So so sorry for the huge delay. But the chapter length should make up for it. Please mind the time jump.
This would have been completely IMPOSSIBLE without the sweetest WinchesterGranger
Few days back, late afternoon, before the Third Trial
As Lucius grated on his wife's nerves with his incessant pacing. The Malfoys personal Healer Marlo, was busy checking Draco's vitals and listening to Narcissa recollecting the events that could have caused Draco's current state.
Again.
"Master Draco's growth spurt happened in a fairly calm environment, right? With no threats to the mate, am I correct?" Healer Marlo asked.
"So I have been told," Lucius growled. "That and the fact that the mate rejected him."
Busy reading the reports, Healer Marol nodded and murmured under his breath, "He presented early but that's okay, understandable. It happens... Wait? What do you mean the mate rejected him?"
"The sentence is as plain as it can get!" Lucius emphasised with a stomp of his cane .
Marlo rubbed his temple, "Honestly, Lucius, your family is going to send me to an early grave."
"I pay you enough to not go to the said grave." Lucius retorted.
"Then could you all, just once, not do something ridiculously stupid?" Marlo took a deep breath before letting it out. "You broke your arm in three different places, because you were peacocking in front of Lady Malfoy. But your son, he managed to alienate his mate."
"That's where you come in," Lucius said as if explaining himself to a small child.
Narcissa blocked out the inane conversation between her husband and healer. Draco was sweating, shivering ever so often. The mate fever was still running high, all her attention was on him.
His transformation happening rapidly they had placed him under a constant nutrition-potion cycle, so his body could keep up with the changes. In the last day alone his chest had broadened and he had shot up, he was a howl head taller then when they had brought him in. At one point Narcissa swore she heard the creak of his bones.
Her heart was aching for her baby. Yes, he was a grown man in the eyes of an Incubus but this was her baby. Her strong baby boy… The only one she managed to carry to term….the only one who survived birth.
Draco's friend explained how he had used manipulation on the girl. How she had figured it out and had confronted him. Things were said and done and now she was convinced it was all for a cruel prank
While the house rivalries ran long into a Hogwarts alumni's life, long enough for the wizards and witches to carry forth the pride of belonging later into their lives… It never used to be this ferocious. Narcissa whole heartedly blamed Dumbledore, his blatant favouritism fanning the flames of jealousy and suspicion. It wasn't hard to see why young Ms Granger thought her son was playing a cruel trick on her.
But this shouldn't have triggered a transformation. The first time it had happened… it had chilled her to the bone. At such a young age all because that old fool had to endangered the mate.
"And what do you want me to do?" Marlo asked, sounding frustrated, "Create a bloody copy of the girl?!"
Why did her son have to be stupid enough to use his influence on his mate? Narcissa was gently rubbing her temples as Marlo scolded Lucius, "Master Draco does not need a healer. He needs a counsellor! His behaviour and attitude needs fixing. I am a healer, not a matchmaker. Maybe if you had been a little less up your own arse..."
"Uncle Marlo..."
"You know it's true, Lucius! Lady Narcissa already said the girl isn't from our social background—"
"He did not insult her background or anything as such. He was just an idiot."
Marlo gave Lucius a disbelieving look, "Lucius, your idiot actions which are forgiven by purebloods, are actions that aren't acceptable for Muggleborns."
"No one told you she was a Muggleborn," Lucius pointed out.
"You didn't need to. For the girl to reject the bond. She wouldn't haven't grown up with stories of fated love. Her head wouldn't be filled with fairy tales of mate's love and wouldn't be as willing to go along with the bond."
Marlo took off his glasses and rubbed his face, "You and the boy need to learn what is acceptable and the likes in the Muggle world. You can't leave all the heavy lifting to Lady Narcissa"
"We are trying," Lucius huffed, "Now what do we do to fix him?"
"We need the girl here to break the fever and then as soon as Master Draco is stable, we teach him manners."
A doe Patronus galloped into the room, glowing up the space in the ward. The doe opened her mouth to speak in Snape's voice, "She wants to... visit."
The books were… not exactly helpful, but it did give some idea on the concept of incubus. They were more focused on succubus but she got the basic idea of what type of creature her boyfriend apparently was. Now she needed her questions to be answered by Draco himself. It also worked to appease the restlessness she's been feeling since he was taken to St. Mungo's.
That was a part of the long list of her questions. Why did Draco have to go to hospital? No one had hexed him or fed him something. No one keels over like that, on the flick of a switch— What if he did fall sick from their…not so breakup? Was this because he's an incubus… Oh God, was this her fault?
She needed to see Draco right now. So it only made sense to go to Professor Snape immediately. She didn't know why but her gut feeling said that her presence would help, even if it was only a little bit. As she rushed out of the library, she didn't notice her parchment of notes, and the journal of the Malfoy bride floating behind her, following her like ducklings.
As she reached the Potion's classroom, she froze. Hermione didn't know exactly how to approach Professor Snape. She had never needed to… She really didn't want detention now… But he did tell her to read it and she has. Now she needs answers.
She raised her hand to knock. When the door shimmered a little to read a message, "Out of office."
She sighed dejectedly.
She can't really go back. She really needed to go to Draco, not just to interrogate him but to… to… she didn't know herself. All she knew was that she needed to go. The sooner the better.
She started furiously pacing the corridor, having decided that she would wait for her grumpy teacher to return from wherever he had gone. She had been marching up and down the length of the space outside the classroom, so lost in thought that she didn't notice Professor Snape arriving there with a big bag of potion ingredients.
"There better be a good reason for your vigorous attempt at weathering away the stone floor," Professor Snape said dismissively, causing Hermione to jump.
"Professor Snape—"
"Yes, that is what I am called," he cut in but Hermione continued on.
"I don't understand, I don't understand, Professor."
Snape looked at the distraught teen, wringing her hands, ink on her face and parchment and a familiar journal floating around her like satellites. Future lady Malfoy right here, everyone.
"I recall that I specifically told you that you will be called. Besides, it is past curfew now. You won't be making it back to your tower without detention."
"Is… is Draco dying...and...and is it my fault?" It was as if she barely even heard him, so deep in her guilt and grief. Snape looked down at the girl who was clearly trying to hold back a tidal wave of emotions.
"Ms Granger, as your detention for being out of your dorm, you'll help me sort, clean and preserve and preserve these ingredients. Is that clear?"
"Professor…" her voice trembled, her big eyes filling up with tears.
He pulled out his wand, turning to face the door as he undid his wards, "Maybe after the detention, we can talk about Mr Malfoy."
