Darling readers! Be prepared to shed a tear about poor, poor Draco! So much drama still going on and we're not yet near the wedding. Oh my, my...
xxx
Hermione rushed back to Draco's rooms. She felt so bad that she had thought improper thoughts about her father in law. This was getting ridiculous. She already had three fiances, and Lucius was not up for grabs for her. She walked into the bedroom and looked at the messy bed, but Draco wasn't there. She stepped into the bathroom, but the room was empty, too. She began to worry that something had happened to Draco when she spotted the open balcony door. Had someone come in to harm him? Or had he just left on his own because she had been so inadequately teasing?
As she entered the balcony she let out a sigh of relief. He was sitting at the small table there, staring into the dark night sky with a glum impression. There was just a glass of ice water in front of him, but it looked like the ice might melt before he drank the water.
''Draco, you gave me a fright. When I didn't see you in the bed I thought something had happened.''
He did not look at her, just kept on staring into space. ''I thought you would decide to stay with Potter after all... because I was not pleasing enough...''
''Draco, what utter nonsense. You have a right not to want to follow my wants. And I understand your reservations. I apologise for getting a bit too hot headed in the moment, but I just got excited by you, your presence, and of course your body. I don't know what came over me but I just felt so much passion.''
Draco finally looked at her. ''You did? And you really mean it?'' he asked, his voice a little hoarse. Maybe he had been crying, and had concealed the redness in his eyes with magic... or maybe she was just imagining that.
''I did.'' Hermione took a seat on the other chair and turned it to face him. ''And when I promise something, then I don't back out of that promise. I agreed to spend two nights with each of you, and despite Harry getting stupidly drunk I am still sticking to my promise.''
Draco tried not to look at her but he was so tempted. He'd heard the ruckus at the door even from the bathroom and thought Potter had turned up to chew him out for not following the gentleman's agreement. But then Hermione had left. And Draco immediately felt deflated. Perhaps Potter had told her something about him that was utter lies and a smear but she had immediately believed it, because it was Saint Potter. The thought alone was so painful, it seemed like his scared wounds on his back were opening up again.
''Harry was so drunk, and upset that I took him back to his room and tucked him into his bed. Don't look at me like that. I really only put him into bed. He was quite a dramatic drunk tonight, I think the elves need to hide the fine tipple from him a little better when he gets emotional, but I did not intend to stay with him.''
''Did he offer you to stay?'' Draco asked, looking a little sad.
''He did. Of course he did, but I told him that the original agreement was on. I promised you that I would stay the night and so I am here.''
''Are you here because you feel an obligation... because if you are here just because you feel a sense of duty to make good on your word then... then of course you are free to leave. I don't want you to feel trapped here with me. I don't want you to have resentment, or worse, disgust with me so if you want to look after Potter tonight, you can do that. I won't be upset. ''
''I don't want to coddle Harry when he knows what he's done wrong. And I don't like drunk men.'' She also looked at the sky, trying to find the best words to say. ''Why do you think I would resent you?''
''Because perhaps Potter is the only one of us who you actually like. I know I was an ass when younger. I know that I don't have a glowing past overall. So I wouldn't be surprised.''
''Everyone made mistakes during the war. But you have made up for them, you're trying to be better, you've learned about muggles, you are more accepting. Your father is even more into muggle stuff than you. So there is nothing terrible. I need to get used to seeing you not just as my landlord, but as my fiance and soon to be husband.''
Draco let out a loud sob. ''I don't know if you ever will be able to see me that way... I am always worried. I was upset and worried all day today, because seeing you interact with the others really got my confidence down. It is silly, it is unreasonable but still... seeing you looking at Neville with such gentleness... and Potter's hungry, possessive glares. Makes me feel like I am some sort of unneeded third wheel here.''
''Draco, you are equally as wanted as the other two. I apologise if my actions made you feel less valued... Did I make you feel like a sex toy?''
Draco looked down to his feet.
''I felt wanted. It wasn't dirty, I understood why you did it. But my emotions got the better of me. I want to be special to you. I want you to... to have feelings for me besides just the sexual attraction. I was a flirt, I love flirting with you, I enjoy making out with you. But it is wishful thinking, I would want to have an emotional bond with you. Being in love...''
