Telling herself that this was just another of Narcissa's get togethers didn't help. It wasn't why she was nervous. Going to Malfoy Manor or spending an evening with a number of people she didn't like or that didn't like her wasn't unusual. Not always comfortable but it didn't make her feel uncertain or cause the butterflies in her stomach. It was Finn that was the reason of course.
Laying with him today she hadn't felt like this. It had been comfortable and after a few minutes she was glad they had taken the hour together. To be still and quiet. It gave her time to relax with him and it was also time without distractions. Time to think or at least contemplate. In the shower it had begun and as she teased her curls into a semblance of elegance it got worse. The comments he used to make about it. Different parts of her that he had liked to touch or admire. Finn had never been shy about telling her what he thought and once she had settled into believing him, at least a bit, she had let him bolster her confidence.
Now though, she was more confident in herself. Didn't feel awkward or undesirable as she had then. It was that he would see her. She knew he would look. In that way he had. Minutely and with things in his eyes that had nothing to do with Soren. It had been there since he came home but quelled quickly each time and she wondered. Would it flare and rage now?
Then there was the others. People would see them and be looking. Looking for whatever was between the two of them. The whys of things they didn't understand and wanted to. Everyone wanted to understand why. Why had he left his son to her and why she had taken it on. Many nefarious reasons had been suggested but more sensational were the suggestions that they were some tragic love story. It was funny usually. Those articles. No one could piece together a way it would have actually happened but that didn't stop the journalists from trying.
"Little cub be's ready." Siggy said as he used his magic to secure the dress closed. Then a last finger snap relaxed any wrinkles. Siggy was a nanny elf but he was also Hermione's biggest help. Slowly but surely he had taken on looking after her. Pinky did it when he was busy with Soren. She had ladies elf training and had given Siggy some pointers but the elf preferred to take care of her himself. At first she had demurred. It was true that she could do these things but the elf was persistent and after a while she gave up. Accepting the help and the plain fact that elvish magic was better at many things than wizards magic was.
As she took a step toward the full length mirror around the corner she noticed how comfortable her shoes were and looked down at the toe that peeked out.
"What did you do to my shoes Siggy?" She asked and he wiggled his ears and the look was mischievous. It was clear he had gone around her in some way.
"Little cub not need tired feet." That didn't answer her question though and she raised a brow. The elf raised an ear and they stared each other down.
"Siggy takes care of little cub. Just shoes." His tone told her that he was being dismissive and that meant two things. She would consider this more than she needed and the elf wouldn't cave.
"Can you get more of them?" Hermione asked and both ears pointed straight out before relaxing. A nod. These were by far the most comfortable heels she had ever worn and wherever they had come from, she wanted to never have to wear any others again.
"Master is waiting." The elf reached up and pushed her back gently. Toward the door. He could always read her emotions and now he knew that she was nervous. Reluctant. Then he stood straight and even though he was an elf and half her height or less it was clearly an order. Go now. Stop waffling about it. A small smile to her friend and then she accepted the cloak that soared toward her and with a last look in the mirror, opened the door.
This was it. The beginning of their interactions with the public. Outside of their home and the few they had seen outside of their close circle.
Hermione wasn't blushing but their was colour on her face and her eyes showed her awareness of him. The room wasn't full but there were more than either of them had thought. It was perhaps thirty people and most were watching them discreetly. They had been there for half an hour or so and it was difficult to keep himself from pushing her. Teasing her.
The golden gown was hiding most of her from him but her exposed shoulders were temptation enough and the few minutes at home had been torture. The pink had spread down over her chest and the dress had stopped his eyes from following it down. Instead of chastising him or being upset with his blatant appreciation she had given him a minute and then handed him her cloak with a questioning glance. Their eyes had met and he realised what she wanted. Was allowing him to do for her and had settled some at that gesture. His witch could do everything for herself but was allowing him to do this. Securing it beneath her chin had let him be close to her and not kissing her was nearly impossible.
