Anything related to Harry Potter and his universe belongs to JKR. Drama/Romance. Enjoy. Rated M for language and romantic interludes.
Previously on Remnants Of The Dark Lord 52: Trying To Untangle The Knots
Draco knew by the tone of Hermione's voice she was still upset with him. He ignored her tone and pushed on. "Good morning love. I missed you. What kept you away from our bed? Did you spend the night with Theo and Mandy?"
Draco pulled a grimace as he realized Hermione could misconstrue his words.
And she had. "I wasn't with Michael Corner if that's what you're asking." Hermione curtly replied. "I spent the night on Harry's couch. Alone."
Even though she had decided to take the high road in this dispute with Draco, Hermione was getting agitated. The man who had promised to love, trust and protect her still thought she wanted to be with Michael Corner. The hurtful feeling his words had caused the previous evening came back with a vengeance ripping through her chest causing her to lash out. "Every time you have addressed me in the past twelve hours it has been to accuse, insult or hurt me. Here's a fucking idea. Stop talking to me until you've come to your senses. Better yet. Why not go cut off Michael Corner's dick since you are so willing to believe I want him to use it on me? Get your head on straight Malfoy."
With that last bit of vitriol out of her system, Hermione disconnected the call and threw her mobile down on the desk.
Realizing the conversation hadn't turned out as she had hoped, Hermione stared down at her trembling hands chastising herself. Well. I certainly took the high road in that conversation. Didn't I?
Chapter 53: As Things Come Back To Right
Draco continued to hold the phone to his ear for seconds after Hermione hung up on him, shocked she would cut him off. He had to get this rectified before Hermione made any rash decisions. Like leaving him. He would have to start by getting dip shite Corner out of his head. Corner was a non-factor in his and Hermione's relationship, but Draco knew he was the one making him seem relevant.
Since the next case wouldn't be called until 2:00, Draco removed his Wizengamot robes and headed to the lifts. He had to get to Wired to get this mess straightened out once and for all. He loved Hermione and knew she loved him. It was time for him to come correct.
/*/
Hermione was still chastising herself for her telephone behavior with Draco when she looked up to find him standing in her doorway. All the chastising and trembling she had done in the last fifteen minutes came pouring out as tears. Draco stepped inside her office and closed the door. Knowing Hermione didn't need staff to see her in this vulnerable condition, Draco cast silencing and locking spells on the door. He had then moved towards Hermione who was moving towards him. Draco took his distressed wife into his arms kissing her all about the face before finally landing on her lips.
"I love you Hermione. I've been acting like an idiot."
"You weren't alone. I've been acting like an idiot as well." She sobbed, snaking her arms around his waist leaning her head on his chest.
"What shall we do about this Hermione? I do not want this anger between us nor do I want my wife sleeping on anyone's couch, even if that someone is her closest friend. You belong with me now and forever." Bringing his mouth to Hermione's ear, he whispered. "My Malfoy pride got in the way. I was ashamed and embarrassed that Corner and Theo knew I let you and mother get injured. I have this mad fixation that Michael Corner will somehow steal you away from me at his first opportunity. I have not been able to come to terms with this even though I know you love me. I know you said sorry wasn't enough, but I am truly sorry for acting like such an arse and for saying such vile things. Will you please forgive me?"
"You hurt me with those accusations Draco," replied Hermione solemnly. "Your words drove me from my own bed. You didn't have to bring out the old Malfoy in order to make a point with me. We love each other and it should never have come down to this. I forgive you my love, but we still need to talk this through."
Draco lifted Hermione's chin to look in her eyes. "We'll talk tonight. We have the entire weekend to get it all sorted. I am picking mother up after work to make sure she gets settled into Malfoy Manor. Once she's there, she'll be protected. The Malfoy House Elves will never let anything or anyone hurt her. It may not be right this moment, but I would like for you and mother to get back on good terms. I love the both of you and I do not want you to be at odds with each other. I have a case being called at 2:00 so I have to leave you. I will see you as soon as I get mother settled. I love you Mrs. Malfoy. I'll see you tonight."
With one last kiss and a smile, Draco left the office.
Hermione sat back down feeling as though a great weight had been lifted from her shoulders. Both she and Draco had fed into the other's anger. It had been stupid. If she was sure of one thing, she was sure they loved and trusted each other.
