From One Affair

Chapter 5

The same night that Draco was out drinking Hermione was sitting at home reading a book when there was a light tapping on the window. She opened the window and it screeched and the large white owl flew in. It landed on a perch and dropped the letter into her hand.

Hermione tapped it on the head affectionately and noticed the owl liked it. She gave him a treat and the owl flew off so she closed the window. On the letter was a candle wax emblem of an M on it that she could only assume it was the Malfoy family seal. She broke the seal and opened the letter.

Ms. Granger,

I noticed the fight you and my son got into at the ministry ball and for that I apologize. My son though I love him has quite a temper as you noticed. If you would come tomorrow I would like you to come over for tea and some lunch. I hope you can come on such short notice

Narcissa Malfoy

She reread it after reading it once and sighed. Hermione closed her eyes and she couldn't help, but imagine her only time there. There was really no harm in going for tea and lunch to speak with her boss on a friendly visit. She wrote a short reply back, "I would love to" even though she didn't quite love the idea of going through her nightmare again.

The hours passed and soon enough after a long night's sleep it was Sunday and she was already dreading going to Malfoy Manor. Hermione decided instead of dressing up fancy for tea with a pureblood that she would just wear jeans and a nice t-shirt.

When she woke up she wrote an owl to Ginny apologizing that she wouldn't be at the Burrow for lunch that day because she had other plans unfortunately. She'd be bugged about what they were with a million questions later.

As 11:30 came around Hermione apparated outside of Malfoy Manor at the gates. She took a deep breath and walked through the large gates and knocked on the door. Of course an elf answered the door.

It asked her, "Come in, Ms."

She walked in and the elf popped away in a flash and appeared in another room in the huge house.

Terk said, "Lady Malfoy, there is a Ms. In the foyer."

Mrs. Malfoy said, "I will go greet her."

Hermione looked around the room and noticed it wasn't as gloomy as the last time. There was more color to it. On the wall going down the hallways was a red that went well with the dark cherry wood floors. When she looked up Narcissa was strolling down the hallway.

Narcissa said, "Ah, Ms. Granger. You are here at last."

Hermione said, "Malfoy Manor has changed since the last time I was here."

"It wasn't a very good visit. It is still quite vivid in my mind as I am sure in yours. I was reluctant to ask you to meet me here because of that," Narcissa noted, "I apologize for that. My sister was cold hearted and when she doesn't get what she wants she does the worst."

Hermione asked, "Why the change in color?"

Narcissa answered, "Draco and I agreed it was too dark after all the bad memories we had to suffer. I can assure you that we've had a lot of bloodshed in our house and it wasn't just of others. Draco suffered my husband's wrath."

Hermione told her, "I'm sorry for that. Is he here?"

"Upstairs working off a hangover from last night when he went out with his friend Blaise. You might not see him, but I am not sure," said Narcissa, "Shall we go out to the atrium for lunch? It has a wonderful view of the garden."

Hermione responded, "I would love that."

Together they walked down the long halls of Malfoy Manor and walked through double doors into a room that was full of sunlight and a small table was set up by the windows. Hermione sat down opposite of Narcissa.

Hermione asked, "Has anyone ever got lost in this house?"

Narcissa laughed, "Draco did as a kid. He had quite a taste for adventuring and let's just says he was a wild child."

Hermione said, "I wouldn't expect any less of him, but I figured he would be a little monster."

Narcissa admitted, "He is not his father, Hermione. Everyone thinks that because they look alike that they are the same, but I know Draco to be a kind and loving gentlemen when he wants to be."

Hermione wondered, "What is for lunch?"

Narcissa apologized, "I'm sorry. You must be hungry. The house elves are making some tea and a chicken salad."

Hermione smiled, "I like chicken salad, but I don't like that house elves have to do so much."

She heard a voice pipe up, "They want to do this stuff, Granger. Get off it already."

Narcissa said to her son, "Enjoy your night?"

