Author's Note:
Hey everyone!
I am at my wit's end right now. I can't decide which version to post so I decided to post them both. Please pick one version so I can make the next chapter soon. I hope that you can help me make a verdict. What version is better? There are some scenes that are the same but the outcome is different. Is the first version better or the second? Please tell me.
I also did this so you can play a part in my story. I am open to suggestions and criticisms.
I want you to be a part in the outcome of my story.
Help me make up my mind. Vote for what you think is better.
THE FIRST VERSION
CHAPTER 13
Version 1
THE RETURN OF THE LADY
As Hermione stepped in the fire place to go back to her own keep, she was thinking about what has transpired that made her once again in search for a husband.
About the whole fiasco at the Keep of Solum, Hermione was undoubtedly feeling weird. She really couldn't believe what happened. But she was not that shocked not to be thankful of the outcome.
She felt totally relieved in what took place. It was like a heavy burden was lifted out of her shoulders. Everyone must expect her to feel sad about the whole thing that happened back at the Solum Keep and they might think her crazy if they knew that what she felt. It is strangely enough she felt happy, ecstatic even... and most of that happiness is rooted to the thought and the feelings that going home to Draco invoked... Even though Hermione doesn't love him anymore... Or at least she thinks so...Or maybe she was just at the stage of trying to forget her love for him. It really doesn't matter anymore because she was free of the bounds of the prospect of a betrothal contract.
For her it was really of no consequence that she has to find another husband. Hermione is a strong believer of someone being made for you to love.
For a very long time, she thought that she already had that in Draco. He already had all the qualities of her dream man. He was strong, kind and he had honor. Not only that, he was also quite handsome that he takes your breath away if you allowed him to.
But unfortunately, that proved to be false. No matter, she'd just have to find the one that was made for her then. It hurt her that Draco was not the one for she loved him although that hurt will not cloud the hope that she has in her heart.
Tomorrow she would start her quest in finding her man, her man to slay the dragons blocking their happiness.
With these happy thoughts in mind Hermione stepped out of the fire place. She was wearing a happy smile. And deep down, she was feeling positive after she finally straightened out her feelings, problems and thoughts.
####Draco's POV####
When he came back, he had a really evil temper. Everyone sensed this and tried to stay out of his way as possible. Those unfortunate ones who weren't quick enough to avoid him either got roared upon or glared upon. And because of this all of the servants were more than kind of edgy that day.
Draco was furious as hell so he decided to spend his frustration in the training field with his knights and soldiers.
The other soldiers were all easily beaten and only one person proved to be a challenge to Draco, his best friend Brodick who was also one of his most trusted knights.
Brodick, on the other hand, wasn't concerned in the least. In fact, he really found it very amusing. It is because Draco was a really handsome devil. He was like an Adonis. Everywhere they go women were constantly throwing themselves at Draco's feet and offering their bodies to Draco. Draco really didn't mind the attention. And often times he welcomed the advances. But though Draco enjoys this, he would drop everything off when it comes to his duties. Anytime. Anywhere. WHATEVER he is doing. Duties come first. And how ironic it is that now that Draco finally finds the one he really likes and yet she does not really reciprocate the feelings Draco has for her. It was really funny. And Brodick was having the time of his life.
That afternoon after the exercise that Draco did in the training field, Draco was reclining in a bench several feet away from the fireplace so he could rest for a while to think things over. He was still in a bad mood even though he already had an arduous time in the training field. It still was not enough to wash away the resentment he had inside.
And then, the young blond wench approached Draco (only the bloody blond wench named Mary was confident enough to approach him since everyone was avoiding him because of his foul mood). Mary made an offer to do something fun somewhere. Too bad for Mary that Draco wasn't in the mood to do any fooling around. But Mary was not so easily deterred; she leaned over Draco and pressed her body to Draco's body then pressed her lips to his lips. Draco still wasn't about to change his mind but sad enough that's how Hermione found them.
"Mary, I have told you last night and I will tell you again, I am not interested." Draco said in exasperation. "In the future, if I do like to have some 'fun' with you I will inform you. Alright? I do not wish to be bothered again. Do I make myself clear?" Draco finished in a very irritated voice.
Mary did not know how to respond for even though Lord Malfoy already told her last night that he was not interested she thought that the lord was just too tired and will certainly change his mind when he had the chance to rest.
