AN: So sorry for the delay. The last two weeks were extremely hectic. My son's play is officially over and we've officially transitioned into mine! I'm currently sitting in a hotel room after spending last night doing a paranormal investigation and I felt that I really couldn't make you all wait any longer for this chapter. I hope you enjoy!

Chapter 11

Tea time

Tobias watches the duo depart before turning back toward Draco with a concerned frown. "Why do I feel as though I've missed something important?"

"Nothing to concern yourself with," Draco replies, pulling himself to his feet. "My apologies for the mess. I'll get it cleaned and then get these vials out to you."

"That can wait,"Tobias cut in. "What happened here? What did she mean someone was here? Did someone come into the back?"

"No. Nothing like that, sir. The shop is safe, I assure you."

"But you're not."

It's a statement, not a question, and Draco pauses for a moment before answering, "I'm just as safe now as I was before coming in to work today."

"For some reason, that does nothing except make me worry about you more."

"My sincerest gratitude Mr. Mulpepper for the care you've shown my son," Narcissa cuts in, stepping forward and taking hold of his hands gently in her own. "I don't know what he would have done before I arrived home if it was not for you."

"Oh, of course Mrs. Malfoy."

"Narcissa. Please."

"Narcissa. Draco has been a blessing to my little shop. I assure you my affection toward your son is well earned."

"Such a wonderful man you are," Narcissa responds with a smile. "Once things have settled at the Manor we simply must have you for tea."

"Mother," Draco cuts in, a warning in his voice.

"Is the Manor not safe? Do you need somewhere to stay?"

"Yes!" "No!" Narcissa and Draco reply simultaneously.

"Draco," Narcissa's voice is chastising as she releases the older man's hands and turns toward her son.

"No, Mother."

"Draco my boy, you know you're welcome in my home, especially if yours is not safe."

"I can't bring my problems into your home, Tobias," Draco replies with a sigh, "especially not if they are now following me outside the Manor. I won't let my ghosts haunt you as they do me."

"Draco," Narcissa begins.

"That is final, Mother." He turns back toward his work bench, casting a quick scourgify on the mess on the floor before sending the vials into the other room with a flick of his wand. He carries on cleaning his workstation, ignoring the stares of the others in the room.

He hears the door as it clicks closed and sighs softly to himself, shoulders dropping slightly. "I don't want to hear it Mother," he states into the silence and he busies himself with the pretence of organizing the ingredients on the shelves. He feels her hand fall lightly on his shoulder and tenses slightly.

"We will talk about this. I'll see you back at the Manor."

The sound of her heels and they click lightly across the floor echoes through the otherwise quiet room, the door barely making a sound as it closes behind her. Draco lets his hands drop to the table before him, his head hanging low and eyes closed and he breathes deeply.

"Hello, Miss Granger," Narcissa greets the younger woman as she steps out onto the large patio, "I do appreciate you still being willing to join me for tea this afternoon." She gestures to a comfortable looking chair adjacent to the one she stands beside at the small patio table.

"I appreciate the invitation," Hermione replies with a smile. "Your gardens are beautiful."

Narcissa glances out at the expansive lawns and smiles. "One of my most beloved areas of the Manor. Lucius gifted them to me the day we were married and he added the greenhouse the day I informed him I was pregnant with Draco. During the...occupation of our home during the war, this was my retreat. Lucius would never allow those scoundrels access to the gardens and so I spent much of my time out here among my flowers. The greenhouse is now Draco's and he used it much the same way." She turns back to Hermione, a wistful smile on her face, "He grows his own ingredients for his potions and, sadly, because of his station, he was not permitted the solitude I was during the war but he made great use of his safe haven on the grounds."

Hermione is unsure how to respond to Narcissa's unexpected response and simply nods as she takes her seat. "They're simply lovely. I'm sure there was a reason you asked me to come by?"

"Merely a request from a bored socialite for some company and perhaps an update on my son's predicament. I had hoped Mr. Potter could join us."

"He's gotten another case that has been forced to take priority, I'm afraid. He did want to come."

