Disclaimer:- I neither earn nor own anything from this story except my plot. Harry Potter and his world are the intellectual property of JK Rowling and her associates.

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A/N:- Thank you to LadyWinterlight, for her beta work on this chapter, and to everyone for their reviews and alerts, I hope you enjoy this next chapter. Our story is almost at an end now, everyone is almost where they should be, so I think one more chapter and perhaps an epilogue to go.

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Chapter Fourteen – Full Circle

After the day that Draco had simultaneously rid himself of a thorn in his side in the form of a loathed attachment, and found out that his father was dead, the next week went by in a flurry of activity.

It was highly unusual that Hermione and Draco's first public outing together was to attend Lucius' funeral, but he was not going to have it any other way, and neither was she. However, their presence at the ceremony together was completely overshadowed by the identity of the wizard who escorted the widow and her sister into the church.

Many of those present were unable to hide their profound surprise to see Severus Snape alive and well, and the Potions master knew that several of them would be quietly quaking in their immaculately polished dragon-hide boots on seeing him. There were a great many secrets that could potentially see the light of day with his unexpected arrival amongst the living, and so his sharp eyes watched the mourners carefully as the immediate family followed the coffin in.

Severus was not at risk of being thrown into Azkaban, as he had been given a posthumous full pardon once things had been added up and sorted out following the war. However, there were several supposedly upstanding citizens present today whom he had the evidence to bury if they did not stay on his good side, and they knew it.

Pausing at the front pew as they arrived, Severus waited for Draco to escort Hermione in first. He'd heard about the fiasco with the Greengrass girl, and the Potions Master was very pleased to see the Gryffindor witch looking every bit like she belonged on his godson's arm. Over the week of his recovery he had been privileged many times to see these two young people together, and he could tell that they were a solid love match. He'd already had a quiet word with Draco about his intentions towards the witch, and as to whether he'd already approached the girl's father.

He had been very saddened to know that Hermione had been forced to take extreme measures to protect her parents because of the war and that now they were lost to her. "Then you need to cherish her all the more," he'd told Draco.

"I intend to, Godfather, but what would be an appropriate time after father's laid to rest to enter into an official courtship with her?" Draco had replied.

Severus had advised his godson that he did not think that there would be a period of waiting for Draco, whilst thinking to himself that for he and Narcissa on the other hand… but with that thought he turned his attention back to sending off the man who had been the greatest thorn in his side, and gaining one step more in being free to ask Cissy to be his wife. He very much intended to take his own advice, soon he could claim her as his too.

The funeral service droned on, and finally they were all following the coffin back out of the church, where it was set to rest into a specially designed carriage drawn by a team of thestrals, which would take it to the Malfoy crypt on the grounds of the Manor.

This was something a little confronting too, as neither Narcissa nor Draco had been living at the house since the war, but their teams of house elves had kept doing their jobs and so the place looked immaculate with only one exception. The part of the house where the Death Eaters and their demented leader had resided was gone, Draco had ordered it torn down as soon as he was able to once the war was over.

The boy had done well; he'd also had the entire house ritually cleansed in the process, and this meant that today as they stood on the terrace off the blue sitting room, partaking of refreshments after Lucius had been installed in the crypt on the far side of the estate, that the manor was once more a pleasant place to be. No stench of evil deeds lingered at all.

There were only close family and Draco's tight group of friends in attendance for this part of the proceedings, and it certainly was unusual to have a Potter and a Weasley at a private Malfoy function. Well, he supposed that Miss Granger's presence was even more bizarre, but he was thankful that she was now unreservedly accepted here. The girl really was the brightest witch of her generation, and it looked like she was soon to become a Malfoy. he inclusion of her blood in their line was just what this family needed.

"A knut for them, my love," Narcissa's soft voice said as she approached him where he was leaning near the door to the terrace.

Severus' eyes looked away from the scene out on the terrace, and of Potter relating some story of accidentally finding out that he was an animagus. It made Severus snort to himself, as that was something that could only happen to that particular boy, and he turned his attention to Narcissa. "Oh, Andromeda's left?" he asked, now realising that he'd been so caught up in his thoughts that he hadn't noticed the elder sister taking her leave.

"Yes, she wanted to pick Teddy up from Molly," Narcissa answered. "So, what were you so intent on thinking about?" she insisted, curious for his thoughts.

