Hello All,
Sorry this took so long. I kept writing and then deleting it when I wasn't happy with what I wrote. It was very annoying, but now it's done. So I hope you all really enjoy this chapter.
Onto the story.
I own nothing.
Chapter Eleven
The next several days passed quickly. Monday was gone and Friday had appeared. Hermione was slowly getting better at flying, but she was still very wary of going any higher than a few feet off of the ground. In fact, she had only been a few feet off of the ground because she got nauseas anytime she even thought about going any higher.
Hermione was convinced that Abraxas was part saint. His patience knew no bounds as he constantly encouraged her as she was trying to learn how to fly better. Though she did suspect that his niceties were just because he got to constantly touch her to which she had no complaints. She was sure she loved him touching her just as much as he did.
Abraxas was slowly getting the hang of cooking, but he was just starting at the basics like making toast. However, it warmed her heart to see how excited he got after he finished making something that Hermione thought tasted good. His little victories in the kitchen were something she would always treasure.
Hermione now found herself waiting for Abraxas to come get her so they could meet Jack for dinner. They agreed that since they would be having dinner together that night that they wouldn't have their regular lessons during the day.
She had spent a good two hours debating what she should wear to the dinner and decided to throw caution to the wind by settling for a black modest dress she had bought when she first arrived. She let her hair fall down into their usual ringlets and put on just a dab of makeup. She also transfigured her old beaded bag into something nicer for the occasion.
It was when Hermione heard three swift knocks at the door that she felt the familiar butterflies enter her stomach. Even though she had spent countless hours with Abraxas, she still got nervous at the prospect of him being outside of her door. Will this feeling ever go away?
She opened the door and her mouth instantly dried at the sight before her. He wore a gray button up shirt with the first three buttons left open, fitted black pants, with black dress shoes. His black hair was combed back into his usual style and his dark eyes were shining.
Why must this happen every time I see him? He's very handsome, get used to it! Stop staring and greet the man!
"Hello Abraxas." She said while stepping out of the house and turning to lock the door with her wand before placing it in her purse.
"Hello Poppet." Abraxas said while taking the sight of her in.
She was wearing a black dress with a black bow tied around her waist with black high heels. Her long brown hair was framing her angelic face and he saw she was wearing a spot of makeup. To Abraxas she looked absolutely gorgeous and in that moment it took every bit of his self control not to kiss her senseless. Easy, you've gotten this far. Don't muck it up now.
Abraxas watched as she turned to face him. She blushed under his scrutiny and he smirked as she gave him a sheepish smile. Well at least I'm not the only one.
"You look handsome this evening." She said timidly, fidgeting with her hands.
"Thank you Hermione. You look stunning." He said taking one of her hands that she was fidgeting with and brought it to his mouth for a quick peck before placing it in the crook of her arm.
"So tell me again where it is we're going." She said walking with in step with him.
"It's called The Garden, it's become a regular place for Jack and me to eat. We've been going there since we found it one summer after sixth year." He said smiling down at her.
"Is it magic or muggle?" Hermione questioned curiously.
"Muggle. It's the one place Jack and I can go to without worrying about running into anyone unpleasant. Plus their food is quite delicious." He said winking down at her as they neared the apparition point.
With a crack they were gone.
The evening air was warm for a September day in Scotland as Hermione and Abraxas walked down the paved sidewalk to their destination to meet Jack. They walked among the slow lull of traffic down the sidewalk in unison, their hands interlocking as if they had done it for years. Together they passed several shops and various window displays until Abraxas turned to enter what had to be the restaurant.
When they entered the restaurant the first thing Hermione noticed were the sturdy hardwood floors and floral wallpaper that seemed to adorn every available inch of wall space. Abraxas seemed
Abraxas heard a small giggle from the woman beside him and looked down at her bemused by her laughter. "What is so funny?"
"I'm sorry, this place is just so feminine. It's hard to picture two men eating here on a regular basis." She said still giggling at her surroundings.
"Trust me, if it weren't for the food, the memories, or the privacy we wouldn't eat here." Abraxas said chuckling along with her as he led her to his and Jack's usual table.
They walked to the back of the flower-covered restaurant to find Jack waiting at a table for four looking at the table with bored disinterest. He was wearing a white linen shirt with black linen pants with his barely tamable hair freely falling in every direction. When he saw them coming his face automatically lit up as he stood from the table to greet them.
"Hello Jack." Abraxas said giving his friend a brief man hug.
"Hello 'Brax. Hello Hermione. I told you we'd be seeing each other soon." Jack said looking at Hermione, his deep green eyes glittering with mischief.
"Yes you did." She said as Abraxas pulled out a chair for her to sit. She sat down as graceful as she could in the chair across from Jack. She watched as Abraxas took a seat next to Jack. She felt slightly intimated by the two men sitting across from her, but shook the thought quickly. Buck up Hermione.
Hermione picked up the menu in front of her and began to peruse the selection when she heard the two men in front of her begin to talk.
"Abraxas what are you doing?" She heard Jack ask from behind her menu.
"What are you talking about?"
"With the menu?"
"I didn't know looking at the menu had become a crime." Abraxas answered and she had to bite her lip to keep herself from laughing.
"No you git. Why are you looking at the menu?" Jack asked and if she put down her menu she would probably see a weary expression on his face.
"Because this is what one does when they go to a restaurant. Can't order food unless you know what's on the menu." Abraxas answered sarcastically.
"You're impossible! We have been coming here for four years and in that time frame you have looked at the menu once! You get the cheeseburger with fries and a coke, every time we come here. So after four years you are telling me you are now looking to see what else is on the menu?"
