Chapter Four
Absently fingering the smooth ancient metal of his serpent pendant, a young man inattentively positioned his eyes at nothing in particular.
Sometimes you act too Malfoy. Has the concept of being an actual human being been completely lost to you Malfoy men?
The words stung. Stereotypes dating back to days before Dylan Lucius Malfoy was born were used to ridicule him. The Malfoys were very well-respected, mind you. Speaking ill of the Malfoys was unthinkable. Though, Dylan's very patronizing significant other was an exception. A very crucial social event was occurring the same weekend as the festivities at the Malfoy Manor. Of course it was unacceptable of Dylan failing to attend his younger siblings' birthday, therefore he had the pleasure of listening to the endless banter his girlfriend tortured him with upon hearing his news. Dylan could vaguely recall his mother speaking to his father as Elizabeth (his girlfriend) did so to him.
I'm going to have to talk to Dad about her.
The dirty blonde smirked at the thought of his father as the train halted. Lazily glancing out the window, Dylan immediately found a pair of platinum blondes awaiting his arrival. Brushing his own dirty blonde tresses out of his stormy silver eyes, he stood from his seat-- silently thanking Merlin for not cursing him with trademark platinum blonde hair that has graced the Malfoy bloodline.
He stepped out of the train.
"Dylan! Dylan!" Alex roughly fought off the tight grip his father currently had on his tiny hand.
Draco watched in sheer fascination as a strikingly handsome boy, no younger than fifteen strolled leisurely towards himself and Alex. Grinning the boy squatted low enough for his keen younger brother to embrace him properly.
His son was the perfect unification of a Malfoy and a Granger. His hair, the combination of Hermione's chocolate brown and Draco's outstandingly platinum blonde, resulted in a stunning dirty blonde. The eyes, unmistakably Draco's- the intensity and tint of a silver storm, yet the manifestation of Hermione's tender brown orbs softened the power of the Malfoy gaze. A bit over six feet tall, he had a nice toned shape, no doubt from Quidditch. The aristocratic facial features present in all Malfoy men was certainly evident in Draco's eldest son. Seeing the boy smirk, Draco's smirk, the trademark Malfoy smirk, diminished any suspicions Draco had about this young man being his son.
Before Draco could complete the deliberations within his mind, he felt a swift embrace warm him.
"It's good to be home." The young man pulled away smirking.
Malfoy Manor
"No no no! I requested the enchanted Quidditch field , five tiered, Swiss chocolate cake for my son... Sound familiar to you dim-witted chap?!"
The three Malfoy males returned to the manor only to be greeted by a hollering lady of the house. House elves were frantically scurrying throughout the manor, assisting their mistress with preparations for the nights events. Following the incessant yelling, Draco was led into the manor's Grand Room. Though growing up in the Malfoy Manor as a child, the room was kept bleak, the effect Lucius intended on achieving. Hermione managed to transform the space into a welcoming, simple yet elegant space.
She currently had her back to him, speaking heatedly into the stunning fireplace that adorned most of the north wall of the salon.
"Love?" He heard the word roll off his tongue so effortlessly.
Hermione glanced over her shoulder-- the existing glare on her face quickly diminished.
"Draco!" She sighed in relief, exhaustion apparent in her exquisite eyes.
His arms encircled her waist in a loving embrace, lips so naturally found hers.
Hermione buried her head into his chest.
"I hate these last minute procedures!" Came her muffled grumble.
"It'll all be worth it." Draco spoke into her hair.
"Whoa..." The two followed the direction the voice emitted from, finding their eldest offspring leaning against the doorframe.
"Dylan! My precious eldest!" Hermione nearly ran to him, joyfully wrapping her arms around the boy. She planted motherly kisses upon his purposely untidy tresses.
"MUM!" Dylan looked over at his father for support, yet Draco watched the scene unfold, seeming very amused.
"My sixteen year old won't even let me kiss him anymore." Hermione feigned a pout. Seeing her succulent lips form into that deliciously charming pout brought impure thoughts to his his mind.
"Don't I give you enough to satisfy you?" Draco smirked.
"Parents. Omit this repulsion I so unfortunately have to witness!!" Dylan shuddered in jest.
Rolling her eyes childishly, Hermione dismissed the matter.
"Where is the birthday celebrant?"
"Don't know." Dylan shrugged.
"Please don't be difficult, Dylan Lucius. And I do not have time for that!" Hermione sighed.
"Whoa Mum-- I honestly don't know..." Dylan began defensively.
"Hermione, do you need any help?" Draco instinctively intervened.
"Not at the moment. You know how I am with planning these events. I'm a wreck with unreasonable mood swings. You understand, don't you?" Hermione weakly sunk into a large, scarlet armchair.
On impulse, Draco stalked over to the armchair and lowered himself to be eye level with Hermione.
"I understand. Don't stress too much, Granger." Draco smirked, caressing her cheek lovingly.
"What's happened to you Draco?" She whispered.
Slightly taken aback, Draco staggered away from her.
"W-what do you mean by that?" He asked hoarsely.
Standing, Hermione walked to him. Placing her small hands on his pale face.
"You're so different."
"I've finally realized what I've been missing." Draco responded truthfully.
000
"Mum's right you know. She always is. At times I dare to disagree but this time…" Dylan gently broke off.
The father and son were strolling alongside one another through one of many Malfoy gardens.
"Care to elaborate on that thought?" Draco pressed.
Am I acting that differently than my other self?
"I notice the slightest changes Dad and… the changes I've seen…well, haven't really been that subtle."
"Mhm. Such as?"
"Your behavior with Alex. Mum has asked you to take him out every year on his birthday, you agree but never follow through. You went today. You've never held his hand, and if I'm not mistaken, I witnessed that today in public. You're not too keen about showing affection Dad-- what's happened?" Dylan stopped walking to face his father.
"It is a grand day for Alex... what is so appalling about my change in behavior towards him?" Draco countered.
"Okay, I understand that. But come on-- I've known you sixteen years, my entire life…I've observed you. Once you get home it's straight to your office. No concern for Mum, or us, your children. We don't have a problem with that... it's who you are. But once we got to the manor today…straight to Mum. You willingly offered to help her. You've shown her more affection today than you have in years... It's a great change, I must say. I'm certainly not complaining. Mum might be naïve, accepting any excuse you've given her-- but I inherited your swift wit. Why the sudden conversion?"
"You wouldn't understand. I don't even understand."
"I'm the product of a Granger and a Malfoy, try me." Dylan smirked arrogantly.
Somewhat of a cliffy! What'd you think?!? Thank you so much for all your reviews!!
Kristine.
Disclaimer: I own nothing but the plot.