A/N - Happy Saturday! Before I start all my weekend chores I thought I'd get this out. It's a shorter chapter so I may post the next one tomorrow. We'll see how much stuff I get done today. This chapter you get to see my version of Narcissa. Really, she is just a mother who loves her son. And as a member of aristocracy she likes to gossip with her friends.

Remember, I don't own anything you recognize. More than likely JKR created it, owns it and allows us to play with them. I do own a lovely afghan I crocheted (in various blue in the standard afghan ripple pattern), a bluetooth speaker from amazon (currently playing classical music) and the best candle scent for the fall/winter from White Barn Candle (marshmallow fireside - if you haven't had the pleasure, hunt out either a White Barn or Bath & Body Works and try it). Oh, I don't own either of those stores either. Just spend way too much money there.

Finally, one of the comments/reviews I received after posting the last chapter, was about this being 'fangirl' while I know the term, I'm not exactly sure what the reviewer had intended to do with the review. It is no secret that this is Dramoine - it's noted in the character inclusions, it's fanficition & AU so obviously it isn't going to be as JKR wrote. That is the purpose of this website. We all have 'ships' we like and some we don't. I appreciate everyone reading and reviewing (even those that aren't intended as the nicest) since you took your time to read it. Having said that, if you don't like Dramoine, or AUs, or a Ron that lives up to the characterization from the books (jealous, strategic enough to beat a giant chess set), or want more Harry (who shows up later but is a secondary character), than this may not be the story for you. If you want some fantasy and most importantly a HEA with a twist of lemon than maybe this is for you.

Enough droning on — Enjoy!

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"I will give you permission; however, I want you both back for patrols this evening? Agreed?" Minerva looked at the two best students and hopefully, newest professors, Hogwarts had seen in generations and smiled.
"Yes, Professor! Thank you!" Hermione said knowing that she was going to get to roam a library that was only rivaled by the combined tomes of Hogwarts and the Ministry. Draco chuckled softly to himself.

"It's just a library 'my little bookworm'. Nothing to get so worked up about." Draco hadn't noticed the affectionate or possessive term, but Minerva did. She wondered if there was more to their relationship. It was Hermione's lack of response to the term that told Minerva neither realized either the implication of the term or that it had even been said. Hermione had a tendency to carry her heart on her sleeve and the idea of a boy feeling any affection for her caused the scholar to blush. Hermione spun ready to explain how amazing this opportunity was for her and saw how his eyes danced with laughter before they changed. It was a moment before either realized that Professor McGonagall was speaking to them again.

"Alright you two go get what you need and I expect you to be back here before it is too late." Minerva had noticed the change in them but was unsure of the cause. Both suddenly appeared to be very intent on the other. Draco offered Hermione the floo first but when she didn't react immediately he stepped forward and called out 'Malfoy Manor Receiving Room'. He watching Hermione until the green flames sent him home. Hermione stepped in a moment later and followed Draco.

After Minerva was positive they were gone, she turned to the portraits of the former headmasters. "Are you sure about this Albus? You know how she reacts when she is surprised by something especially if she thinks she was lied to."

Albus' eyes twinkled and his laughter filled the office. Minerva smiled to herself as she started to review the reports on her desk knowing that this may finally be what Hermione needed to get over her personal demons. Hopefully Draco would be able to handle it and help her through everything.

Hermione followed Draco out of the floo and into one of the receiving rooms of Malfoy Manor to hear Draco calling for Narcissa.

"Mother?"

Draco called out, a little worried knowing his mother should be home and have known that someone unannounced came through the floo. She should have been here to greet whoever had arrived. "Mother, are you here?" Draco called a second time with a bit more worry in his voice. One hand was on his wand and his other on Hermione to keep her behind him.

She leaned into him and whispered "Really Draco, I know how to handle myself." She drew her wand and stood in a flanking position to Draco. He smiled knowing she knew how to fight and her skill rivaled the best. They slowly moved toward the doors to the hall when they heard a 'pop' sound behind them. Hermione spun and her back flush with Draco's. She would cover the back while Draco took the frontal attack. Before she was able to get the first stunning spell out she focused on the small house elf standing before her.

"Twinky so sorry Master Draco and Master Draco friend. Twinky did not mean to scare just welcome. Mistress Narcissa is having tea with Mistress Nott in the sun room."

Twinky was still shaking as Hermione lowered her wand, allowed herself to relax and her relaxed stance allowed Draco to turn toward his favorite house elf.

