You guys, I had to take a break from Curls and Kisses. I honestly LOVE Harmony fics, but DAMN! That was my first time writing one, and those shippers can be very picky! Lol, my self esteem got all tore up with my 4th chapter! Thankfully, I had some great people come to my defense and leave a lot of kind words with Chap 5. I really appreciated it. Any of you out there that read C&K reading this fic as well, thank you!
Anyways, I went back and read over the past 2 chapters for Luck to get back into the right frame of mind. This chapter, we meet the Malfoys! I'm super stoked to write this, as the last time I wrote the Malfoys in my other fic, I got so much hate. So I am gonna Malfoy my heart out in this chapter! (I am assuming if you are reading this DARK fic, you are ok with the Malfoys)
LUCK
There was a child in his private study. There was a child in Lucius Malfoy's private study, his heavily warded study. Narcissa herself couldn't get in, something that irked his Wife to no end. Powerful Witch though she may be, and Matriarch of the family. He was still the Lord of the Manor and Lands of House Malfoy. One of the few liberties he had available as a Wizard.
Lucius stood at the door to his study and watched the child. Her back was to him, he couldn't make out much of her besides long dark curls, and a frilly white summer dress she wore. Her feet were bare, her blue sandals discarded on the floor beside the desk she was sitting on top of.
Lucky for her, it was not his personal desk. That stood undisturbed over by the big bay windows. Lucius study was once one of the smaller Libraries in the Manor, as such it had tables littered about it, as well as a few couches and chairs. She sat on top of one such desk, surrounded by large books and tombs. Her feet dangled off the edge of the table, and happily swung back and forth as she read one of the smaller books in her lap.
What a strange situation to find oneself in, Lucius mused. Before he could step further into the room, she had put the book she had been perusing aside, and hopped off the table, stumbling a bit, she let out a little squeak of protest before correcting herself. Lucius unconsciously brought up his hands, as if he could catch her from across the room. She was just so tiny. Unaware of him, the child continued to walk along his shelves, her back to him still. With one hand her fingers skimmed over the books as she walked, till she came to a sudden halt. Her hand moved along the books in front of her, feeling each one. None would do it seemed. Finally she moved her hand up to the next shelf, the tip of her fingers just hardly touched.
And it seemed she found what ever she was looking for. It was a dark green, incredibly thick volume. He doubted very much that she could even carry it, let alone manage to pry it from the too tall shelf. Lucius watched as she stepped back, it seemed she had come to the same conclusion, smart girl. He looked on curiously as she lifted her left hand slowly, and then he felt it. His jaw parted, as the he felt her delicately tug, every so gently at the book. Charming it forward, she beckoned it with a crook of her finger. It slowly inched forward bit by bit, until it was free of its confined space in the shelf and floating in front of her. She giggled, and walked backwards towards the desk beckoning it to follow.
He stepped into the room fully then, silently closing the door behind him. She turned around once she reached the desk, putting her directly across from Lucius. Their eyes met, and Lucius felt as if all the air in his lungs left him at once. Brown and blue eyes, she was a Nott. Her reaction was decidedly less subtle. With a chirp of surprise she about faced and ran to the other side of the room, scurrying to hide underneath his heavy oak bar. The book still trailing after her comically. Lucius almost laughed at the sight, until he realized the sizable tomb was on a head on collision with some very expensive bottles and glasses stored in said wet bar.
Quickly he pulled his wand out from his cane, stopping the book right before it collided with his 50 year old Bavarian Hell-Hound Blood Brandy. With a sigh of relief, he watched as it fell to the ground with a loud thud. He made his way toward the bar then, and couldn't help a small grin as he watched a tiny little hand shoot out from under the darkness of the wood structure, grabbing at the book, and dragging it underneath with her.
He poured himself a finger of brandy, in celebration of having saved it from a terrible fate. Next he poured a glass of sparkling soda water into a tumbler, summoning a can of candied pixie berries from one of the cooling boxes in the bar, he poured a bit of the delicious syrup from it into the glass to sweeten it, turning the drink a obnoxious shade of pink that stood out garishly next to his own blood red beverage.
