AN: See how nice I really am, Fashiondiva? I'm writing this just cause you
asked me too. Or i probably would've written it and... well... not posted
it.
Enjoy!
OH YEAH and theres gonna be a little something that people are gonna be like... say whaaat? But I thought of it and liked the idea. This chapter is going to be longer because of it. Embrace the idea. Love the idea. Loads of detail in this chapter too... SO GET YOUR IMAGINATIONS OUT!
**************************
The Malfoy Manor was nearly the opposite of what Hermione had imagined it to be. Unlike the vision in her mind (ghouls wanundering the outside, dark at all times of the day, upon some hilltop where no one would ever dare cross), it was nice. True, it was gigantic in size, and the amout of doo-dads among the outside (including landscaoping, which was a marvel in itself), but it wasn't as flashy or vibrant as she'd percieved from Draco's telling either.
Draco opened the rod iron gates (a lock in the middle with the Malfoy Family Crest was bared proudly) and allowed her entrance, then closed them quietly. There was a certain quietness about it that sent a chill up Hermione's spine though, and it made her squirm. "Draco... why is it so quiet?" she whispered to him, looking up at the snow covered roof top. He shrugged his shoulders. "I have no idea. It's been like this since I came home. Nevermind it though..." he replied, walking up a few stairs to the large front doors. He swung one open and moved aside again, letting her step inside and out of the cold.
She gasped inwardly. All she could see at the moment was the large Entrance Hall; but it was bedecked in soft Persian rugs. The walls were draped in dark velvet that hung to about the floor. Between each space there was a photo, perhaps of some distant relative, looking arrogant and pompous. It was certainly in his blood to look superior over everyone else, Hermione noted as she gawked at the walls.
One photo caught her eye as she skimmed them. It was of Draco's immediate family. Lucius was standing proudly behind Narcissa, the wife Hermione had only seen once before. Draco was standing to the left of his father, looking arrogant and supercilious at such a tender age (perhaps seven or eight). Beside him was another boy, a year or so older than he. He looked to be the spitting image of Lucius, only many less thoughts and matters upon his mind. The boy had shoulder length blonde hair, cheery blue eyes, and a very pale complexion, just as all the Malfoy's did. He had a look that wasn't like the Malfoys in the picture though. He was laughing genially, and smiling widely.
Hermione stopped to stare at the picture. Photo Draco would occasionally nudge the older boy and pinch him, and the boy would let out a silent yell, then hunch over in a silent fit of giggles and pinch Draco back. Lucius would glare at the pair while Narcissa would look at them with a look of complete pride swelled on her face. Draco noticed only at that moment Hermione was no longer with him. He doubled back and stared at the photo she was staring at.
"Can I ask who the other little boy is?"
Draco stared at the photo with a crooked looking smile. "The other little boy? Darian Malfoy..." he noticed the look of confusion on Hermiones face out of the corner of his eye, then stared fixedly at the portrait. "He was... He was my older brother."
She let her mouth open in suprise, then looked at him. "Was?"
"Well yes... you see, Darian was sent to a family in America, after he'd been proclaimed a Squib by my father. My mother was only thing to stop my father from killing Darian." He explained, shaking his head slowly. "He wasn't a Squib. He was somehow only Half-Blood though... but Mum couldn't let my father do him in like that."
Hermione couldn't help but feel a little sorry for Draco as she noticed his eyes well up with tears. "I'm sorry." she murmured quietly.
"I was seven in that photo. Darian was eight. He'd be in his seventh year if he were here."
"Don't you hear from him?"
"I did. He sent me an owl a couple months after he'd been shipped out saying that he was fine. I wrote him back and then... never heard from him again. I suspect he was afraid of what would happen if father knew I'd been in communication with him."
She looked to the picture once more and sighed inwardly, then heard Draco sniffle and turn away. "Well then, off to my room?"
"Right."
She followed Draco into the living area, where a large, half circle couch was sitting before a fire. It was velvet, a dark hunter green that had matched most of the decor of the house. The floor was tiled in gray marble, and there was a large chandelier right in the middle of the ceiling. She couldn't help the extreme admiration of the large manor. Fancy gold candle holders were mounted upon the wall, and each holder could hold three candles. All the canldes were lit along the Grand Staircase, which sprialed upward. The railing was made of mahogany wood, and was polished to a high finish gloss.
