A/N- This chapter's not as long as you think. There are some thank-you's typed out at the bottom. If you've read and reviewed this fic, you're probably one of them. To tell you all the truth, I'm losing interest in this fic, and long to concentrate on my new one. It's not posted yet, but I can't to see what you all think of it. Don't stress, I will finish this one, but I'm just letting you know how I'm getting on.
Chapter Five – Ron visits the Manor
At breakfast the next morning, Narcissa demonstrated how bored she really had been over the past few days. "I've been thinking Draco. Maybe you should organize a reunion with all the Seventh years from Hogwarts."
"Mother, we've been away from that place just over a month. Why would we want a reunion so soon?" Draco asked, before biting into his pancakes.
"Well, you were all studying so much towards the end, I doubt much passed between you. Besides, it would be nice to catch up with people from other Houses outside Hogwarts. Those castle walls place rivalry inside all your minds."
"I think it's a good idea, Mrs. Malfoy." Hermione told her, causing Draco's forehead to thud heavily into the palm of his hand. She turned to him and fixed him with a demanding glare. "What is your problem Draco?"
"It just makes another thing I have to help organize." He complained. "There's too much happening at the moment. It's only just starting to calm down. Let's not hype it up again."
"You don't have to do it Draco." Hermione said, eyeing Narcissa thoughtfully. "Narcissa, we know that you're struggling for things to do at the moment. Could we possibly persuade you to organize a Hogwarts reunion for us?"
"I'd love to." She said, her mouth spreading into a large smile. "I've got some ideas already. All you two have to do is be in charge of inviting everyone. I was thinking Sunday week would work nicely, ok?"
Draco looked at him mum. "You're sure you won't mind doing this?"
"I'm sure. As long as I'm allowed to hang around while everyone is here." She paused. "I had been thinking that the Manor is a decent sized place for it. And from here I can organize the house elves to cater, I'll try get a band in and the rest of the mingling is up to you."
"Sounds good mum." Draco said with a smile, finishing off the last of his breakfast. At that moment the head servant walked into the breakfast parlor. "Is something wrong Mr. Jenkins?" Draco asked him politely.
"Not at all, sir." He replied with a nod of the head. "I'm here to announce the arrival of a Missus Pansy Parkinson. Arrived by the Floo Network in your lounge room a few moments ago, and waits for you there."
Draco stood up and excused himself from the table. He smiled at Mr. Jenkins, and left the room. Hermione looked across the table at Narcissa, wondering if she should follow him.
"I don't think he intended to leave you here with his moping old mother." Narcissa told her with a slight smile. "I think he wishes not to tell you what to do. If he'd told you to go with him, that would be controlling you. If I read my son correctly, he wants you to feel at home here, and allow you the freedom to do whatever you want."
Hermione hadn't thought of it that way. "Thank you. I'd love to see Pansy again."
"There you go." She smiled, then noticed Hermione's frown. "Out that door there, turn right, and it's the third door on the left."
Hermione nodded her thanks, and moved out f the breakfast parlor. Following the directions, Hermione found herself in the lounge. Draco was seated on a large red couch and had his feet propped up on a footstool. Pansy was standing in front of the fireplace, which, Draco had told Hermione the night before, burnt all year round no matter what the weather, to allow visitors to arrive via Floo powder.
She walked in to room and Pansy turned to face her with a smile. "Hermione, it's been so long. Are you all better?"
"Basically, yes. Just a scar left." She replied, moving to sit down next to Draco after hugging Pansy in greeting. Draco winked at her, then placed his arm around her shoulder and drew her close. Hermione rested her head on Draco's shoulder and placed a hand on his chest.
Pansy looked at them, "Damn you two. You're making me jealous just sitting there. If only I had someone I could − Ow, shit!" Her sentence stopped abruptly when she was knocked to the floor by a new arrival. Draco and Hermione sat up straight in shock and peered over the coffee table to see Pansy and someone else tangled up on the floor.
"I think someone just used Floo to get here." Draco mused, smiling at Pansy's stupid mistake of standing in front of a connected fireplace. He should have warned her, but he hadn't really thought anyone else would come over. Bad luck.
"Who is that?" Hermione queried as a tall, lanky guy stood with his back to them. He extended his arm to help Pansy up, mumbled an apology and she took it with a strange expression on her face.
"Is Pansy embarrassed?" Draco asked incredulously, as she was helped to her feet with a blush on her cheeks.
"No way." Hermione said with wide eyes, as the bright red hair of the newcomer registered. "Ron?"