Draco said, "I did, but I am not enjoying the effects."

Hermione scolded, "Don't drink so much then."

Draco mumbled, "Don't be so loud."

He was rubbing his head because of the headache he had so she just looked at him skeptically and then turned back to Narcissa. They were both shaking their heads.

Narcissa said, "Come and sit down, some food will be good for you."

Draco told her, "I am not a teenager drinking firewhiskey, Mother. I can handle it."

Hermione said, "Stop arguing and sit down."

He nodded and almost collapsed in the chair that appeared for him. He called for Terk.

Terk appeared and asked, "What can I do for you, Master Malfoy?"

"Get me a hangover potion, Terk?" ordered Malfoy in a hushed tone.

Hermione asked, "Why can't you be nice?"

Draco glared at her and said, "It is too early for nice."

Narcissa told him, "Draco, it's almost noon."

Draco said, "Shit."

Narcissa asked them, "What happened at the ball?"

Draco asked, "Can't this wait until I have my potion?"

Terk appeared and handed him the silvery potion and he drank it in one gulp, but he grimaced from the nasty taste. Hermione laughed at the look on his face.

He asked, "What is so funny?"

Hermione answered, "The face you made because of the potion. One would think having to drink that after a night of drinking would stop you from drinking."

He told her, "I drink for fun with friends and to celebrate. Have you ever heard of having fun?"

Narcissa questioned wanting an answer, "Is this how you two always are?"

Draco blatantly said, "Yeah, when we aren't having some sort of relations."

Hermione said, "Thank you."

Draco asked, "What did I do wrong now? Was I being an evil death eater again?"

Narcissa gasped and said, "Draco that is just rude. Apologize immediately. She is a guest in our home and will be treated as such."

Hermione smiled, "Don't worry about it, Mrs. Malfoy. He is just being miserable."

He put his face in his hands and let out a deep sigh. He figured he would never get any rest of her being insufferable. He wasn't even safe in his home from her. Hermione laughed at the way he was acting because it reminded her of when they were still in school because you are supposed to laugh at things later.

Draco looked up at her and just looked flabbergasted. Even when he was aggravated with her he could still admire everything about her. The way she laughs or smiles, how brown her eyes are, her now tamed hair that fell in ringlets around her, and the way she looked at him when she wasn't angry or upset with him.

Hermione asked, "Why are you looking at me like that?"

He asked her in return, "Looking at you like what?"

"You were looking at me differently than usual," said Hermione, "You were staring."

Draco suddenly said, "I'm sorry about what happened Friday night. I let my temper get the best of me. It's just that sometimes I feel like the only thing people see when they look at me is a death eater."

Narcissa said with a proud smile, "Now that is an apology. I told you he was kind, Hermione."

Draco's head shot up and he asked, "You two were talking about me?"

Hermione replied quickly, "She was just saying that you aren't what people make you out to be, that you are actually a good person."

Draco smiled at his mother and elf appeared with their chicken salads. Draco scooted closer to Hermione's chair and lightly touched her leg. She grabbed his hand and he squeezed her hand. It was real genuine for him, but he didn't know if she felt how connected they really were. Neither of them noticed Narcissa smile because her plan was working.

Narcissa didn't know if Hermione would run into Draco, but she hoped that they would to fix what happened at the ball. His mother desperately wanted him to be happy which meant them being together.

Narcissa asked nicely, "So Hermione, how are your friends?"

Hermione answered, "Neville is really happy that the potion worked on his parents so it's better for all of them and it made his relationship with Luna better. Harry and Ginny are doing fine, but Ron is still angry that I work with Draco."

Draco told them, "The weasel is just jealous because he let you go, but you aren't something to win. He isn't worth your worry because you can do so much better than him."

Hermione asked, "Are you the better person?"

Draco suggested as Hermione looked at him with a raised eyebrow, "I could be if that is what you wanted."