He turned to face Hermione and grabbed the parchment floating right above her head. He looked at the parchment, "Are these your questions?" She nodded furiously. "Very well then, I will answer whatever I can." He set his bag of various herbs and plants on the smaller table next to the teacher's lap. "In the meantime," he continued, "sort and clean these as your detention."
She nodded again and whispered a small, "Yes, professor."
Snape showed her the tools and the protective gear and watched her, as she got to work. A simple monotonous task would help her release some of that terse energy that has been building up in the little witch. To have those notebooks floating about like that… what a huge discharge of power. If she weren't careful, she'll exhaust herself through sheer emotion. She needed a better way to focus her abundance of magic, a way to control it. She needed Occlumency.
She seemed to have collected herself and grabbed her errant floating stationary, having set them up on another desk. Snape noted as she threw herself into work. Well, at least he wouldn't have to painstakingly handpick the herbs. Small win.
He pulled open his drawer to grab his spectacles. His eyes weren't how they used to be when it comes to reading smaller text, he blamed the lightning in the dungeons. He scrunched his nose as he tried to read the array of questions that were more scribbled thoughts than questions.
He didn't make her sort and clean the entire pile. That would take her several hours. So once he felt she had worked off some of that energy, he told her to stop and take a seat. A slightly more relaxed Hermione sat and looked up at her Professor waiting for her questions to be answered.
Severus waved his wand, summoning a teapot, which immediately began to serve. A cup pushed itself towards Hermione rather insistently.
"Take it, Ms Granger."
As she mumbled her thanks and took a sip, Snape read "Is Draco dying? We don't know, unfortunately. Mr Malfoy is rather young to be going through this and we are unsure of the outcome. As for it being your fault...no, no it's not. It's rarely the other party's fault in this instance."
Hermione went to open her mouth, when Severus interrupted, "Let us first finish this list." She nodded.
Snape squinted his eyes at the next question, "yes, you are his mate."
"Did Draco manipulate every feeling?"
"No, Ms Granger. The mate is the only one an incubus cannot manipulate. That and those who have other true bonds of love. And family of course, but they can manipulate each other in other ways can't they."
"Why did Draco make me forget to send a letter to my mother?"
"You children are in the crosshair of much bigger politics. Every letter out of the castle can and is often intercepted and read. Any manipulation you may have experienced are minor and you would have become resistant within months...I believe Draco's acute emotional constipation made him use the tricks to solve his own shortcomings. That being said, his nature does not give him the rights to use it this way. It's unacceptable, not excusable and you should broach these topics with him." Hermione noted the genuine concern. Professor Snape continued on, "Of course this would have been voided had he spoken to you as I suggested. But who listens to their professors these days."
Hermione's brows raised slightly. Was… Snape joking? He had a sense of humour?!
As she watched him read the parchment, she realised it was indeed his sense of humour. It was drier than the Sahara but it's there. Interesting.
-Is the bond non consensual?
"No. No bond can be nonconsensual. No one can force a potential mate into a bond. Pheromone based manipulation can be exerted which I suspect is the case of the fall out."
Hermione said in a small voice, "He made me forget...things. Questions that I wanted to ask about him, about his family's opinion on me because Narcissa sent me Easter goodies and… and… about us," She trailed off before beginning again, "He'd always get all charming and we sno— he distracted me."
Snape stared at her with those antique looking glasses on his nose, "I can attest to the fact that teenage boys do not think. They go through life as if it has no consequences for them. Then they become men, who become teachers working for a politician." His dry tone betrayed a hint of sarcasm, causing Hermione's lips to twitch.
"But," Snape continued on, "he can't make you do anything without your consent. Your own body and mind would recoil from him. Nor would the incubus be able to live with himself. As you said yourself, he distracted you. From what I know, usually distraction is the key to making people forget things. Pheromones and other hijinks are not supposed to control the mate in any form other than inducing a heightened sense of attraction."
Hermione looked at him and was that a kind smile? How odd.
"They have a self-deprecating sense of guilt if they upset their mate. It has been the topic of many drinking evenings at the Malfoy study."
Hermione gave him a small smile. Oh imagine her professor drinking—
"Of which I naturally don't take part in," Snape clarified, as the time they drank the muggle Tequila ran through his head. Pregnant Narcissa was not happy.
Hermione's disbelief in his words was so evident that Snape did not need Legilimency to read that.
Snape raised a brow, "You question your professor, Ms Granger?"
Hermione stared at him like a deer in the headlights. "But I…"
"You suffer from a severe case of non-poker face," Snape said as he summoned a parchment with a beckoning motion of his fingers, "Going forth in future, it would be the case of great disadvantage, to change that." He nodded as a quill flew into his hand to dot down whatever it was that he was writing.
"Okay, these are questions that I am not able or willing to answer. These should come from Mr Malfoy himself." He sent the parchment floating over to her.
"So…" Hermione began hesitantly, "Can I see him?"
"At this juncture, no. Fortunately for you, tomorrow is a weekend. 7 am outside of my office sharp."
Her face lit up, "Yes sir."
Snape handed the parchment to her, "Here, so Filch does not question your late return to the dorm. To bed now, off you go."
"Thank you, professor!" she chimed cheerfully as she collected her items. A dismissive wave of his hand was all the response Hermione received.
When she returned to her dorm, she found Ginny waiting on her bed. She had been amusing herself with some muggle magazine which she dropped immediately when she saw Hermione enter, before grabbing Hermione and dragging her on the bed. A wave of the wand made to shut the curtains around them with a silencing spell for privacy.
"What did you find?!" She asked, her brown eyes filled with excitement. "Is he a Veela?"
"No, he's not." Hermione looked down at their clamped hands. "But you have to swear you can't tell this to anyone."
Ginny squealed, "Something better than a Veela?!"
Hermione looked at Ginny with uncertainty, "I think so…"
"Tell me everything!"
Getting her bearing, Hermione took solace in their little private space. "He's an incubus."
Ginny stared at Hermione blankly, before pouting, "...sometimes I feel guilty for not knowing more about my own world."
Hermione sighed and patted Ginny's hand, as she tried to explain the best she could, whilst keeping the more private details to herself. But it felt good, finally be able to share this with Ginny. At least now she would be able to vent about how she didn't know anything.
"He really hurt me, Ginny"
"But you love him!"
"I…I mean isn't it too soon to call it love? I mean, I do care about him. He was a great boyfriend and… Yes, my feelings for him are, well, strong but…I don't know what to do."