They had apparated into the garden paths and she had accepted his arm when he offered. Slowly they had walked in silence until both felt more composed. He could see it in her face and feel it in himself. Her smile was a bit grim but he had tried to reassure her. It would be okay. Whatever happened, they had come together and would leave together too.
Then they had reached the open series of doors into the long patio and met the first guest of the evening.
"Rowle. Hermione." Zabini was smiling genuinely it seemed and his kiss to Hermione's cheek wasn't anything he could find an objection with. Her smile was open and he had shaken the man's hand and quietly given his thanks for supporting her. The surprise was fleeting and then a grin. Hermione rolled her eyes at the man's overt anticipation and the three had continued down the ridiculously long terrace. It had been people she knew well and he knew at least until they had a small group around them. Maks had joined them and seemed relaxed. He would guess this was a common grouping for her. Mostly males and the two witches there didn't greet her then another deeper voice called to him.
"Thor. Good to see you mate." Pucey seemed genuine and he accepted the hand shake. Then her warm hand disappeared off his arm and she spoke quietly when he looked to her.
"I'm going to find out hostess." Blaise offered her his arm and caught his eye. A warning and then maybe reassurance before the two turned away from the group they had gathered. Watching her look up at the wizard as they walked away wasn't pleasant but wasn't threatening either.
"Why wouldn't you have gotten rid of her now that her purpose is served?" Pucey spoke quietly and Maks caught his eye. This was to be expected and he blanked his face before the anger or confusion could show.
"My sons mother is not a temporary position. The lad has opinions I assure you." Maks laughed lowly at that and Pucey looked thoughtful.
"No need for you to add to the speculation though Thor. Gemma is coming and has been waiting." The grin Adrian have him was appreciative and he could only smile at the man's clear want of a witch he was suggesting that another wizard angle for.
"I'm sure someone else can take up the challenge." Was all he said and Maks caught his eye. They shared some amusement and then listened to their school peers talk about mostly useless gossip until a chime sounded.
"Don't let it happen." Maks said quietly and he followed his friends gaze to his witch with a small group of men surrounding her. The smile was polite but not friendly and Notts presence was enough to make Maks warning unnecessary.
"Thorfinn." The quiet and low voice was not a surprise after Adrian's comment but he wasn't happy about it.
Hermione looked up at him and then her eyes flicked to the blonde witch beside him before she looked to Zabini and answered a question. Not a chance little witch.
"Gemma. How are you?" His question was genuine enough and the small smile on his face was honest. This witch was a character and they had been friends in school. His fifth year they had spent some time together but neither had taken it seriously.
"Better now. My father has been at me again. I'm hoping you will oblige me." Her tone made it clear what she meant and his grin was less genuine.
"I don't think so. Pucey seems interested." His reply was quiet and sincere. Her green eyes flicked to his witch and back to him.
"I wasn't surprised. Not as surprised as others anyways. You can't make her more than she is though Thor." The witch was a bitch but straightforward for a Slytherin.
"I don't need her to be more than she is. Good to see you Gemma." She shot him a glare then a smile before walking toward the group he had left and he kept going to Hermione.
"Will you introduce me? Vouch for me?" The next feminine voice was less expected and he turned to Samantha Kohl. This witch was a stunner and the years had been good to her. The straight dark hair was coiled on top of her head and as usual she looked like sex on a stick. It was all show though and hid a rapier quick mind. His raised brow asked his question.
"Women rarely speak to her and her guard dogs are quick to step in. Narcissa isn't sure of me and no one has introduced us in a way that she seemed to accept as genuine." The witch's hand landed on his forearm and he met her eyes.
"Why?" Prevarication was useless and she responded well to direct questions. Like Hermione in that way.
"A witch who will stand tall as she has is worth knowing." Was her only answer but her firm tones made it clear she meant it.
"Alright then. You can take Nott for me in payment." The grin they shared was familiar and they headed toward them. Nott looked triumphant for a moment but he barely registered it. Hermione had her eyes on the witch and then they met his for a moment. Curiosity showed and he wondered why these two hadn't met properly. Did she just come to these and not venture out of her circle.
