Chapter Twelve: Today my life begins
"Life's too short to have regrets so I'm learning now to leave it in the past and try to forget. We only have one life to live so you better make the best of it. I will break this chains that bind me happiness will find me, leave the past behind me, today my life begins. A whole new world is waiting, its one for the taking, I know I can make it, today my life begins..." (Today my life begins by Bruno Mars)
oOo
Malfoy's Beach House – Maldives Island – 5:56 P.M.
Hermione was sitting on her balcony with her legs drawn to her chest, still reeling from everything she learned this afternoon.
"Hermione?"
Hermione was snapped out of her thoughts when she heard her name being called; she turned her head towards the sliding doors and saw Draco leaning against it.
"Didi let me in," Draco explained.
"It's alright, is something the matter?" Hermione asked.
Draco stared at her for a couple of minutes and shook his head; "Nothing..." he replied.
Hermione leaned her chin on top of her knees and hugged it closer to her chest; "I think I want a drink" she said.
Draco raised his brow; "We have some here" he replied.
Hermione shook her head; "I want to go out" she clarified.
Draco crossed his arms on top of his chest; "You want to go somewhere?" he asked.
Hermione thought for a couple of minutes; she then let her legs down and stood up. "Let's go back to the bar we went to last night" she said while walking towards him.
Draco moved away from his perch as Hermione approaches; once she's right in front of him and he moved sideways, letting her inside the room. "You want to go back to The Quiet Zone?" he asked.
Hermione passed him and began walking towards the adjacent door; once she reached her bathroom's door she stopped and turned. "Yes, a night cap, per se"
"You're aware that it's just dusk right? Too early for a night cap?"
Hermione smiled; "Live a little" she said.
Draco snorted; "You're stealing my lines!" he accused.
Hermione winked; "I'm just following your advices. Now, get your arse back to your room and dress like you mean it" she said while pushing the door open.
Draco mock saluted; "Aye aye Mi Lady!" he replied.
Hermione rolled her eyes and closed the door behind her.
oOo
"It's about time Harry Potter!"
Harry cringed; "I know, I know...I'm sorry Gin" he said sincerely.
Ginny huffed as she sat crossed legged on the floor right in front of the fire place. "You better be sorry! I had to endure Mum's relentless owls for the rest of my day!"
"I am...I really didn't mean to forget to tell you Gin, I tried flooing you earlier but nobody's answering" Harry explained.
Ginny rolled her eyes; "Of course nobody will answer! Anthony and I are both at work, you should know better" she replied.
Harry nodded as he sat on the floor; "I'm so sorry, I promise, it won't happen again" he said solemnly.
"You better keep that promise Potter, I'll hold you on to it! It's a good thing you have a charming wife and a cute kid or I would've gutted you for putting me through the ordeal!" Ginny said.
Harry smiled; "You love me too much to gut me Gin," he said.
Ginny smirked; "Confident, eh?" she said.
Harry puffed his chest; "Of course I'm confident, I'm Harry Potter" he joked.
Ginny burst out laughing.
Harry smiled; he then fixed the perch of his glass on top of his nose. "Back to Hermione, she's in Maldives we sent her there" he said.
"Yes, Torry already told me" Ginny said. She then wrinkled her nose; "But she never really told me, which friend" she said.
"We sent her to Malfoy's Beach House"
"Oh"
"Narcissa offered us a getaway for our anniversary and we haven't gotten the chance to take advantage of it, so, Torry called her and asked her if it's alright to send Hermione instead" Harry explained.
"That's nice of her" Ginny said.
Harry nodded; "I know, I didn't think that she would at first but it seems like she's quite taken with our girl" he said.
Ginny smiled; "Good for her, at least she's far away from all this mess" she said. She then frowned; "One more thing, Lavender's parents owled Mum and Dad, they want to talk about something but she did not specify. I forgot to ask Mum when we're owling, it must've slipped my mind" she said.
Harry furrowed his brows; "That's weird, I wonder what they want from Molly and Arthur" he said.