"Certainly my lord. But I hope that my door will be always open and you just have to send someone to summon me and I will come with much haste." the servant meekly. After that the maid scurried out of the hall toward the buttery.
After the conversation, Draco grew restless. The blond wench was beautiful and Draco really did not understand his attitude now for seldom are the times that he turned his back on an eager bedmate. Last night, he told himself that he was just too tired but he was just trying to delude himself. And, he realized that now. With these thoughts in mind, Draco decided to walk off some steam and at the same time think about the situation that he is in.
#### Hermione's POV (just as she was to step out of the fireplace) ####
Hermione shook her head from her thoughts. But the site that greeted her wasn't really amusing. She did not wait that long to see what would happen next. When she saw the wench and Draco's lips locked in a too intimate kiss, she immediately spun around lest they see her and think that she was spying on them. Because of this, she did not see how Draco turned down the offer of the lovely Mary.
After the initial shock wore off came anger. Suddenly Hermione had the impossible urge to bash someone's head. It really didn't matter as long as she had something to vent her frustration in. Well, maybe not just anybody, maybe someone who's blond so she can imagine Draco and that bloody blond wench Mary.
Hermione continued on walking and muttering to herself, not really knowing or caring where she was headed because she was just so consumed by anger and a gigantic feeling of treachery that she was not paying attention to where she was setting off to.
Hermione kept on repeating to herself that she was already over him and was just mad that they were not discreet enough to find a place more private that the hearth. THE HEARTH FOR GOD'S SAKE!!! There, anyone could just happen upon them and
'Oh, but wait! Anger is just a stone throw away from love...' Hermione thought. 'Who said I'm angry?! I'm just disgusted. Yeah, that is it. I was sickened by their total disregard to being discreet. It is only that the sight of them together made her want to puke. Nothing more! Absolutely! Nothing is more than that!'
TO BE CONTINUED...
THE SECOND VERSION:
Chapter 13
Version 2
Going Home
And
Where she Lands
### Hermione's POV ###
On her way to the fireplace, Hermione was waylaid by the concern of having to talk to her maid and seeing to inform her men of what happened.
With this Hermione spun around to the other direction. Upon the stairs, Hermione let out a long sigh. She felt totally relieved in what took place. It was like a heavy burden was lifted out of her shoulders. Everyone must expect her to feel sad about the whole thing that happened back at the Solum Keep and they might think her crazy if they knew that what she felt. It is strangely enough she felt happy, ecstatic even... and most of that happiness is rooted to the thought and the feelings that going home to Draco invoked... Even though Hermione doesn't love him anymore... Or at least she thinks so...Or maybe she was just at the stage of trying to forget her love for him. It really doesn't matter anymore because she was free of the bounds of the prospect of a betrothal contract.
For her it was really of no consequence that she has to find another husband. Hermione is a strong believer of someone being made for you to love.
For a very long time, she thought that she already had that in Draco. He already had all the qualities of her dream man. He was strong, kind and he had honor. Not only that, he was also quite handsome that he takes your breath away if you allowed him to.
But unfortunately, that proved to be false. No matter, she'd just have to find the one that was made for her then. It hurt her that Draco was not the one for she loved him although that hurt will not cloud the hope that she has in her heart.
Tomorrow she would start her quest in finding her man, her man to slay the dragons blocking their happiness.
With these hopeful thoughts in her mind, Hermione climbed up the stairs to her quarters.
Hermione went up to her room. Upon seeing her maid Edwina, Hermione rushed to her side and immediately captured the older lady into a fierce hug. "Oh Edwina I am so happy!" Hermione said in a very happy voice. "I have missed the keep already and I would like to go home at once."
"You do know Hermione that you will have to look for another husband." Edwina said trying to break through the weird reaction of her lady and bring back the reality to her mistress.
"Though I do not relish that fact, Wina, I am still happy."
"You know, everyone expects you to be raging right now." Edwina began. "Certainly they would be blown out of their wits of your easy acceptance. And, if they could see you now grinning from ear to ear as if you are the happiest woman in the world they would be flabbergasted."
Hermione giggled. "Oh, Edwina! You truly have a way with saying what you want. If you were not the one who took care of me since birth and the one who knows me the best, I would certainly not appreciate your lack of respect."