At the last step there were three different ways to go. The options of left and right were obvious, those paths led off to another couple halls. The one before them -- The one Draco was walking down -- was the darkest. Again they were surrounded in hunter green, velvety decor and many more photos. A large window was at the very end of the hall, like a cathedral sized window with stained glass of the Family Crest.
The very last room on the right is the room Draco entered. Hermione followed, turning her head in every which way to take in every aspect of the place. Drco's room itself was something to marvel. It as almost as big as the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom, the high ceiling had a strip of windows that showed the sky. Draco's bed was a four poster, just like the ones at school only larger. He had silk curtains surrounding it, in hunter green, and his comforter was black velvet. The sheets and pillow case were also silk, and black. His bed was unmade.
He had a very large collection of books, and many other things. The bookshelf she was facing rode along the wall completely, large books took up most of the shelves, maybe half of the whole thing. On the other half were just things he must've collected. Old photos were stacked high on one shelf, silver instruments were beside them, numerous apparatices Hermione couldn't even begin to figure out, all sorts of ancient things... perhaps things passed down to him.
Another large window was resting on the wall next to the shelves. It wasn't like the one in the hall, it was just a window... with a great view. The outside of his window shown a vast amout of Weeping Willows, all covered in snow. There was a glimmer from somewhere behind the trees, which signified there was possibly a lake in them. More bushes and gardens were back there, all sculpted to look like some sort of animal.
She tore her eyes away from the window and looked to the other wall, where she saw a full length mirror, her own reflection staring back at her. Beside it was an open closet door, where most of Draco's wardrobe resided. It wasn't suprising to see mostly dark colors popping out at her, though she'd see some brighter colors pop out at her as she scanned the clothes.
His dresser was also very large, and from the sloppy way pieces of clothing would be bunched inside them, she figured they were all full. There was another mirror sitting upon it, along with some other trinkets. It was made of a fine redwood, and the handles were all sterling silver.
The walls were painted a dark blue, like the night sky, and she couldn't help but giggle just a little at the stars. He blushed and muttered under his breath, "It helps me sleep... shut up Hermione."
The floor was wood paneled and highly glossed. He had a large carpet on a large section of it, which was bunched up slightly at a corner. A large chandelier was hanging from his ceiling, all the candles were lit. It was a spectacular looking place, Hermione had to admit. Nice and cozy from what she'd seen.
Draco sat down on his bed and motioned her to do the same. The large house was cold, she noted as she sat down. It was amazing they didn't all die of frost bite. "You've got a splendid house Draco." she said quietly.
"I know. Thank you."
They sat in silence for a moment, Draco fiddling with a piece of string on his comforter and Hermione looking around. Hermione was first to speak though. "So... are you going to tell me what had happened that night? Or should I stay right mad at you?" she said coolly, looking at him in a supercilious manner. It took all she had to keep a straight face as he sheepishly looked to the floor.
"I'll tell you... it won't make you any less mad at me though."
"I don't care... I'd really like to hear it."
He inhaled deeply, then began talking. "Well, I was walking toward the Great Hall... and I saw Lavender coming toward me. I was going to just walk away, but then she called me... and I continued to ignore her till she was finally in front of me. I asked her what she wanted, then she murmured something, and I couldn't hear her that well, so I asked her to repeat it..."
'It sounds innocent so far.' Hermione thought, crossing her arms over her chest and watching Draco.
He looked at her for a moment, then continued. "S-So I asked what she wanted again, and she said "You."...You can imagine how confused I was. And we got to talking... and quite honestly I don't remember when we got into the Room... I guess I was being a desperate arse..."
Hermione arched her eyebrow suspiciously. "What did you do after I caught you?"
Draco shrugged, fiddling with his hand. "Tried to go after you of course. Lavender kept grabbing my collar... kissing me and such. By the time I got out of the girls grip you were gone..."
She looked to floor, uncrossing her arms and placing her hands in her lap. She twiddled her thumbs and sighed, thinking of more questions to ask. She wanted to forgive him, in fact it would have made her life a hell of a lot easier if she could right then. She sighed, looked up at Draco and shook her head. "You know, I don't think I can trust you any more though."
His eyes sprang wide open, and his jaw dropped. "What?! I just came out and told you everythinhg though! It's not as if I enjoyed it any!"
"But you still went behind my back!"
"You... you're right. But Hermione... don't let that get between us!"