The corner of Severus' mouth twitched up. "Draco has done well, hasn't he?"

If his words had seemed strange, Narcissa did not say, but she nodded. "Indeed he has, it is better for him than I could have ever imagined. His chosen witch is a charming girl, and he has gathered good friends around himself. I'd always despaired of his friendship with those Goyle and Crabbe boys, I am pleased that he's grown past that."

"Yes," Severus agreed, thinking that he shouldn't say that it had been Lucius who had been the one pushing his son together with the thug sons of prominent Death Eater families. He glanced around the room they were in and changed the subject. "Do you think that he might be ready to return to the family seat? He really should now he is lord, it will bind him to the title quicker."

"I am aware of that, Severus, but I think that will depend on Hermione, and I do wonder—regardless of whether Draco had that part of the house demolished—if she could ever feel safe here after what happened to her. I suppose that we will have to wait and see. Perhaps today is not the day to speak of such things."

"Mm, perhaps not," and he took a sip from the glass cradled in his hands that anyone watching would have thought he'd completely forgotten about. "Would you ever consider residing in the dowager apartments here? That might give Draco and Hermione the courage they both need to make the move back here," but then he corrected himself. "Well, technically it would only be Draco until they're married."

Narcissa smiled fondly. "Agreed, but I would love to see my potential daughter-in-law freely living here too. Perhaps, I might see if she would like to assist with ideas for redecorating." Then she thought about it for a time while watching Hermione and then Draco in easy conversation with their friends. After a moment she turned back to Severus, and murmured, "This," and she gestured between Severus and herself. "Well, it is all I ever wished for in a family, a husband who cared about more than appearances, someone who would discuss things with me rather than simply demand that his will be done," and she shook her head. "I know that Lucius was a product of his environment, as his father was worse than he was…" her words trailed off as she grasped Severus' arm. "Does it make me wicked to be thankful that he's gone?"

Snape's long-fingered hand covered hers, where it rested on his arm. "No, my dear, the man really was a brute, and an ineffectual one at that," and he glanced at Draco. "Draco and Hermione are much better off without him… Much better. This scene of peace and calm could never have happened under Lucius' lordship of the estate."

"Yes, you are correct, Severus," and as she said it her hand tightened on his arm and she leant in closer. "And you and I… Are we better?"

That almost hidden smile ticked at the corner of Severus' lips once more. "I believe that you know the answer to that, my dear. After all, the spell that brought me back hinged on you thinking so, which makes me count on it being true, but as for the rest of it… Whilst I would like to right the wrongs Hermione endured in my classroom, I'm not in need of mothering from Minerva, even though it is nice to know that she is an ally should I require her." He paused here, his dark eyes regarding her seriously, as if appraising the situation by looking at her. "However, where you are concerned I am very serious, I propose that we wait the required amount of time that custom dictates and then allow the papers to have the field day that we so carefully nipped in the bud this morning. Today it was plain to see that I was simply a family friend escorting both you and Andromeda to my former colleague's memorial."

She took his arm and encouraged him further away from the others on the terrace, even though the younger adults appeared to be paying them no regard at all. "I believe that may be an excellent plan, but as far as waiting goes, haven't we waited far too long already?"

Snape chuckled softly. "I have been in your bed more times than I can count… How is that waiting, my dear?"

Narcissa's smile was sly, and she cast a quick glance out to the terrace to where the tight-knit group were still talking, before levering herself up on Severus' arm and stealing a kiss. "Then shall we go and discuss it further somewhere more private?"

"I believe that might be exactly the right thing to do," he replied, and offered his arm. "Perhaps we could visit the previously mentioned dowager apartment and ascertain its suitability for our needs," and one raven eyebrow sailed upward as he waited for her reply.

She just smiled and started leading him by their joined arms.

xox

Out on the terrace, the three couples were currently sitting in groups of wizards and witches, and Hermione was reluctantly hearing about what Ron had done as Ginny didn't seem to be able to hold her tongue.

"I'm just so bloody angry with him," Ginny was saying. "Harry is too," and she glanced at her fiancé. "How could he have cheated on you like that, 'Mione?" and she reached forward and placed her hand on Hermione's knee. "I don't know what he must have been thinking?" and she shook her head.

"I don't think he thinks a great deal at all," Pansy commented with a little snort, taking a sip from the long-stemmed glass that held her drink, a slight air of distaste on her face.