With a completely different mindset, Hermione decided to take a turn through the front to check what was going on. Paulo was out in the field, but everything was running like clockwork. Hermione spent several minutes chatting with the receptionist before heading over to make herself a cup of tea.
Drinking her tea, Hermione dwelled on her conversation with Draco. She missed being with her husband. They seldom went a night without making love. She missed his hands on her body and in her body. She wiggled from side to side a bit as she blushed and hastily looked around. It wasn't good form to be all horny in the kitchen of your business. Hermione dumped the remaining tea and headed back to her office looking forward to a night with Draco.
/*/
Draco arrived back at the Ministry in a totally different frame of mind as well. He was ready for his next case. He was ready to pick up his mother. Most of all he was ready to get home to his beautiful Hermione. Their short conversation had turned his world upright. Draco knew there was an extended conversation they would have to have, but he was sure it would all turn out right. He was determined to rid himself of any thoughts of Michael Corner. He had Hermione, Corner didn't. That was it. That would be it from now on. He was a Malfoy. It shouldn't even have come down to this. Draco Malfoy was more of a wizard and husband than Michael Corner could ever be.
Draco cleared his throat knowing that was the kind of thought which had gotten he and Hermione to this place. He needed to stop. It was ten before 2:00. He had to get to the Wizengamot Chambers so he could file into the courtroom with the rest of the members.
/*/
The case ran from 2:00 to 3:30. After that, Draco had to work on the Subjugation Disbursements. He had received all required information and only needed to authorize drafts. Working feverishly, Draco had everything in order by 5:30. The one last step would be to take everything in front of Kingsley and the CW. If they approved his finished work, it would be set up so the recipients received their disbursements on Monday at a so far undisclosed location.
Kingsley and the CW respected Draco's work so it had only taken twenty minutes for both to sign off on his work. By this time, Draco was counting down the minutes until he could get to Hermione.
At 6:30, he was on his way to St Mungo's to pick up his mother. All evidence of any bruising was gone from Narcissa's face and she was in a fair frame of mind. Narcissa tried to apologize to her son for all the trouble she had brought down on the family. "Officer Finch-Fletchley mentioned that Garan attacked Hermione as well. Please tell Hermione I never meant for that to happen. I didn't realize Garan had stepped into the floo with me. I had no idea two people could go through a floo at the same time."
Narcissa started to sob as she continued to offer apologies. "I had been attacked. My only thought was to get to you. I'm so sorry. Lucius would have been furious."
Draco soothed his mother. "None of this would have happened if father was still alive. He would have cursed the bloody idiot to death where he stood. But, if he was still alive, you wouldn't have been seeing another wizard. Please let it go. We will see to it that Garan Bechard gets his due. I am bloody sick and tired of these Pureblood bastards who cannot come to terms with our new world. Will you be going to the Manor or will you be coming to the Estate?"
Narcissa looked down at her lap. "Do you think Hermione would mind if I spent a few days at the Estate? I want to be with family for now."
Draco hugged his mother as he assured her that Hermione would be glad to have her as a guest. Narcissa smiled. "I've been your mother all your life. Please don't assure me of something you aren't sure of yourself. You will take me to Malfoy Estate, but I will return to the Manor if Hermione has any reservations."
"There will not be any reservations," said Draco, seeing his proposed night of make up sex evaporating before his eyes. "Hermione loves you mother. She will be very glad to see you. If you are ready, we will go. Hermione may have already made it home."
"Alright love. I'm ready."
Taking his mother by the arm, Draco stopped at the Healer Station to thank them for the care and kindness they had shown his mother. Then he had guided his mother to the lifts.
/*/
Hermione had a short meeting with Paulo to check that everything was going well. It was. Paulo had made three new product placements of Wired products and five WWW product placements with all copies of the placements sent to George and Lee. He and Hermione spent a few minutes talking about two new inventory items. One being a new and bigger mobile phone which he gave her to test. Hermione complimented Paulo on his business acumen and the meeting ended.
Hermione spent a few more minutes familiarizing herself with the test phone and signing off on paperwork before collecting her wand and robes so she could leave for the evening. Taking a turn around the office, Hermione stopped to wish her staff a good weekend before heading to the floo.
As soon as she landed, Hermione headed to the bathroom for a quick shower, after which, she decided to change into a tight, sexy shift leaving off her knickers knowing the dress was sure to catch Draco's attention. After dressing, she had hurried through to the kitchen to fix her husband a lovely dinner.