She could tell he was losing his cool manner, and very quickly. She couldn't help but want to see him grovel... just a little bit. "I don't know Draco... I just... don't know." she said solemnly, staring hard at the floor. He gaped at her, then got onto his knees and pushed her head up a bit. "Please, Hermione. Don't tell me that. You're all that I've been thinking about since the whole thing happened. In fact... as strange as it sounds you were the only thing on my mind while I was with Lavender. You can't just throw that away, and just... Hermione, you know you still love me. Don't deny it."
She felt herself biting back real tears. She didn't say anything, just stared at him. "PLEASE HERMIONE!" he shouted, his voice echoing off his walls. She flinched slightly. "PLEASE, FORIGVE ME, I NEED YOU. I'M LOST WITHOUT YOU!" he said loudly, clasping her hand in both of his as if he were going to pray. "Draco..." she said softly.
"NO!" he yelled, standing. "I WON'T TAKE NO FOR AN ANSWER HERMIONE!"
"Draco... "
"PLEASE DON'T LET ME GO COMPLETELY! I'D DIE! I'D JUST DIE WITHOUT YOU!"
"DRACO!"
He stopped and looked at her curiously. She smiled. "Draco, do this for me."
Draco nodded quickly, crouching to see eye level with her. "Anything. I'll do absolutely anything."
She stared intensely at him for another moment, then pulled him closer to her and murmured. "Draco, I want you to undress to your boxers and get under the covers. I'd like to snuggle with a warm body right now." He furrowed his eyebrows in confusion, then a sort of dawning came over his face, and he broke into a grin. He kissed her lips softly, then let go of her hand and undressed quickly, tossing his wet clothes (minus his boxers, which were dry.) across the room then hopped onto his bed and made his way under the covers.
She undressed till she was down to her undergarmets, then shifted the covers and moved under them. She laid her head against the soft silk of his pillow and looked at him. He immediately took her into his arms and kissed her. She hugged him softly, snuggling her head into his collar bone and sighing dreamily. After what seemed like ages, she was back into his arms, and she couldn't think of any place she'd have rather been.
"I love you." she murmured softly.
"Love you too." he whispered.
They fell asleep like that, hugging each other and feeling as if a large weight was lifted from there backs.
Enjoy!
OH YEAH and theres gonna be a little something that people are gonna be like... say whaaat? But I thought of it and liked the idea. This chapter is going to be longer because of it. Embrace the idea. Love the idea. Loads of detail in this chapter too... SO GET YOUR IMAGINATIONS OUT!
**************************
The Malfoy Manor was nearly the opposite of what Hermione had imagined it to be. Unlike the vision in her mind (ghouls wanundering the outside, dark at all times of the day, upon some hilltop where no one would ever dare cross), it was nice. True, it was gigantic in size, and the amout of doo-dads among the outside (including landscaoping, which was a marvel in itself), but it wasn't as flashy or vibrant as she'd percieved from Draco's telling either.
Draco opened the rod iron gates (a lock in the middle with the Malfoy Family Crest was bared proudly) and allowed her entrance, then closed them quietly. There was a certain quietness about it that sent a chill up Hermione's spine though, and it made her squirm. "Draco... why is it so quiet?" she whispered to him, looking up at the snow covered roof top. He shrugged his shoulders. "I have no idea. It's been like this since I came home. Nevermind it though..." he replied, walking up a few stairs to the large front doors. He swung one open and moved aside again, letting her step inside and out of the cold.
She gasped inwardly. All she could see at the moment was the large Entrance Hall; but it was bedecked in soft Persian rugs. The walls were draped in dark velvet that hung to about the floor. Between each space there was a photo, perhaps of some distant relative, looking arrogant and pompous. It was certainly in his blood to look superior over everyone else, Hermione noted as she gawked at the walls.
One photo caught her eye as she skimmed them. It was of Draco's immediate family. Lucius was standing proudly behind Narcissa, the wife Hermione had only seen once before. Draco was standing to the left of his father, looking arrogant and supercilious at such a tender age (perhaps seven or eight). Beside him was another boy, a year or so older than he. He looked to be the spitting image of Lucius, only many less thoughts and matters upon his mind. The boy had shoulder length blonde hair, cheery blue eyes, and a very pale complexion, just as all the Malfoy's did. He had a look that wasn't like the Malfoys in the picture though. He was laughing genially, and smiling widely.
