Draco walked alone down the corridor to the Headmistress's office. Hermione was safely hidden in Gryffindor Tower having walked her there himself. He had decided that he was going to let his father and Professor McGonagall take the lead. He would try and play the "cold" card. If it was one thing that he knew that Lucius liked, it was being in control. Of course Draco was holding all the cards.
He knew that Lucius' apology and prepared speech was going to be insincere, but of course they would all pretend that it was genuine. He was expecting Lucius to "accept" the idea of his son being with Hermione after some much needed self reflection. He would tell them both that he only wanted Draco to be happy and to be back at home with him and his mother.
He knocked on the office door and waited for permission to enter. Once inside Professor McGonagall gestured for him to take a seat. His father had not arrived yet.
"Quickly before your father arrives Mr. Malfoy." She starred at him across her writing desk. Her face was stern yet slightly worried. "If for any reason, at any time during this meeting you feel in danger or threatened, I want you to say so immediately. My primary concern is for your safety."
"Thank you Professor."
Draco had to give it to her; she was committed to her students. They sat in silence waiting for his father to arrive. Two minutes later there was a knock at the door. Professor McGonagall rose from her seat, crossed the room and opened the door. Lucius Malfoy stood silently, waiting to be invited in. McGonagall gestured, he crossed the room taking the seat beside Draco. His cold eyes met Draco.
"Now gentleman," Professor McGonagall said taking her seat. "I am here purely for meditational purposes and to step in if necessary."
Both Malfoy's nodded. She waved her hand for them to begin their meeting. Lucius automatically turned to face Draco and started his speech.
"Son. I have had time for some much needed personal reflection. My behaviour was despicable upon our last meeting. It is a new age and you are the new era for the Malfoy line. Miss Granger will be welcomed into our home, if she is who you wish to spend your life with. I have some very deep rooted habits and personal beliefs that I am trying very hard to change. Your mother and I both just want what is best for you, and for you to come home at the holidays. You are our family's heir so the decision of the Malfoy legacy is in your hands."
He had clearly practiced this speech a few times. Draco sat starring at him. He faked a smile.
"Thank you, father."
"I know I had a lot of reservations about the nature of Miss Granger's blood line, but after many discussions with your mother, I have come to realise the error of my ways. She is the most intelligent female student at the school, with great power and a caring nature. It is our full intention on having you home for the holidays son, along with your ... girlfriend, if she so desires."
Draco could hear the strain in his father's voice. Trying to keep a pleasant tone in his voice while talking about Hermione seemed to be a chore.
"Of course, father." Draco cleared his throat. "If that is all, I'm going to go join Hermione for dinner."
A slight sneer flashed over Lucius' face, but disappeared as quickly as it had appeared. Draco knew it was all for show. He also noticed that his father's hands were bawled into fists.
"I will see you at the holiday's son," he said smiling. Draco left his father sitting with Professor McGonagall.
"How did it go?" Hermione asked sliding out of the portrait hole.
"Surprisingly civil; If you listened to his words only I mean."
"What do you mean?" They were walking to the Great Hall.
"His words were all pleasant and you are my heir and son, blah, blah, blah, your mother and I just want you to be happy, blah, blah, blah. But his facial expressions and vocal tonnes said: you are not forgiven, you disgust me, you are a disgrace to this family and everything it stand for, if I didn't have to be doing this I wouldn't be, mudblood, mudblood, mudblood, sorry" he added gently, kissing her on the forehead.
As they walked into the Entrance Hall they spotted Lucius strolling toward the door. Pansy Parkinson ran toward him, engaging him in conversation.
"If we are quiet we can get around them unnoticed. I thought he would have been well and truly gone by now."
To Draco's dismay Pansy turned around and spotted them sneaking into the Great Hall.
"Draco" she called out.
"Damn it" he whispered. He led them towards his father, pushing Hermione behind himself once more. "Father," he said pretending Pansy didn't exist.
Lucius ignored Draco and looked over his shoulder towards Hermione.
"Miss Granger," he said in a cold drawl. "I trust Draco has told you, but, if you wish you are welcome at Malfoy Manor over the Christmas holidays." Pansy scowled while Hermione tried not to look shocked.