Ginny scowled; "Urgh! This is all Ron's fault! If he didn't think with his prick and remained faithful to Hermione then this wouldn't have happened! I bloody hate him right now!" she ranted.
Harry's face darkened; "I know how you feel, I feel the same for the arse" he replied.
Ginny sighed; "Well, there's really nothing to do right now. All has been said and done, I just hope that Hermione is alright, I worry for her..." she said.
"She will be fine, I guess she just needs time" Harry replied.
Ginny nodded in agreement.
"Daaaaadddddyyyyy!"
Harry's head snapped towards the voice; he let out a bright smile upon hearing tiny footsteps running towards his direction.
"I think little Candice wants her Dad back, well I won't keep you long. Thank you for letting me know" Ginny said.
Harry turned his head towards Ginny and let out a smile; "Thank you for not blowing a gasket" he said.
Ginny huffed; "You're lucky I love your girls" she said.
Harry laughed.
Ginny smiled; "I'll let you off now, I'll talk to you soon! Give my kisses to Torry and Candice! Cheerios!" she said happily.
Harry stood up from his perch; "Will do, see you soon!" he said.
Ginny waived her hand as she cut off the connection.
oOo
Malfoy's Beach House – Maldives Island – 6:45 P.M.
Hermione studied her hair one last time and smiled at her reflection; "Who would've thought that you'd behave in this kind of weather" she muttered to herself. She then plucked her clutch from the vanity and made sure that her wand is inside; she stepped into her wedge sandals and threw the mirror one last look.
Draco was rolling up his sleeves when he heard Hermione calling out for him; "I'm in here Hermione, just give me a sec" he hollered back.
"Okay, no rush, I'll just wait for you in the den" Hermione replied, her footsteps fading.
Draco walked towards his bureau and grabbed his cologne; he hastily poured it into his palms and began rubbing it around his neck. He then walked towards his full length mirror and stared at his reflection; "Not bad" he said to himself with a huge smirk. Once satisfied, he walked out of his bathroom and headed towards his door.
Hermione was standing before the open glass sliding door when Draco saw her; "I'm sorry I was late" he said while studying her lithe form with interest.
Hermione turned around and smiled; "It's alright, I haven't been waiting long" she replied nonchalantly.
Draco eyes raked her form and let out an appreciative whistle; "Wow Granger, you look hot" he said while eyeing her curves appreciatively under the emerald green babydoll dress that she's wearing.
Hermione raised one brow in amusement and crossed her arms under her chest, emphasizing her ample cleavage more; "You look hot too Malfoy, not too shabby" she replied.
Draco let out a hearty laugh and shook his head; "Well, shall we?" he asked while offering his hand.
Hermione placed her hand in his and stood beside him; "Lets" she replied.
oOo
"Are you sure this will be printed for tomorrow's edition?" Millicent asked excitedly.
Rita Skeeter smiled widely; "Of course it will, this is after all, one of the Golden Trio" she replied.
Millicent let out a huge smile and stood up; "It was pleasure doing business with you Ms. Skeeter and I'm looking forward for that article" she said.
"It was my pleasure Ms. Bullstrode" Rita replied.
oOo
The Quiet Zone Bar - Conrad Ranalifinolhu Hotels and Resorts, Rangali Island, Maldives – 7:14P.M.
"So, what do you want to drink?" Draco asked while eyeing his companion.
Hermione bit her lower lip as she perused the menu; "Do they serve regular drinks here? Like the one we use to have home?" she asked while lowering the menu.
"As a matter of fact they do, I'm not also in the mood for their selection tonight" Draco replied.
Hermione smiled; "Well then, let's drink the regular" she said.
Draco flagged down a waiter and smirked; "Will you be drinking something girl?" he teased.
Hermione rolled her eyes; "Is that you asking, what I'll be having?" she asked.
Draco was about to answer when a waiter stood beside their table; "Good Evening, what can I get you?" he asked pleasantly.