"No need to lie to me, dear. I know that had you not felt obligated because of work, you would have politely declined my invitation as well." She raises her hand to cut off Hermione's reply before continuing, "I understand your position, dear. Though we do not appreciate it, we do understand our new place in today's society. I do apologize for taking advantage of your obligation to us. I am truly interested in any progress that has been made in regards to my son's safety, but I am also interested in understanding you and Mr. Potter. Mere children during the war and, yet, your deeds at such a young age far exceeded those of people more than twice your age." She takes a small sip of her tea, her eyes never the other witch's face as she gauges her expression. "You will forgive a lonely woman for her curiosities?"

"No forgiveness needed, Mrs. Malfoy. I'm afraid that I do not have much of an update as far as your case. I've got some ideas but I would hate to give you information that I don't fully understand myself."

"And the safehouse?"

"None available. Even after ascertaining that today's incident may have had been the cause of a living perpetrator, the Minister maintains that this is not a case that would necessitate moving him out of the Manor, though he has finally admitted to it being a case for the DMLE so it has fully moved into my jurisdiction. I'm hoping to find some experts to bring in now that I have a little more control."

"What sort of experts?"

"For one, I'd love to consult a cursebreaker."

"You believe Draco's been cursed," her eyebrow arches elegantly as she asks, the only show of concern that graces her face.

"The appearance of a person outside the door during today's activity at the Apothecary has my curiosity a bit piqued, I must admit. I'd like to see if the possibility of a curse is there."

"I know someone you can contact. He's very good and I know that he would be willing to help Draco to the best of his abilities. I'll have Cibney get you his details before you leave."

"That would be helpful, thank you."

"Anything else?"

"The spirit that showed up today is the same as the one that first appeared when we were in the dungeons. She must be a key part of everything that's happening. A relative perhaps."

"I'm certain you'll figure it out," Narcissa states with a smile. "Smartest witch of your age, I believe it was. That reminds me," she snaps her fingers and Cibney appears, carrying a locked box. Narcissa takes it from the elf, setting it gently on the table. "Thank you, dear," she says with a nod before Cibney disappears once more. "I do believe you were in need of these." She slides the box gently across the table. "Draco's memories from each night there has been activity in the manor. I took the liberty of adding my memory of the formal dining room as well, though I am unsure how helpful it will be."

"Thank you, Mrs. Malfoy, this will be very helpful going forward."

Narcissa's smile fades slightly, her head cocking slightly before the smile returns to her face. "It seems Draco has arrived home."

"Oh?"

"Draco may be Master of the Manor, Miss Granger, but until he marries, I remain its Lady. The wards still whisper to me."

"Do you need to go greet him?"

"Of course not. If he wishes to speak with me, he knows where I spend my hours. Now then, you'll indulge me, I'm sure, if we speak of happier topics for a while. I am in need of a distraction from recent events."

"I'm not really sure how I can help."

"Nonsense dear," Narcissa waves her hand in a dismissive manner. "Do tell me about yourself, Draco used to complain incessantly of how you would beat his marks in most classes. Despite the way he has chosen to deal with his current circumstances, my son is rather intelligent. I was always curious to learn about the girl who could surpass him when it came to books."

"I wasn't aware of that."

"Truly. Growing up, Draco was always vastly intelligent and overly studious. Lucius always expected great things from him and it helped that Draco truly loved to learn. Though I do worry that the pressure he has always felt to meet his father's expectations may be coloring his decisions currently."

"I've always loved books," Hermione stated with a smile. "Once I learned I was a witch, I couldn't wait to read my first year textbooks. Oh how I wished my parents would have let me buy so many more books. I wanted to learn everything there was about the history and culture of this world. I was fascinated at the concept that magic could be real."

"Do not let him know I have told you, but Draco has always had a bit of a fascination with how Muggles have managed to live without magic. A trait that I once indulged until Lucius found out and it was immediately squashed."

The thought of Draco Malfoy not only being willing to learn about Muggles but being truly interested in them was too much for Hermione and she found herself laughing at the picture her mind conjured of a young blond haired boy peppering his mother with questions about cars and lights. "My apologies, Mrs. Malfoy," she declares once she has sobered. "Picturing Draco Malfoy excited to learn about Muggles is just such a shocking picture."

"I know the version of my son that you knew in school is not someone you would have ever expected that of. No apologies needed." A cool breeze drifts across the garden. Bringing with it the smell of the roses and mint. "The colors of autumn have always been a favorite. The roses are in full bloom and the trees that surround the manor are in the process of shedding their leaves. This is the reason I suggested we take tea out on the patio. It has been pleasantly warm the last few days as well, so I do hope you do not think less of me for not entertaining you within the Manor proper."

