Previously on Remnants Of The Dark Lord 53: As Things Come Back To Right
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.
Chapter 54: Mother-In-Law Mother And A Sneak
Hermione was curious so she asked a question. "Are you planning to go back to France?"
An innocent question.
Narcissa had gently run a napkin across her lips before answering. "Well Hermione. That is what I want to discuss with Draco. As much as I love England, I am looking for companionship which I will not find here. Who would dare court the widow of Lucius Malfoy and mother of Draco Malfoy?"
With a quick glance in Draco's direction, Hermione turned back to Narcissa. "I don't follow Narcissa. What has Draco to do with who courts you?"
Putting her napkin slowly down on the table and smoothing it out, Narcissa had a ready answer. "You wouldn't understand as you've never been made aware of the niceties. Pureblood witches don't just blunder into a relationship. We have to be introduced to a prospective suitor."
Draco sighed. But before he could intervene, Hermione responded in a firm, even tone.
"Well Narcissa. I'm glad you trust your son to introduce you to the next wizard since he did so badly the first time. He was obviously the one who introduced you to Garan Bechard. Some Pureblood Garan turned out to be. While he was trying to sexually attack this Muggleborn, he had some very nasty things to say about you. I was so surprised. Him being descended from kings and all. I would have thought he understood the niceties. Then again, all he was concentrating on was getting his dick inside me."
A blush appeared on Narcissa's cheeks and that was the end of that conversation
Before either witch could say another thing, Draco threw his napkin on the table and stood up. "Enough. The both of you. This stops now. How did my mother and my wife get so far apart? Mother, this is your daughter-in-law and she will be your daughter-in-law for life. Come to terms with that." Turning to Hermione, Draco told her basically the same thing adding a bit more. "I would like for you two to stop acting like adversaries and start acting like family. Please."
Hermione actually knew she had gone too far and was first to offer an apology. "Please forgive my callous words Narcissa. I guess we are all under stress. I do want us to get along. I will do my best to become a loving daughter-in-law." She smiled at Narcissa then Draco before clearing the table and summoning the dessert.
"I apologize as well Hermione my dear. It is my fondest hope we become the greatest of friends. I'll just have a very small portion of your fine looking cake. Thank you."
Draco who had remained standing all this time finally took his seat nodding to both witches. Although he was showing a calm exterior, his interior was burning as though someone had lit a fire. No one had mentioned that Bechard had tried anything sexual. Because no one had told him otherwise, he thought the ripped robes were due to…. Due to what? How had he not realized there had been sexual overtones? Suddenly Hermione tapped him on the arm.
"Narcissa is speaking to you love."
"I'm sorry mother. What did you say?"
"I was asking if you would see me through to the Manor. I've just had a wonderful idea. I am going to message Roxie Zabini to see if she will invite me to come for an extended stay. Italy is a bit hot this time of year, but I will make do."
"Of course mother. Let me know when you are ready."
Narcissa thanked Hermione for the lovely meal and excused herself from the table. As soon as Narcissa was away from the table, Draco put his hand on Hermione's arm. "It would seem we have more to discuss than I thought. Bechard put his hands under your robes?"
"Merlin. Here's another Malfoy wanting to talk shite to me. Tonight must be take it out on the Muggleborn night."
Draco smiled at Hermione's words. Caressing her cheek, he leaned in to kiss her lips and whisper. "Mother is going to the Manor. Tonight will not be take it out on the Muggleborn. It will be stick it into the Muggleborn."
Hermione kissed Draco and laughingly replied. "Talk first. After that, we'll see."
At that moment, they both heard Narcissa coming towards them. Draco stood to meet her while turning to tell Hermione he would be back within a half hour.
Narcissa gave Draco a pat on the arm as she walked over to Hermione. "Thank you for your hospitality Hermione." She remarked, pulling Hermione to her feet to hug her. "You are my son's wife. He loves you so I love you. This old Pureblood has to learn to get over herself. I'll see you when I return from Italy." Leaning in more closely, she whispered to Hermione. "Perhaps I'll have a grandson on the way by then." Giving Hermione a quick kiss on the cheek, Narcissa turned to Draco gesturing she was ready.
Hermione had returned the kiss on the cheek without responding to the grandson comment.
A surprised Draco raised his eyebrows at Hermione before accompanying his mother to the floo.
/*/
Hermione stared thoughtfully at the floo. The truth was she would rather be friends with her mother-in-law than enemies. She hoped this was a step in that direction. After all, Narcissa would be grandmother to the child she and Draco wouldn't be having for at least five years.
Chuckling to herself, Hermione headed to the study to write a message to Kingsley and Neville. The Minister wanted a response to his request that she serve on his End of War Anniversary Gala Committee and she had to thank Neville for offering her a position. She had equipped both men with personal mobiles, but was not inclined to believe either man would use it. An owl it would have to be. She planned to send the messages before work on Monday.