Draco nodded towards Hermione; "Ladies first" he said.
Hermione smiled; "Good evening, I think I'll have a shot of patron tequila and whiskey sour please" she replied.
Draco's brow rose; "Planning on getting piss drunk tonight?" he asked.
"Are you scared that you have to carry me home?"
Draco felt warmth inside his chest when she referred to the beach house as home again; he ignored it again and turned towards the waiter. "Make that two shots and please bring me whiskey on the rocks" he said.
The waiter nodded; "Is there anything else?" he asked.
Hermione thought for a couple of seconds and turned towards the waiter; "Please bring us a platter of nuts and olives too" she added. She then turned towards Draco and threw him an inquisitive look; "Is there anything else you want? It's my treat tonight" she asked.
Draco rolled his eyes; "I won't let you pay for this Granger, I don't let women pay for my drinks" he said.
"Too bad, I'm not your woman" Hermione replied. She then turned towards the waiter and smiled; "I guess that will be all, thank you" she said.
The waiter bowed and walked away.
"So, what's with the tequila shot? Are we celebrating or something?" Draco asked.
Hermione leaned back on her chair; "I guess we are..."
"Care to elaborate?"
"Nah,"
Draco huffed; "Come on, you already started it, at least finish it" he said.
Hermione felt heat creep into her cheeks so she opted to look away.
"Are you blushing?" Draco asked.
Hermione furrowed her brows; "Of course not!" she snapped.
Draco was about to tease her further when the waiter came back with a tray laden with their order; carefully he placed the drinks and platter on the table and bowed. "Please call me if you need anything else" the waiter said.
"Thank you" Hermione said to the waiter. She then pluck her shot from the table and was about to take a sip when Draco spoke.
"Now now Hermione, since we're celebrating, we should toast to it" Draco said.
"Oh right" Hermione said.
Draco lifted his shot glass and levelled it with hers; "Since you're the only one who knows what were celebrating, you should do the toast" he said.
Hermione smiled; she then clink her glass to his; "To new beginnings Malfoy" she said.
Draco smiled back; "To new beginnings Granger, cheers" he replied.
Hermione donned her shot in one go and winced; she hastily plucked the lemon wedge and bit into it.
"Too much?" Draco asked.
"That was awful" Hermione croaked.
Draco chuckled; "I'd have to give it to you Hermione, you don't drink like a girl" he said.
Hermione rolled her eyes; she then leaned forward and grabbed a handful of nuts. "I hardly drink like a girl; Harry says I'm a hard drinker. I have better tolerance with hard drinks, I can't say the same with beers and all those girly drinks though" she said.
"Then we're on the same page" Draco said while winking.
Hermione chuckled.
Draco brought his whiskey tumbler to his lips and took a sip; "What do you want to talk about?" he asked.
Hermione cleared her throat; "I actually don't know, I didn't have anything particular in mind when I asked you to go out" she said.
Draco popped some nuts into his mouth and began munching; "It seems like we already exhausted all the interesting topics" he said.
Hermione took a sip of her drink and nodded; "I guess we did" she replied. She then averted her gaze from him and peered at the woman sitting a few tables from them; she then bit her lower lip to keep from smiling.
"Why are you smiling like a loon?"
"I think you have an admirer" Hermione said with a smile.
Draco raised his brow; "Really? Where?" he asked.
Hermione shook her head and took a swig of her drink before answering; "A couple of tables from my right" she replied.
Draco plucked his tumbler from the table and sipped his drink; he then slyly took a peek towards the direction that Hermione is pointing at and saw a buxom blonde woman smiling at him seductively.
"Like what you see?" Hermione asked while swirling her drink inside her glass.
Draco turned his head towards her and shrugged his shoulders; "Nothing special about her" he said nonchalantly.
Hermione raised her brow.
Draco placed his drink on top of their table and popped a couple of olives inside his mouth; "What?" he asked after swallowing.
"Not your type?" Hermione asked.
Draco rolled his eyes; "I'm not here to pick up women Hermione," he replied.