''It will take some time. But I think the magic that matched us... it knows what we need. It just knows what is best for us. Perhaps it is why I get so needy. I promise I will behave if you come back to bed. But you are handsome. And I will enjoy having you as my husband, in more than one way.''
Draco kept his hands to himself too, all night, despite having the sexiest witch ever in his bed. In the morning, he wished that he did not have to get up and go to breakfast with everyone. But it was something that was needed and he had a bright idea that could be implemented just because she would talk to her other fiances. Just as she was chatting to Potter and Neville, Draco slipped away for a few minutes to go to the small in manor vault to find something that he knew he needed.
Breakfast was quite a calm affair, with Potter looking quite sheepish, even a bit guilty. Neville was just giving her a puppy in love eyes. Breakfast could not end quickly enough, as he wanted to have her all to himself.
Draco had the day planned out differently. All the others had done so much in London, but he did not quite want that, to perhaps go to the same places others had. So he needed to surprise her.
''What are we doing today, Draco?'' she asked, as she finally was away from the snog-slug Potter.
''I have an idea... let me show you something. Of course, if you don't approve, we will do something else. Please, follow me.''
Hermione followed him through the immaculate gardens of the manor. Surely Neville must have had a hand in this as everything was in bloom, all flower beds were perfectly arranged, the grass was trimmed to perfection, there were no molehills or signs of magical garden pests. They stopped at a stable complex, where she saw several stunning horses gallop around an enclosure.
''They are beautiful,'' Hermione gasped as a blond, graceful horse raced near the fence of the enclosure. ''I don't know what all the breeds are called but they look so perfect... I didn't know the Malfoys were into horses?''
''We got into the horse business a few years ago, coinciding our muggle studies. The blond horse, the one who shimmers like gold belongs to an Emirati sheikh, he asked my father to safe keep it. It is a very valuable horse and it is usually at risk of being stolen. The horse races in the British races too, so it is doubly at risk of harm. Of course, the owner doesn't know our stables are quite... magical.''
''They are. It doesn't have the typical horse smell, surprisingly.''
''Magic is great for practical uses, isn't it? I want to show you something very special we have here. We can't let her mingle with the boarded horses but... but when you see her you will understand why.''
Hermione followed him to a smaller barn, that was a little bit away from the larger horse stable.
Draco cast some kind of spell, one that she had not used before, and the door opened. The barn was well lit and there was a stunningly gorgeous creature resting on the hay. It was more beautiful than the racehorses prancing about outside.
''This is Roxy. We got her two years ago, from a Pegasus farm in Greece. She is a feisty girl and did not get along with others of her breed, especially girl pegasi. She does love apples and attention. And flying.''
The winged horse got up and stretched out her magnificent wings, eyeing Hermione.
''She's very sweet, actually. And she loves me. I take her out for a spin as often as I can. She is not the youngest girl anymore, she had plenty of winged offspring in her life already...''
''I never knew you kept a pegasus. I'd heard that there were some kept by British wizarding families but I... I somehow wouldn't have pegged the Malfoys as big fans of such creatures.
''My mother... she always wanted a pet like Ŗoxy. But with our turbulent times, even in my childhood, she never bought one. They are an expensive to buy , though money was never an issue for our family. During the war, obviously, it would not have been wise to buy such a creature. And after the war, my mother talked so excitedly about how she finally will have the winged horse she'd always wanted, but then the curse took her from us and... and I was so struck with grief that the last thing on my mind was buying a pet. But then, I heard a magical farm in Greece was going to put down a pegasus if there was no buyer. Roxy was quite a handful but when I saw her she calmed down. I looked into her eyes and just knew... Do I sound like an idiot? I wanted to make a romantic moment but here I am boring you with stories about my mother...''
''Draco, it is a beautiful story. And I want to know more about you, your parents... your life. It's not boring, at all.''
