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The last chapter brought out some strong feelings.
Poor Hermione got ripped to shreds. :(
Enjoy Chapter Twenty Seven!
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Hermione stirred, sitting up she stretched.
She looked down and frowned, had she gone to bed in her knickers and bra?
The picture of Theo and her fell to the ground clumsily.
Swinging her legs off the bed, she bent to pick it up.
I love you Theo, but I love Draco more.
After you died, I lived in a castle of glass and he pulled me out of my despair.
He breathes life back into me.
I love our memories but my heart belongs to him.
Carefully, she placed the frame back in its original place inside the drawer.
Hermione looked around. Something seemed off.
She could have sworn she left the balcony door open the previous night because it had been stuffy inside the flat.
Her face split into a small smile, Draco...
Lazily, she dragged her feet to the bathroom and pulled out her toothbrush.
Generously squeezing out a portion of toothpaste onto the brush, she stuck it in her mouth and used circular motions to clean her teeth.
The sound of her mobile ringing interrupted her thoughts.
Rushing back into the room, Hermione saw Ginny's name flash across.
Oh shit, she quickly looked at the time and ran to rinse her mouth.
Fuck
Fuck
Fuck
So late….
Ginny was going to have her head.
Composing herself, Hermione answered in her sweetest voice, "Hello Ginny, Isn't it a beautiful morning?"
Heavy breathing and silence.
"You're still home, aren't you?" Ginny asked in a voice that made Hermione's blood curdle.
She heard the distinct sound of horns and moving vehicles.
"I will be there in ten minutes," Hermione quickly hung up before Ginny could say anything.
Hurriedly, she threw open the cupboard and pulled out a pair of faded jeans and a tight black t-shirt.
Brushing her hair, she glanced at herself in the mirror before grabbing her wand and apparating.
Hermione spotted Ginny's flaming red hair at once.
Coming back from behind, she put her arms around her best friend and hugged her tightly.
"Breakfast is on me," Hermione offered at once hoping it will appease the fuming redhead.
Ginny broke free and turned to face her with hands on her hips, "It bloody well better be, I've been standing here for fifteen minutes."
She looked around mused, "Five Muggle blokes hit on me."
Rolling her eyes, Hermione put her hand through her best friends, and they walked down the lane.
Hermione looked up at the brightly lit board in broad daylight.
Ginny sighed nervously, "Are we sure about this?"
She laughed, "We are very sure."
Turning to her fiery friend, Hermione mused, "We have wanted to get these since Hogwarts."
Taking a deep breath Ginny nodded.
The place came highly recommended.
She had wanted one for ages. The pattern seemed fitting.
They swapped a last look of nervousness and plucking up the courage, Hermione pushed the door open.
A gorgeous tall toned well-built man with colourful tattoos greeted them at once.
Much like school, they broke out in a fit of giggles and the man smiled at them brightly.
Turning to Hermione first, he asked, "Hello darling, what can I do for you?"
Taking out the crumpled piece of parchment from her jeans pocket, she unravelled it and pushed it towards him.
Smiling, she answered, "I would like this design please."
The man was impressed, "Rare, I have never done this one before."
Next, he gave Ginny his full attention, "What about you love?"
Eyes glazed over, Ginny nervously mumbled, "My son's name, here please."
He eyed the location and took her hand in his to assess the area, letting go he smiled displaying perfect white teeth, "Sure thing love."
Sighing, Ginny gazed at the handsome man breathlessly.
Slipping on spectacles, he asked seriously, "And his name love?"
Lost to him, Ginny muttered, "Whatever you bloody want."
Hermione stifling a laugh and nudged her friend, "Ginny!"
Snapping back to reality, she blurted out, "James, that's his name."
He came around and asked interestedly, "Who wants to go first?"
With a wink, Ginny stepped back, "All yours Mi."
"Coward," Hermione hissed.
The man led her into a back room and told her to take a seat.
Restlessly, Hermione sat down on the comfortable leather chair and looked around.
The walls were covered with posters, barely any white of the wall was visible.
She looked around in awe, some designs were daring and made her eyes water with imaginary pain.
Mr gorgeous came towards her with gloved hands and an apron firmly attached around his tight waist.
He pushed her back, Hermione laid down and took a deep breath.