"Merlin's beard Jack! You order the same thing too. Didn't it cross your mind that maybe I was doing this to be polite?" He hissed.
"Oh well… bugger." She heard Jack say and she couldn't contain her laughter anymore. She giggled madly at their actions and put down her menu to see them both looking at her sheepishly causing her to laugh loudly. The sight of two grown men looking like they had been caught with their hands in the cookie jar was just too much for her.
"Sorry." Jack said to her, but she waved it off with her hand.
"No apology necessary. You know, you two fight like an old married couple. It's highly entertaining." She let out a chuckle when both men looked affronted at hearing her call them a couple.
"So Hermione, Abraxas tells me you're from the states?" Jack asked, clearly changing the subject.
"Yes."
"Which state?"
"Texas."
"Do you like it there?" Jack asked and she felt like she was on a job interview.
"I do. It's where my friends and family are." She answered thinking about her own time.
"So you are taking a break from school?"
"Yes, I just needed a break before I go to work." She said shrugging.
"What did you go to school for?" Jack asked raising a questioning eyebrow.
"In Texas, they make you go to school for Auror training. Then you head to work when you've graduated from the Academy." She answered, hoping that they would buy that. She was confused when she heard both men chuckle at her.
"What?"
"Sorry Poppet, I'm trying to picture you dueling criminals and it just isn't working out." Abraxas teased, his gray eyes dancing with humor.
"Oh really? I bet I could out duel the pair of you." She said smugly.
"Is that a challenge?" Jack asked narrowing his eyes at her.
"Indeed it is."
"Tomorrow at noon?"
"Sounds fine to me. Abraxas can bring you over." She answered trying not to sound shocked at his immediate need for a date and time.
"Oh, why do I feel like this is going to end badly?" Abraxas said wearily running a hand through his hair and setting his hand on the table.
"Don't be a wet blanket brother, things will be fine. Now tell me Hermione, how was your first experience brewing Polyjuice potion?" Jack pressed on. Sheesh, he doesn't quit does he?
"Well it was a … class project. My friends and I brewed it for months then when the time came we all put in our hairs to take a drink. The potion itself is disgusting and the boys made a successful transformation. I did not. I grabbed the wrong hair by accident and turned myself into cat. It was not a happy experience." She lied while wearing a grave expression. She remembered the weeks she spent with Madam Pomfrey to return her back to normal were beyond horrible.
"So it wasn't like an animagus experience?" Jack asked with wide eyes at her story. Hermione could tell that he really was a potions fanatic.
"No, I had a friend who was able to shift into an animagus and it was nothing like that. I was just a human in cat form."
Their discussion was interrupted by a waiter who came to take their order with Hermione going first, then the other two men ordering. She laughed at Jack's rolling of the eyes at Abraxas's order of a cheeseburger with a coke. The waiter took their menus and sauntered off to the kitchen.
"Hermione, I'd love it if you would come down to the lab sometime to help me do some research over the effects of Polyjuice when it's used improperly." He asked with an indifferent look on his face.
"Sure just send me an owl. Now, enough about me let's talk about you two." She said gesturing between the two of them. Let them sit in the hot seat for a while.
"Us?" They said in unison and glared at each other after the fact, causing Hermione to suppress a laugh.
"Yes, you two." She said with a nod.
"Well he's a snarky bastard, selfish, does not have good taste in Quidditch teams, and if it were up to him he wouldn't leave the lab. But he's also brilliant, funny, and my brother." Abraxas said giving Jack a good pat on the back.
"Oh, I feel the tears about to come through. Damn it! I hate when this happens." Jack said reaching for his napkin and dabbed pretend tears as Hermione giggled.
"See? Snarky bastard." Abraxas sneered with amusement.
"Come now Abraxas, I'm only joking. Since we're on the subject he has poor judgment when it comes to Quidditch teams, sarcastic, and helpless when it comes to you. But as far as intelligence goes he is just shy of my own brilliance, is funny in his own way, far more altruistic than I am, and above all else my brother. I can always count on him as he can me." Jack said warmly.
"That's a good thing to have." Hermione said honestly. She felt a pang of sadness hit her as she watched the two speak of each other. Hermione had gone a month without seeing Draco or Harry and in this moment she missed them desperately.
"Yes it is." Abraxas answered.
"So friends since you were eleven? That much history has to have some good stories with it." She said trying to shake herself out of her sadness. Now is not the time to be emotional.
"Well, since you bring it up…"
"Jack, don't you even start." Abraxas interrupted giving Jack a glare.
"What? She asked! I promised if she didn't bring it up I wouldn't offer anything embarrassing. Now she's asked about good stories and she has every right to know." Jack said grinning wickedly at Abraxas.
"Fine, but when you're done I have some stories of my own." Abraxas said folding his arms in front of him smugly.
"Cunning bastard. All right, I'll let you tell her yourself. So Hermione what was your favorite subject in school?" Jack asked bitterly.
The three of them fell into a lighter conversation around the dinner table.
"So do you want it full force or wand magic only?" Hermione asked as she walked into the backyard with Jack.
Dinner had gone smoothly the night before. Hermione learned more about Jack and Abraxas, and had a good meal while doing so. They talked long after their plates were taken away and after they departed Abraxas took her home.
Around noon, Abraxas arrived on time with Jack in tow. He asked her if she would reconsider this duel, but she told him no. So she and Jack were now discussing the rules of their duel while Abraxas watched nervously from a lawn chair.