"Good thing that I'm here to tell you these things for nobody would dare. Not even your father and mother, God bless their souls, would not do so." Edwina muttered.
"Hey, I heard that!"
"I intended you to hear it."
"Edwina it does not matter. What's done is done. I will not marry Harry and that's final. I'm a woman of my word."
"If I know, you are just happy for you still hold on to your little infatuation with your handsome lord ling, Draco, right? But that is if I know you. For my little baby would never let something like this get past her without extracting retribution."
"Wina, I have already realized that 'my little infatuation for my handsome lord ling' as you put it is a hopeless case. I do not cling to any dream of my childhood." Hermione answered all too defensively. Edwina did not mention this anymore for she could see that they were just going to have one of their very long arguments. The maid merely said, "Good for you." To her mistress and went back to directing the house elves in their packing.
"Edwina," Hermione called out. "I would like to go on ahead of you. Please see that everything is done. Just follow with the baggage with the men at arms. I will go on down and inform the men of my intention."
"Hermione, how do you intend to go home?" Edwina asked.
"A while ago I decided to use the fireplace. But I have already changed my mind. I will just have apparate." Hermione explained to her maid. She took her joy, her harp, which she made with her. The dark, graceful curves of the harp were inlaid with, gold, silver, mother-of-pearls, carnelian and amethysts. The strings were like golden webs that shine without end. This elegant harp of Hermione's serves to magnify the strength of Hermione's spells.
"Okay, you just take care then." The servant said in a resigned voice.
"You, too."
Hermione went down to find her men. She told them that her plans of marrying the Lord Potter have changed and that she will go on ahead of them.
When her man Nicholas asked for the sudden change of plans, Hermione answered evasively that certain matters have arisen that made us realize our folly in considering marriage to each other. Sir Nicholas did not question his lady further for he knows that she will tell him of the true reasons privately.
"Hermione, dear, you take care. Alright?" Sir Nicholas said to his mistress who he had seen raised and his mistress that has been more like a daughter to him.
"I promise, Uncle Nicki." Hermione hugged him. In a whisper, Hermione said "At home, I will tell you everything." Then, she let go, stepped back and took her harp, her joy. The long fingers of Hermione moved, calling from the strings a chord that was of great harmony to the quietness of the bailey, a joy that was barely contained. The tune rang out. Inch by inch light, green of color, surrounded Hermione. And with the light, Hermione also slowly disappeared. But before Hermione disappeared, she saw the nod of her Uncle Nicki making her know that he understood her words and that he will wait for her to be ready to talk about what happened.
Apparating was not an easy business. To travel from one room to another in the same keep will take about a minute. The time it takes to apparate from one keep to another depends on the distance. For Hermione it really was not that long for she had a lot of things in her mind. She spent the ten minutes she had before arriving somewhere near the hearth thinking. Hermione was thinking about the confrontation that she has to have with her overlord--- that's right, she did not think of him as her guardian for she believes that she was already too old for her to be Draco's ward--- concerning her premature arrival and with the news that she has to find another prospective husband.
Hermione was really wondering what Draco's reaction might be. Will he be mad? ..... Oh, there's no doubt about that. He already went through a lot of trouble coming to her keep just to protect her from the threat that the ap Weasel was. He could have sent one of vassals. But no, he had to come himself. She admired that in him and even her anger at him and the fact that she does not love him anymore as a woman would love a man could not dim that reality.
When Draco came back to Bosmer Keep, he had a really evil temper. Everyone sensed this and tried to stay out of his way as possible. Those unfortunate ones who weren't quick enough to avoid him either got roared upon or glared upon. And because of this all of the servants were really edgy that day.
Draco was oblivious to the servants. He was not usually like this. But still, he was furious as hell so he decided to spend his frustration in the training field with his knights and soldiers instead getting mad at the servants who were the unlucky enough to get in his way.
The other soldiers on the training field were all easily beaten and only one person proved to be a challenge to Draco, his trusted friend Brodick who was also one of his strongest knights.