Sitting down next to her, he pulled a cart to his side.
The machine came to life and pierced the silence of the room.
She looked at his face in alarm, he smiled reassuringly, "Calm down love, you are going to be just fine."
The needle made contact and she grimaced and looked away.
Blood bubbled to the surface and Mr Gorgeous kept wiping it away.
Without breaking a sweat, he continued.
Time ticked away and Hermione adjusted to the pain.
Thirty minutes later, he wheeled back and nodded approvingly, "There you go love, it looks brilliant."
Eagerly, she ran her eyes over it and a bright smile touched her lips.
"Wow thanks, It looks great," Hermione gushed unable to look away.
Covering it tenderly, he warned when she flinched in pain, "Two days babe, keep it wrapped."
"Send in your cute little friend," he quipped.
Ginny watched her approach, "Did it hurt like a fucking bitch?"
Hermione laughed, "You will be fine."
"Bugger," Ginny retorted and got up tensely dragging her feet to the room.
Flipping through the magazines, she waited for Ginny to be done.
At one point, Hermione heard a muffled shout and she looked up in alarm.
Ginny's laughter followed and Hermione relaxed.
Nearly forty-five minutes later, Ginny emerged pink-faced and happy.
"Thank you, Adam," Ginny squeaked looking down at her wrist.
Hermione raised an eyebrow.
"Brave friend you have," Adam mused.
Fishing out money they paid him quickly and with one last wave, they stepped out of the shop into the crisp London air.
The coldness surrounded them and sent a shiver up her spine.
Stepping away from prying eyes, Ginny pulled out her wand and took Hermione's hand, "I am starving."
They sat across each other at Seamus's new pub and restaurant.
Noticing them, he came over and sat down, "How do you like the new place?"
Looking around, they answered in unison, "It's pretty good Seamus."
Beaming with pride, he signalled a server to take their order and excused himself.
The minute the coffee arrived, Hermione placed her hands around the large mug and let the heat spread through her body.
Ginny took a sip of her frothy concoction and sighed.
Looking directly at Hermione, she expressed, "Harry told me about the job offer."
Hermione sighed.
Frowning Ginny asked with a hint of contempt, "Why didn't you tell me?"
Rolling her eyes, Hermione replied annoyed, "My life has been hell since Kingsley sprung it on me."
Biting a piece of toast, Ginny nodded understandably, "Malfoy?"
"Spot on," Hermione replied unenthusiastically.
"Not happy about it?" Ginny asked curiously.
"We fought yesterday, I spent the night at my flat," Hermione told Ginny miserably.
Looking Hermione over, Ginny asked seriously, "What do you want?"
She played with the napkin, finished her coffee, and answered, "Honestly Gin, I want to take the job and start over with him."
Hermione braced herself for a tongue lashing.
Astonishingly Ginny nodded, "I understand, sometimes I think it's time to chuck it and leave."
In alarm, Hermione raised a questioning eyebrow
Ginny laughed, "With Harry not without, calm down woman. Being with him has always been er..public.
After a moments thought, Ginny recalled, "Do you remember when I went into labour?"
Hermione nodded at once.
"I almost had reporters shoving cameras up my dressing gown for a picture of the baby crowning," Ginny laughed loudly.
Hermione stifled a laugh, she remembered Ginny screaming at a petrified Harry who quickly and harshly shoved the reporters outside.
Her face softened, "It isn't always easy being in the spotlight."
Hermione stared into her empty cup miserably.
Perking up, Ginny asked, "What is the job like?"
Excitedly, Hermione locked fiery brown eyes with Ginny's soft brown, "It sounds brilliant, I get to head my department."
With wide eyes, Ginny probed, "That's impressive and what's Ryan's deal?"
Hermione shrugged, "No deal, he means absolutely nothing to me."
Popping a chip into her mouth, Ginny mused, "Yet you put yourself in compromising situations concerning him."
Laughing, Hermione threw a balled-up napkin at her best friend, "I tolerated his bullshit because he was an important foreign dignitary but...er..towards the end he was bearable."
Ginny winked wickedly, "Because he fell for your obvious charms."
Hermione scowled, "Don't be silly Gin, all he wanted was some pillow time."
Looking at Hermione seriously, Ginny sternly said, "Whatever you decide about New York, promise me that you will run it by Harry and me."