Ron turned to see Draco and Hermione watching him from the couch. He quickly retrieved his hand from Pansy's and it flopped against his side. Ron couldn't avoid their mirthful eyes and he suddenly looked willing to transfigure himself into a toad. Or something smaller so they couldn't look at him teasingly.
A gnat, perhaps.
"Oh, hello Hermione." He said, glancing at his feet. "Hi there, Draco."
"Hello." They replied in unison, praying for the sake of the pair in front of them that they wouldn't burst out laughing. After composing herself, Hermione asked, "What are you doing here Ron?"
"Um…" Ron stumbled, glancing at Pansy, who refrained from making eye contact. "I was just coming to find you."
Hermione waited for him to continue as to why he was trying to find her, but it was evident by his silence that he needed prompting. "Ok. Now you've found me." She told him with a smile.
"Good." He said, then was silent again. Draco looked at Ron with an open look of disbelief, with his jaw hanging down and his eyes almost mocking. Hermione elbowed him in the ribs, and he sat up straight and replaced his expression with one less scornful.
"Yes, it is good, isn't it?" Hermione conversed. "How did you know I was here?"
"Oh." Ron straightened up with a smile. A question he could answer, "I went to your house to visit you, but your parents said that you weren't home because you'd gone to Draco's for the night. I was about to go home because I had no idea whereto find this place, then they told me that the Floo Network was connected to their fireplace."
"They actually said 'Floo Network?'" Hermione asked, doubting her parents knowledge of such things.
"Well no." Ron admitted. "They said, 'The fire thingy works.'"
"Ah, makes more sense." Hermione said with a nod. "Well, I'm glad you've found me. Have a seat, you two." She instructed before she continued, motioning towards the other two seated couch opposite theirs. Sharing a bashful glance, Ron and Pansy sat down next to each other and faced Draco and Hermione.
"Narcissa came up with a great idea this morning." Hermione told them. "She thought that a Hogwarts reunion, for the seventh years only, would be a good idea. I know we haven't been away from school very long, but it would be great to see everyone again. I'm sure some people already have a lot of news to share."
"I think it's a wonderful idea." Ron said quickly, glancing at Pansy.
"I'd love to come and see everyone again." Pansy replied, casting a look in Ron's direction, unfortunately making it obvious she'd love the chance to see Ron again.
"Great." Hermione stated. "We'll have it here, next Sunday. Narcissa will arrange food, drinks, music, and anything else."
"Sound like fun." Ron said, glancing at Hermione. When he looked back at Pansy, as he had been doing often in the past few minutes, Hermione was struck by an idea.
"So Ron, Harry never got back to me. Is it alright with Molly if I come over for a visit on Friday night? Perhaps stay for dinner?"
His head snapped back to her. "Oh, yeah. Mum was really happy she could see you so soon." He paused for a moment, as if considering the implications of what he was about to say next. "Actually, she was wondering if you could bring Draco over. She says she hasn't met him properly before."
Hermione smiled triumphantly. She had hoped Molly would invite Draco over, and now that Ron had just included Draco in the invitation, Pansy was the only one in the room who was not invited to the Burrow Friday night. And Hermione knew that Ron was considerate enough to…
"Pansy," Ron started, turning to face her again with a nervous expression. "I know mum would be more than happy if you'd like to join us too."
Hermione almost squealed. She grabbed Draco's hand in her own and squeezed it in delight. Ron had actually managed to ask her. Draco slowly turned his head to look at Hermione with raised eyebrows and a cool expression. However when his eyes met with hers, and he saw the look of excitement on her face, he dropped the charade and smiled back.
"Really?" Pansy looked surprised. "You're sure your mother wouldn't mind a complete stranger coming over to her house for dinner?"
"No." Ron shook his head with a smile. "It happens all the time."
Pansy smiled at him, and barely considered it before saying, "I'd love to."
Hermione stayed all of Thursday at the Manor and had planned to go home after dinner. Once dinner had been cleared away and Narcissa announced she was going to go to bed, Hermione stood also. "I'd better get going. It's nearly eight o'clock. Mum and dad will want me home now, I'm sure."
"Oh." Draco said, looking a bit disheartened. "I'll walk you to the fireplace."
"Goodnight Hermione." Narcissa said. "Perhaps next time you come over, you can stay longer." As she said this she cast a wink in Draco's direction. Hermione didn't notice, but Draco raised his eyebrows and made a mental note to talk to his mother later about it.
