Disclosure Hp belongs to JKR. The storyline, new character development, new events, and new characters are my intellectual property. Glorioux
A/n I hope you are liking it.
Charter 3: Taking a chance
This chapter has several animals; it is a Holiday story after all. I hope you enjoy them. When I say demon, it means a spirit from Hades. They are not a bad thing. It is the old Greek word for spirit.
This is for all the readers. Enjoy it.
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Where an Owl is more than meets the eye.
As she finished reading, she wanted to wring Draco Malfoy's neck. Her face flushed in anger. The Malfoys, the fools, and what else do you wish for, your majesties? Draco had been checking her knickers whenever she bent; she was mortified; he was a ferret, agent provocateur, gossiper, trouble-maker, and whatever.
Ah, I guess my peanut butter and rabbit chunk biscuits might not be good for Royal Highness here, King Owl. Scratching? Not during your life, I don't want to lose a finger. Those were her reflections as she worked herself into an angrier state, each second that went by.
After reading the last words for the third time, Hermione threw the scroll. "Grr," she emitted a fierce loud growl. At this, the white and brown fur ball scurried under the table for cover.
The owl looked at her with respect. Wow, she is a babe, he thought to himself.
L'roy was no fool; he missed the Manor's mistress and fervently hoped for her return. One of the reasons he liked this realm, were the witches. They were beautiful and a feast for your eyes; and besides, they would kiss you and on-demand, but first things first.
However, this other Mistress would do just fine. He was a demon owl; yes, Lucius knew it and made a contract with him. He served as a hidden resource and only delivered important messages. L'roy had recognized the granddaughter of Cerberus; she was one good-looking thing. He wondered if she was ever in her demon form? Hmm, a she-demon, who would have known? Now, he hoped his two wizards would snag this prize witch. Being related to Cerberus wouldn't be bad.
"I despise those Malfoys-two-face, scum, womanizers, liars," Hermione ranted, but suddenly she remembered something in the letter. She stopped and told herself to wait; it said something about solace, a scroll found? Today she had no plans, Yule, solstice; it had a ring of possibilities. Uh-huh, it had possibilities.
Her dislike to have casual date sex had made her unpopular, and her wanting to stay away from the Casanovas, kept her away from the Burrow, so her life was rather lonely at the moment. The boys would get drunk and randy; they came dateless hoping to catch her on a bad day, and, invariably, would turn into octopuses,
She had held on to the piece of skin for this long, might as well make it an event. Knickers with ruffles, how about the holiday? That was a thought.
Once, she would have welcomed her duo, well six months ago, to be exact. The three months they lived together left a bad taste in her mouth. This year had been sad, ridiculous, and even humorous if you thought about it really hard. True, she missed the two baboons at times, mostly their snogs and their company. True they were tasty, at least parts of them were.
She suspected the duo's 'no-sex rule' was fear of getting her pregnant or getting in too deep; hence, they could go to Hades and back, for all she cared. One more reason she needed to do something else, to find someone, because she wanted to stay away from them.
The memory of them, shagging the two witches, was still branded on her brain. It was a brand on her memory, forever. Moreover, it was an open, festering wound. She had been in-love with them since she was eleven, and the betrayal was a lot more that she was able to handle.
With those thoughts circling her head, the idea that she might owe Lucius and Draco a chance took root in her troubled mind. She had felt responsible for Harry's actions involving Narcissa. Harry had tried to have sex with her, but seeing him with Ginny had made her feel like second best and spurned his offer. Oh well, that was past.
She often wondered if Narcissa was still seeing Harry, and that was the reason Ginny had given up on him. Maybe that was the proposal, some bizarre revenge against Harry; if so, she was out.
Then the sadness went away; it happened when L'roy hooted angrily and stood on the chair next to hers. Chop, Chop, girlie, he seemed to be saying, no he was actually talking inside her head, she needed human company.
Crookshanks, her half-Kneazle, who had woken up with all the commotion, looked at L'roy, totally amazed. That is some large bird and looks quite tasty, but what is with up with the rapper's gold chain. Wondered Crookshanks, who had learned a lot of human expressions with Camellia, who turned on the telly as soon as Hermione was out.
He looked at Camellia that communicated to him using animal Legilimency: "Hey feline fool, he is no chicken; he is a large O-W-L. You seen them before right? He is just overfed and wears fine jewels. So don't get ideas, the human will hex you to bits, besides I find him rather hot."
The large orange cat seemed annoyed at the explanation. "I knew that, and for your info I am not your average feline, I am a half-Kneazle. Will you ever get that?" Cross answered.