"Hello Twinky, I'm sorry too." Draco dropped gracefully to his knees in front of the small elf. Draco's grace had always been something that Hermione had desired. 'Maybe,' she thought 'he would try to teach me how to move like that.' Hermione quickly had to shake those thoughts from her head although her smile, at the thought of him touching her, was not erased.

"I guess Hermione and I are more on edge than we thought." Draco looked back at Hermione who was smiling and nodding her head. "I have something for you Twinky. This is for you to wear at the next party Mother throws." Draco handed the elf a small package. Twinky tore it open to squeal in delight at the delicate lace doily she held in her hands.

"Twinky love it, Twinky will make sure to wear it. Twinky thank Master Draco." With a quiet pop the elf was gone and Draco was again standing.

Shortly after the start of classes Draco and Hermione were discussing what changes needed to happen in the wizarding world. They found they were in agreement on a great number of things. What had surprised Hermione the most were Draco's feelings on magical creatures. While it was a, supposedly, well known fact the Malfoys did not respect any creature that was less than pure; the conversations between Draco and Hermione proved Draco didn't really have those same feelings. Or at least he no longer had those beliefs.

The Malfoy house elves had been seen as the labor force needed in order to keep the perfectly manicured Malfoy hands clean. This belief was certainly true of Lucius; however, what surprised Hermione was just how much influence Lucius had on his wife and son. After the Ministry allowed Narcissa to return to the manor; Lucius was on the run, Narcissa had freed the house elves. None of the elves wanted to leave now that Lucius was gone. Narcissa could have easily allowed everything to stay as was but she wanted the same changes as Draco and Hermione. An agreement was reached between Narcissa and the elves. The elves would receive pay, five days of paid vacation each year and they would be given clothes. Most were happy enough to spend their five days in the gardens with the peacocks. Hermione found it funny when Draco told her about Twinky's first vacation. She spent it in Draco's wing. Narcissa allowed it as long as Twinky did not lift one finger or send one spell unless it was for her benefit. Apparently Twinky has a nice little "vacation" home under Draco's bed.

When the elves and Narcissa came to their agreement on the topic of clothes, the elves were reasonably concerned. However, Narcissa explained that she loved and wanted them all to stay. Clothes were a way for the family, which included the elves, to show society the deep and loving relationship the family shared with all members. The elves were also all given a trinket with the Malfoy crest. This was the final proof needed to show the Malfoy family freed their elves and that the elves, of their own accord, stayed.

Twinky had learned she loved pretty clothes and Draco learned that he loved to spoil his favorite elf. Hermione loved it when Draco started to discuss the feelings he had when he gave Twinky a little polka dotted bow and she clipped it to her ear.

"That was nice Draco." Hermione said looking at the empty space where Twinky had been standing a moment earlier. Draco turned and started to head toward the doors leading to the hall. Hermione followed Draco into the hall thinking that he would be a good father. 'Where did that come from?' She shook her head.

Draco had not returned to the Manor since escaping over almost two years earlier. His mother had sent him letters discussing what she planned to do and to gain his approval. After the war Draco had been named as the head of the House of Malfoy. Based on Lucius's insidious activities, the title, honors and everything associated with the head of a house was removed from Lucius by the Wizengamot. Even with the title, Draco had not been comfortable returning the home straight away. And because of all that he had yet to see Narcissa's changes with his own eyes. The blueprints and drawings were nice but he had not envisioned the grandiose nature of what she was actually doing. He had stopped moving and was trying to orient himself on to the new floor plan. Hermione had come up beside him and whispered in his ear.

"You were right Draco this isn't at all how I remember it."

A relieved sigh came from her lips and blew across the shell of his ear. Hermione relaxed and placed her hand on his back. Draco attempted to not let out a groan as he felt her hot breath blow across the shell of his ear. The corridor that led to the study and drawing room wasn't in the same place and all the doors on the main level were different. The only, vaguely, similar item was the marble staircase; however, it now split halfway in an ostentatious sort of way. In the center of the now split staircase was a sculpture that appeared to be a mix of stone, wood and metal. Hermione could not quite grasp the underlying theme and would have to ask Draco about the sculptor at a later time. Whatever the sculptor was trying to say, the piece certainly held the attention of the observer.