"Of course not. The view is quite lovely."

"So much darkness has always surrounded my family, Miss Granger. I had hoped it would be allowed to dissipate after the war but it seems entitled to cling to my son as a shroud. People believe I fled England in fear of the public's attitude towards me. The truth is, the Manor has not felt like home in a very long time. If I could have brought him with me, I would have in a moment."

"I wasn't aware that he had been put on probation after his trial."

"Two years of house arrest and community service followed by an additional five years of probation. It's another two years before he will even be allowed to leave the country. However, we expected much worse. We both fully expected to spend our days in Azkaban so we are grateful for the mercies the Ministry has shown us."

"And you're perfectly fine without being allowed to use magic?"

"If I had gone to Azkaban, I would be without magic. I still have access to the floo network and owls to help me keep in contact with my son and I am allowed the use of potions as well. If I must live without a wand then I will make due."

"Will you ever get your wand back?"

"Not unless something happens to change the Ministries mind. Adjusting to life without magic has been an interesting experience."

Further conversation is interrupted by the arrival of a noticeably upset Cibney, who immediately rushes forward, pulling Narcissa's robes. "Cibney is being so sorry Mistress. Cibney is not realizing that Master Draco is not knowing."

"Calm down dear," Narcissa murmurs, patting the elf gently on the head. "What did Draco not know?"

"Master is asking me what is happening when the visitors is down in the dungeons. He is wanting to know why Miss Hermione is winding up in his room and Cibney says that Mr. Harry is having an injury to his head when Cibney is showing up and that Miss Hermione is offering to be helping to heal. Master is angry that Cibney is leaving Mr Harry down in the dungeons in anger and is being upset that he is being injured. Cibney is thinking that Master knew about the injury but he is not knowing and now he is upset. Cibney is so sorry for upsetting Master Draco."

"Calm yourself Cibney, dear. We both know that Draco can be a little melodramatic." She pauses for the moment as the elf calms herself. "That's much better. We mustn't allow such things to upset us so, my dear. Now, where is my son?"

"He is being in the parlor."

"Wonderful. I'll tend to him then." Turning back to Hermione as she stands, she continues, "My apologies, Miss Granger. I'm afraid that I must tend to my son."

"That's quite alright, Mrs. Malfoy. I'll see what I can do to help. Harry's fine and I think that knowing that will mean more coming from me."

With a nod Narcissa turns and strides from the room. Hermione offers a small smile to the still sniffling elf before following the older woman toward the parlor.

The sight that awaits them as they exit the long hallway and arrive at the parlor causes a small gasp to escape Hermione. Her eyes widen as they land on the usually stoic Malfoy heir. His hair is mussed as though he had repeatedly run his hands through it and pulled the strands out of place. Women's clothes flew quickly around the room, folding themself and landing in a trunk that lay open at his feet.

"What is the meaning of this?" Narcissa exclaims, rushing over to her son and grabbing his arm.

"You're leaving."

"I am not." It is the first time Hermione has heard the older woman raise her voice. "You will replace my things at once."

"No."

"Draco, I am your mother and you will do as I say."

"You are my mother and I will protect you." He finally turns to look down at her and Hermione spots the frantic look in his eyes. "It was different when they could only hurt me. I can't let them hurt you."

"They haven't even tried to hurt me."

"Not yet but they will. Potter was hurt on his first night in the Manor. You've been here much longer. I can't risk it."

"It is not your decision to make." She yanks on his arm, forcing him to turn and face her. "I am your Mother. It's my job to protect you not the other way around."

Hermione slowly makes her way toward the pair, her eyes darting between the two of them and the items that have started to fly down the stairs toward them. She's halfway across the floor when the first scream echoes through the room.

The change in Draco is immediate and intense. His eyes widen, his head turning toward the back of the manor where the stairs to the dungeons lay. The trunk slams shut, the remaining clothes falling to the floor around the pair.

His eyes snap back to his mother and he grabs her by the arms, "You have to go. Now."

"I'm not going anywhere."

"Mother please."

"No."

"Mummy please," his voice comes out as a choked sob, his head falling to her shoulder.