Bending down, he found himself in the curious situation of sitting gingerly, on the floor of his own study. A new experience to say the least, one that no one would ever hear about if he had anything to say about it. He set the tumbler down on the carpet delicately and peered into the shaded space beneath his bar. She looked back at him, the large book at her feet, propped up almost like a shield. She was so tiny and the book so monstrously large, it really did cover most of her. Save for her little cherub face. She looked up at him wearily, then down to the glass he had set on the floor.
"Hello."
Lucius bowed his head to her.
"My name is Lucius."
She bowed her head to him in return this time.
"What's your name little Witch?"
"Hermione."
Her voice was soft, but clear.
"May I?"
He reached his hands forward, towards the book. He waited till she nodded her head though, before grabbing it, and bringing it forward to lay in front of him.
"This is quite a large book for such a small Witch."
"It's the one I needed though."
She slowly crawled closer until she was in front of the glass of flavored soda. She sat demurely, with her legs tucked underneath her and to the side. She swept her curls over her shoulder, before reaching for the glass and holding it in her lap. He found himself smiling again, she was a darling little creature. Lifting his own glass up he held it out, she clinked her own against his before finally taking a sip.
"Oh!"
She smiled up at him surprised.
"It's so good."
He nodded his head as he took a sip of his own drink, taking the time to take in her appearance. Her eyes were the blue and brown of House Nott, but they were wrong, mixed up. The left eye was blue instead of brown as it ought to be.
"Why did you need this particular book?"
Scooting even closer still and adjusting herself so she sat beside him, rather than in front of him, she reached for the book. Pulling it so it was in front of them both.
"I need to poison my dance instructor."
Malfoy was bringing his drink up for another sip, and paused staring down at the girl next to him, before he started laughing. It took a moment before he got himself under control. She was such a treat, the cheeky little thing.
"Is that so? That seems a bit overboard don't you think?"
She shrugged her tiny shoulders as she flipped through the pages. It ended up not being a spell book, nor a potions journal, no, it was a book of herb lore.
"She is perfectly wretched."
"Miss- May I call you Hermione?"
She looked up from her perusal of the large lexicon, she had found the poisonous plant section. She smiled up at him prettily, and nodded her head before returning her attention to the book. Her curls falling back over one of her shoulders.
"Well Hermione, I am a Gentleman, and as such would never find myself opposing such a pretty, and clearly a driven Witch, such as yourself. But if I may offer some council?"
She looked up again, and tilted her head to the side in thought before nodding to him. Lucius once again, found himself needing to hide a smile. She was like a little queen.
"Thank you. Yes, well, though I do not doubt your assessment of her character, as I am sure she is perfectly wretched as you say. Is being 'wretched' really reason enough for Murder? Is there not some other avenues that could be explored before we see to poisoning this nefarious dance tutor of yours?"
"We?" She blinked up at him prettily.
"Yes, of course, 'We'. I am at your service."
"What do you propose?"
Lucius picked up her empty glass, along with his own and made to stand.
"Well first, perhaps we should find a better location for our plotting."
Putting the glasses on the bar, he reached down offering the little dark haired Witch his hand. She took it, and he led her across the room.
"Ah, that's right, do not forget the book."
He reminded her. Keeping her hand in his though, Lucius continued to lead her, watching her from the corner of his eye. She turned the barest bit, once again reaching out her free hand, and beckinging in a come hither motion with her finger. The books rose to follow. Interesting, wandless magic was not rare in children. Controlled wandless magic was though.
He brought her to the fire place, waving his wand, it came awake in a rolling wave of fire. They sat in chairs beside each other, the book followed and landed on the small sitting table between them.
"Now, and please don't take offense, but have you thought that, though awful, these dance classes may be for the best? You may be small now, but you will grow to be a beautiful Witch one day. The kind of Witch Wizards will fight over for only the chance to ask for a dance. Wouldn't you like to be prepared for when that day comes?"
"I do not want to dance with Wizards! I wish to dance with the Lord of the Forest in his hidden court, or run with the Wild Hunt through the Isle's, chasing after Will-O-the-whisps or the White Rabbit. What use have I for Wizards?"
Lucious threw his head back and laughed. Oh how glorious!
"Well my dear little wild Witch. I would think the Lord of the Forest would have some high standards, could you not at least learn to dance for him then?"