Hermione threw him a sceptical look.
Draco shook his head; "So, when do you plan on returning?" he asked, changing the topic.
"Why? Are you getting tired of seeing me already?" Hermione teased.
Draco sighed; "You and your mouth" he said.
Hermione sighed; "I didn't mean to exasperate you tonight, I don't know what's with me. But to answer your question, I actually don't have any idea..." she said sincerely. "But if you want me to leave I can-"
"Of course not, you can stay as long as you want" Draco replied, cutting her off midsentence.
Hermione smiled; "Thank you" she replied.
"I'm just asking because I know you have work" Draco clarified.
Hermione drained her drink and placed it on top of the table; "I actually filed for indefinite leave of absence, I have a month worth of leave credits so my boss let me" she explained.
Draco chuckled; "Same here, I also don't use my credits that much that's why my manipulative Mother was able to send me here" he said.
Hermione laughed; "I still can't believe Narcissa drugged you, it's so uncharacteristic of her" she replied. "Oh, I'm ordering another drink, what do you want?" she asked.
"You haven't seen half of it, I'm telling you. She can be very manipulative if she wants too, it scares me sometimes. And yes, I want another round, but this one is on me" Draco replied while flagging their server.
Hermione began to protest but Draco shook his head; "No Hermione, my pride can all only take too much, if Mum finds out that I let you pay for two rounds she'll have my arse" Draco explained.
Hermione pursed her lips petulantly but nodded.
"Good girl" Draco said.
The waiter stood beside their table and smile pleasantly.
"Hermione?" Draco asked.
"I'll have another whiskey sour please, thank you"
The waiter nodded.
"I'll get another whiskey on the rocks, thanks" Draco said to the waiter.
The server bowed; "Is there anything else?" he asked.
Hermione shook her head.
Draco turned towards the server; "That will be all, thanks" he said.
The waiter nodded and began walking towards the bar.
"Where were we?" Draco asked.
"Your Mum being manipulative" Hermione replied.
"Oh yes, that, she is. You haven't seen her worst yet, I tell you" Draco groaned.
Hermione chuckled; "I've experienced it a time or two, but nothing severe" she replied.
Draco stared at her for a couple of seconds and burst out laughing.
Hermione stared at him confusedly.
Draco sniffed and shook his head; "You are so naive Hermione, so naive" he said.
Hermione opened her mouth to speak but was interrupted by the waiter bringing their order.
Draco immediately grabbed his tumbler and took a large swig.
"Thank you" Hermione said to the server. Once the waiter left them, she turned towards her companion again; "What's funny?" she asked.
Draco leaned back on his chair; "Curious that we ended up in the same island, eh?" he said.
Hermione furrowed her brows as she took a sip of her drink, she thought for a couple of seconds and slowly her eyes widen as realization sets in; "Oh...oh...oh Merlin"
Draco smirked and shook his head; "See what I mean?" he said.
Hermione bit her bottom lip as she grasped her glass with both hands; "That's...disturbing"
"Look, don't think about it too much. I don't want things to get awkward between us" Draco said.
Hermione felt her cheeks heating up so she cleared her throat; "You're right, let's just forget about it" she acquiesced.
Draco nodded; "Let's change the topic then, so, have you heard from Torry or Potter?" he asked.
Hermione pursed her lips; "No, I've been waiting actually. Good thing you reminded me, I should send them an owl to let them know how I'm doing" she replied.
"Errr...there's a problem there"
"What?"
Draco leaned forward and sipped his drink; "We don't have bird service here" he said.
"Oh"
"Perhaps we can ask Didi to send your letter to them" Draco suggested.
Hermione let out a sigh of relief; "That would work, I guess" she replied.
Draco smiled.
oOo
Malfoy Manor – Whiltshire, England – 3:54 P.M.
"That was a hard leap from him...are you sure that's what they talked about?" Narcissa asked while squeezing her hands together.
"Yes Mistress. Didi listened to them just like you instructed" The elf replied.