Narcissa said, "It seems that you two have a lot to talk about so I am going to go finish my food in the dining room."

She walked out of the room with elegance like a pureblood and Malfoy should, but with her husband in Azkaban she was more of a Black again. Bravery and courage were traits in the Black family. Cowardice and lying were from the Malfoy family. Draco had a bit of both.

Draco questioned, "Do you want to be with me, Hermione?"

Hermione looked down towards her feet, then towards their joined hands, and into his silver eyes with tints of blue. Hermione reached up and touched his face. Draco was holding his breath because he felt like in had taken him a lifetime to get to this point in life.

Hermione kissed him and said, "As long as you don't over react like Friday my answer is yes."

Draco immediately got on his feet and brought her into his arms in a tight hug and she hugged him back, but not as fiercely as his hug. Happiness rushed through his body knowing he finally got the girl he always dreamed of, but for how long they would last he had no idea.

He asked her, "Do you know what I like about you most?"

Hermione asked dumbfounded by the question, "No, what?"

"Your courage and fiery personality," said Draco, "You were always quick with a comeback and you've always stood up for what you believed in no matter the risk."

Hermione responded, "It's the Gryffindor in me."

Draco laughed and spoke his mind, "It had nothing to do with you being in Gryffindor because when we are sorted into our houses it has to do with our personalities that already exist."

"What does Slytherin cherish then, conniving and evil?" asked Hermione?

Draco squinted his eyes at her ready to say something that would definitely making him a smart ass, "No, our stunning good looks and our cunning."

Hermione told him, "Well your quidditch captain Marcus Flint definitely wasn't a looker."

Draco laughed and said, "You're right, but I am very good looking."

Hermione made a joke, "Can you even put a hat on that much enlarged head of yours?"

Draco stared her down and told her, "Yes, I can quite frankly. Do you want to go out somewhere today?"

Hermione smiled, "Sure, where should we go?"

Draco asked, "How about Diagon Alley to go check out the book store?"

Hermione hugged him and told him in a forceful tone, "Go get dressed."

He requested, "Help me."

Hermione told him, "I don't think so, Draco."

Draco winked at her and disappeared to go up to his room to make he look good and get dressed. Hermione was waiting downstairs in the foyer.

Narcissa walked out and asked her, "Are you and Draco together?"

Hermione asked, "Yes, we are. How did you know?"

Narcissa answered, "I know my son better than everybody else thinks. In the war I had to pretend I was heartless and cold like my husband."

Hermione said, "I'm sorry, Narcissa. I couldn't possibly understand the position you were forced into."

Narcissa admitted, "Well, it wasn't easy to put up a façade in front of my crazy, bitch sister."

Draco came walking downstairs to hear the conversation about the war and asked, "Can we not talk about the war please? Everything is better now."

Narcissa told him, "It wasn't easy, but the past is the past it shall stay there. Enjoy your time out."

Draco extended his arm to Hermione so they could leave by apparition. She linked her arm into his and they appeared in an alley branching off from Diagon Alley. They took a left turn and were in the busy streets of Diagon Alley.

Hermione asked, "Can we please visit the joke shop?"

Draco asked her in return, "Will he attack me for being by your side?"

Hermione alerted him, "He might, but George turns everything into a joke unless Angelina is having a firm hand with him."

Draco nodded and they walked down to the Weasley Wizard Wheezes on the corner near Gringotts and Flourish and Blotts. Across the street were the pet shop, Ollivander's, and Quality Quidditch Supplies. Further down the street were Leaky Cauldron, Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlour, Madam Malkin's, and Magical Menagerie.

The bell to the shop rang as they entered and almost immediately she was wrapped in a hug by George until he realized who she was with. George narrowed his eye at one of his long time enemy for him and his brothers.

George scrutinized, "Why is he with you?"

Hermione answered, "George, don't he is with me because I want him here."

Angelina yelled, "Leave them alone, honey."