"I already know how to dance. I have taken lessons before!"
She glared up at him now, and he had to stop himself from chuckling once more. She was giving it her all, but instead of looking menacing, she just looked all the cuter. He sighed sadly, running a hand through her curls affectionately. He had always wanted a daughter, unfortunately it was not meant to be. After suffering a miscarriage, his wife had refused to try again. Lucius had relented, refusing to put his wife through any more pain. The lost child had been a girl, a blow and great loss to the Blonde Wizard.
"If you have had lessons before, then why are your parents having you take lessons again?"
"My parents are gone, Lord Nott has been providing me with lesson-"
She froze then. How interesting, so she did have some connections to the Notts. Reaching out, she took his hand in both of hers, beseechingly. He couldn't help but notice how tiny her hands were in his, she even had a few freckles on her knuckles, not a garish amount by any means, just a light dusting. She really did resemble a little doll, put together with care. Each little freckle drawn on by the doll maker meticulously.
"You won't tell him will you? About finding me here, I wasn't supposed to wander off."
"My dear little Witch, I wouldn't dare. This shall be our secret."
She sighed in relief, her body relaxing.
"Though I was wondering, how did you manage to get into my study?"
Not meeting his eye, she merely shrugged.
"The door was open."
With a smile, he tugged on a strand of her curls gently.
"Ah, ah! Your lying."
"Am not!"
"I am a father, I know when I am being lied to little Witch."
Throwing her curls over her shoulder, she shrugged at him again, unashamedly.
"I wasn't lying exactly, I am just keeping a secret."
"A secret?" Lucius eyebrows climbed up at that.
"Yes a secret. I am a Witch and I'll be a woman one day. I plan to have ocean loads of secrets. All the most interesting women do after all, right?"
Lucius couldn't remember the last time he had laughed this much. This was not a day he would soon forget.
"Yes, that is true. Secrets are a currency as good as gold, come share this secret with me little one, and-"
"On your birthday." She interrupted. "On your birthday, I will tell you the secret of how I have entered your Study."
"Deal!"
Lucius reached out and shook on it with the little darling. This was fun, but she had mentioned Thoros, which meant her presence would be missed. Raising from his chair, he was about to suggest they go find the rest of her entourage before a little blonde missile came barreling through the door to the study.
"Father! Your home! You must come,Theo is here, and he's having a go at me. Keeps saying he has a sist-"
Draco had come running in, panting, he made it halfway through the room before catching sight of the Witch. He came to an abrupt halt, almost falling over himself. His eyes wide as saucers at the site of her.
"Is this your son?"
Hermione stood up then, and moved next to Lucius, putting her hand in his, as if she had done it a million times before. Lucius smiled down at her, and merely nodded. Dracos cheeks pinked and Lucius watched his little throat bob as he swallowed hard at the sight of the girl. He found himself holding back a knowing smile. It was the Malfoy trait after all, to recognize something beautiful and precious. To covet such things.
"Wow, he is so pretty!"
Draco frowned at that, no 10 year old boy liked to be called pretty after all. Luscious merely nodded because Draco was absolutely adorable of course. He was a part of Lucius heart, the best part of it, out walking in the world. He was beautiful.
"You look quite a bit alike. He will be quite handsome one day. I guess I wouldn't mind dancing with him. When he is grown that is."
Draco's expression turned absolutely alarmed at that. A pretty, unfamiliar Witch in his home, talking of dancing? Apparently the ten year old had reached his limit. As he quickly turned around and ran back out of the study. Lucius couldn't fault him, a hasty retreat was best at times, especially with a strong willed Witch. With a smile, he offered his arm to the little wiley Witch.
"Perhaps one day. Let's collect your shoes little lady, and go find the others, yes?
Waving her wand in front of the mirror, and with a few murmured words, Narcissa had a view into the drawing room. Theo had just finished fetching his father a drink, when Draco had come running into the parlor, barreling straight into his friend. Thoros merely picked up a copy of the Daily Profit from the side table, and pushed the two wrestling boys away from him gently with his foot, with a muttered 'hooligans.'