"Miss Granger." Samantha smiled at her and Hermione smiled back. The witch beside him shifted and Thorfinn realised his witch had taken his cues. He was relaxed and so she wasn't concerned. It was hard to block that from showing. His possessive gloating at her trust.
"Miss Kohl. I've been wanting to ask you about your roses. Narcissa mentioned them to me and I wonder if you might speak with me about the breeding program she mentioned." Samantha shifted again me side him and Thorfinn watched Hermione's face. His little cub meant it he wondered why they hadn't spoken before.
"Samantha please. I am happy to but we don't have time now. Perhaps we could have tea this week. There are a few things I would like to speak with you about as well." Hermione's eyes flicked to him and then back to the witch. He wondered what showed on the Slytherin ones face for her to have peeked at him.
"That would be wonderful. I'll owl you." Before she could say anymore Draco stood and announced dinner. Their group stilled and he felt Samantha's hand drop from his arm. He would shoot her a smile of thanks later for her graceful acquiescence and the startled look Nott had at the smile she sent him.
As if she had done it a hundred times, his witch placed her hand gently on his arm when he took the two steps to her side and smiled up at him. Much happier now than she had looked before he reached her. They sat around a long rectangular table and the first course appeared.
"I've been expecting a letter Granger." Draco spoke from across from them. Samantha was seated between him and Nott which provided some comic relief. Or it would if this became tedious.
"I'm sure you receive enough letters to not pine over one not received." His witch teased the wizard who huffed and then pouted dramatically. Samantha caught his eye and he grinned at the two younger ones who clearly enjoyed baiting each other.
"Letters from you are special. So full of intrigue." Malfoy returned.
"Perhaps Rowle will write you." Hermione suggested and Samantha giggled while Theo looked stoically disapproving. Why that was, he didn't know. This was about the businesses. Then he wondered if Nott knew.
"That would be less thrilling but an end to my expectant hopes." He spoke gallantly and Thorfinn chuckled at Hermione's exasperation. Then the blond caught his eye and he could see the question.
"Writing you is entirely up to her and I am merely the fall back correspondent." He answered and Hermione nudged his thigh in rebuke.
"Would I enjoy receiving letters?" Samantha asked, seeming intrigued.
"Draco's are often whiny in tone but if you can get past that he is a diligent and ambitious correspondent." Hermione answered her and both of them watched the witch think that through.
"Yours are bossy and often contain numbered bullet points Granger." Draco shot back at her and they laughed. Nott looked between them and frowned.
"Draco. Certainly you aren't trying to involve Hermione in finance again." Notts tone was aggrieved and Samantha caught his eye. He held her gaze for a moment before looking at Hermione. Who was smiling placidly.
"Draco gave up trying to involve me at least a year ago Theo." Her amusement was clear and Malfoy couldn't keep his face straight at that. His grin was genuine and even fond as he shared it with the witch. He was sure that the conversation would have continued if the older witch on his other side hadn't spoken.
"Are you going to end this travesty Rowle?" Marjorie Selwyn spoke quietly but he knew his witch had heard because her face turned away and she asked Samantha something about an article in the Prophet.
"The meal isn't that bad Mrs Greengrass." He answered and Malfoy chuckled. Thorfinn caught his eye and the look said im listening. That was fine.
"Narcissa is implacable in all ways. As a lady should be. You surely are considering something more cultured for your own." The woman's voice was no louder but silence was spreading down the table. In the few people on either side of him it was only Hermione and Samantha speaking.
"I have found little to be dissatisfied with. Have you met our son?" His own voice was even and Maks caught his eye from a few places down.
"A charming boy. Surely he gets that from his real mother." For a moment he was silent. There were limits about what he could say about his dead wife but the lack of even cutlery noise was deafening. The two witches were still speaking but that was nearly it.
"Perhaps you knew her better than I." The nearly laughing tone of his got some reaction and Draco snorted before spearing a piece of asparagus.