Brodick, on the other hand, wasn't concerned in the least. In fact, he really found the whole scenario concerning Hermione very amusing. It is because Draco was a really handsome devil. He was like an Adonis. Everywhere they go women were constantly throwing themselves at Draco's feet and offering their bodies to Draco. Draco really didn't mind the attention. And often times he welcomed the advances. But though Draco enjoys this, he would drop everything off when it comes to his duties. Anytime. Anywhere. WHATEVER he is doing. Duties come first. And how ironic it is that now that Draco finally finds the one he really likes and yet she does not really reciprocate the feelings Draco has for her. It was really funny. And Brodick was having the time of his life.
That afternoon after the exercise that Draco did in the training field, Draco was reclining in a chair that he has moved several feet away from the fireplace so he could rest for a while to think things over. He was still in a bad mood even though he already had an arduous time in the training field. It still was not enough to wash away the resentment he had inside.
Just then, the bloody blond wench dared approach Draco even though he was in a very foul temper. Mary was already turned down by Draco last night when he arrived but she believes that the lord was just too tired from the journey that he turned her offer down. She decided that he just needs to be reminded of her what she could give him one more time. Surely he will accept her offer and summon her to his bed tonight.
Mary stood in the open legs of Draco and leaned over his body. She pressed her curves into his body. Draco was taken by surprise. He took hold of her shoulders and was just opening his mouth to tell her to get off him. But Mary took the opportunity and slid her tongue in to his now open mouth.
Hermione was just about to slowly land but then she saw that someone has moved a chair to the place that she planned to alight. It was already too late to alter adjust her direction. She tried to clear her vision of the things below but then she already started to fall down. Hermione only had time to let out a startled sound when she felt the pain.
Lady Hermione started to stammer her forgiveness and straighten her undignified position when she saw the people she landed on.
Draco was knocked on his back with Mary comfortably snuggled in his chest. They were locked in an extremely snug embrace. And, they painted a picture of a couple that was totally cozy with each other.
With the blink of an eye, Hermione's mortification of being caught on a very embarrassing situation was replaced by seething anger at seeing the people who she caught red handed. And doing their transgression in her hall! The absolute nerve of these people was unconceivable! She had the strongest and violent urge to bash their heads together.
Hermione took a deep breath. When that did not work, she counted to ten. Then, that did not work either. She gave up trying to rein in her fury.
"Let them feel it." Hermione muttered before she stood up, fixed her appearance and acted as if nothing out of the ordinary happened. Her eyes though told another story. They were blazing with anger.
She turned her smoldering glare to her servant. "Mary, don't you have anything better to do than relaxing here in the hearth. If then that is the situation, I will personally see to it that cook gives you more duties."
The servant was red faced with embarrassment by being seen by her mistress with the lord. "Um-no...-um my lady. I-I'm so-o so-sorry my lady." The servant's words stumbled on each other. "See to it that I do not see you lazing around again." She did not have to mention the or else for the servant already understood.
The instant Hermione finished talking the servant stuttered her affirmative reply and started to back out of the room lest she feel more of her mistress's fury.
Draco has remained silent until the servant was out of earshot. "Why are you here? And, what was that all about? Why are you so mad?"
Lady Hermione watched the retreating servant then turned her displeasure on Draco.
Hermione was mad and Draco did not understand this. He guessed that she was just mortified about landing at them. But nevertheless Hermione's actions were not justified. True, he was about to turn down the wench and was about to tell her that he was not to invite him again--- or else. AND, why was she here anyway? She was supposed to be happily kissing, flirting and getting to know that little twit, Potter.
The memory of Potter brought back the vision of Harry kissing Hermione. With that came his anger. Why did Potter do that? God, he wanted to kiss Hermione for a very long time and yet he saw someone to it! How did she taste?! He tried to deny his feelings for a child before but Hermione is not a child anymore. Draco has been overcome with the longing of wanting to taste her since seeing her in the window.
But Harry beat him in it!
Darn it all. Draco's fury came to the surface, matching Hermione's temper. He was itching for something since coming back at Bosmer Keep. Maybe he finally found it in this confrontation with Hermione.
TO BE CONTINUED...
Author's Note: So, tell me... version one or version two? I'll be waiting... But do so now so I can repost your choice. And, so I can make the next chapter. Thanks for reading my fic!!! ;D
And for those who love Harry, please do not be offended by Draco's calling him a 'little twit.' OK? He's still mad at him about all the kissing and touching and holding Hermione that he believes he only has the right to do. He just plain jealous.