/*/
The house was so quiet Hermione took the time to reflect on various things. She would be going to work at Perfected Cures at the beginning of August. Another change. When she graduated from University and came back home for good, the last thing she had expected was to get involved with a wounded Slytherin. And for a while it didn't seem as though she and Draco would truly get involved. Draco had severe issues only she could help him with, but hadn't been sure he wanted anything more from her.
The appearance of Michael Corner in her life had shaken Draco up and he had come running professing his love. Her thing with Michael hadn't gone any farther than a few dates at coffee shops and tea shops along with the several times he had come to her rescue, but Draco always puffed up when Michael got anyway near her. Most of the time, Draco hid his emotions well, but even one time such as last night was too much.
Hermione sighed. Michael Corner was going to be top of any discussion she and Draco had that night. She sighed again, this time reaching out to pour herself a glass of wine hoping their discussion wouldn't end up in another argument.
/*/
Draco escorted Narcissa through the floo following behind as she went into the study to send a note to Roxie Zabini.
Draco sat waiting for his mother to finish her task. He wanted to discuss a few things. It wasn't long before Narcissa called one of the house elves to take her letter to the owl enclave. Glancing over at her son, Narcissa asked if he shouldn't be getting home to Hermione.
Draco glanced back at his mother. "There are two things I want to do before I get back to the Estate. I want to speak with the house elves to be sure they understand the need to keep you safe from harm."
Narcissa let out a soft laugh. "That's sweet of you Draco, but I'm in Malfoy Manor. Who would harm me here?"
Draco was incredulous that his mother couldn't think of who would want to hurt her. "Mother. We are talking about your well being. You were attacked. Please take this seriously. Who is to say that Garan Bechard won't return? Let me at least remove his permissions and tighten up the wards."
"You are being very silly Draco. Garan and I have separated. He will not try to enter the Manor. I don't want to talk about this. Please. Go home to Hermione."
Draco did not want to be angry with his mother, but she was being obtuse. Given the chance, of course Bechard would try to hurt her. "Mother. Garan Bechard is a dangerous man who through whatever connections he might have can be out of Ministry custody as we speak. Then what?"
Suddenly Narcissa turned on her son snarling in the manner of the fiercest Death Eater. "Did you not hear what your wife said? Garan tried to get familiar with her. There is no way I would ever take him back."
Draco also raised his voice. "We are not talking about you taking him back. We are talking about him wanting to hurt you. What part of this don't you understand?"
For the first time in his life, Narcissa screamed at him. "Don't you dare shout at me. I am still your mother. Garan Bechard has nothing to do with me and he won't be coming through my floo. I would be more concerned that he is after your wife. I thank you and Hermione for your hospitality. Now go."
As the last words left her mouth, a trembling house elf appeared at the door to the study stammering in terror. He hadn't ever heard his Mistress raise her voice to Master Draco.
"Please. Mistress, I have an answer to your owl."
Grabbing the envelope, Narcissa read the contents and looked triumphantly up at Draco. "Roxie has invited me to come visit for as long as I care to stay. It's settled. You need not worry yourself about me. I will be fine."
Draco sighed in defeat. Taking Narcissa gently by the shoulders he told her he just wanted her to be safe. Narcissa smiled back at her son as she told him she knew that, but he should stop worrying. She would be perfectly safe in Italy.
Draco smiled as he hugged his mother. "Alright mother. Be safe. Enjoy your time in Italy. I'll be getting home now. Owl me when you can."
Narcissa blew her son a kiss as he headed to the floo. "I will owl you love. I'll see you when I get back."
With everything said, Draco headed to the floo to go home.
/*/
After leaving St Mungo's, Neville and Luna Apparated to Perfected Cures where they got busy.
A beaming Luna was in the office while Neville was over at the big building overseeing the research. Almost every witch who came to the door gushed after getting a glimpse of Luna's engagement ring. Luna giggled and chatted with several of the staff before settling down to review the work in front of her. There had been a shift at Malfoy Partners and Edwin was needed there. Since his allegiance was to Draco Malfoy and Malfoy Partners, that was where he was spending the bulk of his time. It wouldn't matter much after August First when Hermione came on board, but for now there was tons of paperwork and follow up that needed to be done, which had all had fallen to her.
Luna went happily about her work knowing it would be a very short day. She and Neville had arrived at Perfected Cures about 4:00 pm, and normal close of business was 6:30. She expected Neville to show up in the office within the hour so they could spend a bit of private time together before picking up his parents in the morning.