The dinner was done, the wine was chilling and the air had been perfumed to smell like Hawaiian flowers. Hermione sat down with a glass of wine to wait for Draco to arrive so they could talk. Her hope was they could come to terms without another argument. The stirrings between her legs guaranteed she and Draco would not only talk, but make love as well. Hermione sighed. She looked forward to it and was alright with that.
Hermione sat on the couch shaking her foot. Thirty minutes passed. An hour passed. Where in Merlin's name was Draco? How long did it take to get Narcissa from St Mungo's and plop her arse at Malfoy Manor. Hermione looked around as though someone could hear her thoughts then laughed at her own silliness. Then she heard someone land in the back. Not one to be taken by surprise two nights in a row, Hermione stood summoning her wand as she did.
/*/
The wand wasn't necessary. Hermione watched Draco come through with Narcissa on his arm.
"Hello Hermione." Narcissa called out softly. "I know I have a perfectly good Manor across the way, but I would be grateful if you let me spend a few days here with you and Draco?"
With a quick glance at Draco, Hermione assured Narcissa she was welcome to stay as long as she wanted. "Let me show you to your room. I've put together a delicious dinner. We can eat after you've settled in."
"Thank you Hermione. I'm sure I'm not your favorite person at the moment so I appreciate the kindness."
"No problem Narcissa," answered Hermione as she too saw her and Draco's night of passion evaporating before her eyes. "You are always welcome at Malfoy Estate. Take your time getting settled. Draco still has to shower."
As soon as Narcissa closed the door behind herself, Hermione grabbed Draco by the hand dragging him along to their bedroom whispering as they went. "I know we have to talk, but your mother is planning an extended stay. I think we should shag now in case we are forced to keep Narcissa company. I will be very uncomfortable making love while she is sitting in the study or living room even with charms up. What are you waiting for? Pull out that big arsed snake and let's get on with it."
Draco had been caught off guard, but he had charms up before Hermione was all the way out of her sexy shift.
Breathing heavily, Hermione helped Draco out of his trousers grumbling about the waste of a sexy dress. Draco who was kissing Hermione's breasts and moving his hand down between her legs stopped to question what she meant.
"I'm in heat Draco. Please don't stop. I'll tell you later."
Draco didn't bother to answer. He loved it when Hermione was in heat. He laid Hermione back on the bed so he could sex the hell out of her. Spreading her legs, he gazed upon his pink, box of love then leaned down swiftly to suck on Hermione's clit. "I thought to get you ready, but you are already so wet. One night apart and I feel as though we've been apart for days. I love you and didn't mean to hurt you." Groaning and whispering to his witch, Draco pulled Hermione's knees up and gently pushed himself into her. "Baby, baby. I want you to feel my every move. Hold me tighter. Oh Merlin! I missed you. Yes love. Give it to me just like that."
Hermione began to move faster and Draco moved faster to keep up with her. They were both moaning as though they hadn't had each other in months. Just as they were about to achieve orgasm, Draco turned on his back so Hermione could ride him into climax. This position always gave Hermione such intense pleasure she could only hold off orgasm for a minute or less. After screaming out nonsense, Hermione then shouted out Draco's name as she began to cum pumping even harder to bring Draco along with her.
Draco who had only been waiting for Hermione grabbed her shoulders as he rose up off the bed shooting a stream of liquid into her and holding on until his dick began to shrivel. Hermione's pussy made a sucking noise as she separated herself from Draco. They both laughed when Draco leaned over to tell his little, pink box that he loved it when she spoke.
/*/
Draco pulled Hermione to him but had hastily jumped back as Hermione's gushing and his semen had made the bed and themselves uncomfortably wet. Leaning over, Draco gave Hermione a long, sexy kiss before climbing out of bed heading for the shower. "I don't mean to leave you the clean up, but one of us should be out there with mother. I'll be quick."
The middle of the bed was saturated which didn't sit well with Hermione. Grabbing her wand from the floor by the door, Hermione removed the bedding by magic summoning fresh linens. The bed was once again ship shape by the time Draco came out of the shower wearing only a towel.
Hermione got up to have her turn in the shower, but Draco grabbed her arm and pulled her into a tight hug. "Thank you love. You are amazing. We will have our discussion after mother goes to bed. I love you."
"I love you too Mr. Malfoy. Now please let me go so I can wash your sex off me." She smarmily quipped, showing a great, big smile. "Narcissa loves you, but probably not enough to smell my fluids emanating from you. Go see about your mum. I'll be out shortly."