Hey everyone!
I am at my wit's end right now. I can't decide which version to post so I decided to post them both. Please pick one version so I can make the next chapter soon. I hope that you can help me make a verdict. What version is better? There are some scenes that are the same but the outcome is different. Is the first version better or the second? Please tell me.
I also did this so you can play a part in my story. I am open to suggestions and criticisms.
I want you to be a part in the outcome of my story.
Help me make up my mind. Vote for what you think is better.
THE FIRST VERSION
CHAPTER 13
Version 1
THE RETURN OF THE LADY
As Hermione stepped in the fire place to go back to her own keep, she was thinking about what has transpired that made her once again in search for a husband.
About the whole fiasco at the Keep of Solum, Hermione was undoubtedly feeling weird. She really couldn't believe what happened. But she was not that shocked not to be thankful of the outcome.
She felt totally relieved in what took place. It was like a heavy burden was lifted out of her shoulders. Everyone must expect her to feel sad about the whole thing that happened back at the Solum Keep and they might think her crazy if they knew that what she felt. It is strangely enough she felt happy, ecstatic even... and most of that happiness is rooted to the thought and the feelings that going home to Draco invoked... Even though Hermione doesn't love him anymore... Or at least she thinks so...Or maybe she was just at the stage of trying to forget her love for him. It really doesn't matter anymore because she was free of the bounds of the prospect of a betrothal contract.
For her it was really of no consequence that she has to find another husband. Hermione is a strong believer of someone being made for you to love.
For a very long time, she thought that she already had that in Draco. He already had all the qualities of her dream man. He was strong, kind and he had honor. Not only that, he was also quite handsome that he takes your breath away if you allowed him to.
But unfortunately, that proved to be false. No matter, she'd just have to find the one that was made for her then. It hurt her that Draco was not the one for she loved him although that hurt will not cloud the hope that she has in her heart.
Tomorrow she would start her quest in finding her man, her man to slay the dragons blocking their happiness.
With these happy thoughts in mind Hermione stepped out of the fire place. She was wearing a happy smile. And deep down, she was feeling positive after she finally straightened out her feelings, problems and thoughts.
####Draco's POV####
When he came back, he had a really evil temper. Everyone sensed this and tried to stay out of his way as possible. Those unfortunate ones who weren't quick enough to avoid him either got roared upon or glared upon. And because of this all of the servants were more than kind of edgy that day.
Draco was furious as hell so he decided to spend his frustration in the training field with his knights and soldiers.
The other soldiers were all easily beaten and only one person proved to be a challenge to Draco, his best friend Brodick who was also one of his most trusted knights.
Brodick, on the other hand, wasn't concerned in the least. In fact, he really found it very amusing. It is because Draco was a really handsome devil. He was like an Adonis. Everywhere they go women were constantly throwing themselves at Draco's feet and offering their bodies to Draco. Draco really didn't mind the attention. And often times he welcomed the advances. But though Draco enjoys this, he would drop everything off when it comes to his duties. Anytime. Anywhere. WHATEVER he is doing. Duties come first. And how ironic it is that now that Draco finally finds the one he really likes and yet she does not really reciprocate the feelings Draco has for her. It was really funny. And Brodick was having the time of his life.
That afternoon after the exercise that Draco did in the training field, Draco was reclining in a bench several feet away from the fireplace so he could rest for a while to think things over. He was still in a bad mood even though he already had an arduous time in the training field. It still was not enough to wash away the resentment he had inside.
And then, the young blond wench approached Draco (only the bloody blond wench named Mary was confident enough to approach him since everyone was avoiding him because of his foul mood). Mary made an offer to do something fun somewhere. Too bad for Mary that Draco wasn't in the mood to do any fooling around. But Mary was not so easily deterred; she leaned over Draco and pressed her body to Draco's body then pressed her lips to his lips. Draco still wasn't about to change his mind but sad enough that's how Hermione found them.
"Mary, I have told you last night and I will tell you again, I am not interested." Draco said in exasperation. "In the future, if I do like to have some 'fun' with you I will inform you. Alright? I do not wish to be bothered again. Do I make myself clear?" Draco finished in a very irritated voice.
Mary did not know how to respond for even though Lord Malfoy already told her last night that he was not interested she thought that the lord was just too tired and will certainly change his mind when he had the chance to rest.