"How is he? Is he alright after their talk?" Narcissa asked worriedly.
"Didi is not sure Mistress, Master Draco went to his room after the talk and Didi only saw Master again when they left" Didi replied.
"I hope he's alright..." Narcissa half whispered.
"Did something happen to Draco?" Lucius asked while sitting on the opposite chair. He furrowed his brows and stared at his wife expectantly.
Narcissa opened her mouth but closed it after a couple of seconds.
Lucius frowned; "What happened to Draco, Cissy?" he repeated.
Narcissa sighed; "He talked to Hermione about...Iris..." she replied.
"Oh..." Lucius uttered with disbelief.
Narcissa leaned forward and grasped her tea with both hands.
"That's something I guess..." Lucius said.
Narcissa sipped her tea and nodded; "I think it's a big leap for him" she said.
Lucius leaned back on his chair and crossed his legs; "It is...a very huge leap indeed" he acquiesced.
Narcissa nodded.
Lucius sighed; "He didn't even tell us what happened..." he trailed off.
"Now, I'm more convinced that sending him there will be good for him. Hermione is good for him" Narcissa said.
Lucius took a deep breath and nodded in agreement; "I guess you're right love..." he said.
oOo
Green flames erupted from the huge fireplace as Pansy Parkinson sauntered out; she pointed her wand at her clothes and murmured a quick cleansing spell. "Millie? Are you here?" she called out.
"I'm in here!" Millicent grunted.
Pansy frowned as she followed her voice; she pushed her bedroom door open and peaked inside. "Don't you think it's too early for bed?" she asked her best friend.
Millicent grunted and turned her back to her best friend; she pulled her comforter above her head and buried her face into her pillow. "What do you want Pans? I'm not feeling that well"
Pansy entered the room and padded towards the bed; "Are you alright?" she asked worriedly.
"I'm fine...just hang over I guess" Millicent said gruffly.
Pansy sat at the edge of the bed and began pulling the comforter away from Millicent; "If it''s hang over then take some potion and really, you were alright earlier" she said.
Millicent groaned and sat up against the headboard; "I'm fine, I already took some potions. What do you want?" she asked tiredly.
Pansy studied her best friend's face and frowned; "You're so pale, are you sure you're alright?" she asked again.
Millicent rolled her eyes and crossed her arms on top of her chest; "I'm fine Pans, really. Don't get your knickers in a twist" she said.
Pansy huffed; she then crossed her legs and licked her lips nervously.
Millicent raised her left brow; "Is there something you want to tell me?" she asked.
Pansy cleared her throat and straightened her posture; she waited for a couple of seconds before smiling widely. "It's Theo...we are...together..." she admitted shyly.
Millicent stared at her best friend for a couple of seconds.
"Say something..."
Millicent's lips began turning up its corners; "Really?" she asked.
Pansy averted her gaze and began fidgeting with her hands; "Yes..." she half whispered.
Millicent let out a full blast smile before leaping towards Pansy; she encompassed her into a tight hug and began patting her back. "I'm so happy for you Pans! Finally!" she said.
Pansy felt tears creeping into her eyes as she wrapped her arms around her best friend; "Are you really happy for me?" she whispered.
Millicent hugged her tighter; "Of course I am...I'm so happy for you I could cry" she assured.
Pansy laughed and began pulling away; "He makes me so happy Millie...I love him..." she said.
Millicent wiped her best friend's tears and smiled; "I'm sure he loves you too so stop crying already, you're making me cry..." she softly said.
Pansy laughed again and pulled her into a tight hug; "I'm just so happy Millie..."
Millicent hugged her tighter as tears blur her own eyes; "I'm happy for you too, love. So happy" she whispered.
"You'll be happy too Mill, believe me..." Pansy whispered.
Millicent closed her eyes tightly; "I hope so..." she replied.
oOo
The Quiet Zone Bar - Conrad Ranalifinolhu Hotels and Resorts, Rangali Island, Maldives – 8:23 P.M.
