Chapter Four – The Malfoy Manor.

Hermione shifted restlessly in her chair, trying to concentrate on the book she was reading. It had been a week and a half since dinner in Rome with Draco, and she had continued to recover over that time. Hermione's stamina was building, and she was finding the need for a change in her daily routine increasing.

Draco had visited her almost every day since their first date, but even those visits had not been long enough to satisfy Hermione's longings to be with him. She shifted again as the doorbell rang. Setting her book aside and jumping up, she ran to the door to answer it.

"Hey Hermione."

"Oh. Hello Harry." Hermione said, forgetting to mask her disappointment.

Harry frowned at her. "Well, I know when I'm not wanted."

Hermione looked back at him from glancing over his shoulder, and smiled. "Don't be stupid. I just thought you were going to be someone else." She stood back, "Come in."

Harry entered and once they were on the double seated couch in the lounge, he said, "I take it Draco hasn't visited yet today." When Hermione shook her head, he continued, "I'm going to the Burrow over summer. If you'd like to come over and stay, Molly said that you were welcome. She believed that a change of scenery might do you good."

"That might be true." Hermione consented, her eyes staring out the window.

Harry smiled to himself, and shifted closer to Hermione, wrapping an arm around her shoulder. "I have my own sneaking suspicion that you have a different change of scenery in mind." Hermione glanced up at him almost hopelessly. "Don't stress Hermione, he'll ask you soon enough. He's had a lot to deal with these past weeks. I think he's only just getting it all in order. Plus, we've had our training with the Speeding Snitches to get used to. I know for a fact he's had trouble adjusting to the position of Beater."

"Really?" Hermione was surprised. "He hasn't mentioned that. But I know he's been spending a while at training, and when he's not doing that, he's in interviews, or with his mother, or catching up on some much needed rest."

Harry nodded. After a while, he made them both some tea, and they lounged around talking about Harry's new job with the Speeding Snitches, and how Ron was going. They chatted about Ginny preparing for her final year at Hogwarts, and how she had requested Hermione's advice on the best ways to study for Transfiguration. Hermione told Harry about Rome, and he remained silent yet attentive throughout the entire account, although he had heard it three times already. Then Harry tentatively brought up the subject of Ron, and his lack of a love interest.

"It upsets me Hermione, that I'm so happy with his younger sister, and he has to hang around with us, feeling like the third wheel. I don't know what to do for him."

While Harry had been expressing his concerns, a green glow in Hermione's fireplace had gone undetected by the two friends. A masculine figure slowly came into view and carefully stepped out of the fire. He smirked at their lack of alertness, and also at the idea that had just popped into his head due to overhearing the last bit of conversation. "I think I know what can be done."

Harry stood up and had his wand aimed at Draco's chest in an instant. Hermione had whipped her head around to see who it was, and melted back into the couch in relief when she saw it was only Draco. "You scared us, you idiot." She said.

"I know. How funny for me." Draco commented, walking into the room, and sprawling out over an armchair.

Hermione frowned at him. "Draco, how did you get here? My fireplace isn't connected to the Floo network."

"It is now." Draco told her. "A little visit to the Ministry was all it took."

Hermione smiled at him, and he winked back. Harry breathed a sigh of relief and eased himself back onto the couch. Once he had placed his wand away, Draco's initial statement registered. "You say you have an idea about Ron?"

Draco looked towards Harry. "Oh yeah. Surely you both know who I have in mind…"

Hermione nodded immediately, and Harry made it clear he knew who by looking doubtful. "Come on Harry. She's shown an interest." Draco said. "I've known her long enough to detect the signs."

"Do you think Ron's interested though? I mean, it's not as if they've ever been the best of friends." Harry objected.

"Neither have we." Hermione mentioned, motioning between Draco and herself.

"Good point." Harry said. "Fine. You guys work something out, because this is so not my area of expertise."

"Uh huh, because it's certainly mine." Draco said sarcastically.

"Shut up." Hermione told him, as Harry stood and made ready to leave.

"I'll come and visit again soon Hermione." He said, giving her a kiss on the cheek goodbye. "Unless you feel up to coming over to the Burrow and visiting us instead? You must know that Molly would love to see you out and about…"

Hermione brightened at the prospect. "I would love to. How does Friday evening sound? Do you think perhaps Molly would let me come over for dinner?"

Harry smiled at her. "I know she'd love it. See you then." For a moment he started towards the door, then stopped and looked over his shoulder at the fireplace. "Huh. That would be easier."

Draco reached into his pocket and handed Harry a vial that contained Floo powder. "Not all of it. I still have to get home."

Harry thanked him, and shortly after calling out "The Burrow!" he was gone.

"So." Draco ventured. "I was thinking…"

Hermione remained silent, hoping he would say what she wanted to hear.

"Do you want to come over to the Malfoy Manor sometime, so you can see where I live?" Draco glanced at her and noticed the grin on her face. Taking it as a yes, he continued. "My mother really wants to meet you, and I'd love to show you around, and see if you like the place."