Ginny looked thoughtful before going, "Mum says sometimes people who we love do stupid stuff that hurt us. We don't stop loving them but... We deserve our answers and explanations, not excuses."
"I can't see your Dad doing something, so hurtful to your Mum."
Ginny's cough sounded suspiciously like Ford Angelica. Hermione had to stifle her giggles as Ginny smiled at her. "I think you should let him say his piece. He should tell you why he did it and you deserve your answers. If he can really explain his actions and bit of groveling. Then just maybe he'll be forgiven."
Hermione nodded. "Professor Snape will take me to him tomorrow."
"Snape?!"
"Professor Snape. Yeah. You won't believe what I found out."
"What?"
"He has a sense of humour."
"No!"
"Yes!" Hermione confirmed, "He was being nice and he made jokes. I think they were jokes anyway… It was weird…really weird"
"Nice?!" Ginny looked at her in shock.
"He offered me tea!"
Ginny's jaw dropped open. "How is this now more interesting than your… your demon boyfriend?"
"I know right! I used to think befriending Harry was the most interesting thing that happened in my life. But now, it's so much worse." Hermione laughed.
Suddenly Ginny slapped her hand down on the bed, "What if there was poison in it?"
Hermione pondered the admittedly very likely idea. "I'm sure he likes Draco a lot more than he hates me. My death wouldn't really help the first point now would it."
Ginny shrugged before she laid down "Seven in the morning on a Saturday," she yawned, "is too harsh."
"I wake up at six, Gin."
Ginny looked traumatised, "Why?"
"I get work done," Hermione replied as-a-matter-of-factly, before lying next to her friend.
Ginny stared at Hermione before shaking her head, "No. Just no"
Hermione chuckled, "Draco and I used to meet up early in the morning and just hang out or talk. Take walks around the boathouse. It's beautiful in the morning." Ginny gave Hermione a teasing look. "It's a useful time!" Hermione justified.
Ginny lightly punched Hermione's arm. "Waking up for romance is true love."
That was the moment Crookshanks decided to jump up on the bed, saving Hermione from her embarrassment. He greeted Hermione with a loud meow before nudging Ginny's head. The red head obliged and started petting him from head to the tip of his tail.
"What does our hero think of Malfoy?"
"I haven't seen Draco with Crookshanks yet."
"I think his judgement should be taken into consideration, kneazle blood and all that. Shouldn't it, catto?"
"Maorwl!"
"Of course, you're Hermione's good boy, aren't you?" Ginny said in a baby voice as Crookshanks purred loudly, showing her his belly.
Hermione just shook her head. Her cat was a ladies' man. "Once Draco is back in school," Hermione began as Crookshanks crawled over to her lap, "I'll introduce my handsome Crookshanks to him. Won't you help me make a judgement, Crooksie? Huh? My handsome, handsome man. My little, old man. My poor, old baby." She squished his face before placing a kiss on his adorable snout and snuggled him.
Loud motor boat purring filled the space.
After casting a Tempus spell, Ginny hugged Hermione goodnight and wished her all the luck.
Seven am sharp, Professor Snape opened the door to his class room, expecting to find the hallway empty. He hadn't actually expected the Gryffindor student to be on time, if she even decided to come. However, to his surprise, Hermione was standing there patiently waiting for her teacher.
"Good morning, Ms Granger".
"Good morning, Professor Snape."
Snape waved her through to the Floo, which they used to leave the castle to the Hog's Head. Because of course, the only Floo to connect in and out of the castle was via the Headmaster's brother's pub. Much to the said brother's misery.
After Snape paid the grouchy Aberforth for the use of the Floo, he turned himself and his student back into the emerald flames only to step out into pristine white hall.
Snape allowed Hermione to catch her breath, the smoke of the Floo was something to get used to, as he took in the private wing of St Mungo's. Once there were 28 hospital apartments. But with the fall of once great families, only six remained open. After all, it was not a cheap endeavour to maintain an entire private wing with personal Healers, discrete nurse elves, potions and salves and other luxuries that really didn't always serve any health benefits. All cost to be borne by the family.
Naturally the Malfoys, with their wise investments and money to burn and family secrets, would maintain theirs with pride. Maintaining a strong line of Incubi, from generation to generation did not come cheap.
When they entered, Snape let the teen take in the opulence that will one day be a part of her life too. And odd though for him who knew what Lucius felt.
Hermione knew that the private "sector" of healthcare and hospital would probably not be the standard hospital rooms that she and her family were used to. She assumed it would be the same in the wizarding world, private rooms and bathrooms. Perhaps a better quality bed? Less crowding. What Hermione was confronted with however could have easily been mistaken as a luxury hotel suite.
Floor to ceiling enchanted windows framed by silver and royal blue curtains., with seaside sunshine filtering through stained glass creating ethereal patterns on floor walls and furniture. A glance out the window and Hermione recognised the view she saw each summer, when she woke up at Yaya's house.
Hermione had expected the colour scheme to involve more green to run alongside the family's Hogwarts affiliation. Yet everything seemed both light and airy as well as overpowering ancient.
Glancing around, she came to the conclusion that they entered into the "lounge". With velvet sofas shimmering under the enchanted sunlight, facing the magnificent dragon fireplace carved out of white marble and decorated with stone flowers. Her heart softened on spotting the seemingly new addition of the Narcissus amongst the design.
This place was nothing like a hospital wing, or any hospital she had ever been to. Not that she could expect the machines and the IV drip apparatus but this was… This was over the top, with a strong emphasis on the over .
Her attention went back to the windows, with half columns, made from the same marble as the fireplace, accentuating the partition between the three windows. Who would approve such extravagance in a hospital? And why?
Hermione thought back to the Quidditch world cup… the albino peacocks that had been circling the ridiculously large Malfoy Family tent…or marquee if you wanted to be more accurate.
Of course, it'll be Malfoys. Aesthetics or die.
"Ms Granger…"
"Sorry." Hermione looked up at her professor who raised an amused eyebrow at her and gestured to the large door. She meekly followed, as they entered the bedroom. Her eyes were stuck on the door with complicated intertwined runes and symbols for health, healing, lessening of pain, that were masterfully carved into the dark wood. A closer look and Hermione made out a fine lace like pattern… wait, was that filigree? In wood?!
A matching wooden bed, which Hermione wouldn't be surprised if it was hand carved, was placed at the end of the room facing the windows. A chaise lounge, sofa, as well as a loveseat tastefully arranged were tastefully arranged at the foot of the bed with an antique. A proper tea set, with a three tier cake stand of finger food stood pretty in the centre. She felt so small surrounded by all the centuries old grandness.