''It was the most insane thing I've ever done. Roxy was so nervous that she was not ready for transport. I couldn't put her in a muggle lorry meant for livestock transport, nor could she be transported via portkey. So I had to... I had to fly her home. After about two hundred miles or so, she needed rest, water and food, so it was a long, long trip. But with the sun shining brightly on my face... the glimmer of her wings. I felt that moment like my mother was looking down at me, from some magical space. A long flight with a pegasus is said to be a dangerous endeavor but I...'' he stopped and turned to a shelf that held all kinds of horse pampering equipment and a bucket of apples and other treats. He grabbed an apple and juggled it for a few seconds, then looked at the floor. The pegasus retracted its wings and came up to Draco, nuzzling him gently.
''The truth is that at the time, my mind was in a dark place. True, I had survived the war. I had escaped without a prison sentence but I still felt so hated in the wizarding world. The looks people would give me. The spitting... I felt like I'd never truly fit in again. So if anything were to happen to me during the daredevil flight,'' he said and petted Roxy's head. ''The only one grieving my demise would be my father. Gosh, I must sound like such a loser but... I felt depressed. That's what muggles call it. Turned out that Roxy was not as wild as everyone thought. She just likes being the only pegasus in the house. She flew with the utmost care for my comfort and I got to every pre-planned stop without a hitch. In fact, the only thing I got was a sunburn but other than that...''
The pegasus stepped away from Draco and slowly moved towards Hermione. It let out a cry that was a shrill mix of horse and bird, then it nudged her hand with its nose.
''Roxy wants you to give her an apple. She is a bit spoiled, I admit.'' He quickly handed Hermione the biggest apple from the bucket that he could find. Hermione took the apple and with trembling hands showed it to the winged horse. She imagine the worse case scenario of getting her hand bitten off by the temperamental creature, but her fear was unfounded. Roxy took the apple with gentleness and there was just a little bit of saliva on her hand from the encounter.
''She likes you. That's special. But I hoped she would. You're such a wonderful person and she would feel it. Sometimes when I need a little bit of comfort I come to her stable and sit with her. I can just talk to her and it nearly seems like my mother is listening to me.''
Hermione felt tears welling up in her eyes. Poor, poor Draco. The arrogant, confident person had a vulnerable, fragile core under it. Perhaps he was just as, or maybe even more sensitive than Neville.
''Hermione, what's wrong? '' Draco asked as he looked at her. ''I shouldn't have told you this. Now you will dislike me even more. I just wanted to do something romantic, a pegasus ride and a picnic but then when I saw Roxy things just poured out.''
Hermione turned to Draco and enveloped him in a tight hug. ''Why would this make me dislike you? You can share your feelings with me, anything that is on your mind. You're my husband to be, and I want you to feel comfortable telling me about your life.''
''I don't deserve you,'' Draco murmured. ''You are so understanding, even to someone like me.''
''Draco, you are just a human. You went through a lot of trauma. I did too. But if Roxy gives you so much comfort, it's a good coping mechanism. And your crazy voyage just shows that you have a big heart for magical creatures. And a sense of adventure. I know nobody can replace your mother, just like no one can replace my parents' memories. But we will have a new family. Of course, we all got together because of the law but the more I think about it, it sounds better every day. Maybe it will be easier for me as I get to enjoy being lavished in attention.''
''I want to lavish you in all the attention you want. Would you like to fly with me and Roxy? I have a double saddle, and it is all perfectly safe. The saddle has safety charms on it, we're in a 100 foot safety bubble so in the unlikely event that one of us falls off the saddle, the safety magic will hold us and Roxy will stop and wait.''
''I'd love to fly with you and Roxy. I've never flown with a Pegasus but it sounds very exciting.''
Draco's face lit up with the most gorgeous genuine smile she had ever seen.
''I promise you won't regret it. The weather is gorgeous today and I have just the right spot for us to go to.''
He got to work, feeding Roxy a few handfuls of treats and putting on the special saddle. He looked so happy and free. Hermione was glad that she could share something so personal and important to him today. She would of course, never tell anyone else about the private confessions he'd made to her, but she could surely say that Draco owned the most beautiful and graceful pegasus she'd ever seen. Just like she wouldn't tell him that she was rather scared of a flight towards the unknown on a creature she had only read about, had just seen for the first time and who had been deemed too temperamental even by its breeders.