Hermione stopped to stare at the picture. Photo Draco would occasionally nudge the older boy and pinch him, and the boy would let out a silent yell, then hunch over in a silent fit of giggles and pinch Draco back. Lucius would glare at the pair while Narcissa would look at them with a look of complete pride swelled on her face. Draco noticed only at that moment Hermione was no longer with him. He doubled back and stared at the photo she was staring at.
"Can I ask who the other little boy is?"
Draco stared at the photo with a crooked looking smile. "The other little boy? Darian Malfoy..." he noticed the look of confusion on Hermiones face out of the corner of his eye, then stared fixedly at the portrait. "He was... He was my older brother."
She let her mouth open in suprise, then looked at him. "Was?"
"Well yes... you see, Darian was sent to a family in America, after he'd been proclaimed a Squib by my father. My mother was only thing to stop my father from killing Darian." He explained, shaking his head slowly. "He wasn't a Squib. He was somehow only Half-Blood though... but Mum couldn't let my father do him in like that."
Hermione couldn't help but feel a little sorry for Draco as she noticed his eyes well up with tears. "I'm sorry." she murmured quietly.
"I was seven in that photo. Darian was eight. He'd be in his seventh year if he were here."
"Don't you hear from him?"
"I did. He sent me an owl a couple months after he'd been shipped out saying that he was fine. I wrote him back and then... never heard from him again. I suspect he was afraid of what would happen if father knew I'd been in communication with him."
She looked to the picture once more and sighed inwardly, then heard Draco sniffle and turn away. "Well then, off to my room?"
"Right."
She followed Draco into the living area, where a large, half circle couch was sitting before a fire. It was velvet, a dark hunter green that had matched most of the decor of the house. The floor was tiled in gray marble, and there was a large chandelier right in the middle of the ceiling. She couldn't help the extreme admiration of the large manor. Fancy gold candle holders were mounted upon the wall, and each holder could hold three candles. All the canldes were lit along the Grand Staircase, which sprialed upward. The railing was made of mahogany wood, and was polished to a high finish gloss.
At the last step there were three different ways to go. The options of left and right were obvious, those paths led off to another couple halls. The one before them -- The one Draco was walking down -- was the darkest. Again they were surrounded in hunter green, velvety decor and many more photos. A large window was at the very end of the hall, like a cathedral sized window with stained glass of the Family Crest.
The very last room on the right is the room Draco entered. Hermione followed, turning her head in every which way to take in every aspect of the place. Drco's room itself was something to marvel. It as almost as big as the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom, the high ceiling had a strip of windows that showed the sky. Draco's bed was a four poster, just like the ones at school only larger. He had silk curtains surrounding it, in hunter green, and his comforter was black velvet. The sheets and pillow case were also silk, and black. His bed was unmade.
He had a very large collection of books, and many other things. The bookshelf she was facing rode along the wall completely, large books took up most of the shelves, maybe half of the whole thing. On the other half were just things he must've collected. Old photos were stacked high on one shelf, silver instruments were beside them, numerous apparatices Hermione couldn't even begin to figure out, all sorts of ancient things... perhaps things passed down to him.
Another large window was resting on the wall next to the shelves. It wasn't like the one in the hall, it was just a window... with a great view. The outside of his window shown a vast amout of Weeping Willows, all covered in snow. There was a glimmer from somewhere behind the trees, which signified there was possibly a lake in them. More bushes and gardens were back there, all sculpted to look like some sort of animal.
She tore her eyes away from the window and looked to the other wall, where she saw a full length mirror, her own reflection staring back at her. Beside it was an open closet door, where most of Draco's wardrobe resided. It wasn't suprising to see mostly dark colors popping out at her, though she'd see some brighter colors pop out at her as she scanned the clothes.
His dresser was also very large, and from the sloppy way pieces of clothing would be bunched inside them, she figured they were all full. There was another mirror sitting upon it, along with some other trinkets. It was made of a fine redwood, and the handles were all sterling silver.
The walls were painted a dark blue, like the night sky, and she couldn't help but giggle just a little at the stars. He blushed and muttered under his breath, "It helps me sleep... shut up Hermione."
The floor was wood paneled and highly glossed. He had a large carpet on a large section of it, which was bunched up slightly at a corner. A large chandelier was hanging from his ceiling, all the candles were lit. It was a spectacular looking place, Hermione had to admit. Nice and cozy from what she'd seen.