Once they were in the lounge room, Hermione turned to face Draco. "Thanks for having me over." She said, sounding unsure of the appropriate pleasantries for this situation.
Draco's brow furrowed. "Don't thank me. I want you to feel like this is your home too. Do you thank your parents every time you leave your house? I doubt it. But just this once…you're welcome." He leaned forwards and planted a soft kiss on her lips. When they broke apart, Draco reached towards her, brushing her hair behind her ear, and whispered, "I don't want you to leave, my angel."
Hermione glanced towards the flames, unsure of what to say. She didn't want to leave either, but she couldn't really invite herself to stay longer. When she made eye contact with Draco once more, she noticed there was a question in his eyes. Suddenly, without knowing why, she felt nervous. Her life had changed so much over the past year with the Prophecy, now she had the suspicion it was about to continue changing.
"My parents will be waiting up. I should go." Hermione said, regretting the words as soon as she said them. Draco broke their eye contact and his shoulders slumped slightly, as if her words had been the exact opposite of what he's wanted to hear.
"Draco," Hermione attempted to repair her damage. "I love you, and would love nothing more than to remain by your side forever, but your mother is still in mourning, as are you no doubt, and you don't need me hanging around your home. I'm sorry, Draco. But I'll see you tomorrow night at the Weasley's."
Draco nodded, now the one looking into the flames. Hermione left him with a long kiss, and after she threw a handful of powder into the flames, she was gone. He sighed and turned purposefully to find Narcissa.
-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-
"Mother, I want to speak to you about something very important to me." Draco said as he entered her bedroom. He strode purposefully to the armchair that sat near the window and stood next to it, obviously too wrapped up in thought to sit down.
"Of course," Narcissa said, placing her book down on the covers next to her. "What is it?"
"I love Hermione, mum." He said simply. "And I want to spend the rest of my life with her. But it's hard for us when we live so far apart to spend as much time as we want to with each other."
"You're the master of this manor now, Draco. You can do whatever it is you want." His mother told him, attempting to hide the smile on her lips. Narcissa had known that it would only be a matter of time before Draco talked to her about Hermione.
"Don't make fun of this situation, I need you to be serious." Draco told her. "Tell me what to do. When was it you realized you wanted to be with father for the rest of your life? And what did you do about it? I can't get through ten minutes without thinking about Hermione at least eighty five times, unless she's right next to me."
Narcissa sat up straighter under her bed sheets and fixed her son with a leveled stare. "Hermione is perfect for you, Draco. Both you and I know that. I also think we both know what you intend to do about it, and this little consultation is a round about way of asking if I would mind if Hermione moved in with us. Am I correct?"
Draco wasn't surprised that his mother could see through his questioning. "Yes."
Narcissa thought for only a brief moment, before saying, "I think if we consider recent events, it would be a good step for both of us to have someone else around the house. Otherwise it's too empty, and all we can think about is the person missing."
"So you wouldn't mind if she moved in with us? If she wants to, that is?" Draco asked her, a crease furrowing his brow.
"I would love to see more of Hermione. Not only because she's a lovely girl, but because she so obviously makes you happy." She said, causing Draco to slump in the armchair in relief.
"Thanks." Was all Draco could manage, as his thoughts suddenly consisted of the different approaches he could use to ask Hermione.
"You'll find the perfect situation to ask her soon enough." Narcissa said, trying to ease his thoughts. "Now go away, because I'm very tired. If you wouldn't mind, please turn the light off on your way out. Goodnight, Draco."
"Night mum." Draco said, switching off the light as he passed the door. He slowly closed the door with a soft click, and walked away, silently thanking his mother for being so understanding.
-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-
A/N- Ok, I received a special request to thank each of my reviewers in turn from Karma Chameleon. So, I think it's only fitting to thank Karma Chameleon first, for the shameless demand for publicity . (Just Kidding, Karma Chameleon. Thanks for putting the bullet under my but to thank you guys individually. I'm too busy writing on my fic, that I forget to thank the wonderful people who do me the honor of reading it.)
Galaxia Dawn – although our e-mails sadly seemed to have ceased, you remain a loyal reader and reviewer of my writing and I thank you for it.
TriGemini – I appreciate your long reviews and wonderful feedback. It's lovely as an author to see quotes from my fic in a review, it helps me feel as if some of my humour has been acknowledged.
Luna – for your continuous reviews and extremely positive remarks.
Jinenji – I think staying alive is a wonderful New Years resolution. I hope you don't mind if I adopt that one too. Thanks for your reviews, which are always one of the first each time I post a new chapter.
