Hermione stared off into space, letting her mind wander. The activity outside the window passed by without her notice. Neville was in gardening heaven, so she didn't need to fuss. She took a deep breath and flexed her fingers, remembering the feel of Draco's hair sliding through her grasp. Each strand was a silken delight. She took another breath and let herself imagine him wrapping her up in his arms. She could almost feel his fingers digging into her hips as she shifted on the seat. She bit her lip and closed her eyes.
Her bloody husband was driving her mad. There were no two ways about it. She'd never felt like this before, not even during her hormone fueled teen years.
Draco had been so very affectionate lately, and it was distracting. Some part of her mind was always entertaining some delicious and decadent scenario. She touched her neck where he liked to trail kisses and shivered in anticipation.
Her husband was dangerously addictive and far too devoted to being good. She didn't understand why he was adhering so steadfastly to his decision to wait for consummation, but he was quite dedicated. Driving her round the bend seemed to be a bit of fun on the side. The physical nature of his caresses was alluring, but the heated words and seductive promises he poured into her ears lingered. He painted such pictures with his words. There was no doubt about it. Draco Malfoy was driving her mad. He'd become such a rule follower. Of course, his determination didn't stop her imagination.
"Oh, Draco…." Susan tossed her long hair into Hermione's face. "You're such a strong wizard. I love your muscles."
"Oh, Hermione, I've wanted you for so long." Hannah pulled Susan up into her arms. "I'm just not quite sure what to do with you. I mean you are so you."
"I know. Let's just stare longingly out windows and ignore our friends." Susan fanned her face with one hand. "It will be a testament to the power of our love."
"Shut it, you." Hermione looked from Susan to Hannah. "I'm allowed to moon about a little bit."
"Yes." Luna smirked. "Just don't be a mooncalf about it."
"Charming." Hermione crossed her arms. "So, we can't find appropriate robes for Millie. It is short notice, so having custom robes made is tricky. Why not look at muggle gowns?"
"But muggles wear white for weddings." Millie frowned. "I've seen those magazines your father has. Those models looked like they were headed to a funeral."
"We are witches." Hannah smiled. "We can always adjust the color."
"Until some one casts a finite." Millie twisted her hands together. "What are we going to do?"
"We could dye the dress or charm it with embroidery." Luna twirled her fingers about and called up a flame that changed colors. "No finite problems with either of those."
"Embroidery?" Millie blinked.
"Witches have always used everything to hand." Luna plucked at a green gown. "I suppose the art was passed down from mother to daughter. It's a shame when things get lost."
"Misplaced." Susan smirked. "The knowledge was there. No one paid any attention to it."
"Why not go with a cream under gown and an embroidered over dress?" Hannah held up a muggle fashion magazine. "This dress has blue flowers. I like it. We could reverse it for the bridesmaids with our usual variety of blues for the gown."
"You don't think this is too muggle?" Millie chewed on her lower lip. "I don't want my father to balk."
"Witches needs to worry less." One of Hermione's elves waved her long fingered hand, and the magazine disappeared with a pop. "We wills be making your pretties. You needs be finding the blessing knife."
"The blessing knife?" Millie blinked. "My family just uses cords. Why would we use an athame?"
"When did the actual cords become traditional?" Hermione glanced toward Susan. "I understand it's a symbolic binding, but where is the sharing of your magic?"
"Also symbolic." Susan rolled her eyes. "Most people are afraid to look deficient if their magic doesn't rise to the occasion."
"That can happen?" Millie looked at each of the girls in turn. "Greg will panic. He always thinks his magic is too weak."
"Why?" Luna plopped down next to Hermione on the window seat. "His magic is his. How can it be too weak?"
"His father yelled at him and occasionally beat him for being a squib." Millie licked her lips. "It didn't stop when his letter came. The reasons just changed."
"Abusers don't actually need a reason." Hannah patted Millie. "They manufacture them."
"So, you don't think Greg will be embarrassed?" Millie took a deep breath.
"I think he'll be too happy to take note of anything but you." Hermione smiled. "So, we need a location."
"That will have to be the old Goyle place." Millie sighed. "It's a mess, but there are stones."
"Witches need to be finding the knife." An elf called. "We will go and fix the places."
"I think we've been giving our marching orders girls." Hermione smiled and caught Hannah looking out the window. "Oh, Neville, lift that pot. Use your muscles for me. Let me wipe your sweaty brow."
"It would only take a minute." Hannah touched the window lightly.