"Full force." Jack said with a smirk.
"Okay, so do you want to go about this traditionally with the bow and ten paces?" She asked remembering Snape duel Lockhart from her second year.
"Ah, no. I never understood why they taught us that rule. It's not like a criminal or dark wizard is just going to stop in the middle of the duel so that you can preform proper etiquette." He said sarcastically and it resulted in a small chuckle from her.
"Glad someone else agrees. So just friendly spells? I don't know about you, but I'm too young to die." She teased.
"That sounds fine. So whomever gets the others wand is declared the winner?" He asked.
"Yes."
"Good enough for me. Let's spread out." He said walking away from her and getting far enough away to be deemed acceptable until he was standing a good ten feet away from her.
Hermione and Jack both took their stance. Raising their wands at each other and hunching their shoulders as they stared at one another.
"Ready?" Jack yelled from his place and watched as she nodded in agreement.
"Go!"
"Stupefy!" she yelled and flicked her wand at him.
He blocked it effortlessly, and she blocked the curse he sent her way with a wave of her hand.
Silently, she extended her arm, and a bright yellow light shot out of her wand, and Jack stumbled back, his hand reaching up to shield his eyes. Shit!
Just as Jack began to gain his vision back, she aimed her wand again, and a rope came shooting out, wrapping its way around Jack's body, and he proceeded to drop to his knees from the pressure. Jack's wand dropped idly to the grass below.
With a smirk she summoned his wand to her waiting hand and felt it slap into her palm. A smile of pure satisfaction spread across her face as she looked at Jack on his knees in the grass. She had once again proved two more people wrong and it felt good. Hermione knew in this moment neither of them would underestimate her again.
Abraxas watched from his lawn chair as his best friend and girlfriend worked out the terms of their duel. His foot nervously bouncing up and down at the prospect of either of them loosing. He had no idea how Hermione would react to loosing, but he had a feeling it would not be pretty. However, he knew that Jack loosing would also not be any prettier. He hated to lose and often lost his temper when he did.
What am I going to do?
He looked on as they dueled and didn't know how to feel as he saw it end within minutes with Hermione as the winner.
He was happy that his witch won and was without a doubt impressed with her ability to duel. Then again, he knew how Jack usually acted out like a child when he lost something.
Abraxas got on his feet and walked over to where the duel had taken place and waited for Jack's anger to come as he was freed from Hermione's ropes.
"Well it seems we gravely underestimated you, for that I am sorry. You are one quick dueler Hermione, maybe you could show us a thing or two." Jack said shaking her hand as she smiled and handed his wand back to him.
"Are you serious?" Abraxas blurted out, startling the two people in front of him. HE IS NEVER THIS NICE WHEN HE LOSES TO ME!
"Serious about what? Hermione teaching us a thing or two about dueling? Yes, she bested me after a few minutes. We were both the best duelers at Hogwarts and she beat me in minutes Abraxas." Jack said sternly.
"No you prat. Are you seriously shaking her hand and being pleasant? Not that I don't think you should because she is a marvelous dueler. However, when you lose to me you throw a hissy fit like a two year old! You've hexed my hair pink once in retaliation for getting lower scores on an exam!" Abraxas hissed at him and vaguely heard Hermione giggle.
"That is because we are brothers Abraxas. I know you'll still be there if I throw a hissy fit. Plus she went through Auror training, so she is supposed to be better than me. If she wasn't I would seriously question why she graduated from her training to begin with. I can't be upset with her for doing her job better than I can. I'm sure I could out brew her if she were put to the test." He said quirking an eyebrow in Hermione's direction as if it were a challenge.
"No thanks, I'll take your word for it." She said dismissing him.
"Suit yourself. Now I have been beaten badly and shall take my leave. Plus, I have potions to check on. Abraxas, stop by the house sometime today. I picked up the book you wanted and it's waiting for you at home." Jack said looking at him and he nodded in agreement.
"Hermione we will be in touch. Thank you for meeting with me today. I know the way out. Good bye you two." Jack said smiling and made his way to the house.
Hours later Hermione and Abraxas found themselves in the kitchen. He was learning how to make rice with vegetables today, so they sat at the island on their stools waiting for the water to boil.
"I told you I'd be fine." Hermione said rolling her eyes at him. He had been pestering her all day about her duel with Jack.
"Well, that didn't stop me from worrying about you. How did you learn to duel that well?" Abraxas said narrowing his eyes at her. He knew he was being annoying, but he didn't like that she purposely put herself into harms way and was intrigued to know how she had learned to duel so well.
"When I was in school we had a plethora of D.A.D.A teachers. Some were useful and some were not. So my friends and I practiced on our own. Whether it was just reading or practicing spells we need to learn so we had to do it on our own. It wasn't until Auror training that we ever really learned just how to duel properly." She said honestly as she pushed a stray curl behind her ear.
When Hermione went back to school after the war, they had another new D.A.D.A teacher. He was bland and boring, not really giving them much instruction outside of a textbook. So when Draco and Hermione attended Auror training, they really got better instruction of what D.A.D.A really was. They both enjoyed it immensely and were happy to finally have a good source of instruction.
Abraxas's eyebrows rose off of his forehead. "You practiced with your friends? Why did you feel like you needed to know so much about dueling?" Why did she feel like she needed to know how to duel?
Hermione shrugged. "We weren't learning anything from our teachers and when we were placed in the real world we would have no way of defending ourselves. So we took it into our own hands. We felt like we needed to know it because plenty of people die from not knowing how to fight properly. My friends and I didn't want to be apart of that percentage."