Narcissa rolled her eyes and shook her head. The death of Elmira Nott had been a tragedy in more ways than one. All the houses had traits associated with them. Not just physical though, like the Nott eyes, or the Malfoy blond hair. Some of the older Houses had well known personality traits as well. The Greengrass's could make a deal with anyone, the Rowles had tempers of fire, and everyone who was anyone knew, Notts only loved once. That one person got their loyalty, love, everything they had… but only that one person.
Elmira had been Thoros's love, and none had been spared for his one and only heir. That was not to say he did not do his duty for the boy, and he cared for him, in the only way he was capable. But not love. So much was lost the day Elmira passed. Theo's chance to know the love of a parent passed with her. Narcissa was kind to the boy, of course. But she was a Black and the Blacks only loved their own. There was only so much she could do, and really, it wasn't her problem.
"She's real! You weren't having me on!"
Her son Draco, smaller than his friend, Theo had quickly pinned him to the ground.
"Of course she is real, I don't lie. Unlike some people in this room."
"Hey! I don't lie."
Theo rolled his eyes at that.
"Yeah sure, I'm sure you saw Dragon in the woods behind the Manor-"
"I did so see a dragon!"
Narcissa smiled fondly at her beautiful boy.
"Where is she?"
Theo quickly lept off Draco, his brows drawn down worriedly as he walked towards the door Draco came through.
"She was with Father."
Funny how just four little words could turn the blood in her veins to ice. She watched as young Theo's eyes got wide and scared.
"Your Father?" Was she ok? Draco-"
"She was fine. They were laughing actually, it was strange."
There was a crack. Narcissa looked down, she had been gripping the mirrors edge, when had that happened? She un-clenched her hands from the glass, and quickly brought her attention back to what was being said in the room.
"So you saw her?"
"I said as much didn't I?"
Draco finally picked himself up from the ground, and dusted himself off.
"Well?"
Thoros clinked his empty glass against the table. With a sigh, Draco ran over and grabbed it to refill for him.
"Well what?"
"What did you think of her?"
Draco's cheeks turned pink and he nearly dropped the newly refilled drink on Thoros.
"Watch it boy!"
"Sorry Sir!"
Draco beat a hasty retreat to Theo near the doorway. Thoros was known to not be too discerning with his stinging hex's when it came to either boy. Something Narcissa hated, but her Husband said was good for the boys character. She was the Matriarch of the family, yes, but Wizards were allowed say in the raising of their sons and heirs. It was considered only proper. Narcissa thought it bollocks. Draco was hers.
She watched on as Theo nudged Draco, asking him again what he thought of her. She watched, as her sons cheeks once again turned pink. Dread pooled down her spine as Draco looked down and away from Theo.
"I won't dance with her."
Theo looked confused. Narcissa was ready to tear her hair out. She knew this had been a bad idea. Who did Thoros Nott think he was, bringing some chit into her home? This would not do! Then both boys were turning as her Husband entered the room. Lucius Malfoy, entered the room, holding hands with a small little witch. Narcissa sat stunned. For a moment, only a moment, she felt dizzy, a sense of deja-vu came over her. Dark thick curls and dark eyes, just like her Bella and Andy's. Then it all came back into focus. She was so small, and tan of skin. The resemblance was only passing really, and then she caught sight of the eyes. What was this? A bastard?
"Hermione! Where have you been? You are not to run off like that, how am I to protect you if I don't know where you are?"
Lucius raised an eyebrow and chuckled as Theo ran up to the girl throwing his arms around her.
"I'm sorry Theo, really I am. I went to use the restroom, and got lost on my way back is all."
Lucius laughed again as if she had just told a joke. A real laugh. The vase on the table beside Narcissa shattered, she hardly noticed though. Lucius had desperately begged her for another child after the birth of their first, Draco. She had complied, only too happy to give Draco a sibling. She had loved her siblings growing up, like no others. She wanted Draco to have that.
