Here's the next chapter, just basically a set up with a little dramione in it, the following chapters will be where it really begins to take off, i'm taking them getting together slow, as its a gradual relization for both of them and i don't want to rush it, please bear with me, it will indeed be worth the wait. (well i believe so anyway). You will notice that Lucius is becoming less uptight and formal, that is being done on purpose for the betterment of future chapters trust me!!, i know he's OOC but i quite enjoy writing him this way :D
Disclaimer: i own nothing to do with Harry Potter or its characters.
Read and Enjoy.
Chapter Thirteen: Malfoy Manor
As the Hogwarts Express pulled into platform 9¾ Hermione stood from her seat and grabbed her trunk. Harry, Ron and Ginny had refrained from speaking about where she was spending her Christmas and with who, for fear that they would say the wrong thing and ignite Hermione's temper. Instead the conversation had centered around Harry and his upcoming holiday with his parents for the first time in fifteen years. Bidding her friends goodbye, Hermione began to wheel her trunk into the aisle when Harry's gentle voice spoke.
"Hermione?"
"Yes Harry?"
"Be careful, and have fun" Hermione smiled at him brightly.
"I will Harry, and don't cause too much trouble with Sirius" she replied as she slipped out the door to meet up with Draco.
"Do you think it will happen over break?" Ron asked quietly.
"I believe so" Ginny replied gently, knowing how hurt her brother was that Hermione didn't return his feelings.
"If it doesn't, then there is definitely something wrong with both of them if neither can see it" Harry added as he began to get ready to meet his parents.
Hermione saw Draco waiting for her as she got off the train. Dragging her trunk behind her she made her way to where he was standing.
"Got everything?" he asked as she reached him.
"Yes"
"Great, Mum and Dad are meeting us near the apparition point" Hermione nodded in understanding and followed Draco as he started wheeling his trunk towards where she could now see the blonde heads of the elder Malfoys. Narcissa had a bright smile on her features as she hugged both her son and Hermione.
"Are you ready to go?" she asked, as she stepped back from Hermione. Both teenagers nodded and the four of them got in the line for the apparition point to await their turn.
"We were going to head to a restaurant and have dinner, but when we told the house elves they grew upset, apparently they had collected a few recipes for muggle food and were excited about cooking for you Hermione, so instead of upsetting them we thought that it would be better to eat at home" Narcissa stated with a tinge of excitement. Hermione smiled and nodded. After witnessing the interaction between the Malfoy's and Dobby, Hermione knew that they treated their house elves with respect and courtesy.
"It will be interesting to say the least, we've never tried any of the muggle dishes that they are cooking, so this will be a new experience for us" Lucius added, speaking for the first time since he had greeted them.
"I contacted my parents and told them where I would be spending Christmas, they were a bit apprehensive to begin with but were pleased that I wouldn't be spending it alone. Mum even sent me the recipe for the sugar cookies that she and I always bake. Narcissa, I thought that perhaps you and I could make them together, that is if you would like to" Hermione commented slightly shy. Narcissa nodded enthusiastically. Ignoring the strange looks that they were receiving from the other people in line. Most were shocked at the friendliness of the Malfoy family towards the well known Muggleborn.
"I'd love to. I've never really cooked anything before" she replied as they moved to take their turn to apparate. Lucius turned to Hermione.
"I know that you have your apparition license, but since you don't know the Manor, would you prefer to side-along apparate with myself or Narcissa?" Hermione smiled at him and took his hand without hesitation.
"Thankyou, I must admit I was slightly worried about it" Lucius hid his shock that Hermione had so trustingly taken his hand and nodded. He and Hermione disapparated with a loud 'crack' that was closely followed by two more as Draco and Narcissa followed suit.
When they appeared in the foyer of Malfoy Manor, Draco's and Hermione's eyes widened and their jaws dropped with shock, although for totally different reasons. Hermione was taken aback at the majestic beauty of the mansion. She had expected something dark and foreboding. Not the light and cheerful atmosphere that it presented. Despite its size and grandeur, the Manor was cozy and welcoming, projecting a warmth and comfort that Hermione had not expected. The furnishings and ornaments were obviously expensive and of the finest quality, yet their design added to the welcoming feel. Draco on the other hand was shocked to see the Manor decorated for Christmas for the first time in his memory. Green, silver, red and gold tinsel hung tastefully from the banister of the grand staircase and along the walls. Holly wreaths and tasteful stained glass balls, were also positioned here and there adding to the Christmassy theme. Narcissa and Lucius smiled at the reactions of the two teenagers.
"The house elves asked us if they could decorate the Manor" Lucius stated simply.
"Though we did inform them that we would be decorating the tree ourselves" Narcissa added with a smile at Hermione.