"Well when you look at it like that, then yes I can sympathize why you would want to be prepared." Abraxas said mulling over her words.
"Constant Vigilance." She said quoting Moody.
"Sounds like a good quote." He said while rising to check on the rice.
"Indeed it is."
Abraxas left Hermione's house and apparated straight to Jack's knowing that he needed to pick up his packages. When Jack said he needed to pick up his 'book' he knew it was code for Hermione's gifts he had sent to his house.
"Jack. You here?" He said yelling to the dimly lit home after he closed the door behind him. Abraxas heard some rustling around before he heard Jack yell.
"In the kitchen!"
Abraxas walked down the familiar hallway and into the large kitchen of Jack's childhood home.
"So remind me of why you sent everything to my house?" Jack said from his place at his kitchen table as he graded papers. Fucking Slughorn can't even grade his own shit.
"Because if it was sent to mine, my father would most likely open it and then request to have Hermione over for dinner." Abraxas said leaning against the doorframe watching Jack scowl at the parchment he was reading.
"And that is a problem why? You clearly are smitten with the woman." Jack asked not giving him a glance.
Jack had seen the way his friend had acted around Hermione. Abraxas snuck glances at her when he thought neither was watching, called her that term of endearment, and when he was near her he always found some way to touch her. Whether it was his hand resting next to hers on the table, his arm around her waist, or his hand threaded through hers. He had never witnessed Abraxas show so much affection. He was happy that his brother had found someone.
"Smitten I may be, but stupid I am not. We haven't even had our first kiss yet. If I invite her over to meet my parents, she might think our relationship is going too fast." Abraxas said watching Jack closely.
"Ah, I see. Yes, I can see where your parents may unnerve her, but you still haven't kissed her?" Jack asked looking up from his grading. He really is taking it slow with her.
"No, but I have a plan." Abraxas said as a wide smile crept over his face.
Three days later Hermione found herself waking up early. She groaned in annoyance as she heard something knocking against what had to be a window downstairs. Hermione yanked back her covers and made her way downstairs to the source of the noise.
She found herself in the kitchen staring at four different owls. What the bloody hell is this?
She opened the window and each one of them entered, left their things on the counter, and flew away. Okay?
Puzzled she looked at the counter to see four small gift boxes with an individual letter to go with each. They were all addressed to her, but one of them had OPEN ME FIRST written in handwriting she didn't recognize. She grabbed the opened the letter and smiled instantly.
Poppet,
You're probably very confused with all of the owls you received this morning so I made you open mine first to explain some of the others. From the last conversation we had about this subject, you seemed indifferent about it. Now, I don't know if you were trying to downplay it, but I will not let you. In the spirit of the holiday, I will be picking you up at five for dinner instead of our normal time and then something special afterwards. Please wear that stunning blue dress I first saw you in at Hogwarts.
Happy Birthday Hermione.
Yours,
Abraxas
It's my birthday? Technically it isn't my birthday. Well that somewhat explains all of the owls. She mused while reaching for Abraxas's slightly larger gift. Hermione ripped the brown packaging off to find herself looking at a black velvet jewelry box. She opened it timidly to reveal a silver charm bracelet inside with a heart charm already placed on it. With further inspection she saw that one side had her name on it and the other had his.
Oh Merlin. I'm in too deep now. She mused bitterly looking at the lovely charm bracelet Abraxas had given her. Hermione couldn't believe he had gotten her something so special. When she and Ron dated, he had known her since she was eleven and when her birthday came around all she received was a hug because he had forgotten.
Hermione put down the bracelet to open the next letter and was surprised on who had sent it.
Dear Hermione,
Happy Birthday. Abraxas dragged me to store after store looking for stuff for you. Since he bought the charm bracelet I think this should go well with it. I know what he has planned for the evening, so do go easy on him. He really is a hopeless romantic.
Sincerely,
Jack
The man hadn't even known her for that long and he had gotten her something. She reached for the box and ripped off the brown paper to reveal a similar black box. She opened it to find a small pendant charm with a sapphire stone in the middle. I have a feeling that this is going to be a pattern.
It was. When she opened her other two owls, they were from Dumbledore and Minerva. They both wished her a happy birthday and apparently Abraxas had contacted Minerva about the bracelet. Minerva had told Dumbledore and she received two charms from them as well. A Gryffindor lion from Minerva and a witches hat from Dumbledore. She smiled at the thoughtfulness and placed each of the charms on her bracelet before putting it on.
Hermione had never been much of a jewelry person. She wore a watch because it was practical and a gift from her father. She wore her ring because it was her connection to Draco. Now she would wear the bracelet because it was one of the most special presents she had ever received.
As promised Abraxas was on Hermione's doorstep at five in the afternoon. With him he had a vase of her favorite flowers and in his pockets were two shrunken presents. He knew he had probably gone overboard, but he would rather be safe than sorry.
He had never been with a woman long enough to worry about their birthdays or any other holiday for that matter. The only person outside of his immediate family that he ever had to worry about was Jack, but he was easy to placate. He would buy him one of the records he had been wanting, or something Potions related and then they would go to a Quidditch game. Jack loved it and Abraxas loved seeing his brother happy. Even if it meant watching the Ballycastle Bats play Quidditch.
Hermione had been a completely different story. Shopping for her was unnerving and he could tell Jack was frustrated with him as he wavered between things to get her. He finally decided on getting her two things, one of them being home at the Manor, but felt like he was missing something. So he and Jack went to the nearby jewelry store to see what they could find.