Hermione did not comment. This day had been stressful enough without hearing about this on top of it all. She knew that Ginny was just venting, but really… She was brought back from her thoughts sharply as the redhead continued.

"Well, George has taken pity on them, giving Ron a job and putting them up over the Hogsmeade branch, since he and Angelina are living over the Diagon Alley shop," Ginny went on, and a scowl arrived on her face. "But it's going to be some time before we can be near him again without wanting to hex him, and we're all having dinner tonight at home," but then she cackled. "Lavender looks like a beached whale. She's so bloody huge, Merlin, I hope I never look that big when I'm pregnant," she laughed, her hands miming the girth of a huge tummy.

Pansy tittered a little, but Hermione stayed silent, and soon got to her feet. "Excuse me, please," she said, covering her abrupt exit by adding, "I should make sure everyone has everything they need. Are you two okay for drinks?"

Her two friends nodded, and Pansy said, "We'll have to be going soon," as she watched Hermione walking over to the three guys, who were also deep in conversation.

"Anyone need another drink?" she asked them, happily allowing Draco to pull her down next to him. It was exactly what she'd needed him to do after such a stressful day, which had included their first public appearance as a couple. Whilst she'd not seen any of the Greengrass family, the fact they were now a couple would get back to them, and she was frightened that it might cause trouble.

The Gryffindor witch watched as Blaise and Harry both shook their heads, and Blaise said, "Actually, we have to be in Milan soon, we should make a move."

"Yes, us too," Harry said, as the wizards knocked back the last of their drinks. "Well, not Milan, but we're going to Gin's folks for dinner," he clarified, a slight grimace on his face. He most certainly wasn't looking forward to seeing Ron and Lavender now that they had been newly installed into the bosom of the family. In fact, Harry was still very angry with Ron, and he and Ginny were wondering if he was still a good choice for Harry' best man, but he was brought back from his thoughts as Draco spoke.

"Then I will say thank you both for coming, and that I appreciated your support," the blond wizard stated.

"Yes, we're glad you could come," Hermione put in, happily installing herself under Draco's arm. She was very eager to get this over with really, and make herself and Draco comfortable in bed.

The guys and Hermione walked over to where Ginny and Pansy were still talking, but the two witches easily got to their feet and the six of them walked to the Apparition Chamber.

"Now, don't forget we're going to Madam Malkins the day after tomorrow for our next fitting," Ginny enthused.

Hermione smiled. "No, I won't forget… ten o'clock, wasn't it?"

"Yes," Ginny cried happily, pulling Hermione away from Draco and hugging her tightly. "I'm so excited," she declared.

All three of the boys snorted at once. "Well, that's pretty obvious," Harry said. "Let 'Mione breathe, love," he encouraged, knowing how uncertain Hermione was currently about their wedding since all this business with Ron had come to the surface.

However, finally goodbyes were exchanged and then it was just Hermione and Draco left standing there.

"So, what would you like to do?" Draco questioned, taking her into his arms.

Happily slipping her arms around his waist, she reached up and kissed him as an impish smile arrived on her face. "Can I see your room?"

Draco's eyes returned her sparkling gaze, and he leant down and whispered in her ear. "Only if I can see you naked and spread out on my bed like I've fantasised being able to do for years."

"I'll even let you undress me yourself," she whispered, heat sparking in her eyes as her hand cupped his growing hard-on and rubbed. "I see you're already imagining it," she said, grinning at him.

"I am constantly imagining you naked, you know that, right?" he told her, glancing down to where her hand was rubbing.

She snickered. "Are you just?"

"Oh yes," and his head lowered to hers. Their kiss quickly took on a life of its own, and he told her, between avid moments of lips and tongues, "I was so proud to have you on my arm today."

"I was proud to be with you… Oh, Draco," she sighed, attacking his mouth again as soon as her words trailed off.

"I think we should get to my room," he said, pulling them apart enough for them to walk, and closing down the Floo system as he did so.

However, as they turned into the hallway to head to their destination, the head elf approached them. "Binky is being very sorry to be worrying you, Lord Malfoy, sir, but he is wishing to know if his wizards are staying for dinner, sir."

This brought Draco up short. "L-Lord… umm," but then his manners snapped into place, and he looked at Hermione. "Would you care to stay for dinner here?"

