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XXI. Literately Rebuilding a Life
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"You're going to love it," Draco assured her as their carriage made its way to the location of Malfoy Manor. "You'll have plenty of room to relax, gardens to explore," he grinned, "books to read."
Hermione brightened. "Books?"
"Libraries full of them."
She settled back with a content smile. "That sounds nice."
"Trust me; you will have plenty to do at the Manor while we wait for the others."
She laughed. "Trust a Slytherin? I don't know if I should."
"If you can't trust me, how are you ever going to live with me?"
"You said it yourself," she pointed out. "The Manor is big enough for the two of us."
Draco scowled and turned away.
"Oh, stop pouting you prat. I was joking and you know it."
"Just wait until the Mafoys living at the Manor meet you. They'll set you straight."
"Do you think they'll know us?"
Draco laughed. "Of course they will. Don't you remember that Clear told us that my 'parents' had moved here already? They must have bought the Manor years ago."
Hermione nodded. "That makes sense."
Moments later the carriage lurched to a stop. "This must be it," Draco said happily as he exited the coach. He helped Hermione out as well before heading up the path at a brisk walk.
"Home, sweet…" Draco trailed off as he looked at his surroundings.
"Draco, what is it?" Hermione asked as she climbed the hill. She followed his gaze downwards and her eyes widened at the sight.
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"This can not be the right location!" Draco argued with the driver.
"Sir," he protested weakly, "it is. What were you expecting?"
"My Manor!" he cried. "My big, white, beautiful Manor! Malfoy Manor!"
The man sighed. "This is Malfoy Manor. After the owners died—"
"Died?" Hermione cut him off. "They're dead?"
The driver nodded. "Yes ma'am. Passed within a week of each other less than five moths ago. You knew them?"
"Obviously, if we were looking for their Manor!" Draco said angrily. They had been his last chance at going home. What was he to do now?
"I'm sorry for your loss," the man said, eyeing Draco cautiously. "Well after they passed, the place caught fire in a lightening storm. With no caretaker, the place just burned."
Hermione nodded. "Sir, how do you know so much about this?"
"I work for a family up the road," he said, flustered at being called 'sir'.
"I see. May we have your name in case we need to get a hold of you for anything more?"
"Of course, ma'am. The name's Thomas. Franklin L Thomas. I work for the Higgs Residence."
Hermione smiled. "That you for your help, Franklin. Perhaps we'll see you again soon."
Franklin left the two alone with Ron Weasley. Draco had Ron go look in the town for a carriage they could buy as well as a place to stay. Once he was gone, Hermione wandered back over the hill to the ashes and charred ruins of Draco's home.
"What now?" she asked when she felt him approach her from behind.
"I'm not sure. I know this is where my Manor was though. And this is not it."
Hermione smiled. "Then let's rebuild it. We can make floor plans and start over."
Draco smiled. "I do suppose that we have quite a bit of time on our hands."
"So," she prompted, "what would be right here?"
Draco thought about it and wrapped his arms around Hermione. "Right here would be the garden. A little ways up was the porch. Then there was the Manor. Don't worry if you can't visualize it. I'll draw out the plans and we can start to build it. I'm sure we can find some good help from around here."
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As the next week passed, Draco drew out the plans and arranged for everyone to help. Most did it as a welcoming fight to the son of the kind Malfoys, and others even loaned out their personal help. Franklin was there, helping to build the structure to the manor, after he had completed the small house where Hermione, Draco, and Ron were living in the meantime.
Ron stayed and helped Hermione turn the small house into a kitchen for the thirty-some men working on the Manor. The building of the Manor was no work for a woman, so she contented herself with staying in the house for nearly a month. Then, finally, the house was built and only needed painting, furnishing, and then living in.