As she walked toward the center of the foyer she reached back for Draco's hand and gave it a squeeze letting him know she was ok. Draco felt Hermione grab his hand and his heart clenched as she squeezed. It then started to beat faster than a hummingbird's wings. Having her small hand in his was amazing and felt right; in his mind it seemed like her hand was made to be cradled in his. At that same moment she felt a draw to look up the main staircase. She saw a wall filled with famous works of art and in the center was a portrait of two people that seemed so familiar to her. She wanted, no she needed, to go up the stairs but felt Draco's hand was guiding her toward the sun room. Draco's expression was one of worry and concern. Draco wanted to ask Hermione what she had seen; he looked up and the landing seemed normal. Draco gently pulled Hermione's hand as he led her into the sun room.

"Draco, my son, what are you doing here?" Narcissa Malfoy stood. Her elegance was still evident; however, the years living in fear had aged her slightly more than would have been expected. Draco was still awed at the power his mother commanded and was more than pleased to see her.

"I'm sorry I didn't call first. We were wondering if you'd allow us access to the library. Hermione has an idea about a project and there is a good chance our library holds the secret." Draco smiled and turned toward the other woman in the room. "Hello Mrs. Nott, how are you?"

"I'm doing well, thank you Draco. May I ask how Theo is getting along?"

"He is fine as well. Struggling a little with Advanced Potions but between Hermione and me tutoring him he will get an 'O' in his NEWTs." A flawless smile graced his lips as he finished and bowed to the women.

"Draco, darling, please feel free to use the library to your heart's content and stop by before you leave."

"Yes, Mother." Draco leaned in and kissed his mother on the cheek. Hermione bowed her head slightly and turned to follow Draco out.

"Miss Granger, I'd like a moment please."

Narcissa stood and walked toward Hermione. Fear gripped Hermione and she suddenly had a desire to leave. A strong hand was on her back and an arm around her shoulders. She knew it was Draco and he was only trying to calm her. She had nothing to fear because he would always be there to protect her. Draco had sensed Hermione's fear almost immediately and was beside her before his mother had taken a step. Narcissa watched the pair with interested eyes. There was something there, still hidden, but something she couldn't quite put her fingers on. Narcissa looked at the young woman and smiled.

"Miss Granger, I am sorry if I startled you. I haven't had a real chance to speak with you since the last Order meeting. Well, speak with you alone that is." Both women shuddered at their last meeting where Ron had embarrassed everyone and was taken away by his father. "But today is a new day and I wanted to formally apologize for those actions that occurred in my home. I know that I can never change the past; however, I greatly appreciate the friendship you have extended to me, those who fought with us and especially my son. I believe that without your friendship I may have lost him. There is little I can do to show you how grateful I am to you and those that fought so hard and for so long. You are welcome to visit my home whenever you would like and whether or not Draco is with you. I have keyed the floo and the wards to allow you direct access to the Manor." Narcissa smiled broadly at the young woman.

"Thank you Lady Malfoy. That is lovely. Please call me Hermione. And do not overlook your own dedication to the cause and contributions you provided to us. There are many of us here today because of the information you were able to provide. I befriended Draco because he, like you, listened to his heart and not what he was told to believe. I'm thankful he has a mother who cared so deeply and risked so much to ensure that he had a chance to live the life he wanted." Hermione smiled and tried to figure out how to acknowledge Narcissa's comment about visiting alone. "I'm not sure I'm ready to visit alone; however, it means a lot that you have offered this. I am greatly excited about your library. I have heard amazing things and if half of them are true then I know I will be able to find what we've been looking for."

Hermione's response and smile to Narcissa almost made Draco weep. Well, if Malfoys wept. This witch was amazing and she was allowing him to be her friend, to be near and to touch her. How he longed to hold her as more than a friend.

"Hermione, thank you and please call me Narcissa or if it is agreeable to you, Cissy." Both women smiled and nodded to the other. "Draco, please show Hermione the library and do not forgot to say goodbye." Narcissa dismissed the pair with a wave and returned to the table.

"Louisa, did you see how Draco went to protect and comfort Hermione? I think my son has feelings for that amazing witch." Narcissa spoke to her friend but more to the air. "There was something else about her, I hadn't seen before. I can't explain it but there is something new about Hermione..."

"Yes, Cissy I saw Draco's response and also Hermione's. As soon as Draco touched her, Hermione relaxed and leaned into him. I think there is a mutual feeling; however, maybe neither has realized it, yet. Or they fear the other does not reciprocate."

"Agreed, we may need to get young Master Nott involved in this investigation." Narcissa mused quietly as both women laughed. Narcissa's mind wandered to the nagging feeling that there is something she was missing and it wasn't the mutual attraction between the two in the library. Narcissa Malfoy was not one to let a mystery remain unsolved. Whatever was different about Hermione was as familiar to Narcissa as it was new to Hermione.