Reaching over Hermione squeezed Ginny's hand, "I swear it."
They heard a high pitch bark, curiously Hermione looked over her shoulder at the source.
Blaise and Parvati stood near the entrance looking for a table.
They caught sight of them and walked over.
A gorgeous white ball of grey and white was tucked under Blaise's arm.
Getting to their feet, they greeted the new and loving couple, "Parvati, Blaise so good to see you."
A small bark made them jump
"How precious, can I?" Hermione cooed holding her hands out.
Blaise laughed, "Be my guest Granger."
She snuggled against the puppy and it licked her face eagerly, "Aren't you sweet?"
Pouting at the puppy, Hermione cooed, "Blaise do me a favour and convince Draco to get one."
Dusting fur off his jacket, absent mindlessly he blurted out, "He had one when we were younger."
Hermione looked up in interest, "Really?"
Blaise shuffled his feet nervously, fuck balls….
"Er.. pitch black German shepherd if I recall," he offered reluctantly.
Cocking her head to a side, Parvati asked curiously, "What happened to it?"
Blaise stiffened, his eyes darkened in anger, "Bellatrix is a sadistic bitch."
Hermione looked away trying not to picture a heartbroken Draco standing over his dead dog.
Eager to stir the conversation towards more positive things, she asked happily, "What's his name?"
Linking her arm through Blaise's, Parvati replied sweetly, "Max."
"He looks like a Max," Ginny chimed tickling the puppy's underbelly.
Handing the puppy back, Hermione pulled out a chair and offered, "Join us."
They pulled up chairs, ordered a round of beer and food and sat back enjoying the light conversation that flowed.
Hermione studied Blaise, in all the time she had known him this was the happiest she had ever seen him.
He caught her looking and smiled fondly.
"How is Draco and how are you?" Blaise asked warmly.
"We are both good, Blaise," Hermione replied rubbing her arms.
Blaise eyed her curiously, he knew Granger well enough to know she fidgeted when she was nervous.
He made a mental note to give Draco a call later and meet up for a pint.
After an hour, she looked at her watch and stood up.
Downing the last bit of beer, Hermione got to her feet, "Need to get going darlings,"
She gave them quick hugs and went down the lane to the store.
Grabbing the bag of groceries tightly, she apparated into Draco's luxurious flat.
The flat was unnaturally quiet.
Either he was out, working in his study or fast asleep.
Unloading the groceries into their respective places, Hermione washed her hands, went down the hall and poked her head into the master bedroom.
He laid carelessly spread-eagled on his stomach across the bed.
Light snores emitted from him.
Smiling to herself, she turned and returned to the kitchen to start lunch.
Deciding to cook some of his favourite food, she settled on a creamy carbonara and chocolate tarts for dessert.
Grabbing an open bottle of chilled white wine, she poured herself a glass and tied her hair up.
Humming to herself, she put magic to appropriate use and popped a piece of bacon into her mouth.
An hour later lunch was cooked and smelled great.
Letting her hair down, she went towards the sleeping form of her boyfriend.
Sitting next to him, Hermione brushed the strands of blonde hair off Draco's face.
How much she loved him! Always loved him.
Theo was her husband and she loved him ardently but her bond with Draco was not bound, it was endless.
He was her everything.
She caressed his face, running her fingers along his strong jawline and neck.
Draco murmured, "That feels good."
Sitting cross-legged on the bed, Hermione smiled, "Good morning or I should say good afternoon."
He raised himself, "What time is it?"
Checking her watch, she replied, "A little past twelve."
A wonderful aroma drifted towards him and he took a deep breath.
His mouth salivated and stomach churned in hunger.
He looked at the witch staring at him adoringly.
Wasn't she pissed beyond reason with him?
His eyes travelled down her face and came to rest on her bandaged hand.
In alarm, he quickly reached for it.
"What the fuck happened?" Draco asked shaking with fear.
Hermione let out a low laugh and took her hand out of his tight grasp.
"Did you hurt yourself?" He asked painfully.
He recalled the pool of blood. So much blood.
She flinched at the question and cupped his cheek, "Of course not, it's an er..surprise."
Draco frowned pointedly, "I don't like surprises, Granger."