"Certainly my lord. But I hope that my door will be always open and you just have to send someone to summon me and I will come with much haste." the servant meekly. After that the maid scurried out of the hall toward the buttery.
After the conversation, Draco grew restless. The blond wench was beautiful and Draco really did not understand his attitude now for seldom are the times that he turned his back on an eager bedmate. Last night, he told himself that he was just too tired but he was just trying to delude himself. And, he realized that now. With these thoughts in mind, Draco decided to walk off some steam and at the same time think about the situation that he is in.
#### Hermione's POV (just as she was to step out of the fireplace) ####
Hermione shook her head from her thoughts. But the site that greeted her wasn't really amusing. She did not wait that long to see what would happen next. When she saw the wench and Draco's lips locked in a too intimate kiss, she immediately spun around lest they see her and think that she was spying on them. Because of this, she did not see how Draco turned down the offer of the lovely Mary.
After the initial shock wore off came anger. Suddenly Hermione had the impossible urge to bash someone's head. It really didn't matter as long as she had something to vent her frustration in. Well, maybe not just anybody, maybe someone who's blond so she can imagine Draco and that bloody blond wench Mary.
Hermione continued on walking and muttering to herself, not really knowing or caring where she was headed because she was just so consumed by anger and a gigantic feeling of treachery that she was not paying attention to where she was setting off to.
Hermione kept on repeating to herself that she was already over him and was just mad that they were not discreet enough to find a place more private that the hearth. THE HEARTH FOR GOD'S SAKE!!! There, anyone could just happen upon them and
'Oh, but wait! Anger is just a stone throw away from love...' Hermione thought. 'Who said I'm angry?! I'm just disgusted. Yeah, that is it. I was sickened by their total disregard to being discreet. It is only that the sight of them together made her want to puke. Nothing more! Absolutely! Nothing is more than that!'
TO BE CONTINUED...
THE SECOND VERSION:
Chapter 13
Version 2
Going Home
And
Where she Lands
### Hermione's POV ###
On her way to the fireplace, Hermione was waylaid by the concern of having to talk to her maid and seeing to inform her men of what happened.
With this Hermione spun around to the other direction. Upon the stairs, Hermione let out a long sigh. She felt totally relieved in what took place. It was like a heavy burden was lifted out of her shoulders. Everyone must expect her to feel sad about the whole thing that happened back at the Solum Keep and they might think her crazy if they knew that what she felt. It is strangely enough she felt happy, ecstatic even... and most of that happiness is rooted to the thought and the feelings that going home to Draco invoked... Even though Hermione doesn't love him anymore... Or at least she thinks so...Or maybe she was just at the stage of trying to forget her love for him. It really doesn't matter anymore because she was free of the bounds of the prospect of a betrothal contract.
For her it was really of no consequence that she has to find another husband. Hermione is a strong believer of someone being made for you to love.
For a very long time, she thought that she already had that in Draco. He already had all the qualities of her dream man. He was strong, kind and he had honor. Not only that, he was also quite handsome that he takes your breath away if you allowed him to.
But unfortunately, that proved to be false. No matter, she'd just have to find the one that was made for her then. It hurt her that Draco was not the one for she loved him although that hurt will not cloud the hope that she has in her heart.
Tomorrow she would start her quest in finding her man, her man to slay the dragons blocking their happiness.
With these hopeful thoughts in her mind, Hermione climbed up the stairs to her quarters.
Hermione went up to her room. Upon seeing her maid Edwina, Hermione rushed to her side and immediately captured the older lady into a fierce hug. "Oh Edwina I am so happy!" Hermione said in a very happy voice. "I have missed the keep already and I would like to go home at once."
"You do know Hermione that you will have to look for another husband." Edwina said trying to break through the weird reaction of her lady and bring back the reality to her mistress.
"Though I do not relish that fact, Wina, I am still happy."
"You know, everyone expects you to be raging right now." Edwina began. "Certainly they would be blown out of their wits of your easy acceptance. And, if they could see you now grinning from ear to ear as if you are the happiest woman in the world they would be flabbergasted."
Hermione giggled. "Oh, Edwina! You truly have a way with saying what you want. If you were not the one who took care of me since birth and the one who knows me the best, I would certainly not appreciate your lack of respect."