Draco sat down on his bed and motioned her to do the same. The large house was cold, she noted as she sat down. It was amazing they didn't all die of frost bite. "You've got a splendid house Draco." she said quietly.
"I know. Thank you."
They sat in silence for a moment, Draco fiddling with a piece of string on his comforter and Hermione looking around. Hermione was first to speak though. "So... are you going to tell me what had happened that night? Or should I stay right mad at you?" she said coolly, looking at him in a supercilious manner. It took all she had to keep a straight face as he sheepishly looked to the floor.
"I'll tell you... it won't make you any less mad at me though."
"I don't care... I'd really like to hear it."
He inhaled deeply, then began talking. "Well, I was walking toward the Great Hall... and I saw Lavender coming toward me. I was going to just walk away, but then she called me... and I continued to ignore her till she was finally in front of me. I asked her what she wanted, then she murmured something, and I couldn't hear her that well, so I asked her to repeat it..."
'It sounds innocent so far.' Hermione thought, crossing her arms over her chest and watching Draco.
He looked at her for a moment, then continued. "S-So I asked what she wanted again, and she said "You."...You can imagine how confused I was. And we got to talking... and quite honestly I don't remember when we got into the Room... I guess I was being a desperate arse..."
Hermione arched her eyebrow suspiciously. "What did you do after I caught you?"
Draco shrugged, fiddling with his hand. "Tried to go after you of course. Lavender kept grabbing my collar... kissing me and such. By the time I got out of the girls grip you were gone..."
She looked to floor, uncrossing her arms and placing her hands in her lap. She twiddled her thumbs and sighed, thinking of more questions to ask. She wanted to forgive him, in fact it would have made her life a hell of a lot easier if she could right then. She sighed, looked up at Draco and shook her head. "You know, I don't think I can trust you any more though."
His eyes sprang wide open, and his jaw dropped. "What?! I just came out and told you everythinhg though! It's not as if I enjoyed it any!"
"But you still went behind my back!"
"You... you're right. But Hermione... don't let that get between us!"
She could tell he was losing his cool manner, and very quickly. She couldn't help but want to see him grovel... just a little bit. "I don't know Draco... I just... don't know." she said solemnly, staring hard at the floor. He gaped at her, then got onto his knees and pushed her head up a bit. "Please, Hermione. Don't tell me that. You're all that I've been thinking about since the whole thing happened. In fact... as strange as it sounds you were the only thing on my mind while I was with Lavender. You can't just throw that away, and just... Hermione, you know you still love me. Don't deny it."
She felt herself biting back real tears. She didn't say anything, just stared at him. "PLEASE HERMIONE!" he shouted, his voice echoing off his walls. She flinched slightly. "PLEASE, FORIGVE ME, I NEED YOU. I'M LOST WITHOUT YOU!" he said loudly, clasping her hand in both of his as if he were going to pray. "Draco..." she said softly.
"NO!" he yelled, standing. "I WON'T TAKE NO FOR AN ANSWER HERMIONE!"
"Draco... "
"PLEASE DON'T LET ME GO COMPLETELY! I'D DIE! I'D JUST DIE WITHOUT YOU!"
"DRACO!"
He stopped and looked at her curiously. She smiled. "Draco, do this for me."
Draco nodded quickly, crouching to see eye level with her. "Anything. I'll do absolutely anything."
She stared intensely at him for another moment, then pulled him closer to her and murmured. "Draco, I want you to undress to your boxers and get under the covers. I'd like to snuggle with a warm body right now." He furrowed his eyebrows in confusion, then a sort of dawning came over his face, and he broke into a grin. He kissed her lips softly, then let go of her hand and undressed quickly, tossing his wet clothes (minus his boxers, which were dry.) across the room then hopped onto his bed and made his way under the covers.
She undressed till she was down to her undergarmets, then shifted the covers and moved under them. She laid her head against the soft silk of his pillow and looked at him. He immediately took her into his arms and kissed her. She hugged him softly, snuggling her head into his collar bone and sighing dreamily. After what seemed like ages, she was back into his arms, and she couldn't think of any place she'd have rather been.
"I love you." she murmured softly.
"Love you too." he whispered.
They fell asleep like that, hugging each other and feeling as if a large weight was lifted from there backs.