A/N: I apologize again for the delay in posting. I'm still without a beta which makes it more difficult for me. I'm not 100 percent happy with this chapter. I'm sorry it's a little short and a bit disjointed.
Please read, review and let me know if you see any errors.
Thanks so much for all the reviews, new followers and favorites!
Chapter 27
Harry paces back and forth across Hermione's living room floor. After dinner with Ginny's family, they apparated to her place and she was no where to be found and it worries him. They had even gone upstairs and knocked on his door. Even though Ginny said she had already told Hermione, he wanted to share the news of his engagement with his best friend. He wanted to see her eyes light up and give him the 'it's about time you gave her the ring speech,' followed by her congratulatory hug. "I think I'll send her a patronus."
Ginny looks up at him from her seat on the sofa. She had started reading one of Hermione's muggle magazines because watching Harry pace was beginning to irritate her. She understands that he wants to see the one person who he sees as his only family, especially since Ron has become a complete wanker. It hurt her heart when he had shouted for Hermione and he didn't get an answer, but he needs to realize she has a life of her own now. After coming back downstairs, he told her that he made Draco promise not to tell her about his family being targeted by The Demented. So she told him she was sure he was keeping Hermione busy. But of course Harry didn't catch on to her meaning. After all, he sees her as a sister and not a woman that has needs.
Ginny puts the magazine back on Hermione's end table, stands and walks over to her fiancé, smiling when she thinks of their new status of being engaged. She pulls Harry into a brief kiss, breaking his concentration. Gently and softly, she coaxes, "Sweetheart, I know you want to see Hermione, but it is obvious she's with Draco. He would be the only one that could entice her away from those case notes." She inclines her head to the large folder she noticed earlier sitting on the coffee table. "Let's leave her a note and ask her to supper tomorrow." She kisses him again and that convinces him to leave.
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Hermione unconsciously bites her bottom lip as thoughts race through her mind. Draco loves me? but we've only been together for a couple of days. How is that possible? It's too fast. She closes her eyes and takes a deep breath. No. It's not fast, he realized sixth year I was his Amortentia, it just took me longer to recognize it. Plus we've been building a friendship since we started working together and he looks at me with the same softness he showed me that day at the lake. Her decision made she opens her eyes.
Concurrently, Draco desperately searches Hermione's face, trying to figure out her reaction. At first he sees panic, so he is relieved she has not jumped out of his lap. She closes her eyes, making it impossible for him to read her. His insecurities tempt him to use legilimency, but he dismisses the notion immediately. Not only would that be unconscionable, he is not sure he could handle all her thoughts of rejecting him, if that is what she is considering. When he feels her relax against him he breaths a sigh of relief. When their gazes meet, she smiles and his heart soars.
Hermione reaches up and pulls Draco's lips down to meet hers. The kiss is more than passionate and even though she has not said the words back to him, he can feel her emotions. He does not want to break apart but he has to catch his breath. When he pulls back, their gazes lock and he sees his love mirrored back in her eyes.
In a quick but fluid motion he stands and carries her bridal style to his bedroom. He carefully places her down next to his bed, being sure she is stable on her feet before he releases her. His hands deftly begin removing her clothing, as she pulls at his. Within a moment they are nude. She feels no apprehension this time in the dimly lit room as his eyes slide over her body. The intensity of his stare has her reaching for him, needing to touch him and feel his touch. Tonight as their bodies join, so do their mind and souls. Their gazes speak and say more than words ever could. Satiated and exhausted, they drift off into a blissful sleep.
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Narcissa is in her sitting room sipping tea and reading when she hears a tapping on the window. She smiles when she sees her best friend's owl. She is continually amazed at Bubo* who has the stamina to fly from Australia to France. Zellina purchased him from a family of breeders who will not disclose the lineage of the bird. They only sell one owlet per generation and it is guaranteed to fly any distance for the owner. Bubo is also very affectionate and extremely loyal to Zellina. Feeling his owner's bond with Narcissa, he has quickly taken a liking to her.
Narcissa opens the window for the beautiful owl and he nuzzles her hand, as he has started doing lately. She strokes his feathers that gleam like gold in the sunlight. She mimics Zellina and coos at the bird, "Thank you for honouring me with a letter from your mistress." His eyes, which resemble the fire of opals and with a blink of them a rolled scroll appears in front of her. She takes the letter, but before she reads it she provides food and water for majestic animal. "Rest and replenish yourself little one. I will have a return letter for you soon." She unrolls the parchment, excited for Zell's response.
Dearest Narcissa,
I hope this finds you well. Thank you for your letter. As a professional I cannot tell you about Draco's case. As your best friend and his Godmother I will say that your Mother's intuition is spot on.
Narcissa's heart jumps with happiness. Thank Circe it is Hermione Granger! She finishes reading the letter, a little discouraged that there is no update on the case, but knows Zell would notify Draco immediately if she finds out anything. She composes her response and stretches out her hand to Bubo and watches as the letter vanishes. Even though she has seen him do this at least a dozen times it continues to amaze her. With that complete she ponders for a moment before deciding it is time for a trip back to London, after all she promised she would teach her son how to conjure a patronus. It will also give her the opportunity to ask the girl for her forgiveness for what happened in her home during the war and thank her for testifying for Draco and saving him from Azkaban.
A/N: Without looking it up, who can tell me about the original Bubo? Hint – Greek Mythology Movie.
To Moonsong78 - thank so much for all your reviews. I typically respond to them on PM, but since yours is blocked I wanted to give you a shout out. Thanks again!