"Its beautiful" Hermione whispered in awe as she spun on the spot to take in the full beauty of the foyer.
"Thankyou, we love it" Narcissa replied, eyes twinkling in joy at the girls obvious pleasure. Two house elves appeared and Hermione was again shocked to see them wearing items that resembled clothing. One, who was obviously female was dressed in an emerald green silk pillowcase that had been altered to look like a dress. The other wore a black silk pillowcase like a toga. Both were glowing and smiling happily at Lucius and Narcissa. Glancing at Draco, Hermione noticed that he didn't appear surprised at the clothing, so she assumed that it was the norm to see them dressed this way.
"Master Draco, its good to see you home, Dusty is happy to see you well again, Dusty was really worried for Master Draco" the elf in black smiled as he bounded up to take Draco's trunk from him. Draco smiled at the house elf that had dubbed himself his personal helper since he was a child.
"Thanks Dusty, its great to be home" the female elf walked shyly up to Hermione.
"Dobby tells Tippy all about you Miss Mia, Tippy be honored if Miss Mia would allow Tippy to help her during her stay" Hermione hunched down and smiled at the elf.
"That would be wonderful, how do you know Dobby?"
"Dobby is Tippy's brother, Miss Mia"
"Thankyou Tippy, I'd appreciate your help while I'm here" Tippy grinned happily, then moved to take Hermione's trunk up to the room that had been prepared for her.
"Mia?" Narcissa asked curiously, having overheard Tippy address her by that name. Hermione laughed slightly as she turned back to Narcissa.
"Dobby had such trouble pronouncing my name that I told him he could shorten it however he liked. He began with Mione, but eventually that became Mia. I don't mind the name, its better that Mione, which Ron calls me. Feel free to call me that if you like" Narcissa nodded in understanding.
"Would you like me to show you to your room?"
"Yes please" Hermione replied. She followed Narcissa up the stairs and along a marble hallway that was decorated with portraits and gilt framed mirrors. The portraits all looked at her curiously as she passed.
"Is this the muggleborn that saved our Draco's life?" one ventured to ask. Narcissa turned and glanced at the portrait that spoke. It was a beautiful woman with shimmering gold hair and bright blue eyes.
"Yes, this is Miss Hermione Granger" Narcissa answered respectfully.
"You're quite beautiful" the woman told Hermione kindly. Hermione blushed.
"Thankyou ma'am"
"Well mannered too, I like her Cissa!" the woman commented, causing Hermione's blush to deepen. Narcissa smiled.
"As do we all, Serafina" she replied as she continued to guide Hermione down the hall. When they were out of earshot Narcissa smiled gently at the embarrassed girl.
"That was Serafina Malfoy. Draco's great, great, great, great, great grandmother"
"She's very kind" Hermione returned.
"Yes she is, Serafina was one of the few Malfoy brides that, like myself, never believed in blood purity"
"Many of them did?" Hermione asked quietly. Narcissa nodded.
"Yes they did, most of the portraits are aware of what you have done for our family and are curious about you. They are some however that were less than pleased that Lucius let a muggleborn 'taint' his son with their blood" Narcissa replied gently with a disapproving frown.
"Oh" Hermione replied softly.
"Don't worry, Lucius cast a silencing charm on them, the most that they can do is to glare at you. He threatened to move them to the attic if they became too malicious" Hermione's eyes widened.
"Narcissa, I don't want to cause any problems" Narcissa smiled brightly at the worried girl.
"Its alright Hermione, those particular portraits have been like that since it became known to them that Lucius was against Voldemort and all his beliefs, he's been threatening to move them to the attic for years. Pay no mind to it, Lucius and I are delighted to have you here, never doubt that" Narcissa responded as she stopped outside a white door with a small wreath hanging on it. "This is your room dear, Draco's is just across the hall so if at any time you need something he will be close by. Lucius's and my bedroom is at the end of this hall, the huge double doors" Narcissa explained as she opened the door and allowed Hermione the first glimpse of her room. Hermione stepped through the door and gasped in awe. The ceiling and carpet were shimmering white, the walls a purple so pale it looked almost silver. The bed and bedside tables were white, as were the two doors that were situated across from the bed. The linens on the bed consisted of royal purple silk sheets and pillows, while the comforter was in a shade of lavender halfway between that of the walls and sheets. A royal purple couch with silver embroidery sat beneath a giant bay window that looked out onto the grounds of the Manor.
"Its gorgeous" Hermione gaped. Narcissa smiled in pleasure.
"Tippy decorated it for you, Dobby told her that your favorite colour was purple, she wanted to do this for you"
"Its wonderful" Hermione smiled as she turned and faced Narcissa.