Bookwormer – I truly appreciate your feedback and ability to spot mistakes where I cannot. I know I should use a beta reader, but I'm at a lack of one at the moment. Sorry for my slip ups, and thank you for continuing to read my work even with its errors. Have a wonderful holiday season, and I hope that homework no longer takes your life away. (I visited your homepage.)
apparateawayhplivesagain – Thanks for your reviews. I think my resolution, aside form staying alive will be to finish this fic by the end of summer – so hopefully I'll keep it. (By the way, for those of you scattered about the world, the end of summer for me in Melbourne, Australia, is the end of February.)
hot skittles – Thanks for believing my sequel is better than the average. I need the confidence.
BlueEyedAngel636 – thanks for your reviews, and your want for me to continue writing, even if it means another sequel. I doubt that'll happen though, I have a new fic underway.
Ren117 – I love that I'm one of only five authors on your favorite authors list. Thanks for the honor. I think your idea is a good one, I'll try have this fic complete by the end of summer.
Hells Roses – small reviews, greatly appreciated.
BigRed20 – I'm glad you find my writing funny. Thanks for the reviews.
Snow-Queen1 – You mentioned on your homepage your not much into Harry Potter anymore, or not as obsessed as you used to be. Therefore I love it that you're still reading my Harry Potter fanfiction with interest. But remember, absence makes the heart grow fonder. You'll be writing HP fics again in no time!
Oscurita di Vita – Wow! You say you've read The Cabin five times already? I haven't even read it more than two. You are one dedicated fan. I truly love your enthusiasm for my writing, thank you. And it's awesome to be appreciated by a fellow Melbournian. Now I know you're out there, but have no idea who you are…ooh, the mysteries of life.
mesmer – Short and sweet. Thanks for taking the time to read and review.
elements-of-the-soul – thanks for your reviews, and in answer to your question posted with chapter three, I do hope to have something published one day. And if I do, I'll be sure to let you know!
dreamaker13 – I'm so happy you enjoyed The Cabin, and in answer to your question as to whether they're going to get married…you'll just have to wait and find out. Although I have sneaking suspicion you know the answer to that already.
bLoOmyLiScIoUs – Thank you for your continuous reviews for my writings. Hmm, 'BloomyLiscious'…I wonder if that's in regards to a certain Orlando Bloom, or if for some unfathomable reason you find spring appetizing…most definitely the latter.
sallene – I'm glad you enjoy my writing style, it's taken a while to get to this point. (You'll notice the beginning of the Cabin could use some rewriting.) Thanks for your reviews.
RebelRikki – Thank you for you undying reviews. Your remarks and heartening words have given me enthusiasm to continue.
friticatized – So my posting the Manor made you happy? I'm obliged to be able to do so. Thank you.
StrGzr974 – I'm so pleased people are finding my fic funny. Thanks for your reviews, they're greatly appreciated.
Da-ReDhEdEd-WeIrDo – Jamie, thanks so much for all your reviews, they've accumulated and over time become something I love to see in my inbox. Ta very much mate…you redheaded weirdo.
mrs. felton- 27 – I'm glad you think my fic is great. Thanks for telling me so.
TiCkLeD PiNk89 – Thanks for the reviews and for the claim that The Cabin was once your favorite fic on fanfiction. That's quite an honor. Thank you.
Angela Caldwell – Sorry I took so long to post The Manor. Thanks for your good opinion that I haven't lost my writing style.
Citylove – It's nice to know that you graced my inbox with your review, yea who rarely reviews. I love it when that happens.
Shakendra – I've heard of people staying up late reading fanfictions, falling asleep in maths the next morning, or printing out fanfics to read in their classes. But no one has actually told me they plan to dream about what may happen next in my story. Though you probably had a nightmare or some equally uncontrollable dream, it was the thought that counted. And I know you cant possibly be serious that you prefer my writing over the books themselves, but I loved that thought too! Thanks.
l10l15l18l4l1l13 – interesting pen name, I'm sure it has a meaning I couldn't possibly imagine. (Either that or your name's Jordan.) Thank you for your reviews and I hope my holidays are splendid too, and wish the same happiness for you.
ChibiKai02 – if you're wondering why she's in pain, you probably haven't read The Cabin. It explains it all. Thanks for reviewing and appreciating the dreaded flooding to come after a late night ring of the doorbell. I hate it when that happens.