She became pregnant a year later, Lucius had been thrilled, and as had Narcissa. That is, until she was far enough along to find out it was a girl she carried. Lucius had been overjoyed, he lavished her with attention, praise, and love. Except it wasn't for her, not really. It was always a hand laid over her growing stomach and a wistful smile. A kiss and whispered 'I love you' to her tummy. A girl, a Malfoy girl, to share the love of her Husband and son with. No, no, that would not do. Lucius and Draco were hers, and hers alone. Narcissa had made sure of it. There had been no girl born that year. A tragic 'accident', she had lost the child, it was quite unexpected…
She looked on, at the little witch in her home now. Her husband and son standing next to her, looking at her. Their attention on her, not a thought seem to be spared for Narcissa. Hunching down closer to the mirror, she watched frantically.
"Thank you Lord Malfoy, for finding my sister."
"Your sister you say?"
Lucius patted the girl on the head affectionately. About to ask another question, he was interrupted by a loud harumph form the other side of the room.
"Theo, what have I told you about introducing her like that. She is not your sister."
Lucius looked back and forth between the two, intrigued.
"Who is the darling girl Thoros? Have you been hiding a sibling I never knew about? Is she your niece?"
"She is the Mud- that is, she is the Muggleborn Ward assigned to me by the School."
Narcissa only caught a glimpse of her Husbands startled look before the mirror shattered. Thoros Nott had brought a Mudblood into her home? He had allowed that animal to interact with her child? There were more sounds of shattering glass and china throughout the room around her.
Everything was going splendidly, better than she could have hoped for really. Lucius was exactly what she was looking for. If only he had been her sponsor, but no, she could make do. She could turn this in her favor quite easily, it would only take a bit of planning. Some time would be needed as well, to be certain.
Malfoys were easily charmed by beauty and power, which they coveted like dragons did gold. They had a natural instinct for sensing truly precious things. Sneaking into the Lord of the Manors personal office went as well as planned. All she had needed was a one on one meeting, and he was hers.
Lucius had always been a different man than his father, softer in a way. He was still clever as all hells, and mercenary in his pursuit of whatever he wanted. But like all Malfoys, he loved pretty things, especially woman. She may not be beautiful yet, or full grown, but she had power to spare, and was dreadfully clever. That alone was enough to get a Malfoy's attention. It was best he wasn't too like his father, that man had a penchant for rather young girls when he was alive, and Hermione would have killed before dealing with that.
Now was the hard part. Nott Senior had just outed her blood status. Theo squeezed her hand, and Draco had stepped away from them. She looked at the small blond boy in front of her. His face had gone pale, which was extreme considering his already snow white skin. Should she let him live? Lucius would be even more mealable after the death of a child after all. She met his eyes, they were not blue like his fathers, no, they were the slate grey of House Black. She felt it then, for just a moment, as if her heart had gone a bit sideways in her chest.
"What? You can't be serious? I don't believe you, the child is extraordinary."
Lucius ran a hand over her hair again, half distractedly, half comfortingly. Hermione leaned her head against his touch. Still looking at the youngest Malfoy, who looked between his father and her, looking confused. Hermione could see his small little mind spinning fast trying to process what was happening. Mudbloods were bad, but his Father was his hero. What was to be believed?
"I have checked, and double checked Lucius."
"Her father?"
Lucius stepped into the room, pulling her along with him. Going to the bar he poured himself a glass before pulling out 3 others, and started pouring soda water in them.
"Muggle businessman, quite wealthy."
"And where is this 'quite wealthy' muggle businessman?"
"Dead. Got himself killed on a trip of some kind right in front of his daughter."
He said it as if it were nothing. As if he were reading the headline of the newspaper on an especially boring day. Hermione wanted to burn. She wanted to go over to him, reach her hands up to his face, and pluck his eyes out. How had he learned of that? He would have needed to go through Muggle means to find any of that out. The bastard.
Lucius tsked, before handing the boys 2 glasses, both sparkling blue. Then he grabbed another glass and leaned down on one knee till he was eye to eye with her. He offered her a glass that was pink, like the drink he had made for her before, this time it had berries in it.
Smiling sadly, she took it, and held it in her hands, looking down at her feet.
"Don't mind Old Thoros, he is a curmudgeon of a man, he is not appeased unless he has sucked all the happiness out of the room, like a Dementor. Have a sip of that darling little Witch, I made it special for you."