"You will like this one, I promise," She retorted standing up and offering her hand to him.
He kissed it and got to his feet.
Hermione stopped him and turned him around, her eyes boring into his, she asked, "Did you come by the flat last night?"
Purposely he looked away and stared at the wall behind her.
Tenderly touching his face, she turned it to face her, "Why did you leave? I missed you."
He seemed to be struggling with what to say.
It dawned on her that he must have seen the photograph of Theo in her hand.
Hermione groaned in frustration. She was such a fucking moron at times.
Draco sensed her shift in mood and quickly said, "You don't have to explain."
She looked over him and sighed, "Yes I do."
Taking his hand in hers, she whispered, "I don't want you to think that you have to compete for my affections."
It was never a competition. She loved him, always.
"I did love Theo very much," Hermione told him seriously.
Smiling weakly, Draco muttered, "I know you did, he was your husband," and turned to move away.
But...
Holding onto him firmly, Hermione placed a hand over his heart, "I love you and only you. No one can ever compare."
He caught the fire that flashed across her eyes. Placing his hands on her buttocks, Draco picked her and kissed her passionately.
Breaking away, she moaned into his ear, "You are my heart Draco Malfoy."
Always...
Burying himself in the crook of her neck, he whispered, "And you are my life, Hermione Granger."
Forever...
Still, in his arms, he pinned her down on the bed and claimed her sweet peppermint flavoured lips.
Discarding their clothes, she lay on him naked, kissing his neck and moving her hand to stroke his cock.
Her fingers ran along the length of his torso and she placed airy kisses down his stomach to where his cock stood ready.
Pushing her tongue out, Hermione licked her bottom lip and bit down hard on the corner on her luscious mouth.
Moving her fingers along his length, she worked his hardened arousal earning a low groan from him.
Small beads of precum worked its way to the top and glistened the top of his swollen head.
Bending to it, she ran her lips up the underside and Draco groaned
Flicking her tongue around his cock, Hermione teased him.
Taking him full in the mouth, she started to suck on his erected shaft, her lips moulded to his girth as she moved with precision.
Grabbing the back of her head, he eagerly thrust into her warm mouth.
"Fuck, Granger," Draco growled unable to control himself.
Massaging his balls, she kept up her assault, pushing him further into her mouth and down her throat.
Her loud moans, sucks and slurps mixed with his groans filled their space.
His fingers tightened in her hair and held her firmly to his cock.
"Such a good girl," he groaned into nothingness.
With a final hard suck, Hermione let go and Draco protested loudly.
Sitting astride him, she took his large hands and cupped her breasts with it.
Smirking, he twirled her nipples and massaged her mounds.
Placing his cock at her growing wetness, she lowered herself onto him slowly.
Once she had taken him in full, she rocked back and forth adjusting to his size.
Throwing her head back, Hermione began to move, her wetness grew and she moaned aloud.
Sitting up Draco grabbed her across the waist, he rose with her in his arms and with him still inside.
He swiftly moved on top without withdrawing, he sped up his movements as Hermione wrapped her legs around him.
His hand moved along her arm and she winced, the covering broke free and came loose.
Cock still deep in her, Draco stopped to stare at the pattern of dots and lines on her forearm.
Stopping he asked in shock, "You got a tattoo?"
"Draco...please...I'm so close," Hermione pleaded huskily.
He stared at it intently and then widened his eyes, "Is that what I think it is?"
Nodding weakly, she grabbed his arse cheeks urging him to keep thrusting.
Locking eyes he pushed in hard and growled, "You got the constellation Draco tattooed on your arm."
Grinding against him, she cried, "Oh god Yes!
He couldn't take his eyes off it.
The intimate gesture made his heart flutter and beat against his chest.
He couldn't believe she did that, it was the single sexiest thing ever
He pushed her thighs wide and buried himself deep inside.
Moving his eyes to her face, he watched her close her eyes, "Do you like that love? Having me all in?"
Eyes still closed, she whimpered, "Fuck...it feels amazing."
Bending close to her ear, he bit the earlobe and huskily said, "Come around my cock Granger."
His fingers trailed down her body and came to rest on her flat stomach.
Soon it would swell with their child. His child.
He parted her pussy lips and pressed hard on her clit.