"I'd love to." Hermione replied. "Now that I'm busy Friday night, how does Saturday sound?"

"Well…" Draco looked at the ground for moment, "I was actually thinking that I'm not doing much this afternoon. And by the looks of things, you're not either. So, if we assess this situation correctly, you could probably come home with me now."

When Hermione didn't respond, he quickly added, "That is, if you want."

She frowned, and responded, "No, I really would love to, it's just that…it's a fair distance, and I don't think I'd want to leave after only a few hours. From what you say, the Manor is huge, so I wouldn't really be able to see it all in one night, would I?"

Draco couldn't suppress his smile. "I think you're right. Hermione, would you like to stay over the night, just to make the trip worthwhile?"

Hermione stood happily, and in response said, "I'll go pack."

Half an hour later, Hermione had packed and informed her parents that she was going to Draco's house for the night. They were pleased that she was doing something other that read or sit up in her room.

Draco gave her some Floo powder, and told her that he'd go first, so she wouldn't feel weird appearing alone in a strange home. Once he'd disappeared with her bags, she stepped forward and threw the powder into the flames. "Malfoy Manor," she said firmly, and she stepped into the green fire.

After a few moments of rushing passed grates, she felt a slight tug towards one and stepped into it. Emerging into an expansive room, Hermione brushed a few bits of ash off her shoulders and looked around. It was richly adorned, but everything appeared to have its own value, without anything seeming to have been purchased simply because it was expensive. Hermione turned and looked over her shoulder at the wall above the fireplace and stared at the large, almost life size painting.

There stood Lucius Malfoy, his blonde hair slicked behind his ears, and a glowering expression. His hand rested on his wife's shoulder as she sat in front of him, straight backed and with her hands clasped firmly in her lap. Their son, Draco Malfoy stood on the other side of his mother with a slight smirk captured on his face.

"I had only just started at Hogwarts when that was done." Draco explained from behind her. "We were going to have another one painted as soon as I graduated, but obviously there's no point anymore."

Hermione faced him. "I'd love to meet Narcissa."

"Of course, Madam." Draco took her hand in his and guided her through the halls of the Manor, each as lavish as the next. "I can only imagine she's in her room until dinner. We'll visit her there."

"Are you sure she won't mind my being here?" Hermione asked, having not thought of this yet. "What if she feels as if I'm intruding in her home?"

"Aside form the fact that she won't think that, she'd soon get over it when she realized how happy it makes me to have you here." Draco told her, poking her in the ribs. "Up these stairs."

Hermione allowed him to lead her up a large marble staircase that winded its way up to a second level. The hall it opened up to was long and was covered in a rich green carpet. The paintings that lined the walls were of relatives or well known places and landscapes.

Draco leaned down and explained, "Mum is the only person who sleeps in this wing. All the house help sleeps down stairs, and my room in the East wing, on the third level. So, she's not got too much company these days with father not sharing her room anymore."

Hermione nodded and waited for Draco to knock on the door to Narcissa's bedroom. After hearing a soft reply, Draco opened the door, and peered his head around to see his mother. "Mum, I brought Hermione up to meet you."

"Oh, finally. Bring her in." She replied. Draco pushed the door fully open, and led Hermione into the room. The first thing Hermione noticed wasn't Narcissa; it was the beauty of the room. The double bed was made of a heavy dark wood, and the blue quilt that covered it was thick and woolen, with a matching rug on the floor, woven with raw silk. The curtains were pulled back from the large window that overlooked the gardens, and Hermione noted a fair sized balcony just outside, obviously reached via the glass door on the right side of the window.

"Nice to meet you at last, Hermione dear." Narcissa said, standing from her chair by the window and extending a hand politely. Hermione walked forward and shook her hand warmly.

"And it's wonderful to meet you too." Hermione stepped back so she stood next to Draco. After a moment of silence, Hermione said, "You have a glorious home here, Mrs. Malfoy."

"Yes, my late husband had high expectations of his house. And by the end, all of his expectations had been carried out, from the staircases and furnishings, to the four separate wings. It is quite comfortable, but I'm afraid I can no longer call it my own. It is Draco's home now."

"Mum, it's yours too. Don't be stupid." Draco said sharply. "I don't want to hear any of that nonsense about it not being your home anymore."

"Yes dear." Narcissa acquiesced with a small smile. She turned to Hermione, "I love it when he gets all demanding like this. It reminds me of Lucius. Tell me something, are you going to stay here long?"

"Draco's invited me to stay the night, if that's alright with you." Hermione informed her.

"Yes, yes, of course. I was thinking something longer, but the night's fine with me dear." Narcissa smiled at her. "Now I'll let you two explore the place, and I'll see you again at dinner."

"Ok." Hermione said, and walked out of the room with Draco.

"See?" he told her. "She's not really that bad now, is she?"

"No." Hermione smiled. Draco led her down many halls, and showed her a vast variety of rooms. He showed her the three studies, two lounges, kitchen, dinning room, the entire north wing which was designed for guests only, the bathrooms, the attic, and the basement. As they walked up from the basement, Hermione turned to him. "There's one room you still haven't shown me."

