Sorry it's been a while. Life has been crazy. I've been busy with work and basketball and babysitting and haven't found time to write lately. I haven't forgotten about the story. I promise! Thanks so much for the reviews. Please keep them coming.

Chapter 23

Results

May 5, 1999

Malfoy Manor

"Mother!" Draco's voice rang through the large manor. "I know you are here. Roddy and I are here for lunch!"

"Well hello Draco! Roddy. What do I owe this pleasure?" Narcissa asked.

"We are here to eat lunch with you. I owled you this morning." Draco chimed.

"Well yes, I know you are here to eat, but you don't generally stop by. What is going on?" Narcissa asked.

"We will talk about it over lunch, alright?"

"Fine, Draco. Lunch is ready. Gloomy finished it up not ten minutes ago. Oh, Roddy, dear, it's great to see you again."

Narcissa reached up and kissed his cheek. Roddy kissed her cheek back. "Thank you for having me in your home, it's been a long time." Roddy added

They sat down to eat. "So Draco. You going to tell me what is going on?" his mother asked in a rather demanding tone.

"Fine. Fine. Well, you know I've been helping Roddy out with an investigation, right?" His mother nodded, "Good, well things were getting really bad and we asked Hermione Granger to come in and help us, and well then things got worse and we involved Harry Potter and Ron Weasley." Draco answered.

"Oh dear, that's terrible. I'm sorry things were so bad Roddy. You'll have to tell me more about it later." Narcissa added.

Draco continued, "Well we figured out that the person casting the curse was someone that was suffering from PTSD, well Hermione and Harry figured it out. They were having flash backs from the war. Anyways, the perpetrator was at the memorial and then stayed for the Ravenclaw party. We think that Hermione went to go talk to the head boy who is in Ravenclaw and this guy overheard them talking. He cast an imperius curse on the head boy, Luke, and commanded Luke to kill Hermione using a specific curse. We were all heading to Hogsmeade yesterday and Luke tried to cast the curse but I noticed what he was doing and the curse hit me instead. Potter healed me right there, but I did lose a fair amount of blood." Draco took a breath and he could see the color in his mother's face draining. "Mother, I'm fine. I have been cleared by Madam Pomfrey. Potter was able to heal all of my wounds right away and Luke didn't hit anything major so I am perfectly fine. I just wanted to let you know. I didn't really think that this was something I should keep from you."

"Thank you, Draco. I'm glad you told me and I'm glad that you are okay. Roddy, did you catch the guy who put this Luke under the imperius and the guy that you've all been working so hard to find?" Narcissa asked.

"We haven't caught him yet, but we are looking. We do know who we are looking for now though. My boss put together an amazing team and they are out looking for him now. He has an international portkey that he's free to use whenever and where ever so we're going to have a harder time, but we'll get the bastard. Johnny Ray is the best." Roddy reassured.

"Draco, I would like to get to know Hermione, if you are serious about seeing her. You need to bring her by the house soon for dinner." Narcissa took a breath and continued, "You stepped in the line of a serious curse for that girl, you must have real feelings for her. I want to get to know her."

Draco nodded. He knew he'd have to bring Hermione around eventually, but he wanted to do it after their vacation. He figured his mother had other plans.

May 6, 1999

Granger House

Draco and Roddy floo'd to Hermione's parents and brought with them dinner. Roddy had cooked. Draco was impressed he could cook, Draco could make eggs and tea and that was about it. They prepared the table and waited for everyone else to arrive. Harry and Ron arrived next. They said Hermione was running a few minutes late. She had told them via their charm and to not worry she'd be in shortly. The boys sat and watched T.V. and waited for Hermione.

Once she arrived everyone sat and ate. They discussed the case.

"The team has been to his house, work, friends, and girlfriend's house. Nothing. They've found nothing. They did find a computer and they have the best muggle expert in the country working on it. Y'all, I just want this bastard caught. I'm tired of this shit. Johnny Ray and I have worked more hours on this case than the other teams have worked on anything in about a year." Roddy whined.

"We all want this bastard caught." Ron chimed in.

They discussed the case some more. Hermione said she see if Luke knew anything else. They watched a movie and Ron and Harry headed out. Draco, Roddy, and Hermione decided to go and get some ice cream. Hermione said she'd take the car out. Roddy was like a kid in a candy shop. He was so excited.

"Ron and Harry are going to be so pissed when they've found out I've ridden in the 'Vette before they have." Roddy giggled like a little girl as he climbed in the back seat. Hermione put the roof down. The weather was beautiful and they headed to the local ice cream shop.

Once they returned to Hermione's house Hermione made some tea and they sat down at the table.

"Roddy, are you going to need my help, well our help, with things with Michael?" Hermione asked.

"I was just talkin' to Johnny Ray about that this morning, and I don't think so. We are more than grateful for everything y'all've done, but right now we think the team can handle it. Does this upset you?" Roddy asked.