"It's begging to be sucked," Draco whispered, thrusting into her hard, he rubbed his thumb over the swollen little bundle of nerves.
She gasped and squirmed against him.
"You love that don't you Granger?" He asked throatily.
Biting her lip, she nodded her approval.
"Scream for me, say my name," Draco demanded his fingers caressing her body.
Her voice echoed off the walls as she moaned loudly while her body spasmed with the release of pent up anger, frustration and pure desire for the man above her.
Draco thrust in urgently as his release came shortly, he came deep within her with a guttural groan as he whispered, "You're mine."
Holding her firmly to him, he laid on top willing their breathing to return to normal.
Soothingly Hermione ran her fingers along the spent muscles on his back, sweat coated her fingertips.
Claiming her lips in a hard kiss, Draco moved to the side and Hermione snuggled against him putting her leg across his stomach.
Running his fingers across the tattoo, he told her hotly, "This looks sexy, I fucking love it."
He placed a kiss to it and Hermione whimpered, "I have wanted one for ages," looking at it longingly she kissed him and said, "It seemed fitting to get this."
Draco closed his eyes and pulled Hermione closer.
"Babe…" Hermione interrupted his thoughts.
"Mmm..." he murmured.
"About New York…." She started to say.
Draco felt his body stiffen, but they had to discuss it.
Her fingertips danced across his skin, "If you feel this strongly about it…I will let it go."
Sighing, he dropped a kiss to her forehead, "Hermione...I'm sorry about yesterday that was not fair of me and that American arsehole riled me up."
Propping herself up, she stared into his face and placed a soft kiss to his lips, "Why does Ryan get under your skin so much?"
His eyes narrowed in anger, and he replied darkly, "Because he wants you."
Kissing him again, she whispered, "So? Does that mean I want him? Not for even a second. You have nothing to worry about."
Grabbing onto the back of her head, he pressed into the kiss heatedly, "The fucktard has finally left."
Breaking the kiss, Hermione snorted and remembered the phone call she received.
"Take the job Granger," Ryan's urgent voice had cut through her sleepiness.
Yawning, she had replied annoyed, "Ryan, if it was not obvious then let me make myself crystal clear, I will never leave Draco."
Heavy breathing and silence followed.
"Have a good life," came his reply laced with anger and frustration.
Sweetly, she retorted, "You too."
The line went dead.
Making small circles on her back, Draco asked suddenly, "Do you want to take the job? For the job, nothing else."
Her eyes sparkled excitedly, and Draco saw his reflection in the clear orbs.
Sighing, she replied, "Heading a department sounds great but it will mean little if I can't have you by my side."
She gazed into his pale, handsome face lovingly.
They had been apart long enough.
Draco smirked, and brushed his finger along her swollen lip, "Let me think about it."
Hermione smiled and kept her head on his broad chest.
His content breathing and faint fluttering of heartbeats made her sigh.
A large brown barn oil came through the window and perched itself on the table, shaking its wings importantly.
Intrigued, he pushed himself off from his witch and got to his feet.
Naked, Draco walked over to the perched owl.
It eyed him curiously and extended its leg giving a hoot of content.
Opening the envelope, Draco read it quickly and smiled.
Dear Draco,
Teddy's career day is next Friday at 10 am sharp.
Thank you for being there for him. He has become quite fond of you.
Love,
Aunty Andromeda.
Hermione studied Draco's face anxiously.
Getting to her feet, she pulled on her clothes and asked, "Is everything ok?"
Still naked he strolled up to her and handed her the letter, "It's from Andromeda. Teddy's career day is next Friday."
Hermione's eyes scanned over the letter while walking to the kitchen
Tossing the letter onto the kitchen counter, she busied herself with serving lunch.
Dressed in a pair of shorts, Draco sat on the chair and stretched his legs.
With nervous apprehension he almost pleaded, "It's a Muggle school, will you help me prepare?"
Placing the food on the table, Hermione replied happily, "Of course my love."
Lost in thought, Draco muttered, "I think I'll talk about engineering and construction."
Twirling her fork around the spaghetti, Hermione nodded approvingly and offered, "That sounds good. You could add visual aids to make it less boring."
Draco frowned and sarcastically responded, "Thank you for your confidence in my presentation."
Hermione laughed and they ate lunch swapping presentation ideas.