It was then that Severus noted that Hermione, not so subtly, had hid behind him. Then his eyes went to Lucius who was watching them from the loveseat. Severus gave his friend a look that said "Look what you did, you dumbass."
Sensing the tension Narcissa, got up from her perch at her son's side, to greet the girl, giving Lucius a look to which he raised.
"Lucius, why don't you get some more refreshments? Our guests must be parched, travelling by Floo so early in the morning."
Snape knew they had a perfectly fine battalion of elves, a fact Lucius clearly wanted to argue, much to the Potions professor's glee. But as Lucius was about to speak, Cissa gave him her perfected over the years 'If you question me, you're sleeping on the couch even though we have sixteen bedrooms' look.
"As my lady wishes," he said, managing to put together some shred of dignity to his dismissal, kissing her knuckles before he left. Nod to Severus and Hermione, as he did so.
Once the door closed behind him, Hermione made her way to Draco's frail from lying in the bed. She was so drawn to him, the presence of the other two adults mattered little as she tentatively sat on the edge of his bed taking his hand into hers. His skin looks waxy and his hand felt clammy and hot to her touch.
"Miss Granger, I'm glad you came."
Hermione gave a small, polite smile, as the elegant lady sat herself back in the wingback chair at her son's side. "Thank you for letting me Mrs Malfoy."
Narcissa smiled at the young girl who had eyes only for her son, his ailment causing her visible distress. It was a good sign, the bond although flawed is used to people making the first move to please her. But she was happy with how engrossed this young girl looked with her son. The last time they had met she had been equally engrossed… not to this point. Not to the point of forgetting people in the room.
"Narcissa please," she pleaded, wanting to encourage a form of familiarity.
Hermione looked at her with wide eyes, "I uh... Uh... Oh... Ok-okay, Narcissa." Her meek response and the avoidance of eye contact made the discomfort in the use of first name clear. Narcissa hadn't realised how she had grown used to being Mrs Malfoy to all but family and admittedly it felt odd having a young girl address her otherwise, but needs must.
Hermione, still intent on avoiding the woman's gaze, chose to focus back on Draco who had stopped squirming for the first time, since she had entered the room. The heat his body radiated was almost unbearable for her as she sat next to him, she didn't know what this horrid fever was doing to him physically…let alone the dreams he was having. No wonder he was so restless.
She gently ran her hand over his arm, fine pale, almost translucent hairs covered the muscular appendage. His muscles were strong under her fingers, despite how thin he looked. He was so much paler than usual, and it was almost as if his skin was stretched over a much larger body.
Was it the Incubus blood in him that kept making him so violently ill? Lost in her thoughts, Hermione absentmindedly caressed his arm allowing him to fall into much more restful deep sleep.
"I trust you are doing well," Narcissa asked, trying to bait the girl into conversation. Hermione only nodded, not really listening. "Severus tells me you're a bright student." Severus, who had taken a seat on the chaise lounge, reading the newspaper, raised his brow.
"Don't bring me into this."
Hermione broke her silence hearing her Professors' voice. "I uh… I huh…I try. There's so much to learn and so little time. It doesn't help that we never get one peaceful academic year. I think it's only going to get worse." She was nervously rambling now. "Not that being Harry's friend isn't a task in itself. I sometimes fear he'll accidentally kill himself. He once tried to eat a pecan pie because it's pecan. Not peanuts. Despite having a nut allergy. Then there's homework, self study and Draco. I try to make things work to the best of my ability."
How adorable, Narcissa thought as her smile grew. Interestingly her son only placed third on the list of the girls priorities. Her spoiled son's ego will be bruised, still better than being last.
"Life can be chaotic on a good day. It is admirable how you are managing it all. With grace, it seems" Narcissa complimented.
Hermione let out a hysterical laugh, "If feeling like you're falling apart is with grace, sure."
Narcissa wanted to assure the girl but both witches' attention fell to Draco who let out a small whine in his sleep. By the looks of it, Hermione must have removed her hand from his arm. So needy, her little boy.
Hermione placed her hand on his chest soothingly. His own hand seeking her in his need to touch her, weekly managing to entangle their fingers. Hermione looked pensive before deciding the best way to approach Mrs Malfoy, "As much my parents don't mention it, there was a rift occurring. They couldn't be a part of this life and it hurt." Sad sigh. "So thank you. For thinking of my parents. Even if it had ulterior motives."
Narcissa softened at her words. They were heart felt, but the acknowledgment of their trickery was barbed with mistrust. She couldn't blame the girl; she has a lot on her plate. No doubt she had been banking on a boyfriend during this stressful time and her son in all his glory had managed to blunder it up, hurting that trust.
Hermione continued on, "I think it will do them some good...the Weasley try but...with seven kids… I think my mother doesn't want to be a burden on Mrs Weasley and Mr Weasley. My parents are busy people so the schedules often clash during the holidays. So it is either this or that."
Narcissa was carefully noting the failures of the Weasleys. Let this girl never have a problem proclaiming that her in-laws didn't fall backwards to accommodate her parents. The key to winning this girl affection and respect is through her parents and heritage.
"Your mother was a pleasure." To anyone within the upper circle of wizarding society, a statement like that from Lady Malfoy would be considered raving, review. Had it been someone else, they would have been simpering like the flatterers that they are but Hermione's only reaction was a happy smile. It's a pleasant change, almost like a palate cleanser.
Hermione fiddled under Draco's cover, as she asked, "Is Draco okay?"
"He is stable...for now." Hermione looked at her in panic. Narcissa continued, "We are not sure...Draco was never meant to transform this fast or this early. It's uncharted territory if you will. It would help if you could tell us more about what happened, before and when he collapsed. Only if you know?"
Hermione shuffled in her place awkwardly. "We had a fight." She squeaked, looking so guilty. Narcissa urged her to go on. "We had a fight because I found out he had been manipulating me to not tell my mother about our relationship. Every time we met up, he would sno— distract me. So I remembered and I confronted him."
"That boy... One doesn't manipulate the mate..." Hermione looked upset. "And then?" She gently took the girls' free hand. "Please, anything could help him."
She nodded and continued, "I was talking to Viktor about us. It's a relief to have someone to talk to about our relationship, someone who's a proper neutral party. You know he doesn't really know either of us or the messed up history…anyway Draco must have been there I didn't see him. Next thing I know Draco collapsed next to us and it looked like he was having a fit. I…I don't.. It all goes fuzzy then… I was scared." She brushed her eyes from tears, "I didn't know what to do."