"Granger is unique but their son is hardly a discredit to her. Surely a smart and happy heir is all any of us could ask for at his young age." Malfoy smiled charmingly at the matriarch who sniffed. The jibe had hit home. Having provided two daughters and no heir to her husband's house, it was difficult for her to criticize another. These conversations were tiring.
Two hours later he stood in front of a fireplace and watched his witch from across the room. Samantha seemed to have attached herself to her and Hermione was unsure if satisfied with the companion. He couldn't stay with her the whole time. It sent the opposite message from the confidence he felt in her. He sipped from his glass and turned his attention back to the group around him. Talking about the summer estate parties and he felt some surprise that they still did that. None had children though and few were in relationships so the days of hedonism were less unpalatable to them maybe. Maks turned down two invitations before catching his eye. Yes he was ready to go. Then both of them looked to Hermione who must have felt his eyes on her because she turned from Narcissa to look at him. Then a small nod and she was making her goodbyes. Just like that. Maks nudged him and he came out of his thoughts to see Zabini watching him. In a way he couldn't quite read but the look was speculative or so he thought.
As soon as they stepped from the fireplace into the tower, he laced their fingers together. It was hard not to touch her and he wanted to.
"I usually have a drink after one of those. Want one?" She asked and he nodded then they walked up to her rooms. He watched the dress move on her and the she bent to take off her shoes. There was a strap with a tiny buckle on it. He groaned. Unable to keep it in and she looked up at him. Her eyes flared at what he was sure she could see and she froze while reaching for the other foot.
"You are gorgeous little cub. That dress is pretty but you are so much. I want to touch you." He took two steps and then dropped to his knees. Her honey eyes watched him and the blush was delicious on her skin.
Carefully he undid the tiny buckle and slipped the shoe off her foot. Then gently traced his hands up her calves. No higher and not more than that but feeling her skin and watching her face. She had straightened and was looking down at him. He would have her one day. One day he would be able to dive under her skirts and lick up her thighs. One day he wouldn't feel so desperate and bound by uncertainty. She would welcome him and be as enthusiastic as he was. This witch was full of fire and he wanted so badly to see it again. Her as she really was.
"Finn." Her voice was low and she looked torn. Her hands were bunched in her skirts and he hoped it was because she wanted to touch him. He didn't know what to do now. Then her eyes flicked to a cabinet and he remembered her want of a drink. It was something to do so he stood and turned from her. Letting the fabric fall to pool on the floor.
"Kohl was surprising." She spoke when he handed her a glass of the whiskey she had indicated.
"Samantha is good fun. Underestimated by nearly everyone because of her looks and her family isn't as vaunted or ancient so also for that reason." He watched her face as she looked at him.
"It's strange. I've met her a few times but it was always strained. Should I be worried?" Her trusting eyes looked at him and he had to look away. He sat so he wouldn't reach for her.
"No. You'd get along I think." He answered and she nodded then took a few steps to her door. She opened it and then looked at him. Merlin and Morgana. The witch was a picture. Hair curling over one of her bare shoulders and the blush was still there. Shimmering skin and her pink lips.
"Are you coming?" He watched her mouth form the words and if he hadn't been then they would have been too quiet for him to hear. His mind blanked and then started working again. Maybe it wasn't a good idea. He was so hard already and wanted to feel her skin. Taste her mouth. Plunder her. Work his fingers into her hair and hold her captive.
She looked down then and he stood. Not wanting her to leave but panicking about following her. Not following wasn't an option though and so he did. Undoing the top two buttons of his shirt and toeing off his shoes as he went. Her eyes traced him and his movements. Wanting him wasn't the problem. He could see it in her eyes. That concern was banished permanently when he reached her and her eyes dropped to the exposed few inches of his chest. It was at her eye level and she looked up from his chest with enough fire in her eyes to have him suck in a quick breath. Here she was.
Letting the moment drag out was torturous but he needed to. Incase this vanished when they moved. She was looking at him like she wanted to run her hands all over him and the one that wasn't holding the glass was still on the door knob. Nearly white knuckled and her body was pressed firmly to the door edge.