Narcissa glided across the elegantly decorated ballroom in a richly embroidered, high neck, deep red gown that rustled and trailed behind her.
Her hair was swept into an elegant chignon bun and a beautiful set of diamonds and rubies adorned her neck and wrists.
Familiar faces greeted her as she gracefully walked to her table.
She took her seat and exchanged a few pleasantries with the wizards and witches around her.
A strong hand offered her a glass of sparkling champagne.
The large stone of his ring glistened against the bright lights of the ballroom.
Narcissa turned to the source, Lord Canterbury held the flute by the stem and smiled at her warmly.
She rose to greet him.
"You look beautiful, Narcissa," his eyes travelled over her affectionately.
"You are too kind," she replied politely.
He pulled out a chair and sat next to her.
Lord Canterbury was a man who aged well.
Tonight he wore a dark blue set of tailored robes, buttoned up to his chin.
He was tall, built, powerful and strikingly handsome.
His sleek grey hair was gelled back, away from his regal features.
The proceedings started and everyone turned to listen to the man on stage.
Leaning closer, he asked, "How is your son?"
Not taking her eyes off the speaker, she replied, "He is very well."
"He must end his relationship with the Muggleborn witch," he blatantly came straight to the point.
Narcissa turned her blazing blue eyes to face him and he stared into hers with his shadowy pools of blue.
Pushing back her chair, she got to her feet, curtsied and turned to leave.
She was aware that he was hot on her heels.
Grabbing her by elbow he turned her around and dragged her into the wide terrace.
Narcissa pulled out her wand menacingly, "Don't you dare touch me."
"Calm yourself, Cissy," he said his voice smooth as silk.
She kept her wand raised defensively, "My son owes Miss Granger his life."
Watching the man prowl in front of her did not deter her anger, "Don't you dare stand there and tell me she is not worthy of him."
Her features contorted with rage, "Where were the pureblood families when Draco was almost sent to Azkaban?"
Thomas Canterbury stared at the fiery woman before him through lustful eyes.
The fire that emitted from her was enticing.
He had wanted her long before Lucius Malfoy got his claws into her.
She was much younger and hardly gave him the time of day but still, he had harboured strong feelings for Narcissa Black.
By the time he had formally proposed, she was promised to another.
Years past, the resentment still lingered.
Her last words cut through his thoughts like a double-bladed knife, "Hermione, has more worth than the lot of you."
Narcissa drew her wand across her arm, Thomas looked at her in horror.
"What the hell are you doing?" he asked rushing to her side.
Blood rose to the surface and dripped down her arm, her eyes shot daggers at him, "Draco will marry Hermione and have children with blood red and thick flowing through their veins."
"What do you see?" She questioned him impatiently.
"Blood runs through her veins same as you and me," Narcissa told him stubbornly while he stared at her wide eyed and speechless.
Taking out his wand, he muttered an incantation over her hand, "Narcissa, please see reason."
The thin gashed healed before their eyes.
She pulled her hand out of his grasp aggressively, "It is not our blood you need to concern yourself with my Lord."
Looking deep into her eyes, he calmly stated, "If you and Draco will not listen perhaps Miss Granger will. I hear she is an intelligent woman."
Narcissa grabbed his arm, her polished fingernails dug into the sleeve, "Don't you dare, Thomas."
Touching her face, he replied squarely, "You leave me no choice."
Stepping back, she retorted darkly, "I will not let you take this away from my son, he has suffered enough."
Before Thomas could get a word in, Narcissa apparated back to Malfoy Manor.
Picking up the trail of her gown, she rushed into the candlelit foyer.
Pouring herself a glass of scotch, she sat on the comfortable chintz chair and drained it.
Meddling old fools. They would pay dearly if they messed with her son's happiness.
Taking out her wand, she sent Draco a Patronus.
Settled on the couch with a book, Hermione looked over it at the Persian cat that materialized.
Draco narrowed his eyes from down the hall, "My mother never contacts me this late."
Turning to Hermione, he asked, "Will you be ok if I pop by the manor and come back soon?"
Getting to her feet, she encouraged, "Of course Draco, leave now. It might be something urgent."
He nodded but a certain dread washed over him.
Landing near the East wing, he strode purposefully towards his mother's presence.