The saddle on, Roxy kneeled elegantly to allow them both to sit. Hermione already wrapped her arms around Draco's waist, excited but nervous. Flying with a pegasus was nothing like a broom. And nothing like the shaky ride of a hippogriff, at least that was what she had read. Roxy trotted out of the stable with elegance, her wings trembling ever so gently. It seemed that all the race horses stared at her, transfixed by her beauty, the glittering feathers and white mane that shone like it had diamonds braided in it.
Roxy went into a gallop and then, suddenly, they were in the air. Hermione let out a gasp.
''Everything alright? It was a very smooth take off.'' Draco said.
''Yes, it was. Just a little unexpected but...''
She took in the landscape below, it was like flying in a small non-commercial plane, but so much better. Magical.
They flew over forests, fields and towns and it seemed that Roxy knew exactly where they were going. After what seemed like an endless flight of beautiful scenery and the reassuring warmth of Draco, the pegasus swooped down to land on a small clearing next to a river. It looked like a fairy tale forest scene. Roxy kneeled again to let them off the saddle and waited patiently as Draco helped Hermione off the saddle and unloaded a bag of supplies. Then the pegasus trotted towards the river and ran in the water, splashing it around and yipping in its horse-bird like screech.
''This land belongs to us, there is a confounding perimeter on it so if anyone walks on the public walking trail about a mile away, they won't hear her. They will think it was just some bird screeching. Harry helped me set it up better to ensure no muggle ends up seeing her. If it were just me on my broom it wouldn't require as much protection.''
''It is a stunning spot, Draco.''
He threw something out of the supply bag, and a canopy that covered a floor lined in blankets and pillows emerged.
''I come here often in the summers. The winters can be a bit harsh here. We're in Wales, by the way.''
''Incredible. Roxy flies so fast, but I barely noticed her speed.''
Draco took her hand and led her to the canopy. ''I wanted to show you my secret spot. I thought you might like it here, too. And I thought... it could be the right place to ask you this.'' He took out a small box from the inside pocket of his jacket.
''Hermione, will you marry me?'' he asked, looking a little nervous. He opened the ring box and Hermione was in awe of the ring. It was a massive square cut emerald that was set in rows of diamonds. The green was so incredibly deep that if she had not known better, she would have thought it was a fake stone, and glass diamonds. But the Malfoys had the money for that.
''This was my mother's favorite ring. She always wore it when I was little, just during the war we hid all our jewels in secret vaults so that they... they couldn't steal it. Before she passed, she asked me to give the ring to someone special, someone I want to marry. And I want to marry you, despite the law, not because of it. You are an incredible woman and I don't deserve you but I still so selfishly want you.''
''Yes, I will marry you, Draco.'' She chose where she wanted to wear the ring and the platinum setting immediately adjusted to her size.
''Is it goblin wrought?'' she asked as she watched it transform.
''Yes, it is. If anyone were to steal it... let me just put it that way, it wouldn't end up well for them. It can only be given away by a Malfoy, willingly and of pure intent. Not under duress, or deception. I want you to have it. You said you won't have an engagement with this marriage but... but I saw that Neville has given you something goblin wrought from his vault, so I wanted to do the same. It matches nicely with the new bracelet he got you, too.''
Hermione grabbed Draco into a massive hug and they tumbled onto the soft floor amongst the pillows, with him on top of her. His cheeks flushed.
''Of course, if you don't like it, we can find something else...''
''It is wonderful. And it has so much meaning. It is a good, fond memory for you. And it can be a symbol for our new beginning. I will have to get used to so much jewelry, but that is because I have so many fiances.''
Draco leaned in, close enough for a kiss but still hesitated. ''Are you... happy to be here with me?'' he asked, a moment of insecurity flashing in his eyes.
''I am. And now, please kiss me!''
He did as he was ordered, enjoying every second. Giving the ring to her made him feel more sure, more attached to her. It was something that was not stipulated by the ministry, the betrothed did not need to have engagement rings if they did not want to, but he wanted to give her the most precious jewel he had in his vault. He was sure that his mother would whole heartedly approve.