Luna sat back in the chair gazing at her engagement ring. One of the bravest wizards to grace the halls of Hogwarts had fallen in love with her. She was chuffed. As low key as she had been at Hogwarts, this was her time to shine and she wanted everyone who ever made fun of her to know it. She wasn't a braggart, but wanted to show off her ring and her fiancé. If it came down to it, she would be glad to tell a fair few to kiss her loony arse as well.
/*/
Neville stepped through the door to find Luna lost in a daze. He left a kiss on her forehead. "Hello love. You look as though you were in deep thought. What's on your lovely mind?"
Luna giggled as she grabbed Neville by the cheeks kissing him soundly on the mouth. "I was in deep thought thinking about Hogwarts and some of the bloody wankers who attended the school."
"That's old stuff love. Just a part of growing up. We have all grown and changed." Then with a small smile, Neville rephrased. "Maybe not all, but most of us have grown and changed."
Luna was about to kiss Neville again, but pulled back before reaching his lips. The staff had appeared at the office door. The office was all locked up. Then everyone was speaking at once extending their congratulations and wishing Luna and Neville a good weekend.
Both Neville and Luna beamed with pride.
/*/
After everyone left, Neville pulled Luna onto his lap. "I'll take that kiss now." Luna had gladly responded. Not normally one to be spontaneous. Neville surprised himself as he whispered for Luna to straddle him. A blushing Luna removed her knickers before closing the door. Her fiancé wanted sex and she wanted to give it to him.
They both groaned as Luna sunk down on Neville's erect dick. As they moved in unison Luna whispered things in Neville's ear that would be considered filthy if said out loud, but were perfectly sexy during sex with her wizard. Her words excited Neville so much he was at the point of orgasm when he grabbed Luna by the arse moving her up and down in a frenzy. A few seconds later, they were both squirting their satisfaction all over each other. Luna rested her head on Neville's shoulder for a few seconds before jumping up and hurrying to the ladies.
Neville laughed as he pulled himself up from the chair frowning at the stains on the front of his trousers. However, with a few well placed spells, he was clean and back to order within seconds.
Luna returned from the ladies and they prepared to leave. "I've had a quick wash up, but I would like to stop by the flat to have a shower. Then you will take your fiancée out to a nice celebratory dinner."
A smiling Neville grabbed Luna around the waist telling her it would be his pleasure to escort his lovely fiancée out to dinner. Luna was leading the way when she suddenly stopped short whispering to Neville. "I heard something."
Neville listened for a second but didn't hear anything. Stepping in front of Luna, Neville whipped the door open and came face to face with Justin Ayres.
Each man let out a gasp of surprise with Neville regaining his voice first. "What the hell are you doing here JA?" Neville snarled.
"I still have privileges here. Do I not?"
Luna who had come to dislike JA stepped forward. "Privileges that were to be exercised during the normal work day. How did you even get in? Coming in after the shop is closed for the night seems sneaky to me. What research necessitates an after hours visit? I don't trust you nor do I like you. As of now your privileges have been revoked. Please leave the building and do not come back."
JA turned to Neville as if to challenge what Luna had just said, but Neville agreed with Luna. "Your privileges have been revoked and the wards will be adjusted against you. You showed such promise JA. How has it come to this? Please leave and do not return."
"Fine," spit a angry and vengeful JA. "You have not heard the last of me. I intend to become better than my father. Perhaps one day you and your …..witch will be working for me." Then he walked a few steps away before Apparating out.
A solemn Luna turned to Neville. "That little piece of shite. Thank you for supporting me. Please tighten the wards and remove all of JA's permissions. We will have to be here before the staff comes in on Monday. They will all have to be keyed to the new wards."
Neville nodded as he began tearing down the current wards to replace them with tighter, stronger ones. Luna stood by watching Neville as he cast the necessary spells reminding him he would have to do the same over in the big building.
Neville nodded again as he finished up the front building and headed over to the big building grumbling all the way about the sneaky piece of shite.
Finally he was done.
Heading back to Luna, Neville caught the shadow of a wand out the corner of his eye. He dropped to the ground turning and pulling out his wand to find himself dodging a spell thrown by none other than JA. With the speed of a dueling master, Neville threw several spells he had learned during the war and JA dropped to the floor. Looking around to be sure Luna hadn't heard and come running, Neville walked over to JA leveled his wand and firmly whispered. "Obliviate Perfected Cures." And with a quick bit of Muggle hypnotism he had learned after the war, he told JA to go home to his father and use his brain to do some good.
Neville helped the dazed JA to his feet. "Go Justin and do not come back. You're finished here."
A smiling JA held out his hand to Neville. "Thank you for the conversation sir. Now I need to get home to my father. He's probably holding dinner."
Neville sighed deeply as he watched JA walk out of sight. He had just done something which could be considered unethical, but if it helped the brilliant, young wizard get back on the right track he was glad to do it.