"Good thing that I'm here to tell you these things for nobody would dare. Not even your father and mother, God bless their souls, would not do so." Edwina muttered.
"Hey, I heard that!"
"I intended you to hear it."
"Edwina it does not matter. What's done is done. I will not marry Harry and that's final. I'm a woman of my word."
"If I know, you are just happy for you still hold on to your little infatuation with your handsome lord ling, Draco, right? But that is if I know you. For my little baby would never let something like this get past her without extracting retribution."
"Wina, I have already realized that 'my little infatuation for my handsome lord ling' as you put it is a hopeless case. I do not cling to any dream of my childhood." Hermione answered all too defensively. Edwina did not mention this anymore for she could see that they were just going to have one of their very long arguments. The maid merely said, "Good for you." To her mistress and went back to directing the house elves in their packing.
"Edwina," Hermione called out. "I would like to go on ahead of you. Please see that everything is done. Just follow with the baggage with the men at arms. I will go on down and inform the men of my intention."
"Hermione, how do you intend to go home?" Edwina asked.
"A while ago I decided to use the fireplace. But I have already changed my mind. I will just have apparate." Hermione explained to her maid. She took her joy, her harp, which she made with her. The dark, graceful curves of the harp were inlaid with, gold, silver, mother-of-pearls, carnelian and amethysts. The strings were like golden webs that shine without end. This elegant harp of Hermione's serves to magnify the strength of Hermione's spells.
"Okay, you just take care then." The servant said in a resigned voice.
"You, too."
Hermione went down to find her men. She told them that her plans of marrying the Lord Potter have changed and that she will go on ahead of them.
When her man Nicholas asked for the sudden change of plans, Hermione answered evasively that certain matters have arisen that made us realize our folly in considering marriage to each other. Sir Nicholas did not question his lady further for he knows that she will tell him of the true reasons privately.
"Hermione, dear, you take care. Alright?" Sir Nicholas said to his mistress who he had seen raised and his mistress that has been more like a daughter to him.
"I promise, Uncle Nicki." Hermione hugged him. In a whisper, Hermione said "At home, I will tell you everything." Then, she let go, stepped back and took her harp, her joy. The long fingers of Hermione moved, calling from the strings a chord that was of great harmony to the quietness of the bailey, a joy that was barely contained. The tune rang out. Inch by inch light, green of color, surrounded Hermione. And with the light, Hermione also slowly disappeared. But before Hermione disappeared, she saw the nod of her Uncle Nicki making her know that he understood her words and that he will wait for her to be ready to talk about what happened.
Apparating was not an easy business. To travel from one room to another in the same keep will take about a minute. The time it takes to apparate from one keep to another depends on the distance. For Hermione it really was not that long for she had a lot of things in her mind. She spent the ten minutes she had before arriving somewhere near the hearth thinking. Hermione was thinking about the confrontation that she has to have with her overlord--- that's right, she did not think of him as her guardian for she believes that she was already too old for her to be Draco's ward--- concerning her premature arrival and with the news that she has to find another prospective husband.
Hermione was really wondering what Draco's reaction might be. Will he be mad? ..... Oh, there's no doubt about that. He already went through a lot of trouble coming to her keep just to protect her from the threat that the ap Weasel was. He could have sent one of vassals. But no, he had to come himself. She admired that in him and even her anger at him and the fact that she does not love him anymore as a woman would love a man could not dim that reality.
When Draco came back to Bosmer Keep, he had a really evil temper. Everyone sensed this and tried to stay out of his way as possible. Those unfortunate ones who weren't quick enough to avoid him either got roared upon or glared upon. And because of this all of the servants were really edgy that day.
Draco was oblivious to the servants. He was not usually like this. But still, he was furious as hell so he decided to spend his frustration in the training field with his knights and soldiers instead getting mad at the servants who were the unlucky enough to get in his way.
The other soldiers on the training field were all easily beaten and only one person proved to be a challenge to Draco, his trusted friend Brodick who was also one of his strongest knights.