Draco gripped his wand and called out, "Mother?"
The foyer was dark and grim, the last burning ambers illuminated his way.
"In here son," came Narcissa's exhausted voice.
Walking in Draco took in the surroundings and his mother's slightly distraught figure.
She was elegantly dressed with a glass of scotch clutched firmly in her hand.
He hardly saw his mother indulge.
Walking over to the bar, Draco fixed himself a drink.
Taking a sip, he savoured the taste and turned to face Narcissa, "What's the matter mother?
She took a sip and opened her mouth to speak, "Thomas wants to speak with Hermione."
Draco banged his glass down hard, "He will come nowhere near her."
Narcissa nodded darkly.
Her eyes pierced the surrounding like tiny icicles, "Her mind is still fragile after Theo's passing and these unfortunate events might cause her to relapse."
Draco shuddered at the memory of how unhinged Hermione was after Theo's died.
It took all of him to bring her back to life.
He fixed himself another drink and handed one to his mother.
Confident but bitter, he retorted, "I will pay Lord Canterbury a visit tomorrow morning."
Narcissa held onto her son's arm, "Careful you don't make matters worse Draco."
Placing a hand over hers, he excitedly informed her, "Mother, I plan on asking Hermione to marry me next month."
"That is wonderful," Narcissa gushed getting to her feet and hugging Draco.
Hugging her tightly, he mused, "I trust you approve?"
Peals of laughter echoed through the foyer, "Of course, Hermione is an extraordinary woman."
Eyes sparkling happily, she told him, "You will need the engagement ring."
Draco rolled his eyes, he had not planned on using the family heirloom to propose to Hermione.
"Mother, that is your ring," he answered seriously.
She looked scandalized, "You are my son! It is rightfully yours and in turn hers to give your son."
Without another word, Narcissa disappeared through the large doors and arrived moments later.
The black box was large for a ring.
Taking his hand in hers, she placed the box delicately on his palm, "This is my most prized possession, guard it well Draco."
He opened it and stared at the glittering jewels in stunned silence.
Sitting against the plush black velvet was a brilliantly cut pear-shaped emerald surrounded by entwining rows of diamonds.
It was more beautiful than he recalled.
Narcissa raised an eyebrow, "You remember the incantation?"
Draco laughed, "Not a word but I have a month to learn it."
Going over to the small desk, Narcissa took out a piece of parchment and scribbled the lengthy Latin incantation and handed it to Draco, "I want nothing but happiness for the two of you. Reassure Hermione that these old bastards will cause her no harm."
Anger boiled within him, he scowled and nodded confidently.
His Latin was rusty. He frowned at the paper and recited the first few lines.
The wind picked up, rustled and swirled around him.
He stopped muttering and the movement around them ceased at once.
Narcissa nodded impressed, "You have been practising wandless magic."
Draco smirked and stretched out his hand, his fingertips glowed in the darkness of the room, the bottle of scotch sprung into his hand from across the room.
Tossing his head back, his eyes rolled back in his head as he whispered a final complex spell.
He made the box disappear. Ancient magic was bound to the ring and now him as its keeper.
Abandoning her book, Hermione got to her feet as Draco straightened, "Is everything ok, darling?" She implored, searching his face for any emotion.
Without hesitation, he gathered her in his arms and kissed the tip of her nose.
"I love you," Draco told her adoringly staring deep into her curious eyes.
Hermione eyed him with peculiar interest, something was off, "I love you too. Are you ok? You seem different."
He flashed his signature grin, strands of blonde hair fell onto his face, "I'm fine love."
Tossing his coat onto the couch, Draco walked into the bedroom and though perplexed Hermione trailed after him switching off the lights as she went.
When he woke the next morning, the flat was freezing.
The soft patter of rain drops fell onto the balcony and down the long windows.
Hermione pressed up against his back, her body shivered under the covers.
Turning over, he pulled her closer to his warmth and kissed her forehead.
Rubbing his eyes with his free hand he reached for the phone.
It was half-past seven.
His eyes snapped open.
Carefully rolling Hermione to the other side, he threw her one last look and got to his feet.
Standing under the steady stream of hot water, Draco leaned into the water and cleared his head.
It was a delicate situation, it would not be in their best interest to go to war with the old families.