Narcissa nodded and squeezed Hermione's hand in sympathy. "You provided the missing puzzle piece, dear. It'll explain Draco's fever. Allow me to call the healer." Confused Hermione nodded
. . .
Once Narcissa had told Healer Marlo all about the reason for the triggered transformation, he quickly got into action murmuring about potions and spells. Hermione sat on the bed, holding Draco's hand, as he burrowed his face into her side and she chatted with Narcissa and Marlo.
Marlo was pleased to have gotten this opportunity to have a conversation with the mate in question, Hermione.
"He underwent transformation for me?"
"He must have perceived your friend as a rival. As a result his body forced another transformation. A third puberty, if you will. It happens to ensure the mate always stays interested and doesn't stray."
"A third puberty? What happened to the second one?" Hermione's confusion was discernible.
"I believe master Draco had a distressed transformation. Sensing you in danger. Sometime in the middle of—"
"Third year."
Marlo nodded in agreement.
"But... But... That's not fair. Him transforming..."
Narcissa passed her time analysing the girl now that she was relaxed. Taking notes as she did, makeup (none), hair (so much like Bella's), nervous lip biting and bitten nails. But nice manners. She was furiously making a list of summer lessons that would be required.
They heard Draco whimper in his sleep. Hermione made a move to go sit next to him. Healer Marlo followed her.
"Your distress is his stressor."
"This relationship is..."
"Unbalanced because of lack of communication and prior knowledge of the attributes."
Hermione pouted sadly, she's trying not to cry because he's so thin and pale "Will he okay?"
"He will be. Now that you're here."
Hermione sniffled. "I didn't mean to..."
Marlo patted her shoulder, "This isn't your fault."
Narcissa took a seat next to Hermione and patted her hand "Not at all...you didn't know..."
Hermione hiccupped, "He... He... I... I didn't tell my parents about us. I wanted to. He did something. And then he tried to calm me, his eyes went black and he smelled good. And," tears rolling down, "I thought everything was fabricated. Who knew what spell he was using." Narcissa felt bad for the girl, pulling out her handkerchief, as she started sobbing. Draco whimpered more, groaning her name in his sleep. He fought to wake but too exhausted to win. Hermione kept running her hand up and down his arm.
Narcissa tried to comfort her, "Oh my dear, I do believe this is our fault. We may have gotten over excit—'
Hermione said in between sobs, "I thought... I thought he was playing a cruel prank." Narcissa nodded sadly; her son made his own grave, so it seems. "I thought he chose me... For me. Not because of biology."
And doesn't Narcissa know how that hurt. She'd spent her girlhood feeling like no one saw her outside of the matching set of sisters. Then Lucius came along, had chosen her only to find out he hadn't.
Narcissa gently brushed Hermione's hair back. "Now, now, no tears, you are not at fault."
A heavy, double voice spoke up, "The bonding for an incubus doesn't happen like that of a Veela. There needs to exist a desire or else there is no bond."
Hermione turned to face the voice. It was Lucius Malfoy but also… not him. His cheekbones were sharper, more protruding, the hair lost the luxurious shine. Veins shining through the pale, white skin, mapping out the pathways of inky, black blood underneath his eyes. And the eyes… twin sunken pools of pitch black, with blood red pupils
At a glance one couldn't probably be able to make out the physical changes but the change in the aura around them, oh Hermione felt that rattle in her bones. It wasn't threatening but it sure did make her primal instincts of danger in the dark be very very alert.
Lucius in his Incubus form kept explaining, "It's no ordinary desire either. It's an all consuming passion." He moved towards Narcissa, gently brushed her cheek, "My beautiful Narcissa has always been in my heart since I was a naïve boy. She was a Black and he was a mere heir of an upstart. That didn't stop us. That didn't stop me."
"Ralph…" Narcissa's sigh was enough for Lucius's face to twist in an attempt to smile.
"So feeble minded I was in my youth thinking I was impressed by your power when it was your grace and sweet smile that had me entranced." He gently brushed Narcissa's lock back. "I never forgave myself for the pain I gave you for the faulty mark. I swear to make it right. By any means."
Narcissa gave him a look of adoration, "You are so very pleasing when you wish for forgiveness, dear, but now is time to help guide our son and his mate"
"Spawn must have over-exhausted himself trying to make the human body perfect for his mate."
Hermione felt guilty. So guilty. To be forced to change in such a fundamental manner for just… just a mate. She hadn't wanted that. She had liked the way he looked…Hermione just wanted honesty.
While Lucius left again due to some urgent matters, Narcissa realised that the lazy bone she calls her husband failed to bring the refreshments. She had really meant for him to provide for the guests! It was past the polite time for breakfast and the poor girl hadn't had sustenance since then.
Marlo in the meantime decided to have a chat with the mate in question. He had a lot of details to note for the betterment of the future generation and the maintenance of the logs of the family physician to a family of perfectly stable and functioning Incubus.
Narcissa then quietly observed the teenage girl, forgetting all about her useless host of a husband. She seemed eager to learn. It seemed like a nice change for Marlo too. She was excitedly moving her arms around as she spoke, her nodding like a good, obedient student.
Some work, Narcssia thought and the rough diamond her son found would shine lovelier than any other. Her body language definitely needs some more work. She's an open book and she would be open for anyone to take advantage. How odd that she's so different to what she thought her son would like.
Hermione was everything a pureblood daughter wasn't. Maybe that's where the thrill lies. She had heard from Draco about his witch's prowess. She would love to see some for herself.
Narcissa looked at Hermione who was listening to Marlo with rapt attention. Baiting her with knowledge that she could do. So curious.
What must her son feel like when all her attention is directed at him…
Hermione, to Narcissa's surprise, was unafraid to show when she didn't know something and therefore she lacked the pride that made impressing Narcissa so hard. Hermione was willing to listen to others to learn what she lacked. Evident by the way she seemed to be soaking in whatever Marlo was saying.
The hunger to know more and the passion to work for it. She could work with that. An intelligent girl she can work with. Intelligent woman is why the house of Malfoy still stands strong.
It is true the husbands have a loose purse and a silver tongue. But it's the wives who've made the house stronger with their wits and manipulations. Without a woman's wit, this house will collapse like a house of cards. It required a lady who would be ready to get her hands dirty for her family. Anything for the family.
Yes, Lady Greengrass pathetically waved a list of Daphne's and Astoria's skills at her every time they met. Talking about the events they organised, the tea parties organised, the commission of clothes and robes they handed…
Eye for dining décor wasn't a skill to be boasted about.