"I'm pleased that you like it" Draco's mother returned as she opened one of the doors and showed Hermione the adjoining bathroom. It was pure white marble, a large shower with four heads sat in one corner, while a huge bathtub, big enough to swim in took up the length of one wall. Next to the shower was the toilet, and opposite the bath was the vanity. The fixtures were silver and fluffy royal purple towels were stacked neatly on a shelf. "I'll leave you to freshen up, dinner should be ready shortly and Tippy will take it upon herself to come and collect you. Don't worry about dressing up, Lucius and I gave away that practice when Draco learnt about our façade" Hermione turned and grinned at the older woman.
"Thankyou Narcissa, its lovely"
"You're more than welcome Hermione" Narcissa replied as she exited the room and pulled the door closed softly behind her.
As the door closed, Hermione flopped backwards onto the soft bed and sighed heavily. She didn't know why she was feeling so nervous, awkward and shy around the three Malfoy's, but her stomach had been tied up in knots since she met up with Draco at the station. Climbing off the bed, Hermione made her way into the bathroom and splashed cold water on her face. She was just drying her face and fixing her hair when Tippy appeared to show her to dinner.
"Tippy is here to show Miss Mia to dinner, Tippy was worried that Miss Mia might get lost"
"Thanks Tippy" Hermione replied as she followed the elf down the hall towards the stairs. Tippy led her to a small dining room where a dining table set for four was situated with Lucius, Narcissa and Draco already seated and waiting for her.
"Sorry, am I late?" she asked as she took the remaining seat.
"No, no dear, we were all just in the parlor talking, so we were closer that's all" Narcissa answered. Hermione smiled and felt herself relax back into her seat, Draco who was sitting across from her sent her a small smile and then glanced at the table as the food appeared, just the same as it did at Hogwarts. Hermione smothered her laugh at the looks on the three Malfoy's faces as soon as they saw what the elves had prepared. There was beer battered fish and chips, pizza, cheeseburgers, Chinese chicken and cashew stir-fry, Caesar salad and lemonade to drink. Turning to the house elf that appeared by her side and spoke to her Hermione smiled.
"Is everything okays Miss Mia?"
"It all looks wonderful, is it possible to get a small jug of white vinegar and some fresh lemon wedges?"
"Of course, Ziggy gets them for you" the house elf replied. Moments later the requested items appeared on the table and Hermione turned back to the Malfoy's, who were still staring somewhat apprehensively at the muggle food.
"Is there anything here that any of you recognize?" Hermione asked them. All three Malfoys shook their heads.
"It looks quite appealing" Narcissa stated warily. Hermione nodded in understanding. Knowing what she did about pureblood families, she realized that most, particularly the Malfoy's wouldn't dream of eating anything that didn't require a knife and fork.
"This may seem somewhat uncouth to you all, but two items on this table are meant to be eaten with your hands" Lucius looked horrified at the thought, but hid his reaction quickly.
"What exactly do we have here?" he asked with simple dignity.
"Pizza and cheeseburgers, those are the two that don't require cutlery" Hermione answered pointing out the items, "The others are beer battered fish with chips, chicken and cashew stir-fry, Caesar salad and to drink we have lemonade. The lemonade is carbonated and if you drink it too fast it will make your eyes water" she warned as she saw Draco pick up his goblet. Draco looked at her and smirked before taking a small sip. His eyes widened in delight as the fizzy soda tingled his tongue.
"This stuff is great!" Lucius and Narcissa, emboldened by their son's exclamation both took tentative sips of their lemonade and glanced at Hermione in surprise.
"Its wonderful, quite refreshing actually" Narcissa commented. Lucius simply nodded in agreement. Draco's eyes were drawn to the pizza. Hermione seeing his expression smiled and placed a slice on her plate and his. Draco glanced at her curiously.
"Like this, Draco" Hermione said as she demonstrated how to hold the pizza and took a bite. Draco followed Hermione's example and was pleasantly surprised at the burst of flavor that appeared in his mouth. Swallowing he smiled at his parents.
"Its really good, very flavorsome" Lucius and Narcissa nodded, then began to put a little of everything on their plates. Hermione handed Lucius the lemon wedges and the jug of vinegar.
"Squeeze the lemon over your fish and sprinkle a tiny amount of vinegar on your chips with a little salt" she explained to his curious look. Lucius did as she directed then took a modest bite of his fish on his fork and hesitantly placed it into his mouth. The shock on his face was noticeable as he swallowed his mouthful.
"This is delicious, Hermione" he declared as he took a larger mouthful and ate it with relish. Hermione smiled at him in pleasure and soon the four of them were eating contentedly, small exclamations emitting from the three blondes as they tried a new dish and found it to their liking. After dessert, which consisted of a blackberry and apple pie with whipped cream, the four of them retired to the parlor to relax and talk.