He looked over several pieces of jewelry before deciding on the charm bracelet. He had a heart charm put on it with their names engraved and checked out. To his surprise, Jack also purchased her a charm. Saying that if they were going to become friends, that this was a good start. Abraxas was elated that Jack liked Hermione enough to think to get her something on her birthday and it gave him the idea to ask if McGonagall would get Hermione a charm as well.
Now he stood at her front door and before he could knock the door opened to reveal Hermione all dressed up as he had requested. Only this time, he had the chance to really appreciate her.
She's dressed in the blue dress the first night that they had met, with the hem ending just above her knees. The dress is also very form fitting similar to the one she wore earlier in the week, but there was something about the blue color that made her more enticing. The dress showed off her perfect chest, small waist, and small legs. She had put on makeup, which highlighted her golden eyes. For this occasion she had straightened her hair so that it fell to frame her heart-shaped face and on her wrist was the bracelet he bought her. The sight of her made his cock spur to life and in that moment he didn't care. He was too lost in the vision of beauty to try to will it away just yet.
The sound of her voice is what broke Abraxas out of his trance.
"Hi." She said blushing from his not so subtle appraisal.
Abraxas shook his head and managed to gain control of his erection before speaking."You look absolutely stunning."
"Thank you. You don't look so bad yourself." She said looking him in the eyes.
Without thinking, he moved forward and with his free hand he cupped her face. He bent forward and gave her a warm kiss on the forehead. He didn't know why he did it, but for some reason he needed to show her some other affection than just a hug or a hand kiss. He moved down so that he could be a few inches away from her ear and whispered, "Happy Birthday Poppet."
He moved back to look at her and gave her a smile as she moved so he could come in the house.
"I brought you some flowers and got you some other gifts that are in my pocket." He said walking towards the living room and heard her heels clacking against the wood as she followed him. He set them on her coffee table and pulled the packages out of his pockets to enlarge them. When they were enlarged, he set them next to the flowers and turned to look as Hermione sniffed the roses.
She looked up to smile at him and his heart skipped a beat. Merlin she is breathtaking.
"They're lovely Abraxas, thank you so much for the charm bracelet as well. You didn't have to get me anything else or anything at all really." She said taking his hands with her own and looked at him with sincere eyes.
"You're right. I didn't have to get you anything. I wanted to get you these things. I may have gone a bit overboard I'll admit, but oh well. You are a wonderful woman Hermione and you deserve to be treated as such. Now come on, we have reservations to make!" He said excitedly as he led her out of the living room.
Hermione and Abraxas landed on a busy street in what she recognized to be Wizarding London. With her hand firmly intertwined with his they began to walk down the sidewalk to wherever Abraxas had made them dinner reservations. As they turned to cross the road she took a minute to discretely look him over.
He was wearing a white button up shirt with a gray blazer that was left unbuttoned and a slim black tie. The blazer and shirt showed off his broad, elegant form. Gray fitted pants hung on his waist and his black shoes moved with grace next to her own. He had combed his hair back to his usual style and Hermione couldn't believe that a man like him wanted to be with a woman like her.
She looked up to find him looking at her and she blushed in response. Crap! Just once I'd like to get away with looking at him without him noticing.
Abraxas smirked at her embarrassment and vaguely wondered how far that blush went. He shook his head of wayward thoughts and continued to walk next to her.
"So will you tell me where we're going now?" She asked trying to hide her embarrassment of him catching her while ogling him.
"I'll tell you where we are eating, but you'll have to wait and see where I take you after that. It's a surprise." Abraxas said giving her hand a squeeze.
"Okay fine, where are we eating?" She said pretending to be annoyed at the fact that he still refused to tell her where they would be going after dinner.
"Well, you told me that first night we dined together that you love Italian food as much as I do. So I thought we could go there for dinner." He said giving her a glance out of the corner of his eye to engage her reaction and was pleased when he saw her smile.
"Italian food sounds wonderful." She said softly with a smile.
They continued to walk with Abraxas pointing out London landmarks and shops that he thought Hermione had never seen before. Hermione could have told him that she had been here before, but in actuality she really hadn't. This was 1962 Magical London and so many things were different than the Magical London forty years in the future. So she listened intently as he described all the things he deemed important in his baritone voice that could make even her swoon.
"Merlin Abraxas, you do know a lot about this part of London." She teased, wondering how someone could know so much. Then again she was a know it all herself.
"Well, when you have a grandfather and father like mine, who every time we come down here tell me what I've told you over and over again. It's hard not to learn a thing or two." Abraxas said giving her a playful wink.
He had seen the way she hung on to his every word as he talked and felt himself flush with happiness as they continued down the road. He had never met a woman that would listen so intently to his rambling on about landmarks in Magical London. Even Jack had told him to sod off when he started to tell him about a few things. She really is something special.
Most people they passed glanced at him, and women in particular quite openly stared, some clearly trying to catch his eye and smiling. Hermione felt a pang of jealousy, but noticed that their looks were not reciprocated, and felt elated that he didn't spare them a second thought. She received many glares from the woman whose attentions were not reciprocated, but Hermione gave them a simple cheesy smile in return. Not caring how stupid she looked, but blushed again when she heard a deep chuckle from Abraxas. Can I not get one moment to revel in the fact that he's mine? Well, mine for now. She thought bitterly but banished the thought. Like he said we will cross that road when we come to it. Just live in the now Hermione.