Keep – Ooh, I made you gleeful. That's a first. Hmm…I'd better cross that one off my things to do list, where it sits alongside making someone swoon…if you could do that for me I'd be grateful. Just kidding mate, thanks for the reviews.
LiLbLueangeL1223 – Thanks for your review, sorry to have kept you out of bed!
TN-Chic101 – I'm glad you loved the Cabin. Hopefully the Manor lives to be as good for you. Thanks for your reviews.
finally-defeated – I know I've changed Draco a fair bit over the course of The Cabin and the Manor, but I hope it's been gradual enough to make it plausible. Thanks for your review, it's alright to go "Aww…" over Draco. Sometimes I do as I'm writing it, but shh, don't tell anyone.
Chewy518 – Thanks for reviewing. I'm so happy you love this story.
ApParate away dm – I'm afraid to inform you that in reading my fic you will be unable to apparate Draco Malfoy away. If you attempt it, Hermione will do something drastic, perhaps resulting in the loss of all three of your lives. Thanks for reviewing, but remember to keep your distance…Hermione's watching you. And so am I.
harmony727 – Thanks for reviewing. Even the shortest reviews mean so much.
Tenshi-Kaikou – Even though you don't have much to say, I really do love it how you leave a review just to let me know you liked it. Thanks for dropping me those few lines.
xunderdogx – The manor has been called many things, and cute seems to be up there with the masses! Thanks for your input. Your reviews are appreciated.
Spordelia Chase – Thanks for reviewing the start of this fic. I hope you're still reading this. Happy holidays.
Crystallized Snow thanks for your review. Not sure if you still follow this fic, because you mentioned you dislike the Harry/ Ginny pairing, and mine's quite prominent. Hope you are.
Kou Shun'u – It's good to know that I'm not the only one who is dangerous with tea. I'm happy that I made you laugh…or nearly laugh if tea wasn't in your mouth. Thanks.
AnniePotter2004 – Might have to change your pen name to AnniePotter2005 now Annie. Thanks for reviewing, and I hope to include lots of romance and fluff just for you!
kitt90 – Swizzle sticks are long glass rods that are used to swirl a drink in its cup when it's a combination of more than one type of liquid, to help mix them up. A completely lifeless object. Hopefully this adds to the humor of that chapter. Thanks for your review.
Hells Angels – You're right, writing this fic is lots of fun. Thank-you for your reviews.
sakura angel90 – Thanks for the well wishes, have a great holiday. Thanks for reading and enjoying my fic.
svetlaella – Can I ask you what 'pwn' means? Call me a loser for not knowing, but you wrote it twice in one review and I'm curious. Thanks for the review though. I'm sure pwn means something good, because you wrote it with such enthusiasm.
Asphodel Oakburt – thanks! Nice to know who my biggest fan really is.
Boonzie – How wow, I'm the only person on your favorite authors list. I feel so special! Thanks for that, and for reviewing.
Dmhg – Thanks mate, the manor is nearly complete. Please stick with it till the end!
Lyannie – Thanks for your review, and I hope it really is a keeper for you.
Lolabel – I appreciate you reviewing my fic. Thanks for the time you spend reading it. I'm glad I made you laugh when Draco started hyperventilating. He has no control, that one…tsk tsk.
LadyMcBeth – Jeepers, reading all of the Cabin in one sitting is quite extraordinary. I'm happy you found it so captivating. Thanks for reviewing.
Alexis – I love your small review, you said it all in one line. Thanks for believing I haven't lost my touch.
g – Thanks for your reviews. I love the passion you put into them!
BioFreak – I'm so happyyou loved the cabin and now the manor, and I have to admit that I'm a sucker for romance too. Then again, I suppose that's obvious considering what I'm writing.
Dmbabe – (Who has now changed her name to Enigmatic Wayfarer) Thanks a massive bundle. Although you have failed to actually review this story, your laughter and inconspicuous reading over my shoulder as I type have been taken to heart. Even though it drives me crazy when people read over my shoulder, at least I know its that captivating. Thanks my darling. Bless your annoying heart, sister.
And thanks to all of you who don't signed in to review. Your reviews are all greatly appreciated too – tickled pink89, Lazy, Chrissy, xOxOkIsSmYaSsXoXo, Jessica, insanemaniac, jinet and Lauren.
I apologize to any reviewers who have reviewed only chapter one and haven't received a thank you. I don't want to waste the time on this and not on my fanfic, when I'm probably thanking people who have abandoned my fic three chapters ago. Sorry, review this chapter if you long for a thank-you, and haven't received one already.