Hermione looked up, smiling softly this time, making sure to dimple her cheeks for the Blonde Lord on his knee before her. She drank from the glass, and felt the effects almost immediately. They were subtle, the relaxing of her shoulders, the ever so slight euphoric feeling drifting like fog slowly up her spine, and into her brain.
"You lost your father, that must have been quite trying for you. What of your Mother dear child?"
Lucius smiled at her gently, an earnest expression on his face. It was good to know he still had some sense and scheming to him.
"My mother, I have never met her."
Her tongue spoke the truth and only the truth, she could not fight that. Not with Malfoy having dosed her drink. Her mother had died during childbirth of course. Antonin had informed her that all Muggle Women die after giving birth to a Magical child. Their pregnancies are blessedly care and trouble free, even the birth itself goes incredibly smoothly in all cases. The women appear to be in discomfort, but little pain. And after holding their babies for the first time, they gently slip away with a smile on their face.
"She left, when I was young."
Again, not a lie, but not the truth exactly. Hermione watched as Lucius eyes lit up. Oh the lengths adults would go to just to deceive themselves, especially men. They never saw the world as it was, but as they wanted it to be, and it ruined them.
Lucius stood up then, mollified that the child was extraordinary as he had thought, a halfblood most likely, but still magical. Hermione wanted to roll her eyes, she looked over to Theo instead. He was looking back at her proudly. He knew the truth of it all of course. He was her little Prince. He would never tell though, he loved her after all. His pretty little sister, someone to care for, and who cared for him.
"You said her father passed, and she was there? What happened?"
His hands were in her curls again, gently stroking through the tresses. Hermione wondered if he even realized he was doing it.
"I'm not sure." Thoros grabbed a cigar out from the inner pocket of his robe and lit it with his wand tip before continuing.
"They were doing some sort of muggle excursion in the mountains of Albania, of all places, when there was a rockslide. She was found wandering alone in the woods a week later."
Thoros had learned much more than she had anticipated. He had always been a clever one. Hermione would need to do something about that. Before she could give that anymore thought though,she felt a cold presence behind her. Ah yes, she had been expecting this. Lucius had married a Black after all. The room filled with her power before she had even stepped through the door. It was cold, like the woman it came from. Cool as ice, and dark as the bottom of the ocean.
Hermione turned as Narcissa Black entered, eyes burning, her wand in her hand. Hermione, not one to waste an opportunity, ducked between Lucius robes, burying her head into his side and clutching at his button up shirt, hiding from the the woman. She held back a smile, as Lucius tutted, and patted her back through his robes. She peeked out from the folds of his robes to see Theo, her galant Prince had stepped in front of her and Lord Malfoy. Oh the darling boy!
"Cissa, really, what is the meaning of this. Your giving the children a fright, holster your wand and get control of yourself."
She could feel Lucius own Power enveloping her and the boys, wrapping around them protectively. It had a spicy feel to it, as well as lush and velvety. A Witches and Wizards magic always had notes to it, like a perfume or cologne.
"I'm sorry, how silly of me. I thought I sensed something dirty here…"
"You are quite mistaken, now calm yourself. I wish to introduce you to someone special."
Hermione had to desperately stop herself from giggling. Oh, she couldn't wait to see Narcissa's face, the woman had to be set to burn the Manor down! Being addressed like that, in public no less. What had this household come to? For the Matriarch of the family to act in such away and be treated so callously. Blacks had always been a touch unstable though. Perhaps it was time for a new Lady Malfoy?
Hermione quickly schooled her face into a mask of caution as Lucius gently convinced her out from his robes. He brought her to stand in front of himself, a hand on each of her shoulders. Theo stood to her left bravely, and Draco her right. He looked alarmed, frightened even. How very perfectly the woman had set herself up! Oh, today was definitely making up for the dreary few weeks she had in Nott Hold.
"This is my wife, Narcissa Malfoy. Cissa, this is Hermione, a special little witch."
He put an emphasis on special. Hermione doubted his wife had heard a thing though, her attention seemed to be glued to Her husband's hands, which still sat on Hermiones shoulders comfortingly. Hermione reached behind her, and tugged on Lucius robes. Lifting up a finger she beckoned him down till he gave her his ear. Whispering loud enough she was sure the entire room heard.
"She is the most beautiful woman I have ever seen."