"Alright love." Quipped Draco as he gave Hermione a gentle pinch on what he called her lovely arse.
/*/
Neville had his arm around his mother's shoulders as she and Frank stared sadly at the rundown condition of their former home. Neville was ashamed he hadn't done more to preserve the home, but explained that his grandmother never allowed him to go anywhere near the house. In fact, he hadn't even known the location until well into his fifth year. By which time he may have had courage enough to restore his family home, but not the means. Anyway, the war years hadn't left many people time for restoration projects.
Frank reached out to grasp his son by the shoulder. "Stop apologizing son. You do not have anything to apologize for. Your mother and I will take a look around. If we decide this is where we want to be, we will get it fixed. This house is where we started out as a young family. Who knows where we would have found ourselves in the ensuing years had we not been attacked or even had we been protected by Dumbledore. Your mother and I will inspect the premises and make our decision. Stay here with Luna. We will be back shortly."
Neville stood firmly in place as Luna held his hand commenting in a strong voice. "Stop beating yourself up over something you have brought full circle. Your parents lost their home and twenty years of their lives. You have given them back their lives. They will find a home. Be it this one or a brand new one away from the memories."
Neville who had squeezed Luna's hand was only half listening. He was listening for any outcry from his parents. He was not sure if either of them could stand up to any of the terrible memories. So far, everything was quiet.
Suddenly Frank was at the door practically dragging Alice from the house. Neville pulled his hand from Luna's and strode over to see about his mother. Alice had not reverted back to the witch who had been attacked. She had simply become overly emotional viewing the place where life as she knew it had ended. Neville who was not taking any chances reached into his pocket to pull out two doses of his Brain/Memory Restoration Potion giving each of his parents a dose.
Luna had come over to take Frank by the arm while Neville saw to his mum. Frank patted Luna on the hand assuring her he was fine. He just wanted Alice to calm down. Five minutes later, Alice was a bit red eyed, but back to herself. Neville stated that he should cancel the interviews with reporters and photographers until another time.
Alice wouldn't hear of it as she cast a refreshing charm on her face. "I am fine Neville. I had a moment of weakness. I'm allowed. However, I've never been a weak witch and I won't be one now. If you are ready, I am ready to meet our inquisitors."
Neville hugged her tightly to him before turning to Luna and his father. "Well. I think mum has told me off. Shall we Apparate to the Leaky Cauldron? For the first time since regaining their senses, Alice and Frank Longbottom Apparated solo to their destination.
/*/
There was quite a crowd in the Leaky when the four stepped though. Questions were shouted without any semblance of order which Neville immediately brought to a halt. Holding up his hand, he told the room at large he would like to say a few words before they addressed his parents. And that's exactly what Neville had done.
He spoke about how in the process of working on a solution to cure the maladies of others he had discovered a potion that cured his parents. Neville was careful how he worded it, but he made his displeasure known about a certain Healer who had done nothing more than feed and ignore his parents over the last twenty years. Neville had then gone on to explain how it had been coincidence he began experimenting on remedies concerning the brain because for years he had been told nothing could help his parents.
At this point, Luna stepped up beside Neville with a smile. "It has been uncovered that the reason Mr. Longbottom's parents weren't healed was no one tried to heal them. But this interview is about the amazing recovery of Frank and Alice Longbottom. Let me warn everyone in advance. You will not be allowed to badger, insult or demean Frank and Alice. Any question of the sort will effectively end the interview. You may ask your question when Mr. Longbottom points in your direction. We begin now."
And so it went. Frank who held Alice's hand throughout the entire interview answered every question which the reporters kept on point and respectful. It wasn't until some sod from the London Wizarding Gazette asked Frank if he blamed anyone for his and his wife's state over the last twenty years.
Before Frank could answer, Neville stepped in. "Thank you. This interview is over. You were warned about what not to ask. The questions were supposed to cover my parents return to society, how they are feeling and things of that nature. If any of you had more valid questions, blame your mate over there for bringing an end to the interview."
On the way out, Frank stopped at a bar stool. "It's been twenty years. I'd like a bit of Mead. How about you Alice. Would you like a Butter beer?"
Alice glanced quickly at Neville who glibly suggested they give recovery a few more days before taking any spirits. Frank shrugged and told them he had waited this long. A few more days wouldn't hurt.