"That was wonderful, its amazing how something so simple could have so much flavor" Narcissa commented as she sipped on yet another goblet of lemonade, she had taken quite a fancy to it.
"Wizard food and muggle food don't differ all that much, its just some items that do" Hermione replied smiling. Lucius nodded in agreement, in actual fact, he was surprised at himself, he had even tried the pizza and the cheeseburgers and taken a liking to them. They weren't the sort of thing that he would eat on a regular basis but he would enjoy them occasionally. Narcissa who had particularly enjoyed the Caesar salad, turned to the girl whom she was inwardly hoping would one day become her daughter-in-law.
"Do you know the origin of the dishes we tried tonight? They didn't seem English"
"The fish and chips were definitely English, the pizza and Caesar salad originated in Italy, the chicken and cashew stir-fry came from China, while the cheeseburgers are American, I'm not sure about the lemonade there's a dispute as to whether its English or American"
"Well wherever its from I'm enjoying it, I believe that I'll keep it as a regular drink" Narcissa stated as she took another sip.
"Narcissa, I was wondering if it would be possible to go to Diagon Alley on Monday? I have some last minute Christmas shopping that I need to do, I wasn't able to get it all done in Hogsmeade" Hermione asked.
"Of course dear, the two of us can head there, unless there's something that you need to get Draco?" Narcissa asked as she saw the pensive look on her son's face. Draco glanced up,
"No, mum I'm fine, I was just thinking about things"
"What about?" Lucius queried.
"Actually I was thinking about Uncle Sev" Draco confessed.
"Uncle Sev?" Hermione commented. Draco nodded.
"Professor Snape is my godfather, whenever I'm not at school I call him Uncle Sev"
"Ah, that explains it" Hermione smiled.
"Explains what?" Draco asked.
"Why you're his favorite, as well as why his attitude towards me has changed somewhat since the attack"
"It has?"
"Of course, don't tell me that you haven't noticed that he doesn't pick on me any more, or that he hasn't deducted house points off me in class recently" Draco's brows furrowed as he thought about it.
"Actually now that you mention it you're right. He even gave Gryffindor house points and a backhanded compliment when we made that Wolfsbane potion" Hermione nodded.
"What were you thinking about Severus for?" Lucius asked his son.
"Well, I just thought that it would be nice to have Uncle Sev here for Christmas, he wouldn't stay the whole break, but we could invite him to come on Christmas eve and stay for Christmas"
"That's a wonderful idea Draco, we'll send him an owl tomorrow inviting him" Narcissa stated with a smile at her son. Hermione hid a yawn behind her hand as she stood from her seat.
"If you'll excuse me, I might head to bed"
"Of course Hermione dear, pleasant dreams" Narcissa replied.
"Yes, goodnight" Lucius added.
"I think I'll head to bed as well" Draco stated as he stood as well and kissed his mother on the cheek.
"Goodnight dear" Narcissa smiled lovingly. Draco bid his father goodnight and left with Hermione. Lucius and Narcissa watched the two teenagers leave then turned and smiled at each other knowingly.
Draco and Hermione climbed the stairs and were walking along the hallway when a voice stopped them.
"Draco" Draco turned to the portrait of Serafina Malfoy. Hermione, assuming that Serafina would like to talk to Draco in private, bid Serafina goodnight then turned to Draco.
"Goodnight Draco" she whispered, and before she thought better of it, she quickly kissed him lightly on the cheek, then blushing madly, hurried down the hallway and into her room. Draco touched his fingertips to the cheek that Hermione had kissed.
"She's a beautiful young woman Draco" Serafina commented. Draco glanced at the portrait.
"Yes I know, Granger is one in a million"
"That she is, you mother has told me all about her, I'm surprised that she's not spoken for already, you should snap her up before someone else does" Serafina advised wisely. Draco flushed.
"I don't think she's interested in me that way" Serafina chuckled at her descendant.
"I may be a portrait Draco, but I can still see attraction when it stares at me so blatantly, you have a chance with her my boy, don't waste it" Draco nodded in acknowledgement of Serafina's words, then after bidding her goodnight, he continued down the hallway and entered his room. Just before he closed the door, he turned to Hermione's door and smiled softly.
"Goodnight Mia" he whispered before he closed his own bedroom door.
Well there you go, read and review please. I decided to make Hermione's room something different from the usual Gryffindor red and gold theme and since my favorite colour is purple i used that :D ( i'm not 100 percent sure on the origins of all the food mentioned, which really i should be being a trained chef, but oh well just more homework for me to do lol) No flames please!!!
Thankyou all for continuing to read this story, i hope that i can continue to keep it up to standard.
angelrider93