They reached what seemed to be an old Italian restaurant and were quickly seated at Abraxas already reserved table for two. They were seated in a private corner of the restaurant where a candle sat on the immaculate table before them. They sat and studied their menus for a moment in silence, before Abraxas broke it.
"So did you receive anything from your family back home?" Abraxas asked looking at his menu rather than at her. He didn't want her to see the worry in his eye about the prospect of her going back home or the anger he might feel if her ex-boyfriend gave her something.
"Yes, my parents sent a card and some money. The same with my friends." She lied hoping that he bought it.
"We'll that's good. Nothing from the ex then I presume?" He asked trying to sound nonchalantly, but knew he had failed when he looked up to see her giggling at him.
"He forgot my birthday when we were together and it would have shocked me if he had remembered today." She said truthfully. I'm stuck in the past, so it would have surprised me if anyone back in my time sent me a gift.
"He forgot your birthday?" Abraxas sneered in annoyance. Whoever this prick was, if I ever get the chance to meet him, he would be beaten to a bloody pulp. He was glad he had now gone over the top, since she clearly didn't get what she deserved from the last tosser she had dated.
"Yep, when my other friend's sent me gifts while I was at school, he sent me nothing. Then when I visited him that weekend I asked him if maybe his owl got. I was generally just concerned with the owl's well being. But no the owl was fine, he just forgot and I got a hug from him as my present." She said shrugging at him. She wasn't a material woman, and she didn't care that he hadn't gotten her a gift. It was the fact that he had forgotten in the first place that angered her.
"Merlin, what a feckless moron. I may have done too much for your birthday, but I bloody well didn't forget it." Abraxas said looking into her whiskey colored eyes.
"I know, but you didn't …."
"Have to? Oh yes I did. You are my girlfriend and you will be treated like you deserve. Now, have you decided what you want to eat yet?" He asked sweetly and batted his eyes at her.
"I'll have the Fettuccine alfredo. What are we having to drink?" She asked knowing that it was customary to have wine with their choice of restaurant.
"I'll handle that. Let me just get the waiter." He waved his hand and the waiter appeared at their side.
"Miss?"
"Fettuccine alfredo, please."
"And sir?
"The same. And the best bottle of Merlot you have."
The waiter nodded, took their menus, and disappeared into the restaurant.
"So you know your way around a wine bottle?" She asked teasingly, since she had no knowledge of alcohol she would always defer to him.
"Not really, I just order what I like. You don't drink often?" Abraxas asked knowing he had never seen her with an alcoholic drink.
"I never know what to drink. I have no knowledge of what is good or bad." She said honestly.
"Well, I'll just have to change that." He said giving her a smile as she smiled back.
"Okay, but if you're just trying to get me drunk. Be warned I am the one at parties that falls asleep." She said remembering the first time she got drunk at Harry's twentieth birthday party. She had gotten terribly drunk and fell asleep on the couch at Grimmauld. She woke up with a long brown beard, courtesy of George. It was the last time she was ever drunk at a party.
"Poppet, I would never want to get you drunk. Especially now that you've told me you'll fall asleep on me." He said waggling his eyebrows suggestively, causing her to blush and him to chuckle. So refreshingly innocent.
The waiter arrived with their wine. She watched as Abraxas focused on the task at hand and, after glancing at the bottle, reached out to sniff the wine that had been poured into his glass. He looked to the waiter to nod and he proceeded to pour wine in Hermione's glass.
They fell into a comfortable silence. Both sipping at their wine until Hermione broke it nervously.
"So do you do this to all the witches you date?" She asked anxiously. The thought had been at the back of her mind all day, and she finally plucked up the nerve to ask. Silently hoping his answer would be no and it caused her to frown when he threw back his head to let out a loud laugh.
"No, I can honestly say that I have never felt compelled to do this for any other witch. You are the first. Don't get me wrong I am not a some playboy who feels the need to jump every witch he meets, but no one has ever caught my attention as much as you have." He said honestly.
"Really? Why?" She blurted out. Astounded that she was the only one he had done this much for.
"Well, to answer those questions let me ask you a few of my own. Answer them honestly." He said folding his hands in front of him.
"Okay."
"Do you care about how much family my money has?"
"No."
"So even if I were the same person just a little poorer you would still be sitting here?"
"Yes."
"Do you just want me for my looks?"
"No."
"Well there you have it. The woman that I tend to attract, only want me for those two things. You do not. Plus you're unlike anyone I have ever met. You're beautiful, but you have a love of books and knowledge. You're small, but can kick Jack's sorry behind within minutes. You are a complete contradiction and you have no idea how enticing you are to me." He said looking directly into her eyes as her face registered shock over his words. Has no one ever told her how special she is?
At first, she said nothing, and Abraxas thought maybe he had insulted her in some way, but then she spoke softly.
"Thank you Abraxas. You didn't have to say all of those kind things." She said still in shock. Enticing? Me? Good mother of merlin did he say beautiful. She was confused further when he laughed again.
"See there you go again. You thank me but then tell me that I don't have to say things that are truthful. Contradiction down to the tee." He said warmly, his smile wide with his gray eyes glittering with affection.
Silence once again hung over them, but neither made an effort to break it. They simply stared at each other, both wondering what the other could be thinking.
After a while, their food arrived and after the usual inspection that people give on receiving a plate of food, Hermione smiled across at him.
He picked up his glass and raised it to her, "To a very Happy Birthday."
With a smile she raised her glass in cheers, put it to her to her lips to drink. Then they both set about enjoying their food.