/*/
Back at St Mungo's, Neville had a discussion with his parents about their imminent discharge and was surprised to find they had some ideas of their own. Frank revealed they still had tons of Galleons sitting in Gringott's which they planned to use to find temporary housing until they decided where they would go from there. Neville told them they were welcome to stay at his flat, but Frank was quick to explain he and Alice planned to spend time getting reacquainted and would rather be off on their own.
A red faced Neville immediately understood what his father was saying and hastily changed the subject. "Okay. Well. Yes. I think that would be spiffing. About your doses. The schedule will remain the same. A dose in the morning and a dose in the evening. Once discharged from St Mungo's, I will stop by your flat every week to check on you. If anything goes wrong, you will send a Personal Patronus which will find me wherever I am. Perhaps Luna and I could help you look for suitable housing this weekend. First, I think we should go to Gringotts. There may be things to be done in order to reactivate your account. It wouldn't due for you or mum to authorize a draft and have it declined. It's better to be safe than sorry."
Neville and his parents traveled to Gringotts where Alice and Frank only had to show their wands to get their total balances and their vaults reactivated. The Goblins congratulated them on their return to the Wizarding World assuring that everything was in order. Alice's family vault held a good number of Galleons, but the Longbottom account would hold them for a very long time. Alice filled a bag while Frank filled three large bags of Galleons. Then they went on their way.
/*/
Immediately after leaving the bank, Frank handed one of the large bags over to Neville who tried to refuse. "Please do not insult me by refusing the first gift I am able to offer in many years." Frank chided his son. "Use it as you wish. It is my hope you will use this money to do something nice for yourself and Luna. Be warned. We intend to spoil the son we never had the opportunity to spoil."
Neville smiled as he first grabbed his mum up in a hug then shook hands with his father. "Let's get back to Mungo's to get your discharge in order and pack up anything you want to take with you. Luna and I will be by first thing in the morning. If you don't mind, I will ask Theo to send information on available real estate today. I'm very sure he will be able to find something to fit your needs."
Frank went straight as a board. "I know you can't mean Theodore Nott, Sr. because no matter how much times have changed, I will not have any dealings with that filthy Death Eater."
Neville put his hand on his father's shoulder. "No dad. I am referring to Theo Nott, Jr. who is a fine wizard. Nothing at all like his father. Trust me."
Before leaving, Luna whispered to Alice that she was officially engaged and would be looking to her to help with wedding plans. Alice broke into a wide grin as she kissed Luna on the cheek offering her congratulations. "It would be my pleasure daughter."
Luna let out a fairly loud giggle as she grabbed Neville by the hand. "Come on love. Let's give your parents some privacy." Turning back to Frank and Alice, she wished them a good day promising to see them in the morning.
/*/
After Neville and Luna left, Alice laid her head on Frank's shoulder telling him they had gotten their son back and a daughter as well. Frank kissed her on the forehead asking if she wanted dinner before he put up locking and silencing charms for the night. Alice boldly told him they should send for dinner and a snack because once those charms went up, they weren't coming down until morning.
Smiling a bit pensively, Frank reminded his wife that Theo Nott would be sending information for them to look over. Then looking down at his hands as though trying to forget something, Frank softly questioned how Nott, Jr. could have turned out so different from his bastard father.
Hugging her husband, Alice told him to order the dinner and forget about what he couldn't change. Nott, Sr. was dead and gone and his son was obviously a good man or their son wouldn't be associated with him. Alice who didn't like to see her husband despondent had a second thought. She suggested they go to the hospital lunch area instead of having their meal brought to their room. Just to get away for a bit.
Coming back from dinner, they were stopped by the receptionist witch who handed them a packet. After closing the blinds, putting charms on their door and stripping down to underwear, Frank opened the packet to see what kind of information Theo Nott, Jr. had sent.
/*/
Over at Malfoy Estate, Draco, Hermione and Narcissa were at dinner.
Narcissa seemed to have come back to herself holding sway over the table as though she was at the Manor. Hermione said little, but smiled a lot. She didn't need to say much because Narcissa was doing most of the talking. She spoke of France as though the problem with Garan hadn't happened and going on about the need to discuss her future with Draco.
When Narcissa made the remark about her future. Hermione glanced over at Draco wondering just what his mother's future entailed. Hermione had every hope Narcissa's immediate future didn't include staying too long at Malfoy Estate.