Meanwhile, Hermione found her best quill and dark green ink. She chose a piece of her best rice paper, and scrolled, Lord Malfoy and Malfoy; but before she could write more, L'roy flew by the jar with the owl Christmas biscuits, pecking angrily. At this both her guardians came and stood by, in attention.
In-attention to the magic jar, making sure they were included in the event of any possible windfall. Hermione had it warded after she found out Camellia's frequent forays into the snack jars, and opening them with the help of her multiple heads.
Hermione giggled, "Oh, Mr. High and Mighty, likes the humble peanut butter, honey nut, and rabbit biscuits? It must be the parsley, or is it the parmesan cheese? Or is it the honey or the candied ginger, hmm? Here is one for you, and you, and you, and happy holidays to you all." The witch said to ease her conscience pains for overfeeding her wards; although everyone knew you were allowed to overdo during the holidays.
She passed biscuits to each of the three beggars. L'roy swallowed his in one bite, and imperiously pecked again. She looked at him and said, "One more and that is it; I won't have your parents come and hex me for upsetting your delicate belly; we don't want that, do we?"
L'roy looked at her, making her swear he understood. He ate the third one for the night, and politely ate all the crumbs; Hermione shook her head, that was just not possible, a clean owl? Then, she sat down to finish writing the acceptance, afterwards, she took two more biscuits out the jar, wrapped then in a plastic baggie, and tied them to L'roy's leg, who appeared very happy, "There you go, good boy."
Hermione decided to gently command, "Scratch." At the order, L'roy moved his head to allow access to his scratching point; she stretched her hand, approaching two fingers, gingerly, and complied.
L'roy made the strangest sound, like a little screech. Then brought his beak close to her, just barely touching her finger. She knew she was about to lose a finger or two.
But instead he gently moved the beak over her fingers, two or three times, as if in a caress, "Thank you fair witch; next time, my dear lady." This time she clearly heard him; but he flew away, before she could say anything.
"Boys and girls, time to get ready." Hermione talked aloud, wanting to hear her voice, doing a sanity check. Still flustered by the owl's ability to communicate and the beak thing, she dumped all the biscuits minus three for Cross into a bag.
Camellia and Crookshanks appeared a little down and concerned. Another goody climber was trying to infringe on their human; she had even given him an extra biscuit and two more for the road. They were counting and proud to do so; Cross was learning a lot; face it, treats were the key to happiness.
They needed to keep their minds open about a possible future meal of roasted owl if the encroacher tried too hard. The nerve of the visitor, he should know better, their human, their witch, was taken.
Camellia allowed forbidden thoughts into her mind, and wondered if owl meat would taste a little like chicken; maybe Cross was right.
Hermione only packed a nice cocktail dress, a couple of extra tops, a sexy nightgown, and a few of her best underthings. She dressed on skinny jeans, a fitted jumper, equestrian boots, and a long suede coat, she packed it all. She carried it along with the already packed bag. The latter had a few essential travel clothes, a pair of sturdy shoes, her jewelry travel bag, and her toiletry items, shrunk it all and fitted it into her purse; left food for Cross, and an extra biscuit.. Lastly, she picked up Camellia and threw Floo powder into the fireplace. "Malfoy Manor," Hermione said 22 stallions.
Malfoy Manor
L'roy had arrived with the news a little before. Lucius asked him,"L'roy, what news do you have, and what is this junk?" He pointed at the baggy.
If you touch my biscuits, our contract is terminated. As a rule, starting right now, don't touch them or you lose a finger or two. They are gourmet quality, baked by your witch. That one is a keeper; she had a nice silk nightgown and I must say, she is a nice assertive, fair witch. Don't blow it, or I might just go and live with her.
Lucius laughed at the ornery owl, "Draco, she is coming, get ready, and please, get dressed," Lucius reprimanded Draco, who was already in night gear, sort of, his organic cotton and silk top was unbuttoned.
"Sexy comes later. Are you trying to scare her? Patience my son; she is almost where we want her to be."
Lucius eyed the reprobate with little patience. Indeed, Draco was transparent as a crystal ball; trying to have the sexy tousled look; Draco had no shame. The witch would flee upon a nearly naked Draco, who would be full mast upon laying his eyes on her. Lucius knew the effect the witch had on his son and on others present.
"You are a spoiled sport father." With his wand, Draco transfigured his nightwear into string pants and a long tunic-like the top of extra soft wool. He had a heating charm around his feet and let the shoes off. Bro and it happens if the stupid guy falls down go yeah yeah
Lucius who sat in the couch opposite to Draco, let out an annoyed huff, deciding to keep his mouth closed, but rolled his eyes on frustration. "Draco," and said no more because the Floo was activating; they both jumped.