"I dare you Granger" Draco baited.
Hermione rolled her eyes as she leaned back on her chair; "Whatever Malfoy" she dismissively.
Draco smirked as he shook his head; "I thought so" he said.
Hermione frowned; "What do you mean by that?" she asked.
Draco crossed his arms on top of his chest as he leaned back on his chair; "Nothing" he said nonchalantly.
Hermione eyed him; "You think I can't do it?" she asked.
Draco just shrugged his shoulders as he stares at her amusedly.
Hermione stared at him for a couple of minutes and leaned forward; she donned her drink empty and stood up. She straightened her dress and winked at him; "I'll be back sweetums" she said sassily.
Draco's jaw slackened as his eyes grew big.
Hermione ignored his dumbfounded reaction and sauntered towards the buxom blonde's table; once she reached the other table she leaned forward and began talking with the woman. After a couple of minutes, the blonde woman smiled and nodded; Hermione then smiled back and turned towards their table again with a triumphant grin. When she's half way towards him, Draco noticed the blonde woman standing up from her chair and began leaving.
"Where were we again?" Hermione asked before sitting down on her chair again.
Draco swallowed hard and stared at Hermione with blatant admiration; "What did you tell her?" he asked.
Hermione bit her bottom lip as she tried to suppress her smile; "Nothing much" she replied nonchalantly.
"Come on Granger, what did you tell the bloody woman that made her leave?" Draco asked curiously.
Hermione leaned towards the table and smiled wider; "it's between her and I" she replied.
"Tell me..." Draco coaxed while staring deep into her eyes.
Hermione felt her heart beating faster as she met his gaze; "I..." she trailed off.
Draco leaned forward, not breaking their eye contact. "You what? Tell me..." he half whispered.
"I...I told her...that I don't appreciate her eyeing...my man" Hermione whispered back.
Draco stared at her heatedly for a couple of more seconds before moving his gaze towards her lips; "Oh..." he breathed huskily.
Hermione swallowed hard; ignoring the butterflies rampaging inside her stomach.
Draco kept his gaze on her lips; "I think...I think it's time to go home now Granger..." he said.
"O-okay..." Hermione agreed breathily.
Draco turned his head towards the waiter and signalled for him to bring their bill.
Hermione let out a huge sigh of relief and turned her gaze at their table. "What was that?" she asked herself.
"Done, we should go now..." Draco said lowly.
Hermione's head snapped towards him and nodded; she stood up from her chair and straightened her dress.
Draco stood up and moved towards her; he offered his arm without saying anything.
Hermione automatically looped her arm to his and let him lead her towards the door.
oOo
Potter Mansion – London, England – 4:17 P.M.
"Have you heard anything from Hermione?" Harry asked while patting his daughter's head.
Astoria lowered her wand and turned towards her husband; "No, did you speak with her?" she asked.
Harry hauled her squirming daughter on top of his lap and threw his wife a concerned look; "Do you think she's okay?" he asked.
Astoria bit her bottom lip as she crossed her arms on top of her chest; "It's been days since she's left and we haven't heard from her, I think we should contact Aunt Cissy" she said.
Harry furrowed his brows; "We can just owl her, you know" he replied.
Astoria shook her head; "There's no bird service in Maldives and if there is it would take days before she receives our letter and responds" she replied.
"I didn't know that" Harry frowned as he bounced her daughter up and down, soothing the toddler.
"I'll floo her, just give me a second" Astoria replied. She then turned away and padded towards their study; once she reached the room, she headed straight towards the fire place and scooped a heaping amount of floo. She threw it towards the grate and waited for the flames to turn green before uttering her call destination.
"Hello dear! It's been awhile!" Narcissa immediately greeted.
Astoria kneeled right in front of their fireplace and sat on her haunches; "Hello Aunt Cissy, it's been awhile" she replied.
Narcissa moved towards the nearest loveseat and smiled before sitting; "How have you been?" she asked.
