at him, it was time for them to leave - at once, her peaceful face looked bothered and he tightened his jaw, knowing that she was stressed.
She stood up watching him, her eyes filled with a shade of worry, something that triggered Draco's fears even more.
Folding his newspaper, his eyes followed her, as she walked to her room, and came back with a trench coat and a hat that she made out of an old t-shirt.
She was not a big fun of hats, but walking on the streets of the Wizarding London, that early in the morning, could turn some heads.
She frowned at his sight - his foot was tapping fast, giving the impression that he was waiting for something to happen.
''Is there something wrong?'' she asked, feeling her distressed vibe lowering its beat, as the picture of an anxious Malfoy was not that common.
''No.'' he said, trying to put a stop on his mind.
''If stress had a face, it would be yours.'' she said, pointing at him and he looked at her offended.
''My angelic features are not for waste.'' he said, crossing his arms under his chest.
He heard her laughter and he smirked too, her hands, putting her hair in a low bun, some of her curls falling around her face.
He took his Auror badge, proudly wearing it, and he buttoned his blazer, looking at her eyes following his hand's moves.
''Ready?'' he asked and he walked towards her, but her eyes were stuck to his badge.
''It is..'' she said and she cowardly extended her hand to perfectly fix it.
He looked at her, her checks turned pink, as his eyes stayed on hers, not knowing where else he could look.
''You will go..'' she said, pointing at his badge, ''.. to the Ministry?'' she asked with one breath and she took a step back.
''Steele might need help.'' he said, knowing that her mind was working at full speed.
''Of course.'' she said with an awkward laugh, looking at her trench coat waiting to be worn.
''If you want to - ''
''No.'' she said at once knowing that he would ask her to cancel it. Was her fear of spending some alone time with his mother so clear to him?
She bit her lip and she put her hands on her waist, trying to say to herself that she there was no danger - that she even called her by her given name.
Looking at Draco, she cleared her throat, not wanting to put any idea on his mind and she relaxed her stiff shoulders.
''I am being ridiculous, I am sorry.'' she said with a laugh and then a kind smile appeared on her lips.
''Alright.'' he said and put his hand together.
He put them close to his mouth, blowing inside of them. Hermione frowned as he lowered his hands again, opening to reveal a chain that looked like an alive snake.
At once the chain took a shade of silver that could only be seen if someone was being really close. She looked at it, then him and then it again.
''What is that?'' Hermione said and he just shushed her.
Hermione rose her brows with surprise, crossing her arms under her chest. She watched him finding the two ends of the chain and then putting his hand in his pocket.
''What are you doing?'' she asked losing her patience.
''Turn around.'' he said and she widened her eyes.
''What? No. Why?'' she asked in horror not knowing why she was feeling her heart beat faster, and he smiled, making her relax at once.
''Turn around Granger. Please.'' his voice was soft, and she slowly turned her back to him.
Draco took out the ring, passing it through the chain. He looked at it, holding the ends of the chain and letting fall revealing the length of the chain.
Gently, he put his hands in front of her, placing the chain around her neck, and with another blow that sent a shiver down her spine, he whispered Fiat Lux.
At once the two ends glowed, bonding together and the chain lightened up all the way down to the ring. Hermione's eyes widened at the sight and she took the jewel in her hand.
She looked at it, the perfect emerald colour of the large stone could almost show her reflection. Her lips fell apart, as she realized what he just gave her.
Turning the ring around, she saw the tails of the dragons bonding together, and she closed her eyes, her lips curling up a little.
Knowing how hard it was for him to show any emotion, she slowly turned around, her hands still holding the ring.
His checks were pink, and he had slipped his hands into his pockets, awkwardly looking at his feet, like a teenage boy who had just confessed his love.
''This is a family heirloom.'' he said clearing his throat.
''It is connected to mine.'' he said, taking his right hand off his pocket, curling his fingers to make her see his own ring.
Her eyes fell on it, like it was the first time she seen it - a stone like hers in the middle, with tails curling around it, two dragon heads aside, whose eyes were emeralds too.
She looked at him, her eyes started to search something beyond care in his - something that could make the knot in her stomach grew bigger if that was possible.
''If anything happens, if you feel like leaving, or if my mother wrap her claws around you like a worshipping God..'' he awkwardly said and her eyes locked to his.
''.. Wear the ring. I will find you wherever you are.'' he said and it sounded like a promise to her ears.
He looked at her sparkling eyes, a need to put his hands around her and pull her closer to his body and hug her, filled his whole mind.
''Okay.'' she said with a kind voice, letting it fall.
His eyes followed it, as it rested between her breasts and he slightly licked his lips, as a desire to push her against the wall filled his mind.
Realizing that he cared greater for her than he ever thought, he looked at her admiring the way her eyes glowed and he blushed, as his emotions started to give him away.
''You should better..'' he said, looking at the ring and then her black blouse.
''Right.'' she agreed, clearing her throat and she put it under it.
She felt the chain warming up at once, like its creation happened so it could live against her chest, and the ring fell between her breasts's flesh, feeling the cold stone touching them.
She looked at him, cowardly his eyes rested on her and he extended his hand to her. She curled her fingers around his forearm and disappeared in the morning light.