He would handle it delicately and diplomatically.
The Lords were not to be trifled with but if he had to fight them for her, he would do it.
Letting her go once was enough, it nearly destroyed them both.
Towelling his hair, Draco stepped into the room.
A light stream of sunlight coated the room.
Mixed with the water droplets that adorned the window, the bright rays threw a prism of colours across the wall.
Throwing open the cupboard doors, he ran his fingers across the soft material of the row upon row of tailored suits that hung neatly and settled on a black suit, white shirt and dark green tie.
He buttoned the shirt with purpose and slipped on the jacket, he stole a glance at Hermione before leaving.
I love you, darling, I will protect you and us.
The weather did nothing to aid the morbid atmosphere of the ancient Manor.
It stood against the sunlight in darkness.
The threatening gargoyles watched his every movement, enchanted to act as lookouts and warn their Master of any trespassers.
Adjusting his tie, Draco jogged up the many stairs and stood outside the large ornately carved door.
Patterns wove into each other and came to life as he approached.
Undeterred, Draco pulled at the large serpentine knocker and banged on the door hard.
It opened at once and a butler dressed in his finest greeted him at the door.
"Ah Mr Malfoy, the Master is awaiting your presence," he greeted Draco solemnly and gestured him to follow.
Draco looked around him at the many eyes that followed him through the halls.
The paintings had thoughts of their own.
Some hissed their disapproval as he passed, and he narrowed his eyes in distaste.
The place reeked of abandoned memories and darkness.
He passed a large tapestry and stopped, turning to it he caught sight of his name.
A small cough interrupted him and he resumed following the butler.
"In here, Mr Malfoy" he pointed towards a large red door with a grotesque lion carved into the wood.
Draco stepped into a large study. The walls were covered with rare paintings, newspaper clippings and rows of potions and macabre looking skeletons of passed creatures and people.
Lord Thomas Canterbury stood at the large window with a steaming cup of tea in his hands.
At the sound of the door closing, he turned towards it and smiled.
"Draco, I did not expect you here so early," Thomas told him frankly.
"Good morning Thomas," Draco greeted courteously.
Pointing to the chairs, Thomas settled in one and asked, "To what do I owe this pleasure?"
Draco undid the button of his jacket and sat down, "I'm here to discuss a few things and set the record straight."
Thomas smirked, "Of course, proceed."
Looking into the face of the man sitting across him intently, Draco started to speak, his tone deadly and decisive, "I have known you since I was a child and you have been a respected member of the wizarding community."
His eyes lit up and Thomas laughed, "I try to uphold tradition Draco and make sure the old ways don't die."
Draco nodded and retorted, "Good, I have nothing against tradition."
Thomas's tone turned ice cold and condescending, he came straight to the point, "Why are you here Malfoy?"
Leaning forward, Draco narrowed his eyes, his grey eyes danced with unrest, "I'm here, because I want to tell you to your face that there is nothing you can do to stop me from marrying Hermione."
The aristocratic man laughed sarcastically and quipped, "You are delusional Draco, blinded by a sick infatuation. Miss Granger was Theo's wife, your best friend and my nephew."
Lips pressed down hard; Draco fought to keep his temper in control. The harsh words spoken broke through his barriers and he felt the anger surge to the surface.
"She is no longer that person, Theo has been dead for two years and I love her, that is final," Draco informed darkly.
Sipping his tea, Thomas studied the man before him.
Keeping the gold-rimmed cup on the small table, he put his hands together and slowly replied, "If we must step in to save you from yourself then we will do what is required."
Draco laughed menacingly, "Are you threatening me?
Thomas sneered, "No son, I'm educating you."
Getting to his feet, Draco gave a curt nod, "Good day Lord Canterbury."
Thomas returned the nod but did not speak.
He watched the departing figure of Draco Malfoy with interest.
The boy was fearless, had Narcissa's strength, nerve and boldness, the only thing he had inherited from Lucius was his looks.
Their conversation unnerved Thomas.
This might prove to be more difficult than he originally envisioned.
Draco obviously had strong feelings for Miss Granger.
Love, what a weak and unnecessary feeling.
Yet, his thoughts remained on a blue-eyed regal woman.
"Gather the council," Thomas gravely instructed his butler.