Draco laughed, "She's got you whipped."

George told him, "Watch what you say, Malfoy. Hermione, we have some new stuff in the back if you want an exclusive chance to get it first."

Hermione smiled, "I'll check it out another time thanks."

Hermione headed to the back to speak with Angelina who had a large smile on her face.

Angelina said, "It happened again?"

Hermione answered, "No, it didn't, but we're together now. After the fight him and I had at the ministry ball we talked it over and got over it. This morning he asked me out and I decided to give him a chance. Ron wouldn't agree it was a wise decision, but he doesn't control my life anymore."

Angelina told her, "Ron is always angry about something. I think that might be one of the reasons he has red hair, but it doesn't help with any of his brothers."

George said, "I'll agree. He's always mad about something that has to do with you."

Hermione told them both, "I gave him a chance and he blew it so it's not my fault."

Hermione felt Draco's arms wrapped around her waist and pull her back against his chest. They both looked at him as if they were trying to look into his soul. George suddenly knew that Draco's intentions were not bad and that he wasn't planning on tricking her.

George asked, "Draco, can I speak with you in my office?"

Angelina ordered him, "Be nice, George."

He smiled assuring that he would and Draco nodded following him through a doorway where the door shut behind him. Hermione watched the door and waited for raised voices.

George told Draco, "Hermione is like my little sister so what I need you to understand is that if you harm her in anyway may it be emotionally or physically I will come after you."

Draco assured him with promise and truth in his eyes, "I would never do that to her. Believe it or not I love her."

George said, "I know. The look you gave her while she was talking with us told me that. I've seen it before and that is the way I look at Angelina."

Draco said, "I am going to do everything in my power to make sure nothing hurts her and she gets everything that she needs."

George patted him lightly on the back and opened the door walking out leaving Draco standing there. It was his job to make sure Hermione was protected. Draco walked out to go envelope Hermione in a hug. Hermione and Draco walked around, but left rather quickly after that because she only wanted to go in there for George and Angelina.

Next they went to Flourish and Blotts looking for books. Hermione picked up a few new ones to add to her collection. Draco paid for it to convince her to drag her to the quidditch shop. He found out the new broom was coming out in a few weeks.

Hermione joked, "Are you sure it is a wise decision to get a new broom to just ride it and maybe cause an accident?"

Draco put a hand over his heart and told her, "That hurt my feelings."

She told him, "Get over you, Draco."

"Where to next sweetheart?" asked Draco with fake malice in his voice.

They walked down the street to Magical Menagerie to get a new pet that wasn't an owl. They walked down the aisles. Hermione's eyes fell on a creature that looked like a fur ball. Hermione had never seen it before. She looked at the title next to the cage "Carinthus".

Hermione looked at Draco and asked, "Have you ever heard of these before?"

Draco answered, "I've never heard of them before."

The pet worker walked up to them and asked, "Did you have an eye on one of those little buggers?"

Hermione responded, "Maybe, but where are they from and how do they act?"

He told her, "They were recently found in the outskirts of Ireland. They change color with their moods, but they are very loving. Would you like one?"

Draco asked her, "Do you want one, Hermione?"

Hermione asked the pet owner, "Do they get along with other animals?"

He answered, "As far as I know they do."

Hermione replied to Draco's question, "Yes, I want one."

Hermione looked into the cage and picked the purple colored one. The pet worker picked it up and brought it to the front of the shop. Draco paid 15 galleons for it. Hermione walked out with it in her arms. They apparated back into the manor and she put it down. She named it Jingle.

Draco asked, "Really, Hermione? You're naming it jingle."

Hermione answered, "I don't know if it is male or female so Jingle is perfect."

Draco reached down to pet it and it turned blue. It was calm and happy. They sat played with it until Hermione brought it back to her flat with her. Her black and white cat Midnight approached Jingle and they cuddled up close to each other.

Hermione whispered, "How cute?"

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