"Nothing that boy does takes a minute." Susan rolled her eyes. "Do we need to ban all wizards to keep our focus?"
Lavender took a deep breath. She wanted to run to Ginny for advice, but she was no where to be found. It wasn't surprising. People crossed the street to avoid her. Why would Ginny want to be seen in public with her?
Parvati had invited her for tea though. That was a good sign. She clenched her fists around her bag and approached the town house Parvati shared with her twin.
Padma opened the door and rolled her eyes. Lavender wanted to sink through the doormat. She'd never really paid attention to Padma. Parvati was so lively and so fun, but her sister was always so sensible.
"Your friend is here, Parvati." Padma called back to the house. "You'd best come in."
Lavender nodded and stepped through the door. The room that had always seemed so welcoming was suddenly intimidating. The small round table in the center of the entry way was topped with a riotous bouquet. The dark wood was brightened by vibrant silk pillows in a variety of colors. The odd juxtaposition of staid furnishings with bright colors gave the place an oddly posh feel.
Lavender looked down at her slightly scuffed shoes and felt out of place. She had always assumed she was the important one in their group. She was a Brown, a pureblood, and always in the know. She licked her lips nervously, and realized that she'd been lying to herself.
"Luna wants me to help you." Padma walked on the smooth marble of the floor with only the barest of clicks from her heels. "She owled me a letter this morning. Hermione and her friends can't help you. Parvati and I will help if you will listen, but if you continue on as you have been, I will take my sister on an extended tour of India. Parvati loves you. Please, try to make good choices."
"Hermione hates me." Lavender shook her head. "Ginny told me."
"Ginny isn't the one here now." Padma grabbed her hand. "Luna sent the letter because Hermione can not risk any contact with you. As the person you attacked, it falls to her to forgive you once you've proven you can change."
"She could just forgive us now." Lavender set her purse on the table. "It's not like she's really bound to pureblood customs."
"She's a Longbottom, and she's married to the last son of the House of Malfoy." Padma sighed. "Is she supposed to discount the honor of those houses to suit your whims?"
"She's not really a Longbottom." Lavender looked up at her hostess. "It's just an adoption. Ginny said..."
"That's your problem." Parvati stomped down the stairs. "Ginny. That girl has her own agenda. She's using you and her brother to get what she wants. Stop being her puppet. I don't want to lose you."
"Okay." Lavender looked from her best friend to her twin. "Where do we start?"
Draco took a deep breath as he flew his broom high over the keep. The castle and its grounds looked so different now. It really was his home.
"Do we have to fly so high?" Neville wobbled up next to him. "I'm not crazy about heights."
"Do you want to be able to keep up with your dad when we play pick up quidditch or not?" Draco raised a brow at his brother in law. "These are not the school brooms. They won't break apart on you."
"I know that." Neville looked down at the ground and paled. "I really am attuned to the ground."
"You really are a powerful wizard." Draco nudged his broom closer to Neville's. "If Hannah or Hermione needed you, you wouldn't hesitate. You'd probably outstrip Potter to save them. It's only your doubts holding you back."
Neville nodded.
"I hate small, dark places. Hermione's familiar loves locking me in the closets. That creature is far too smart." Draco grimaced and shrugged. "I'm terrified of that damn demon cat, but I won't let it stop me. I'm going to make friends with that beast if I have to buy all the bacon in England to do it."
"He loves to be scratched behind the ears and try a saucer of warmed milk at night. It's better than bacon." Neville smirked. "He might come around a bit faster."
"Thanks." Draco nodded his head. "Try not to think about the loops so much. If one is egg shaped and the next is a circle doesn't matter. This isn't formation flying."
"So, more loops." Neville grimaced. "Once I get used to it, it won't bother me so much."
"Next time we'll invite Greg. He used to hate flying." Draco grinned. "Still made a damn fine beater."
"Let's invite Theo and Blaise, too." We could practice passing the quaffle."
Draco smiled as Neville started off doing very precise loops. The man really needed to relax. It would be good to spend some time doing something fun with his friends.
The sudden dip of his broom handle started him. He looked down and saw Grá sprawled just above his hand.
"You sure do get around." Draco stroked the dragon's metal scales. "For jewelry."
Grá blew a puff of smoke and launched himself up toward the clouds. There was no doubt his wife's necklace was irritated with him. Draco watched the little guy go. The sun glinted off perfect metal wings. It was lovely. He closed his eyes for a moment to revel in the peace flowing through him, then he joined Neville in his spirals.