"Granger, " Draco whispered. "Miss Granger," Lucius said with a smile.
Camellia was barking like mad with two heads out. She had smelled a couple of dogs and a few cats during their Floo ride, rodents, and a rook or two, managing to make her witch angry.
"Quiet, don't be a bad girl, or no more biscuits for," she saw the two blond wizards standing by the chimney waiting for her. God almighty, she didn't remember Lucius, she had not seen him for over two years.
They were both about the same height and same build. Holy cow, both über-sexy and both looked extremely hot and yummy in their relaxed clothes.
Lucius was first to come forward, Camellia promptly jumped. Rather, she flew into Draco's arms, catapult-like, and proceeded to lick him, using two tongues for better coverage.
"Miss Granger, let me help you with your coat. It is late, let's go to your room, and we can talk in the drawing room next to it." Lucius gave her the customary tiny hug with two air kisses. He knew that was Miss Granger's way to greet her better friends.
Hermione inhaled his cologne;it had not changed much, and her head was dizzy with the fragrance and just being tired.
Draco dropped Cam, who then jumped into Lucius' arms.
"Granger, you looking rather yummy for this time at night. I see you complied with my father's directions about warm clothes. No matter, all this can come off after we meet with father," and lowering his voice, "what color?"
He dipped her and gave her a kiss on her forehead, and she whispered, "Dark green, black ruffles."
Double shite, Draco cursed himself; he was hard in a second. His father would kill him. Let them walk ahead. Dark green, hmm, he had not yet seen those yet.
"Draco, quit clowning around and behave properly. Excuse him, Miss Granger; he doesn't know how to behave around you." Draco smirked, and Lucius picked up a thick bundle on top of his desk.
-The proposal-
Lucius had ordered a light meal for all of them. Hermione liked her room; it was beautiful, large, and well-lit. To her surprise, parts of the Manor had heating and electricity.
"Yes, magic cannot do it all. I have changed some; Draco has changed more. Malfoy Industries is moving in the direction of magically integrated Muggle applications we find well suited. Draco loves your telly, has a couple of computing boxes, and other few things."
"Please sit down, let Camellia run free, the doors are warded and closed. " Lucius had taken over the situation.
She stretched in a divan; she was very tired; it was nearly 3:00 AM. "So let's hear your proposal, and I will decide if I should stay or leave." Her voice was gruff and anxious.
"Excuse me; I will take my boots off." Hermione said.
The two wizards each helped her pulling one boot. "Thanks so much."
"I don't think you will wish to leave, should I make you a small plate with a couple of pieces of flatbread with honey yogurt, an assortment of light cheeses, with fruit salad?" Lucius asked solicitously.
"Please, and a glass of wine would be nice." Hermione asked.
"How about some biscuits love? I made them from the recipe you brought to the office." Draco offered. He smirked, knowing she would be surprised.
"Of course, I hope you didn't mix in a charm or a potion." She teased him.
"You won't know until you tried." He came to her, broke a piece of the chocolate cheesecake cookie he had made, and put in her mouth, lightly touching her lips. Her eyes closed in pleasure; his body reacted fully at her moan.
Lucius moved the head telling him no, not now.
Draco smirked, "Tyrant." He mouthed to his dad.
Hermione's lips were burning after his touch. All the little touches from the snakes had the lioness burning slow and hot.
Lucius moved a chair next to the divan, and Draco threw some pillows by her feet, grabbed her left foot without asking, took of her sock, admired her dark blue toe nails with gold flecks, and started massaging it, while Lucius talked.
His father let out a resigned sigh, Draco was behaving like a naughty three year old around company. Poor lad, he loved the witch with the passion of youth; let him have some fun.
Hermione's feet were dead tired, and his hand felt so right that she made a decision just to let him, it was too late at night to argue. Besides she was here for heaven knows what, a foot massage was probably the blandest item in the menu. Face it; he was fantastic.
"So, let's try to summarize my proposal, but first you must answer some questions, you can ask us whatever you wish, after we are done." Lucius talked with an all business voice.
"Okay, fire away," she was wondering what nefarious proposal they had concocted. She hoped it involved snogging of some sort, she wasn't sure what Draco was doing, but it felt rather good. Hermione wondered what else his hands could do.
"Miss Granger, do you find either my son or me, attractive? Could you see yourself in any kind of relationship with either of us or even with both, ahem?" Lucius asked softly.
Both blonds immediately went on attention, just like birds of prey. The atmosphere was now totally changed, in the blink of an eye; it had gone from casual to heavily charged.
A/n...hmmm