Astoria smiled; "We've been good. How's Uncle Lu?" she asked.
Narcissa rolled her eyes; "He's been...himself, I guess" she replied.
Astoria chuckled; "Tell him I said Hi" she said.
"I will...so how can I help?" Narcissa asked.
"I just want to ask you if you have any news on Hermione and if it's possible to send her a letter to ask her how she's been. It's been days and Harry and I are worried" Astoria replied.
Narcissa sat straighter and placed her hands on her lap; "I heard she's doing good. And-and yes you can send her a letter, you can send it to me and I'll ask one of our house elves to send it there" she replied rigidly.
Astoria eyed Narcissa for a couple of seconds and furrowed her brows; "What did you do Aunt Cissy?" she asked suspiciously.
Narcissa sniffed; "Whatever do you mean? I didn't do anything" she replied cautiously.
Astoria frowned; "Yes you did something, your face says it all. What did you do?" she pushed.
Narcissa eyed her for a couple of seconds before letting out a defeated sigh; "I didn't do anything wrong Torry" she replied.
"But you did something...Tell me, what did you do?"
Narcissa bit her bottom lip; "I just sent someone to keep her company while she's there..." she trailed off.
Astoria's eyes widen; she opened her mouth and tried to form sentences but nothing came out.
"Oh hush darling! I didn't send someone to kill her! I just don't want her to be lonely...is all. Nothing is wrong with a little company" Narcissa explained.
Astoria closed her eyes and let out a calming breath; "Who did you send?" she asked.
Narcissa looked away.
Astoria studied Narcissa's reaction as she felt her eyes grow wider; "Oh no...no, you didn't! Tell me you didn't!" she half shouted.
Narcissa winced.
Astoria hastily stood up and began pacing in front of the fire; "How could you Aunt Cissy! We agreed to send Hermione there so she can have a peace of mind. Draco being there would beat that purpose! Oh Merlin! What did you do?" she said agitatedly.
Narcissa immediately stood up from her chair and moved closer to the fireplace; she kneeled right in front of it and sat on her haunches. "Don't panic Astoria, Draco wouldn't do anything to hurt her. For Merlin's sake, he's a Mediwizard" she reasoned.
Astoria stopped pacing and turned to face Narcissa; "I know Draco would not hurt her! It's Hermione I'm worried about! She would think that we conspired against her!" she replied.
Narcissa let out a little smile; "I won't worry about that dear. She doesn't feel that way" she replied sheepishly.
Astoria's brow rose; "And how would you know?" she asked.
Narcissa sat straighter; "I sent Draco there without his consent...so I think he's convincing enough to let Hermione believe that there was no conspiracy behind him being there..." she said.
Astoria stared at Narcissa confusedly; "What do you mean without his consent? How can you send someone outside the country without their consent?"
Narcissa waived her hand dismissively; "Don't worry about that" she replied.
Astoria thought for a couple of seconds before her eyes widen in horror; "Did you drug him? Oh Merlin...Did you?" she asked frantically.
Narcissa look chagrined.
Astoria collapsed on her knees; "You did! How could you!? Draco will be so furious! What about his job? He has work Aunt Cissy for Merlin's sake!" she reasoned out.
Narcissa sniffed; "I took care of it, don't worry your pretty little head about it. I can handle my son and as far as he's concerned he took it well" she replied, assuring Astoria.
Astoria stared at her Aunt for a couple of seconds and let out a defeated sigh; she shook her head in disbelief and gathered her hands on top of her lap.
Narcissa sighed; "Look sweetie, I know you think I did the wrong thing here but please believe me when I say that Hermione and Draco are fine. I keep tabs on them through one of our house elves that I sent there with them. I know for sure that the two of them a getting along just fine, as a matter fact, they've gone out a couple times. Draco has been a gentleman and courteous to booth, so don't worry..." she said.
Astoria bit her bottom lip; "How is she?" she asked.
Narcissa smiled; "She's doing wonderfully based from Didi, she told me that Draco is keeping her company" she replied.