Lucius chuckled softly,and Hermione kept her eyes on Narcissa as she leaned her head against Lucius own. To anyone else it would look childlike, a comforting move. Her chest warmed in satisfaction at the sight of the other woman's hands clenching till they were white. This was too fun!
"Yes, she is quite beautiful."
Narcissa smiled at her husbands words, raising her eyebrows at the little witch as if in satisfaction. Well, this was almost sad, was she really so pathetic?
"Do you think I will grow to be a beautiful Witch one day too Lord Malfoy?"
Hermione smiled sweetly up at Lucius, making her eyes big and imploring.
"Ah, of course dear girl, I told you as much before, had I not? You beauty will shine bright for all to see."
Theo did not know what was going on. But from years of feeling out his father based on moods alone, he knew he wanted Hermione and Himself out of that room. She had Lucius Malfoy of all people neatly in her pocket! But Narcissa was another matter entirely. He could feel the hate and loathing rolling off the woman, he needed to get his sister away from her.
"Lord Malfoy, can we go play outside? I wanted to show Hermione the Gardens, she loves herblore."
Malfoy noded, a grin on his face.
"Yes, I gathered that she had a bit of an infinity for plants."
Hermione smiled back at him, a wicked glint in her eyes.
"Run along and play, while the grownups have a chat."
Theo and Draco didn't need to be told twice, each grabbed a hold of one of Hermione's hands, and dragged her out the room, double time. Through the manner they ran, and soon enough they were giggling, all three of them, the seriousness of the drawing room soon forgotten, until they were outside at least.
Once out of the Manor, Hermione ran out ahead of the boys into the sunshine, her arms open wide, her eyes closed, letting the warmth rush over her. After a moment she turned back to the two of them, her eyes assessing.
"Theo darling, could you fetch me a stick? I proper one yeah? About this long."
She held her arms out to show the exact measurement. With a nod of his head, he walked off to scavenge the requested item. He didn't go far, around the bend of some trees and bushes, out of site, but within range to spy.
"We were not properly introduced. My name is Hermione Granger."
She did not hold out her hand for him like she had the first time she met Theo. No she merely bobbed her head at Draco, before meeting his eyes again, and smiling. She made sure to hold eye contact with him. He looked back and forth between her two toned eyes. He finally bowed his head in return, hesitantly, his cheeks turning pink.
"Draco Malfoy."
He mumbled back.
"Your father is a lovely man. I wonder if my father was like that."
She pulled her curls over one shoulder, and played with them bashfully. Draco stepped forward, confused yet intrigued.
"Don't you know?"
Hermione merely shook her head.
"After the accident, I haven't been able to remember much. My life before is all so blurry. Your father though, he seems so wonderful, everything a father should be."
Draco nodded again, his eyes were now focused on her curls, as she played with them.
"Do you like them?"
He looked up confused at that? She only giggled, that cute, tinkling laugh of hers. It made Theo's chest tighten. She only ever laughed like that for him. He wasn't sure how he felt about this.
"My curls silly. Would you like to touch them? Theo loves to play with them."
Draco hesitantly brought up his hand, she took it gently in her own, showing him how to card his fingers through the dark tresses.
"They bounce."
He said surprised, she laughed again and Theo figured that was just about enough of that! Looking around quickly for the nearest branch, he found one without even looking at it, jumping up and making his way back towards the two.
"Here you go Hermione, will this do?"
Holding up a stick only slightly crooked, and as long as one of his arms.
"That's perfect brother."
Taking the stick from him. She closed her eyes and held it to her chest. He and Draco waited and watched. In moments, Draco gasped. In Hermione's hands she now held a sword. It was still wood, but it had taken on the shape of a sabre. She swayed a bit where she stood, Theo reached out a steadying hand. His sister was an extraordinary Witch, but still just a child after all. Her power still needed time to grow, just like her body.
"Theo, get on your knees in front of me."
"But the grass is wet."
With a giggle and a kiss to his cheek, she pushed him down to the ground. He didn't even put up a token fight, going easily, a goofy smile on his face. Draco watched them, frowning all the while.
"For acts of daring and bravery, for protecting your Lady in the face of danger, I am going to knight thee-"
"Knight me?"