Draco's brow furrowed. "Which one's that?"

"Yours."

Draco's expression turned almost sly. "Oh yeah…" He took her hand gently and raised it to his lips, kissing it softly. He then turned, keeping her hand in his, and walked through the lounge room and up two sets of marble stairs. Reaching the third floor, Draco continued down a corridor and stopped in front of a closed wooden door.

"Here lies the domain of Draco Malfoy." He said in a whisper, as if presenting a lions den to a group of tourists. Slowly, with a smirk on his face, he turned the handle and pushed open the door. Hermione's mouth dropped at the sight of Draco's bedroom.

It was huge, about the size of her lounge and dining room combined. A large arching window covered much of the far wall, with heavy green velvet curtains pulled back to give a wonderful view of the star filled sky. His double, four poster bed sat in the middle of the room, decorated with a green quilt and silver pillows, and it was then Hermione realized how much Draco had prided himself on being a Slytherin. His desk was on the left, and a large bookcase filled much of the wall space next to the door. Opposite the bed was a fireplace, in front of which was a large green armchair. Hermione also noticed a door beside the bed, and she correctly guessed it to lead to the bathroom.

"What do you think?" Draco asked her, watching her reaction carefully.

"Five of my bedrooms could fit in here." She stated, dumbfounded.

"Does that make it bad?" he asked her, a crease of worry appearing on his brow.

Hermione shook her head. "Not at all. I'm just trying to imagine what you think of my tiny house compared to this."

"Don't try to do that. I know that not everyone is as lucky as I am, and I don't think any less of them for it. Hermione, we have been through this too many times for me to bother with an argument. I love you, and that's all that matters. The size of a house makes no difference to me. Tell me you understand that."

"I understand Draco." Hermione said. Draco nodded his head in conclusion of the conversation, and closed the door behind them. He inquired after her health, and she replied, "I feel fine Draco. Better than I've felt in a long time."

"Now that's what I want to hear." Draco smiled slyly. He took her hand in his own once again, and kissed in gently. Slowly, he pulled back her sleeve and left a trail of kisses up her arm. As he did so, his other hand worked its magic by unbuttoning her robe and slipping it off her.

Hermione stepped forward and kissed him passionately, all the while removing his robe and shirt, and allowing him to pull off her top and fumble with the hook and eye on her bra. "I hate those things, they make no sense." He muttered to himself as he finally threw it aside.

Hermione couldn't help laughing. "At least I know you haven't had too much practice."

Draco smirked dryly, "Yeah," then quickly covered her mouth with his own, preventing any further conversation. He lifted Hermione, careful to avoid putting pressure on her healing wound, and carried her to his large bed. Placing her down gently, Draco quickly untied the bed hangings to save them embarrassment if they were walked in on. When he rejoined Hermione, he found her snug under the covers waiting for him. Smiling, for it had been a painfully long time, he slipped under the covers with her.

An hour later...

"I was wondering when I was going to see you two again." Narcissa said as they walked hand in hand into the dining room. The house elves had laid out a wonderful assortment of dishes to choose from, and Hermione's eye widened at the notion that the Malfoy's always ate with such variety.

"I was just giving Hermione a tour of the Manor." Draco explained with a small smile. "And you know how long that can take, especially when you introduce a bookworm with a library like ours."

"Library?" Hermione questioned as she sat down.

Draco lowered his head in shame at Hermione's inability to catch on quickly to a lie. "Yes Hermione. We have a library, remember?"

Hermione stared at Draco, unsure whether to embarrass him in front of his mother for not showing her the library, or to pretend to have forgotten momentarily to cover her own embarrassment about having been doing something entirely different than looking at books. "Um…oh yes. Now I recall the library. Quite big, wasn't it?" she attempted, guessing the Malfoy's library would have to be large like everything thing else they owned.

"Yes Hermione." Narcissa said, smiling at the pair's lack of preparation for a confrontation. It was completely obvious to her what they had been doing and where, but it had been a while since she'd had anyone to mess with. "Did you see the section on Karma Sutra? Lucius and I built on that collection for years. It may have made things much more interesting back in Draco's room."

"Mother!" Draco exclaimed, half in embarrassment and half in mortification at hearing his mother giving them tips on how to spice up their love life.

Narcissa winked and smiled in satisfaction. "Sorry Hermione. I just have to embarrass that boy sometimes. Otherwise his cheeks remain so pale."

"Shut up mum." Draco said with red cheeks and an expression that attempted severity. "Next time you say something like that, you're out of this house."

"Empty threat, my dear." Narcissa said with a smirk. "Empty threat."

And that was when Hermione started respecting Draco's mother.

A/N – Happy New Year! I hope all your New Year's resolutions come true. Mine never do, so I don't bother making any up anymore. But how about I do one for you guys. Tell me when you'd like this fic finished by, and I'll try live up to it. (Within reason, that is.)

Happy holidays, safest blessings, love Halfling.