"Thank you sir." She was unsure of what else to say. Lucius eyes bore into her own. All of a sudden he nodded, turned on his heel and walked out of the front doors. Pansy had stormed into the Great Hall.
Draco momentarily took a seat at the Gryffindor table, ignoring the starring teenage girls surrounding them.
"I hope you realise you are coming to the Manor for part of the holidays now." Draco was smiling mischievously.
"Are you sure that's safe? I think your father would kill me in my sleep." She laughed nervously.
"You have too. Not only does it mean that I get to show you my house, but we will get to spend time alone together" he winked, "AND, it will really annoy my father."
"I wouldn't mind seeing your house, but are you sure it's safe?"
He stood up. "Trust me." He gave her a dazzling smile then strutted across the hall.
Hermione must of been losing her mind. She was willing putting herself into close quarters with an ex-death eater who despised her and everything she stood for, for an entire week. She picked up her bag from her bed and disapparated.
Her jaw dropped when she looked at the house in front of her. Malfoy Manor was huge, and gorgeous. It had spectacularly kept gardens and a beautiful white pebble path leading from the fence all the way to the house. The last time she had been here it had been under horrible circumstances and she was not in a position to have a look around.
She noticed Draco strolling down the path to meet her at the gate. Even outside of school he dressed immaculately. He was wearing a tailored button up black pinstriped long sleeved shirt, plain black slacks, polished black dress shoes and an emerald green tie. He smiled as he led her inside the gate by her hand.
"Has anyone ever told you that you are gorgeous?"
He smiled widely, and to Hermione's surprised he blushed slightly.
"I think you are looking in a mirror." He twirled her around to look at her from every angle. "I mean don't get me wrong, you in that uniform" he fanned himself, "But this little black number."
He twirled her again; looking at the just above knee length, sweet heart neck lined, bell bottom dress. It fit her body perfectly. Hermione blushed as she watched his eyes travel over hers.
"Come on. I'll show you the house before lunch."
"Your house is really stunning Draco."
She placed her bag onto the king sized bed. His bedroom was as handsomely furnished as the rest of house. The house contained more antique furniture than most antique dealerships.
"Thanks. So what do you want to do before my parents get home?" He winked then checked his watch. "We have about two hours."
"Do you want to show me where I will be sleeping so I can get my bag out of the way?"
Draco laughed softly, strolling towards her. He put his hands on her waist. "You're staying here with me."
"Stay in a bed with you?"
Draco dropped his hands from her waist. "I mean, we can get you in one of the guest rooms if you want."
"No," she said without hesitation. "I was just thinking how nice it would be to stay in the same bed as you." Draco smirked down at her, putting his hands back onto her waist.
"So what do you want to do?"
Hermione reached up and grabbed onto Draco's neck, pulling him close. Gosh he was handsome.
"I want to do whatever you want to do" she whispered into his lips.
Without hesitation Draco picked her up and carried her over to the bed. He lay on top of her kissing her with desperation. Their kisses deepened feverishly. He moved along her jaw line and down her neck. He could hear her breathing shallowing, each breath getting shorter the lower he moved down her body. She began to unbutton his shirt as he flicked off his shoes and took off his tie.
Hermione had nearly forgotten how toned he was. She kissed his chest. He stood up taking her ballet flat shoes and stockings off. He was on top of her again. She pulled his shirt off completely then rolled on top of him.
Hermione was straddling him. He couldn't believe his luck. This time they weren't going to be interrupted. They had hours before his parents were due home. He pulled her down to him, kissing her deeply, and his hands in her soft brown hair. She was undoing the zip of his pants and playfully biting his neck. She knew exactly what she was doing.
"OI, DRACO."
Draco cursed loudly. Hermione had slumped limply on top of him.
"DRACO? ARE YOU UP HERE?"
Hermione rolled to the side so Draco could stand up. He walked moodily to his bedroom door, not bothering to put his shirt back on.
"YES" Draco shouted back. "And I'm going to kill you Blaise" he said more quietly. "BEDROOM."
He turned around to see Hermione starring at him seductively; she had been watching him nearly the whole time. To his dismay her stockings were back on. Gosh she was beautiful.