Theo looked up at her confused form the wet ground.
"Yes, knight thee-"
"But I am your Prince, can I be a Knight as well?"
"Why cant you be both?"
Hermione and Theo turned to Draco then.
"Draco, can I be a Prince and a Knight?"
"Your a bloody moron is what you are, what the bloody hell is all this?"
His ears got pink at the tips when he was angry, it was a bit adorable, even Theo thought so. He wondered if thats why Lucius grew his hair so long, to cover the tips of his ears in case anyone noticed the tell when he got upset. He almost laughed at the thought.
'Well, I say you can, and that's that!"
Hermione proclaimed. She didn't yell, she never yelled. But she had a way about her, with a few soft spoken works, it was as if she could command the world around her. Gently, lifting her charmed sword, she touched each of his shoulders with it before bidding him rise. Once back on his feet, she hugged him warmly.
"What about me?"
They turned to Draco, his brows were drawn down in a surly frown, his arms crossed at his chest. He was all out pouting. The boy was not used to not being the center of attention, nor having to share his best mate with anyone else.
"Would you also like to be my Prince?"
Hermione asked, ever so softly. Theo shifted beside her, but she kept her attention on Draco. Stepping up to the fair boy, she put her hand on his cheek, making him meet her gaze steadily. It seemed like it took ages for him to nod his consent.
Bringing her sword up, she waited as he got to his knees. The spoiled brat made a face at his trousers getting damp. Raising the sword one more time.
"Do you swear to keep me safe, and chase away all my nightmares?"
Draco blinked, surprised, before nodding his head.
"Help me in all my future endeavors?"
He nodded solemnly again.
"And lastly, stay with me, always."
"Always."
The little blonde Wizard repeated back to her. He stared at her in awe. Hermione smiled, a real smile, as she tapped him on each shoulder with the wooden blade, and bid him to stand. Before he was fully on his feet again, she launched herself at him, throwing her arms around Theos best friend.
"My Prince."
They stumbled for a moment, Draco wrapping his arms around her securely to keep her from falling. When they pulled apart, his cheeks were as pink as the drink his father had made her earlier.
"Your first duty, as my prince then shall be-"
The look on Draco's face quickly turned from embarrassed, to alarmed. It seemed he had not expected to be called upon for a quest so soon.
"-to teach me how to fly. I have never been on a broom before. Could you show me?"
Hermione had started strong, but by the end of the request, hed tone had turned quite bashful. It seemed to Theo that she didn't even have to pretend, she was actually quite afraid of heights he knew. But she had to set him a task right away, so as to cement their pact. He was smiling, as if she had giving him the world.
"Really? Oh, wow, yes! You will love it! Let me go fetch some brooms, I'll be right back."
He ran off before he had even finished talking, his words trailing in the wind behind him. Hermione looked to her other Prince once Draco was out of site. Theo looked back at her before sighing and throwing an arm around her.
"Its ok, I understand. And it will be nice, to have another set of eyes watching out for you."
Hermione burrowed into his chest.
"Thank you Theo."
"You are my sister, I will always put you first."
"My wonderful Prince. I would be lost without you."
Theo hugged her closer. Draco had always been like a brother to him. Plus, Malfoy's coveted precious things, and there was nothing more precious than Hermione. She would be protected. That's what mattered.
Wow, writing Lucius was SO FUN! Honestly that was my fave part to write, Narcissa was tough. I have seen in a lot of fics, Narcissa having a gentle streak in her, when it comes to her Son, and her Husband always being staunchly Evil. I wanted to see what it was like to reverse those roles. Let me know what you think of that.
Now, on to the world-building of the House personality traits, and Nott's only loving once. Yes, as you have guessed, Hermione is Theo's one love. I have decided 'only one love' can take many forms. The love for a spouse, or the love you have for your parents, or a friend. In this case, it may mean the love of a sibling. As Theo see's her as his sister. I have not decided yet though. I know the direction the story is going in, but the Characters are writing themselves at this point, and developing in unexpected ways.
No matter what, Draco and Hermione will end up together. I just don't know what place Theo will have in that.
And the last Bomb I dropped. Hermione losing her father in Albania! How did you all like that?