They talked easily after receiving their food. She asked about his future job at the family business, he questioned her more about her past. Being a woman, she tended to dominate the conversation inadvertently, she had never met a man who wanted to know so much about her. He listened attentively and seemed to always have a question or two for her showing that he really was genuinely interested in what she had to say.
They didn't stay long after the waiter cleared their plates and wine glasses. Abraxas had other plans and he needed to be there on time.
After paying the bill, they got up to leave. Hermione thanked him for a wonderful dinner as they gathered their belongings and headed towards the door his hand reaching for hers on the way out. With that, they left the Italian restaurant and headed out into the Magical London streets.
They walked down the end of the street where Abraxas touched an old sign and Hermione felt the pull of a portkey. Abraxas and Hermione were transported to an alleyway behind what she could make out to be as an old building. Before she could question him, she was pulled down the alley toward the front of the building.
The sound of cars going by in the street was around them under the light of the adjacent street lamps as Abraxas led her down the unfamiliar sidewalk. She had no idea where they were going, but wherever it was it had to be muggle.
"Are you going to tell me now where we are going?" Hermione asked, pressing herself close to Abraxas since she had no idea where she was. She continued to look around, but failed to recognize anything in sight.
"Nope." He said grinning slowly, a shadow of mischief plaguing his face.
She sighed knowing that this battle was futile and resigned herself to being led to their destination. Still not having any idea at all to what lay in store.
It was when they stopped in front of a building that had a large black arch jutting out across the sidewalk above with a neon sign that said 'The Hall'. Once again, Abraxas pulled Hermione before she could utter a word.
They entered through the double doors and the first thing Hermione noticed was the sound of music. As they advanced forward, the music got louder until Hermione was face to face with what Abraxas had been keeping a secret.
He had taken them to a dance hall. Around her were several immaculate tables adorned with a single candle and rose on a white table cloth that were placed around a large wooded dance floor that was currently being occupied by a handful of couples slow dancing. She saw a stage meant for a band, but it was empty so the music had to have been coming from a radio or turntable through speakers. She looked around the area to see the teal painted walls and vaguely noticed a bar in the distance before turning to look at Abraxas.
Abraxas looked on as she inspected her surroundings and willed his hands to stop shaking with worry. He had no idea if she would like this idea or not, but when she turned around and gave him a smile that made his heart beat awkwardly he sighed in relief.
"Worth the wait then Poppet?" He asked bringing her hand up to his mouth to kiss lightly.
"Definitely worth the wait. How did you know I liked to dance?" Hermione asked still smiling and blushed as he kissed her hand.
"I took a guess and hoped you would. Though I am extremely relieved that you like dancing. Now, let's go over to our table." He said leading her to an empty table near where they were standing.
"You said you hadn't spent much time in muggle places, but now you've taken me to two." She said as he pulled out her chair for her to sit down.
"Ah, that is because they are the only two places I know of. Both because of Jack." He said taking his own seat.
"Jack knows this place?" She said surprised. Hermione couldn't picture him the dancing sort of man.
"His parents used to come here with mine when they were alive. They only play slow music; it's why they liked it so much. Then when I was thinking of things to do for your birthday, this place popped into my head. So I came down here about a week ago and made reservations for us." He said fondly looking at the beautiful woman across from him and looked her over again in the dim light of the dance hall. Her golden brown eyes are looking back at him with an emotion he couldn't place. Her small, angelic face turning a soft pink as he inspected her over. Her brown hair straightened for the occasion elegantly framing her face. This woman was attractive to him and it was taking every bit of his self-control not to kiss her.
"Well I feel honored that you thought to bring me here." She said trying not to swoon over the look he was giving her. Never in her life had she been so attracted to a man.
"Honored indeed. Would you like something to drink before we dance the night away?" He said smirking.
"Water is fine." She said knowing that if she were to drink coffee or tea that she would have horrible breath and since she was about to be so close to him that would not be good.
"Alright, I'll be back." He said rising from the table and heading over to the bar.
She watched as he strode over to the bar and ordered their drinks. Hermione muttered a breath-minting spell and felt the cool mint wash over her tongue just in case. He came back with their drinks and together they sipped their drinks silently watching the forms on the dance floor.
"This place plays nothing but oldies." He whispered as the song faded around them and the next one began.
Hermione's ears perk up when she hears the familiar tune of "Earth Angel" playing throughout the dance hall.
Without asking, Abraxas reached for Hermione's hand that lay on the table across from his own. He pulled her up from her seat and made her join him out on the dance floor along with the other couples. He stepped before her, resting a hand on her hip and raised their joined hand together like he was taught in his lessons as a child. Silently cursing and thanking his mother for making him attend. Because if he hadn't he would have looked a fool in front of the beautiful witch who he was lucky enough to call his own.
"Have I mentioned how utterly beautiful you look this evening?" He asked leaning in past her face, so that his lips were just barely brushing up against her ear.
Hermione shivered with their closeness and willed her heart to stop beating frantically. The music filled her ears, drowning out any further sounds or the other couples around them. She focused all her energy on not stepping on his feet and allowing herself to get lost with his movement. Live a little Hermione.
Their legs rubbed close together as they moved, each step in tune with song that was playing overhead, and their bodies moving in sync.
Abraxas held her hand high and proud, while his chiseled chin was raised and his mercury eyes looked down at her. She had been close to him several times over the course of their relationship, but tonight felt like this was the first time she really had the chance to look at him. His sharp jaw had a no traces of facial hair that made Hermione question how he was able to achieve that close of a shave. His nose was perfectly cut and his eyebrows were shaped in a similar fashion as Lucius's and Draco's that made her think that it was another family trait. He was an incredibly handsome man inside and out. Which made Hermione feel more guilt knowing that she may or may not have to leave this wonderful wizard behind.