When Neville entered the office, it seemed that Luna had looked at him strangely, but pushed the thought away as a case of nerves. "All done love. We can now get out of here. We'll Apparate directly into the flat from out front. I'll meet you there."
"Alright love." Luna replied. "I'll see you there."
And for another fleeting second, Neville thought Luna had given him a strange look.
/*/
After leaving the courtroom, Eva told Kyle she was required to check in at St Mungo's. There were several details which needed to be cleared up before she was entirely free. After checking in with her Healer, Eva and Kyle stopped at the billing office. Her bill was massive. Eva didn't have any Gringott's drafts with her, but she knew her account number which was acceptable.
Eva and Kyle took a moment to sit in the waiting area to discuss their next steps. Kyle invited Eva to stay in his home and she had gladly accepted his invitation. She had blown her own house to smithereens and was thrilled with Kyle's invitation. She didn't want to go back to Devonshire anyway. With their decision solidified, Kyle took Eva by the elbow and walked outside so he could Apparate them home.
As they entered the house, Kyle was surprised to have JA come out to meet them. "Mother, dad. Finally. I thought I might have missed dinner."
Eva and Kyle looked at each other in surprise. Their hateful son was acting as though he had been with them every day of the week. Eva let go of Kyle's arm to follow her son into the living room where she hesitantly asked if he was okay.
JA smiled at his mother. "I'm a bit hungry, but I'm okay. Dad usually has dinner on the table by now. I guess he's spoiled me. Are you home to stay then?"
Eva turned to Kyle.
"Yes. Your mother is home to stay. She has given up her position to concentrate on her husband and son."
JA rose from his chair to hug his mother. "I'm glad you decided to come home mum. We've missed you. Now would you please feed your son because he is starving. For some reason, I'm feeling a bit woozy. I'm going to have a lie down until dinner is ready."
Kyle and Eva talked quietly as she used her wand to put together a beef dinner. "I think someone has hexed JA. After the telling off he gave me at St Mungo's, it would appear he has now reversed himself. I'm glad he has, but it unnerves me. Is he pretending and has a plan to catch me off guard?"
Kyle moved closer to Eva as he replied. "He seems sincere. Do not worry. I will keep a good eye on him. If someone has hexed his petulant arse, I owe that bloke a big thank you. The dinner is done. I'll call JA to come eat. We'll see what comes of it."
Before leaving the kitchen, Kyle hesitantly put his arms around Eva. "I have so many hopes. May we talk after dinner?"
Eva leaned back against Kyle and let out a sigh. "Yes Kyle. We'll talk after dinner."
Kyle went to get JA looking forward to the three of them sitting down to a meal together which hadn't happened since John Nickles had upset their way of life. Kyle also looked forward to having Eva to himself. Since their short time together at St Mungo's, he had been in a constant state of arousal and hoped Eva could still smell him as he could smell her.
/*/
Draco looked weary as he stepped out of the floo.
"That bad then? Mum not listening to her only son?"
Draco rolled his eyes at Hermione as he plopped down beside her. "I love my mother, but sometimes she can be taxing. I need to change into something more comfortable. I'll be right back so we can talk."
Hermione shrugged, telling Draco that the Muggleborn wasn't going anywhere which caused him to huff all the way to the bedroom.
"Bloody women can be so annoying at times."
"Come on love. I was joking."
Draco came back into the living room in boxers and a tee and pulled Hermione up off the couch. "Let's talk out in the back garden. It's so lovely this time of year."
"Are you serious?" Asked Hermione. "Draco Malfoy is going out back in his boxers? What happens if someone comes through the floo?"
"Lock it." Draco replied without hesitation. "I am in my own home sitting with my own wife. I will dress as I see fit."
Hermione started laughing and couldn't stop. "Okay. Just don't say I didn't warn you if your mum or Mandy rings the floo. I actually don't mind seeing you in your boxers. I love the way your dick peeps out of that little slot like it's looking for me."
"Do you want to have a conversation or do you want to discuss the way my dick looks at you?"
Between guffaws, Hermione told him she wanted them to have a discussion. Then Draco shifted his position and out popped his dick. Hermione was done. She laughed so hard that Draco began laughing.
"Alright. Alright. I admit it. I can't control the little bugger. Let's talk before it crawls across the couch and tries to get into your knickers on its own."
Hermione was beet red from laughing so hard, but managed to calm herself. "Alright love. I'm glad we had this laugh because our conversation is probably not going to be that funny. We need to discuss your behavior on Thursday and there was absolutely nothing humorous about that."
A suddenly solemn Draco reached out for Hermione's hand. "I'm aware of that my love. Let's just get it sorted once and for all. After that, I believe my dick has a show to put on."
Hermione smiled at her husband, but her fits of laughter were over.