They laid on the pillows, cuddled close, enjoying the warm sunlight and the calming hum of the river.
''You know, Draco... there is still something I'd like to ask you... if you could do that for me. I still feel so heated and needy and I understand your reservations but perhaps, as a compromise, you could take off your shirt?''
He flushed, and his hands went to the hem of his polo shirt. ''I haven't concealed my... my back.'' He whispered. ''I admit I forgot to do that.''
''I told you that you only need to do it if you feel like it. I don't mind how it looks like, it is a testament of your strength that you survived the worst. I just enjoy the feel of your skin and your magic so much...''
He hesitated for a few moments but took off his shirt nevertheless. She looked at the ripple of his lean muscles, the pale skin and the way he stared at her, a little meek and uncertain.
''You're gorgeous. And sexy. Now, come here.'' Hermione ran her hands over his torso, enjoying every moment when he reacted to her gentle touch. She was careful with his shoulders, not pressing too hard over the welts.
It was the most wonderful afternoon, with her handsome shirtless fiance and beautiful location. The slow touches seemed to help with her neediness. She felt closer to Draco than ever before. It seemed like the nervousness in his magic settled down the longer she caressed him, the hum in his magic getting pleasantly excited the more she kissed him. Dusk was coming and Roxy let out another screech.
''She doesn't like flying in the dark,'' Draco said, though he did look a little disappointed. ''We do need to get back to dinner, too.''
''Of course. I got a little distracted. But very pleasantly so. I hope you enjoyed this afternoon with me as well.''
''More than you will ever know,'' he said with a smile.
The flight back to the manor was just as smooth and perfect like the way to the secret clearing. She even had time to get changed for dinner before Harry and Neville would surely find her and pepper her with questions about her day. She was about to go to the dining room, this time alone as Draco had some business to discuss with Lucius. She did not expect her future husbands to devote every minute of the day to her alone.
''Hermione, I need to speak to you.''
It was Harry. He was wearing suit trousers and a pressed button up shirt. His hair was very neatly styled. At breakfast he had looked a bit rough and grumpy, but now he was fresh and glowing.
''I apologise for my actions last night. It was out of line to be banging at your door like this. I promise that I won't do this again. I need to learn to limit my jealousy. You're the most important person in my life, Hermione. I am so attracted to you that it is driving me crazy as I realise that the attraction I've hidden for so long can finally be shown. And I just... just exploded. It was still wrong but I need you so much. Can you forgive me?'' His emerald eyes looked so hopeful and sad. She couldn't be mad at him for long. Ever. He was her Harry. He had always been her best friend and now he was her future husband, too.
''I forgive you, Harry, if you really promise to think things through. I want to give all of you an equal chance.''
''I understand, Mia. I seriously promise to not do that again. Could I... could I ask you to stay with me tomorrow, including the night? I know that after this six night arrangement you have the choice again, but I beg you. I beg you to choose me.'' Tears welled up in his eyes, his magic swirling around like a stormy wind just before a thunderstorm.
''It would be fair to ask the others what they think...''
The magic got more intense. It felt like she was just a few moments before a thunderstorm. She'd never seen Harry so volatile and vulnerable at the same time.
''I will make an exception this time,'' she said, and slowly stepped closer to him. He immediately embraced her in a bear hug. The restless magic seemed to calm in an instant, it was still powerful and barely under control, but as his breathing settled, though she could still feel his tears on her shoulder as he had come to nuzzle her neck and shoulder now. Hermione knew that she needed to act fast to calm him down. There was a chance that he would get jealous and worked up after dinner again and the last thing she needed was drunk Harry drama. Slowly, her hands went to the edge of his trousers and she untucked his shirt enough to allow her to touch the bare skin on his back.
''I need you, Hermione. I've always needed you, and now... after this engagement it just hits home about all the mistakes that I've made. How much I hurt you. How much you did for me and I did... barely anything.''
''The past is long gone. And you did a lot for me. You let me live with you for free for ages...''
''And so did the Malfoys. And they treated you better than I did. It never came to my mind to ask you if you needed clothes and other things. I never thought to ask you if you needed more books or wanted to go out somewhere... I was just a dolt.''