It was a necessity.
Being excellent in manners was a requirement that couldn't be unseen. All these were skills that can be learnt easily. Hermione was a smart girl. She'll learn them too. But what mattered was the mind and the desire to grow, hunger to be more than just someone's wife.
Malfoy wives are important for they run the society. That isn't an easy claim to make.
Could these girls set a teacher on fire for her friend? Or lie for her friends in the face of an attack from a troll?
She didn't just learn for the sake of learning but utilised it and made it her own.
From whatever she's heard from Draco, she's a genius. The only reason why Potter even lived past their first year.
Given the slip in the nervous ramble, Narcissa deduced Hermione's character. She would be a perfect Grey witch. She would have to be. Narcissa herself had to embrace the light for the family. Malfoys need a witch who will not have an issue walking the grey path. Too dark and the house will fall, too light and the house will be ruined.
Sure, they were lovely girls but this girl was who her son chose.
Narcissa smiled.
Other than the unfortunate heritage, she was a lovely girl
She scolded herself. She'd have to learn not to say out loud.
Oh, her grandbabies are going to be smart and beautiful
As she once more looked at the still conversing duo who had finally taken to sitting at the dining table, her eyes fell on the clock and remembered with a jolt. They hadn't had breakfast. Oh, what was wrong with her? She was being a terrible host.
It also provided a perfect opportunity to have a chat with Hermione. Narcissa snapped her finger and got a lovely breakfast to be placed as soon as possible.
The moment Marlo got called away by a flying memo, Narcissa took the seat opposite to Hermione. As the breakfast got served, she began, "Draco tells me you love reading. Have you had the opportunity to visit the tiny corner bookstore in Hogsmeade?"
Hermione was politely trying to negotiate with Pippy over the number of servings on her plate, given it was a full English breakfast platter that was served before her, when her head whipped up.
"The what?"
Narcissa smiled gently, "well we should rectify that as soon as possible. It is rather quaint and beautiful. It is attached to a little café and they have a nice collection of elusive books and some rare first editions alongside their fresh prints."
The young girl's eyes twinkled in excitement, "I'd love to visit it."
"It's a lovely place, truly. Quiet, romantic...private," Narcissa suggested with a smirk which got Hermione to blush.
They ate in silence before Narcissa continued the small talk, "It has been quite some time since I enquired about the fashion style of the younger generation. Say, what would you normally wear for an outing? I am curious."
Hermione blushed, "I'm not really I...Ginny usually helps me…"
"But do you not like dressing up?"
"It's not that I don't like it… it's more," Hermione focused on cutting up her fried mushroom, almost like she was fiddling with her food. "There is only so much I can do with," her free hand gestured at herself, "this."
"I beg your pardon, only so much? There's an ocean of possibilities in front of you, dear."
There was a severe sense of low self esteem that Narcissa sniffed out, "You'll have to forgive my enthusiasm. I have always wanted a daughter and I've always had this dream of bonding with my daughter over womanly interests." Hermione shrugged. "Of course I wouldn't want to over step with your mother…"Narcissa clarified.
"Mum likes to power dress," Hermione mumbled over her bite of the perfectly cooked eggs.
"Power dress?"
"Oh it's...it's to dress for business. It's the looks that say don't mess with me. I can't really wear that on a date."
There were a few moments of silence as both the ladies contemplated the course this conversation had taken.
Hermione raised her head from her food to give Draco a look only to find him sleeping peacefully. On Healer Marlo's advice, she had left her scarf with Draco so that her scent would calm him down and accelerate his healing.
"We should rectify the situation."
"Sorry?"
Narcissa looked excited as she suggested, "A ladies shopping day. Your mother sent me some really interesting fashion magazines."
Hermione looked scared at the idea of shopping but Narcissa looked so hopeful. She didn't want to disappoint the mother of her boyfriend. When she agreed, Narcissa had an excited grin which made the little alarm bells inside Hermione's head go off.
"We could visit the magical stores and muggle ones," Narcissa started proposing a plan, "We might not be able to go to the muggle ones today but we should make time for it. Your mother said muggle stores make bespoke clothing's too."
"Yes but," Hermione hesitated, thinking about a sudden expense occurring unplanned, "it's quite expensive."
"Allow me to indulge, dear. As the youngest, I never got a sister to fuss over and…" Narcissa seemed miles away into some bad memory given the sad look on her face, "Oh, well…"
Hermione could only stammer some uhs and umms.
Narcissa placed her hand over Hermione's fidgeting fingers, "Consider this my apology on behalf of the ignoramus of my son. He is a sweetheart but he has Lucius's mind. It jumps before thinking. Honestly I don't understand how either of them ended up in Slytherin."
Hermione nodded, which freed an errand fizzy lock that just won't stay tucked. Hermione struggled with tucking it behind her ears but it kept springing out. She was getting frustrated . Why did they have to be such rebels in front of Mrs Malfoy?
"Here, let me," Narcissa said, as she waved her wand in a short, smooth movement and all the curls seemed to relax. She pulled out a brooch pin from her purse and transfigured it into a hair chip and handed it to Hermione, her eyes urging her to take the gift.
Hermione gingerly took the clip and put her lock in place with it.
"There you go. The hair chip looks pretty on you."
Hermione sighed and motioned towards her hair, "It's just... Very unmanageable and bushy."
"What cruel words you use. I see gorgeous locks and curls with enviable thickness. So healthy and alive with magic."
"Magic?"
"Yes," Narcissa said as she saw firsthand how easily she could be bated with knowledge. "Every witch has some bit of magic flowing through her hair. That's why a witch's pride lies in her hair."
Hermione looked frustrated, "I just wish they were just a tad bit more manageable. Sleek Eazy was fun but it was so time consuming and expensive. Besides, they lose their volume and they stay flat. I don't like that."
Narcissa nodded. "Come along, we will see my stylist. He is an artist."
"Now?"
"Why not?"
"But Draco..."
"My son can wait. Right now, he would need all the rest and potions. In the time being, we can work on a nice head massage to relax and a love opportunity for me to show you that you are a piece of art. Besides, he will need to learn to be patient."
Narcissa gave a conspiring smile and said in stage whisper, "At your age, I had Lucius wrapped around her little finger. That's the fun of being a witch. You get your lover smitten with just the smallest things."
Hermione smiled and followed Narcissa like a little duckling. Narcissa's warm behaviour really got her excited. Narcissa merely informed Severus about where they were going and the ladies were off.
After they came back, Narcissa made it a point to take a picture of her.
"One for you, one for your parents and one for Draco."