"Yes," she answered with a smile. "Yes, I can do that. How about your mum and Severus?"

"I saw them sneaking off a while back, and they did not go in the direction of the Floos, so they're probably still here too," and he conjured his patronus, telling the little dragon, "Binky wants numbers for dinner, would you and Severus care to dine with us here?"

Hermione—who had not seen her love's patronus before—thought it was the cutest thing she'd ever laid eyes on, but she was pulled from that thought by Narcissa's reply.

An elegant swan gliding on ethereal water slipped into the room and replied, "Yes, shall we say eight, and only semi-formal tonight. I should imagine that a simple and quiet repast is exactly what we all need tonight," and the beautiful bird evaporated.

Draco looked to the house elf. "There you go, Binky, you have your answer. Make it elegant and simple, and in the small dining room."

"Very good, Lord Malfoy, sir," the elf replied in perfect English, and disappeared off to make it all happen.

As they started walking again, Draco said, "You know, I never even thought about me being lord of the manor now."

Hermione, who had still been considering the elf's swap from elf English to proper English, smiled at him. "I suppose there will be many things that will take you by surprise in the next few months as you grow accustomed to your new status."

"Mm, I suppose so," he agreed as they continued towards their destination, but suddenly he cackled and pulled Hermione close. "There's something I've never been allowed to do here at home, and I'm going to do it right now," and he apparated them away.

"Draco!" Hermione squealed as they landed in a sitting room.

"These rooms will be ours now," he told her, his expression somewhat giddy with anticipation.

However, Hermione's eyes opened wide in shock. "Are you telling me these are your father's rooms?" she gasped.

He grinned. "Yes."

"You're not suggesting that we…" but she couldn't finish that thought.

"No!" he cried. "I would not do that to you, but I've never been allowed in here to have a good look around, and I just wanted to do it. We'll have these rooms stripped bare—and possibly even cleansed once more—before we even contemplate living here. Also we can decorate them however we like, but I just had to stamp my mark on the place before we head to my room."

"Oh, I see," Hermione replied. "Well, go on," she encouraged, gesturing to the next door. "We might as well have a good look around," and as she walked with him to the bedroom door, Hermione considered what he'd just said about them living here. It was something she'd never considered, but it was only natural that Draco would want to reside in his family home, especially now that he was head of his family in a way that Severus never would be. Could she live here? she wondered.

She knew that she and Draco were very serious about each other, and that to put it bluntly, he was the one for her… Therefore, if they married, she would have to live here, and she curled her arms around his arm and looked up at him. Yes, wherever this wizard lived was where she would be too, and they could sculpt this house that had seen so much horror into a home that suited them, and she trusted Draco completely now. She knew that with his support she could overcome any lingering shadows from. With Narcissa and Severus there too they would overcome its terrors and reinvent it to their own purposes, and she turned her attention to the grandiose—and patently hideous—furniture that resided in the master's bedroom. "Oh, my god," she murmured.

Draco snickered. "Indeed, we'll discuss its removal with mother over dinner." He looked around further, and a melancholy settled on him. "Do you know what, love?" he murmured.

Hermione sensed his change of mood, and she shifted her hold on him so that her arms were around his waist. "No, what?"

"He…" and he paused to clear his throat as emotion started to drown out his words.

Hermione rested her head on his chest, and she understood 'he' to mean Draco's father as he continued to speak.

Draco cleared his throat roughly, and this time he managed to get his thoughts out. "He had everything, and he squandered it all, he was ruined by an arrogant father and a flawed belief, and we will not allow that to happen again."

"No, we will not," Hermione replied vehemently. "Come, I think we've spent enough time here for now," and she started guiding him from the room. She knew that what he needed now was to feel comfort and security somewhere familiar. "Show me the way to your rooms, love," she murmured.

This seemed to pull him from his obvious internal struggles at coming to terms with his late and definitely belligerent father enough to take the lead in getting them to where they should go.

However, what had started as an amorous thought in the apparition chamber had turned into something much different by the time they reached Draco's room, and Hermione simply tried to make him as comfortable as possible by removing his suit, tie, shirt, shoes and socks and pulling the covers back on his bed.

"Get in, love, and we'll rest together until it's time to get ready for dinner," she said, undressing down to her underwear, setting an alarm spell and climbing in beside him.