"Really?" Astoria asked.
"Yes, really. So don't worry about them" Narcissa said.
Astoria sighed; "Then I guess that's all that matters now" she replied. She then stared at her Aunt and raised her brow; "You like her that much?" she asked.
Narcissa smiled; "What do you think?" she replied.
Astoria returned her smiled and shook her head; "Draco will be so furious at you" she said.
"He will, but he'll thank me for it" Narcissa replied confidently.
Astoria let out a sigh and nodded; "Okay...there's nothing I can do about it. So, can you send a letter to Hermione from us?" she asked.
"Of course, just send me the letter and I'll have Didi hand-deliver it to Hermione"
"Okay, thank you" Astoria replied.
Narcissa stood up from her perch; "I'll talk to you soon sweetie" she said.
Astoria also stood up and nodded; "Thank you again Aunt Cissy" she said before severing the connection. She then let out a deep breath and closed her eyes; "Hope you're right Aunt Cissy...I hope you're right" she whispered to herself.
"Her ways maybe twisted but I think her intentions were good"
Astoria turned towards the door upon hearing her husband's voice; "You heard everything?" she asked.
Harry leaned on the door frame and crossed his arms on top of his chest; "I did" he replied.
"You're not mad?" Astoria threaded carefully.
"Surprisingly I'm not" Harry breathed out.
Astoria slowly walked towards her husband and stood in front of him; she stared into his eyes and angled her head. "But why? She sent Draco to Hermione...aren't you at least upset?"
Harry cocked his head; "I guess, I don't want Hermione alone there too and Draco can definitely annoy her to death to the point that she wouldn't have time to feel sorry for herself" he explained.
Astoria let out a small smile; "So you don't mind them together?" she asked.
Harry thought for a couple of seconds and leaned forward, planting a chaste kiss on his wife's lips. "I guess I don't" he replied with a smile.
Astoria moved closer and snaked her arms around Harry's neck; "You never fail to surprise me Mr. Potter" she whispered huskily.
Harry moved his arms around his wife's waist and pulled her into his chest; slowly he buried his face into her neck and began trailing soft kisses upward. "Candice is sleeping..." he whispered hoarsely.
Astoria angled her head towards the side and closed her eyes; she let out a soft moan when Harry began nipping at her pulse point. "That feels so good..."
Harry moved his hands from her waist towards her bottom; slowly, he lowered his hands again until it reached her calves.
Astoria moaned louder.
Harry groaned and hastily lifted his wife's calves, bracing it around his waist. "Wrap your legs around my waist love" he murmured between nips.
Astoria smiled; "I guess I'm getting laid after that" she murmured.
Harry paused mid-kiss and let out a loud laugh.
oOo
Malfoy's Beach House – Maldvies Island – 9:00 P.M.
Draco pulled away and placed his hands on Hermione's shoulder; "You don't want to do this Hermione, you're drunk" he groaned.
Hermione smiled; "Don't be silly Draco, I know what I'm doing" she slurred huskily. She then leaned forward and looped her arms around his neck; she tilted her face towards him and bit her bottom lip. "Don't you want to kiss me?" she asked sultrily.
Draco lowered his eyes to hers as he trailed his hands towards her waist; he then let his gaze fall on her plump lips. "I just don't want you to regret anything in the morning..." he replied.
Hermione lowered her eyes towards his lips and swallowed hard; "I won't regret it..." she assured him.
"Are you sure? It's not the alcohol talking Hermione?" Draco asked lowly.
Hermione bit her bottom lip again, not taking her eyes from his lips. "I'm sure..." she replied.
Draco moved his eyes towards her eyes; "Kiss me then..." he murmured.
Hermione locked gazed with him for a couple of seconds before crossing the distance.
oOo
A/N: I know! I updated super duper late and I ended this one with a cliffy! I'm sorry! I was pre-occupied lately so I didn't have the time to update as much as I want to but here it is! Tell me what you think! You know I love hearing from you guys! Please R&R, cheers!