"I had this card for him."
"Card, my dear?"
"It's a get well soon card. I made one for him."
"That is so thoughtful of you, dear girl." She smiled and blushed.
Narcissa left Hermione to have a one-sided conversation with her son as she went to check up on the other guest she had effortlessly abandoned in order to endear herself to her son's mate.
As she left, she spied Hermione her son on his forehead.
Hermione didn't know what to feel. She returned to Hogwarts with smooth, soft curls and healthier looking hair and a basket of hair care essentials that are easy to adjust in a routine. Narcissa had even promised to look for a spell for an on-the-go hair care, given Blacks did tend to have curly, unmanageable hair.
A house of Black special. Just for the little Muggleborn, the son of a black daughter had been chosen as his mate. Hermione wondered what hundreds of dead Blacks felt about that. Sirius would probably find it hilarious. She hoped they rolled their graves uneasy and unrest.
Bad Hermione. Draco was rubbing off on her.
Walking down the path to the school, Hermione couldn't stop herself from saying the thing that had been bothering her for a long time.
"Professor?"
"Yes?"
"Harry didn't steal anything from you. It was Dobby who gave him the Gillyweed."
Snape examined her, as if he was determining if she was lying before giving her a curt nod. He seemed to believe her at least, or he knew that Harry told everything to Hermione eventually.
Dobby didn't work for anyone. He was the abnormal free elf. Then who stole his ingredients... Someone was stealing the ingredients required for… Polyjuice... But then the theft during Potter's second year and now... Are they different?
"Ms Granger?"
"Yes, sir?"
"Have you been studying well despite these…distractions?"
Hermione looked embarrassed before nodding furiously.
"Then you wouldn't mind a small quiz?"
"A quiz, sir?"
"Indeed. Now if you could tell me after adding one measure of crushed Bicorn Horn to your cauldron to make Polyjuice, I would low heat for a whole minute, sixty ticks on the clock—"
"20 seconds at a high temperature."
"Pardon me?" Snape stopped to give the teen a look.
"We need to heat on high for 20 seconds, sir."
Snape didn't say anything, allowing the teen to come to the conclusion that the potion has not been taught in class and that she corrected him on a practical aspect of the brewing.
Realisation in 3…2… There! Full blush of guilt. Then the eyes widened at being caught so blatantly.
He raised a brow. "Ms Granger… your incident in second year… the unfortunate Charms accident, was it?"
Hermione shifted uncomfortably. Snape shook his head. She was a bad liar. "I will turn a blind eye, Ms Granger, but only because we both know you must have had… valid concerns." She nodded, letting the sarcasm slide off her.
"Any current valid concerns?" Snape pushed.
Hermione shook her head, "Apart from the obvious, professor, none."
"None that would require those ingredients?"
She frowned and shook her head. "No… why Professor?"
"Nothing to concern yourself with. Head to the Great Hall, dinner will be ending soon...oh, yes, Ms Granger?"
Hermione looked at him, expectantly.
"Five points to Gryffindor. Your potion must have been perfect for the desired effects. However… One point from Gryffindor for I cannot oversee the use of cat hair."
She looked embarrassed and upset, "It was a mistake. Human hair and cat hair look similar."
"A simple verification spell is a must in order to not be hoodwinked by any unsavoury personalities."
Hermione blinked. He was giving genuine advice. She smiled, "Thank you, Professor, I'll keep it in mind."
He flicked his hand, shooing her away and she trotted away towards the Great Hall.
Dumbledore, who had silently strolled up to him, said, "Nice walk, Severus?"
"Yes, Headmaster."
"I have never seen you have a conversation with a Gryffindor student before."
"The unfortunate aftermath of teaching a school with houses other than Slytherin. They think I am their teacher too."
"Hopefully, more people look up to you as their teacher."
"If you are hoping for Potter, I would advise you to not hold your breath. Good day, Albus." Snape dismissed the chat and made his way to the Great Hall, not looking back knowing that Dumbledore must be watching him with his insufferable, twinkling eyes. He wants more puppets.
Powerful puppets. Snape had no doubt about Dumbledore suspecting Ms Granger and Draco's proximity. His godson had not been as subtle as he thought.
He wondered about the new revelations. Someone was stealing from him to make Polyjuice potion. He doesn't like things happening under his nose. Using his Potion ingredients. Stealing off of a poor school teacher. Despicable.
Present time, night of the Third Trial
"You mother fucking bitches!" Sirius shouted as he cast a powerful Protego, "You were so fucking wrong. Here's Peter mother fucking Pettigrew! Fucking Fudge, fuck you and your tiny dick! I never fucking killed anyone, you bloody salamander fucker. Fudge! FUCK YOU!"
The crowd was silent. They just witnessed Sirius Black the murderer cuss at the Minister of Minister and then pulled out rat who turned into a man out of his pocket. As if to compensate for the mind numbing boredom of this trial, Harry Potter Portkeyed in holding the trophy and a body…
"Harry?" Sirius muttered, unable to believe his godson was so worse for wear.
"Sirius!" The Boy Who Lived croaked in relief. "That trophy was a Portkey!"
All was still.
Then, all was chaos.
People were talking and pointing. A hoard of students, adults, all tried to get closer for a view. In a matter of seconds, it became a mad trample in the name of spectacle.
Amos Diggory shouts of "My boy, my boy!" were prominent enough for the body to raise a hand in reply. "Oh! My boy!"
"Harry, what happened?" Sirius rushed to Harry, falling on his knees to look over the multitude of cuts and bruises over him.
The chill in the air rose. Fudge could be heard shouting. Minerva McGonagall had her very strict eyes on the twitching man bound in magical ropes that didn't seem like the ordinary Incarcerous spell.
In the middle of the chaos, Mad Eye Moody tried to approach the teen who was being fussed over by a mass murderer.
"Moody," Sirius whispered, his eyes misting over at the sight of his old mentor.
Moody huffed at the ragged man and the traumatised child and pulled Harry up. With his target in his hand, he quickly trotted towards the castle.
"Moody, hey, Moody!" Sirius called out.
Moody looked annoyed, "Do not speak, criminal!"
Sirius ignored his insult, "Hey, does your morning coffee still taste like dirt?"
"What?"
"Coffee! Does it taste like dirt?"
"A mad man's ramblings! I do not have—" The boy was starting to struggle in his hold.
"You are not Moody. My Moody knew the answer to that question."
From the corner of Moody's eyes, he saw Snape raise his wand. His self preservation instincts kicked in making him canter towards the castle for safety while he dragged the Boy to finish his job.