Brodick, on the other hand, wasn't concerned in the least. In fact, he really found the whole scenario concerning Hermione very amusing. It is because Draco was a really handsome devil. He was like an Adonis. Everywhere they go women were constantly throwing themselves at Draco's feet and offering their bodies to Draco. Draco really didn't mind the attention. And often times he welcomed the advances. But though Draco enjoys this, he would drop everything off when it comes to his duties. Anytime. Anywhere. WHATEVER he is doing. Duties come first. And how ironic it is that now that Draco finally finds the one he really likes and yet she does not really reciprocate the feelings Draco has for her. It was really funny. And Brodick was having the time of his life.
That afternoon after the exercise that Draco did in the training field, Draco was reclining in a chair that he has moved several feet away from the fireplace so he could rest for a while to think things over. He was still in a bad mood even though he already had an arduous time in the training field. It still was not enough to wash away the resentment he had inside.
Just then, the bloody blond wench dared approach Draco even though he was in a very foul temper. Mary was already turned down by Draco last night when he arrived but she believes that the lord was just too tired from the journey that he turned her offer down. She decided that he just needs to be reminded of her what she could give him one more time. Surely he will accept her offer and summon her to his bed tonight.
Mary stood in the open legs of Draco and leaned over his body. She pressed her curves into his body. Draco was taken by surprise. He took hold of her shoulders and was just opening his mouth to tell her to get off him. But Mary took the opportunity and slid her tongue in to his now open mouth.
Hermione was just about to slowly land but then she saw that someone has moved a chair to the place that she planned to alight. It was already too late to alter adjust her direction. She tried to clear her vision of the things below but then she already started to fall down. Hermione only had time to let out a startled sound when she felt the pain.
Lady Hermione started to stammer her forgiveness and straighten her undignified position when she saw the people she landed on.
Draco was knocked on his back with Mary comfortably snuggled in his chest. They were locked in an extremely snug embrace. And, they painted a picture of a couple that was totally cozy with each other.
With the blink of an eye, Hermione's mortification of being caught on a very embarrassing situation was replaced by seething anger at seeing the people who she caught red handed. And doing their transgression in her hall! The absolute nerve of these people was unconceivable! She had the strongest and violent urge to bash their heads together.
Hermione took a deep breath. When that did not work, she counted to ten. Then, that did not work either. She gave up trying to rein in her fury.
"Let them feel it." Hermione muttered before she stood up, fixed her appearance and acted as if nothing out of the ordinary happened. Her eyes though told another story. They were blazing with anger.
She turned her smoldering glare to her servant. "Mary, don't you have anything better to do than relaxing here in the hearth. If then that is the situation, I will personally see to it that cook gives you more duties."
The servant was red faced with embarrassment by being seen by her mistress with the lord. "Um-no...-um my lady. I-I'm so-o so-sorry my lady." The servant's words stumbled on each other. "See to it that I do not see you lazing around again." She did not have to mention the or else for the servant already understood.
The instant Hermione finished talking the servant stuttered her affirmative reply and started to back out of the room lest she feel more of her mistress's fury.
Draco has remained silent until the servant was out of earshot. "Why are you here? And, what was that all about? Why are you so mad?"
Lady Hermione watched the retreating servant then turned her displeasure on Draco.
Hermione was mad and Draco did not understand this. He guessed that she was just mortified about landing at them. But nevertheless Hermione's actions were not justified. True, he was about to turn down the wench and was about to tell her that he was not to invite him again--- or else. AND, why was she here anyway? She was supposed to be happily kissing, flirting and getting to know that little twit, Potter.
The memory of Potter brought back the vision of Harry kissing Hermione. With that came his anger. Why did Potter do that? God, he wanted to kiss Hermione for a very long time and yet he saw someone to it! How did she taste?! He tried to deny his feelings for a child before but Hermione is not a child anymore. Draco has been overcome with the longing of wanting to taste her since seeing her in the window.
But Harry beat him in it!
Darn it all. Draco's fury came to the surface, matching Hermione's temper. He was itching for something since coming back at Bosmer Keep. Maybe he finally found it in this confrontation with Hermione.
TO BE CONTINUED...
Author's Note: So, tell me... version one or version two? I'll be waiting... But do so now so I can repost your choice. And, so I can make the next chapter. Thanks for reading my fic!!! ;D
And for those who love Harry, please do not be offended by Draco's calling him a 'little twit.' OK? He's still mad at him about all the kissing and touching and holding Hermione that he believes he only has the right to do. He just plain jealous.