Narcissa's eyes widen, her arms sliding around his larger frame as she holds him tightly. "I will not leave you, my son. Mummy's here." Her eyes meet Hermione's over his shoulder as they exchange a worried look. "Let's just get you to bed. How does that sound, darling?"

His voice is muffled as he replies, his head shaking wearily, "I can't. I have to go. You have to go."

"Neither of us has to go anywhere."

"You don't understand."

"I do, my darling. I understand, but I cannot let you go down there and I will not leave you alone in this house."

He pulls himself upright, eyes wide and frightened. "You can't. I can't lose you." He steps back out of her arms, his hands raking through his mussed hair. "I have to take care of this. I have to go. If you insist on staying then I want you to go to your room. Don't leave there just…" he turns to leave, eyes falling on Hermione for the first time since she had entered the room. "What's she doing here?"

Another scream tears through the halls, causing Hermione to startle slightly. "I was having tea with your Mother."

"No. No no no no no. You can't be here. You need to go. Cibney!" he calls out the elf appearing moments later. "Please show Miss Granger the door. She can't stay. I have to go."

He makes his way quickly across the room, toward the back hallway as the screams grow in number. "No," Hermione calls out defiantly causing him to pause.

"No? Granger you forget yourself."

"I will not leave and neither will you," she insists, stepping to the side to block his exit. "I can't let you keep going through this."

"Damn it Granger," he exclaims as he storms up to her, his voice barely audible over the noise around them. He grabs her arms gently trying to pull her from in front of the door. She digs in her heels and leans backward to balance herself with a shake of her head. "You don't understand. I have to do this."

"No you don't," her voice comes out calmer than she feels. The usually controlled man appears to be fraying at the seams. His eyes widen as the dart around the room, as though expecting to find the apparitions in the room with them. His breath comes so quickly she worries he may hyperventilate.

"Don't make me remove you, Granger."

"You won't. I won't move and you're not the type of person to risk injuring me by forcing me out of the way."

"You have to let me go."

"No."

"Please, Granger. Let me go. You of all people should be happy to see me punished for the way I treated you."

Hermione's eyes widen at his words. "You seriously think you deserve this?" she exclaimes, pulling her arms from his grip and gesturing behind her toward the hallway. "You think you've done anything deserving of this constant mental and physical anguish that you're being subjected to? You're an ignorant fool, Malfoy, but you're not evil."

Draco steps back, his eyes locking with hers. "I'm so sorry," the sound of his voice is drowned out by the cacophony of sounds surrounding him but she can see his meaning in his eyes and pushes her to the side and runs through the door.

She stumbles slightly before turning on her heel and rushing after him. "If you go down there, I'm going too," she yells as loud as she can while running. He comes to a halt sliding slightly across the marble flooring with his momentum. "If you don't want me to get hurt then you're going to have to stay here."

He turns to stare at her, his head shaking quickly back and forth. "I can't. You can't come. Stay with Mother. Please, Granger, keep her safe."

"Stop being a martyr," she screams at him, stomping her foot in anger. "You're not responsible for everything that happened here. You're not responsible for keeping me or your mother safe. You don't even like me, Malfoy, why are you so worried about my safety?" At his silence she continues, "Like it or not, Malfoy, you're not evil."

The screams turn into several voices, each of them yelling, the pitch growing so loud that they both cover their ears to drown out the sounds. Draco falls to his knees, eyes downcast and head shaking frantically. She can see his lips moving but cannot make out what he says. Rushing forward, she kneels before him, gripping his shoulders and shaking him slightly. "Malfoy, look at me," she yells.

His eyes meet hers, wide and unblinking. Shallow gasps escape his lips and they move otherwise soundlessly. Hermione can just make out the words he keeps mouthing,over and over "I'm sorry." She releases him for a moment before resting her hand on either side of his face.

"Look at me," she says again. His hands come up to grasp her wrists, though he makes no move to pull away. "It's not your fault." His eyes continue to dart around the room and she pulls herself closer, giving him no choice but to look at her. As wide gray eyes meet hers she says with as much conviction and she can muster, "This is not your fault."

AN: I'll be getting started on the next chapter immediately after posting this one so it will hopefully be done by Wednesday. As always reviews are always appreciated! For those who celebrate I hope you have a safe and wonderful Halloween!