He had managed to enter the castle with no one the wiser. Fudge and his Dementors were busy trying to go after Black and that good for nothing Pettigrew. He knew he was being pursued but he knew the castle better.
It wasn't until he felt resistance because Sirius had grabbed Harry from behind. With his arms around his godson, Sirius was quite unarmed. Moody raised his wand to hex him. When Black lunged forward and bit his wand hand. A human biting shouldn't have felt so painful but it was excruciating. His teeth had sunk into his arm. While trying to get away from the madman, Moody lost his grip on the Boy.
Immediately, Sirius enveloped the teen in his arms and let go of the bitten arm. That's when Moody noticed blood dripping from his fangs. That son of a bitch.
He could hear footsteps and shouts. He had to go to his assigned chamber to kill the real Moody to leave them with no clue.
So Moody ran for it.
It hadn't been long since Hermione forgave him for his…antics, as his mother labelled his actions. So it was quite a feat that he had managed to distract Hermione from the stands at the Quidditch pitch, pleading to that soft heart of hers. He couldn't be blamed. He was indeed hungry for her. Her emotions fueled him, literally.
He couldn't be bothered to go all the way to their usual abandoned classroom so a nearby one would do. Merlin knows why there are so many abandoned classrooms? Or maybe Hermione would know; her favourite book was Hogwarts history after all.
He knew he was tugging her along and her small legs were trying their best to catch up with his speed. He turned back and watched her pant lightly when he had this brilliant idea of picking her up like the softest sack of potatoes and placed her over his shoulders. She squealed in surprise as his arms tightly held her thighs while she adjusted her torso, balancing, trying not to tumble head first.
"Draco!"
"I need you…"
He heard her heart rate pick up more. It pleased him to realise how much his words affected her.
He kicked open the classroom door, a small cloud of dust picked up. Hermione waved her wand, dissipating the dust cloud and locking the door shut.
He pulled out his wand and cast a quick Tergeo on the desk, gently placing his beloved there.
"I've missed you," he confessed, as he wrapped his arms around her, his face buried in the crook of her neck.
"We just met last evening," Hermione said as she gently patted his hair. "But I understand now."
"I need you."
Hermione hummed.
"Not because I am an incubus. But because I can't get enough of you. I can't be seen with you, can't be near you. I can't even sit next to you. I hate it when everyone can talk to you but me. Even looking at you…"
"Oh Draco," Hermione pulled away from him to cup his face in her hands. She leaned in and kissed him on his lips.
It was so easy to be lost in him. Their relationship felt like it's been there forever with how familiar they were with each other. She knew it was the bond but was it bad to have gotten someone who completed her… Yes, they were young, too young to think of permanency in life but it wasn't bad to have a guy who was all hers. Only hers.
He relaxed into the kiss, his hands tugging at her tucked in shirt, pulling them out so that his hands can wander over her bare skin.
His touch… It was addicting.
She pulled back and Draco took to kissing her jaw, her chin, slipping down to place kisses alongside her neck. She pulled him closer to her, to be flush against him.
Without his pheromones clouding her mind, Hermione was able to notice his changes… his smell changed- it got stronger, his already pale hair got so translucent and his nips on her skin felt sharp… the feel of his sharp canines felt... nice.
She let out a moan when Draco suckled hard on her pulse when…
"Did you hear that?" Draco asked Hermione as she tried to focus on what Draco seemed to be hearing.
"No? What do you hear?"
"Cries of hunger."
"Draco, are you okay? I mean, we did leave the stands because you said you got hungry from the boredom."
Draco went to the door of the abandoned classroom where they were snogging and poked his head out. He saw Moody running.
"Was that Moody?" Hermione poked her head from under Draco's arm.
"Moody looked like he was in a hurry."
"Why is his prosthetic leg there?" Hermione pointed out to the wooden prosthesis lying down the corridor from where the professor rushed in. "Huh… that's his cane… then how is he even running?"
Draco looked at Hermione. Both nodded at each other before running after the fleeing professor, not realising there was a Dementor ambling behind them.
When they reached Professor Moody's chamber, there was a different man, busying ranting and raving while waving his wand as things floated about him.
Hermione gasped, "Polyjuice thief!"
Draco gave his girlfriend a look.
That man turned to look at them with a look of pure vitriol.
"It was you!" He pointed at Draco. "Your family betrayed my Master!" Draco stared at the man who seemed to know the truth that they had worked so hard to keep under wraps. "Your family betrayed my MASTER OVER A MUDBLOOD!" not-Moody raised his wand at Hermione.
Hermione was trying to get further into the chamber towards her fallen friend when Draco grabbed Hermione and put her behind him.
Hermione felt rather than saw Draco change.
"Stay the fuck away from her!" Draco's voice sounded like an echo.
"A creature! You fucking Malfoys are creatures!" the not-Moody pulled out his wand, and with a flourish aimed it at Hermione. Draco felt his nails slice through her skin as she was ripped out of his hold and crashed against the stone wall.
Draco's transformation was instantaneous as a tar-like liquid oozed from his hands. He flung it at Moody. Hissing on impact the liquid began eating through the man's face, causing screams of anguish to fill the chamber. Draco didn't stop there as he grabbed his leg with his acid-tar covered hand, embolizing his victim.
Sensing a chill, causing the hairs on the back of his neck to stand, as it leaked through the window sucking all the hope and light from the room leaving Draco with rage and hatred.
He snapped his eyes to the window, a dementor was floating by.
Draco calling the creature to him was the last thing Hermione heard, the strange ancient language whispered in her head, before everything was black.
Draco looked at the man whimpering in pain. He needed to know how he found out. His Legilimency wasn't up to par but he would have to ruin a mind to get the truth and protect his family. But that wasn't his first priority.
He walked to Hermione, his white, hot rage grew into a solar storm. How dare someone hurt his mate. Draco picked Hermione up gently in a bridal style. He kicked the groaning man and hissed in his echoing voice, "Look at me!"
The man couldn't not disobey his direct command. Draco violently tore into his mind. It must have been mere seconds but it was enough for gleaning the information and then scrambling the mind. No trace to be left behind.
The Dementor seemed to stay still by the window, not entering the chamber, soaking up the pathetic man's misery like a delicious meal whilst avoiding the Incubus's wrath.
"Guard this chamber," Draco commanded and left with his precious.
The Dementor swooped in only after Draco left the chamber. No one risks the wrath of an Old One.
The creature floated about before deciding to go to town on its ward. What's a vaguely instructed Dementor to do?