"Poppet." Abraxas said as he playfully and slowly span her around in front of him. Their bodies still vey close.
"What?"
"Like what you see?" He asked grinning down at her.
"Yes." She answered honestly, blushing all kinds of red as she heard and felt him chuckle deeply.
"Well just to let you know, the feeling is mutual." He said looking at her seriously, still moving to the rhythm of the music.
They danced for another five songs before Hermione needed the restroom. She came back to find Abraxas sitting at their table waiting for her. She took her seat across from him and gave him a warm smile.
"Getting tired Poppet?" He said looking her over seeing a bit of exhaustion in her features.
"Just a tad." She answered honestly.
"How about one more dance and I'll take you home?" He asked hearing the song that was playing fade away and the beginning of "I Only Have Eyes Have You" by The Flamingos.
"Okay."
"Good, because I absolutely love this song." He said taking her hand and leading her over to the dance floor once again.
Abraxas pulled Hermione closer than he did the first time. His intense gray eyes were on her, as if he pictured the two of them as the only ones in the room and as they slowly swayed to the music, his hand pulling hers in close between them, she felt like they were.
He was so slow and delicate with her, enjoying the feeling over her warmth and inhaling the scent that he found absolutely mouth watering. He looked deeply into her brown eyes feeling his heart beat strangely in his chest.
Hermione felt her breath hitch, as he looked her over; it was enough to make her throat dry at the way he looked at her with tender eyes. As if sensing her apprehension, he tightened his grip on her hand and pressed her closer against him by the hand on her lower back, leaving no space between them.
The music slowly faded from her ears where ironically all she could see was him, only feel the way he was holding her so close and only heard their mingled breaths.
Abraxas watched with calculating eyes as her face grew content. Pleased to see that she was enjoying herself as much as he was, Abraxas began to commit this moment among others to memory. Like the way she blushed scarlet when she was caught staring at him, the way she bit her lip when she was thinking, and how her eyes seemed to see right through him. She drove him mad with just a single touch and his restraint was beginning to crumble.
Hermione looked up to see how close their faces were. She could just barely feel the start of his strong jaw and could feel the ghost of his breath on her face. Hermione battled inwardly on whether or not to lean and take advantage of what was beginning to feel just so right.
Abraxas made the decision for her.
He touched her lips softly. His hand moved to cup the side of her face to comfort her for the intrusion of his lips and was relieved when she didn't instantly recoil at his bluntness.
They were motionless against one another, only his fingers slid down around her neck. She felt powerless to this man's lips and was absolutely shocked that he had closed the distance between them.
Hermione felt as his gentle lips moved over hers. His kiss was sincere and she could feel the restraint behind it. It was unlike anything she had ever felt before, her past experience with kissing was nothing compared to the feelings he was emoting from her, she found herself willingly pressing up against him further, encouraging him to move with her.
Taking the hint, he soon slid his lips over hers again, testing the waters by slightly opening her mouth with his own.
He was taking it slow with her and Hermione couldn't help but be thankful. He had really taken what she had said to heart. She felt their chins graze as he enveloped his lips with her own. She raised one of her own hands to rest on his neck, feeling the softness of his skin leaving the other one firmly on his waist.
Abraxas pulled away from her slowly to asses her comfort level. He knew that there was a chance he might have just crossed the line. He needed to know if she was feeling just as happy as he was. That had been the best kiss of his life by far and needed to know if she felt the same way.
Her eyes opened slowly to the look at the man in front of her. She saw his gray dilated eyes trying to Asses her. Probably trying to see if he overstepped his boundaries.
Kissing her had been his mission from the moment they stepped into the dance hall; he never thought he'd pluck up the nerve to do it. Now that he had tasted her, he wondered how long he could go without kissing her again.
They continued to gaze at each other as if in their own bubble, completely unaware of the music playing or the other couples around them. His steel gray eyes dazzled her and she slowly rubbed circles into the skin on his neck. The feelings she was emoting from him made him to pull her closer to him.
"Abraxas…"
Hearing his name fall from her lips in such a husky fashion caused him to lose the small control that he had as he pressed his lips against hers again. He felt her melt against him and smiled into the kiss.
Their lips slid over one another's with ease. He parted her lips with his own while keeping the pace slow. His lack of tongue made her crave more of him. They melted into each other, not knowing where the other began or ended.
He slid a hand behind her neck, laying his fingers around the base. His urgency began to take over, but he softened himself with another taste by finally slipping his tongue between her lips and was delighted when he heard a small moan of satisfaction. He was testing his limits and enjoying every minute of it.
Slow sensual kisses were what pulled them apart and brought them out of their bubble. The sounds around them began to fill their ears as they heard music and the sounds of the dance hall around them bringing their exploration to an unwanted end.
Hermione sighed as they parted. Her eyes opened slowly, to see Abraxas again staring at her. Déjà vu.
"Did I cross the line?" He asked, his voice husky from their kisses.
"No." She said giving him a reassuring smile and felt elated when he gave her a smile in return. She was in terrible danger of falling head over heels for him and in that moment she didn't care.
If you want to hear the songs in this chapter I put a link below to both. Just copy and paste. Please Review, it inspires me to write faster.
Earth Angel- The Penguins
/VJcGi4-n_Yw
I Only Have Eyes For You- The Flamingos
/xFnIwX7C8i8