''I had my war hero pension for that. I could buy my own clothes and food. While I couldn't afford all the fancy things the Malfoys got me, I was okay. I had a roof over my head, I was safe.''
''I was in effect treating you just like my aunt and uncle did when I was little. I had promised myself that I would never be like them but it turned out that I was even worse. I ignored the needs of my best friend who had saved my life more times than I could count.''
There was another bout of magic swirling up, a distressed powerful wave.
''Harry, it was not like that.'' she said and untucked his shirt completely so that she could get to his chest. She liked touching him, and she had learned that it calmed him. ''I was your room mate. You know muggles don't buy things for their room mates so...''
''You were more than just my room mate. My everything. I just did not know how to show it. I am ashamed that the Malfoys had the decency and kindness that I did not have. That they knew how to treat someone like you right, like you deserved it. I knew you were shopping at charity shops but I did not quite put it together that you shopped there because you did not have much other choice. ''
''And it was fine. I was not destitute out on the street. It is not your fault. I know that if I had asked you for something, you would have immediately helped me with whatever I needed.''
Harry sobbed louder. ''I would have, of course I would have. But the thing is, I should have known what you needed. I should have known that you needed a cosy and safe home. That you needed something better than Kreacher's watery potatoes. What is most important - I should have been honest about my feelings. If I had told you that I cannot imagine my life without you, that I need you more than just my friend and sidekick... instead I allowed you to go into foreign exile.''
''Exile is a bit overdramatic, isn't it, Harry? I did my thing, I researched creatures, even dangerous ones. I was free to live how I wanted.''
''And I knew you were safe and no one was there breaking your heart. I am a selfish bastard, Mia. I wanted you all to myself, did not tell you that, but I also did not want you to be with someone else. I ruined your happiness.''
''Stop this nonsense right there. If I had wanted to, I could have dated anyone. I was free to invite people over to my place, so it was not some prison I was in. I just didn't want to be... to be in a relationship that is little more than a fling. I was perhaps naive thinking I could have a serious relationship that would grow and...''
Harry was clinging to her like his life depended on her. Even with her soothing touch he was still unsettled.
''Harry, why don't we go back to your room, I will help you clean up and then we can go to dinner. How does that sound?''
''Anything you want. I don't know why I'm acting like this. I never thought I'd lose you but this law just hammered it home. If I had not been so lucky to be your match, I would have lost you to someone who I would bet a lot of money on, would not want you to see me as often.''
''It's not true... even if we had not been matched, you're still my best friend, nothing changes that.''
''Things have changed, Hermione. I am now your fiance. I am ecstatic about the fact that we're getting married. But also so jealous all the time.''
Harry sobbed on her shoulder for another minute. ''It's all going to be alright. We will all get along well, and there won't be any issues that we all can't resolve.''
''So you will stay with me tomorrow? Please. Please. And we won't tell the others about it, just yet. They don't need to know.''
They thought they were alone, but there was someone standing in the shadows behind an ornate suit of armor just a few feet away. Of course, he should have known that she'd favor Potter above everyone else, but seeing her coo and coddle the grand savior of the wizarding world was painful to him. More painful than he'd ever expected. It was supposed to be a marriage representing everything he'd ever wanted. If only there was no whining Potter there to mess everything up. He had to do something... what exactly, he was not so sure of. Cursing Potter was not an option.
But there was still something how to get back at Potter for this. He could see how the slippery Gryffindork manipulated her, with his big googly eyes looking at her so that she would do anything he wanted.
Someone tapped on his shoulder and he almost jumped.
''Hey, let's just hang out for a moment. There's nothing we can do.''
''There must be something we can do!'' he whispered angrily.
''It's Harry. He will always win the race. And the girl. If I couldn't do it, do you think you got a chance?''
The two wizards turned away from the sight of the couple and walked away towards one of the many maze like hallways of the manor.
Who saw Harry's sneaky ways? Will he get away with that manipulation? Should the others step in and make Hermione see what is doing? A review will give you a cute sparkly pegasus in your dreams :) Thank you for reading.