"No, not at all. We were all very happy to help you out. I'm so glad we've at least been able to figure out who is killing those poor people and why. I am not offended or upset in the least that you don't need my help right now. I doubt the boys will be mad either. Of course, we will be more than willing to help you out anytime you need it." Hermione answered.

"Of course, Johnny Ray and I will notify all y'all if we need anymore help. We can't even begin to express our gratitude. Once we catch this bastard we shall all try to get together. Have a party or something, cause, damn, I need one, so does Johnny Ray and the rest of the team will need it and if it wasn't for y'all we wouldn't even be this far. We owe y'all alot. I'll be heading back to the Sates on Sunday. I'm still here just to make sure Draco is doing alright."

"I don't need a damn babysitter, Rod!" Draco growled.

"I don't care if you need one or not, I'll be here for a few more days. You're stuck with me whether you like it or not!" Roddy laughed.

Soon the tea was gone and Roddy said he'd leave them alone so long as Hermione promised to floo back with him whenever they were finished. She agreed and Draco just grumbled something about not needing a damn babysitter or mother and he could manage well enough for himself. Roddy and Hermione, both, chose to ignore him.

Once Roddy was gone they headed back to the living room and settled in on the couch.

"Have you started to apply to any places for once we get back from our very extended and well deserved vacation?" Draco asked.

"Actually, I have. I've applied for an internship at St. Mungo's as an apprentice to a healer and then I've also applied to the research department at St. Mungo's. I've talked to Headmaster McGonagall and she said that she would love to have me come and be a teacher's assistant for a term to see if I enjoyed it. She said to let her know, she said she know's I'm in serious need of a break. As for Auror work, I'll apply for something when I get back from our trip. I figured I've got three eggs in the basket right now. I'm not trying to overload."

"That sounds wonderful, Hermione! When will you hear back from anything at St. Mungo's?" Draco asked.

"I'm not sure. I just sent them in a few days before the memorial. Draco, where are we going to go on our vacation?" Hermione asked.

"Well, I figured we'd go to Australia first, and spend as much time as we need there to get everything straight with your parents. Then we could head to New Zealand, Philippines, Japan, China. Then we could hit up some Israel, Jordan, Egypt, then Greece, Romania, Italy, Spain, France, Austria, Germany, Sweden, Denmark. We could even go to America if we wanted too. I know Roddy would love to have us. I know that seems like alot, but think about it 6 months is a long time. If we decided we don't want to go somewhere we don't have too, and if we want to go somewhere else we can. Those were just my ideas. What you think?" Draco asked rather sheepishly.

"I think that all sounds lovely. I think it will be an exciting adventure! I can't wait!" Hermione smiled up at him. She pressed her lips to his and took his breath. He kissed opened his mouth and she kissed him deeply. He leaned in and deepened the kiss. He ran his hands over her entire body. He wanted to feel her. He wanted to be in her.

She wanted him to rip off all of her clothes and passionately make love to her. She wanted to feel him inside of her. She wanted to feel him. She wanted to get to know the ins and outs of his body. She wanted to know ever scar and every birthmark. She wanted to know him.

He slid his hands underneath her shirt and cupped her breasts outside of her bra. He began to rub them. He pulled her shirt off her and unclasped the bra and she slid her arms out. He stared at her. She was beautiful. Her breasts weren't large but they were firm and soft at the same time. He brought his hands up to them and gently squeezed them. She let out a gasp. He stopped. "Don't stop, Draco." She groaned.

He didn't. He pressed his lips to hers and began to rub the pads of this thumbs around her breasts. Her nipples hardened and he kissed his way down her neck sucking along her collar bone. His mouth found its way to each breast. He kissed and sucked and licked each one. He took great care to get to know each one very well. He took note of the things that made Hermione groan or sigh.

She raked her hand through his hair. She wanted him so badly. He was teasing her only playing with her breasts. She knew it was better to wait, but damn it, she wanted him.

He made his way back up to mouth. He needed to stop. If he didn't stop now he wouldn't be able too. He was almost at the point of no return now. He pulled his mouth off of hers and leaned back on the couch.

"We should stop." He breathed still staring at her and drinking her all in.

"I know. I know." She whispered. She leaned over and kissed him one more time before grabbing her bra. She got dressed and told him they'd better go back to their own beds tonight or they might do something they regret.

He grudgingly agreed and they stepped into the floo and headed to Draco's flat.

May 10, 1999

Malfoy Manor

Draco apparated into the manor. He needed to talk to his mother. He needed to talk to her before he could bring Hermione over.

"Gloomy, where is Mother?" Draco asked the house elf.

"She is in the parlor taking her tea. Would you like to join her, Master Draco?" Gloomy replied.

"Yes, Gloomy. I would like to join her. May I please have some Earl Grey? I know my mother likes green tea in the early afternoon and I would prefer something else."

"Of course, sir. Follow me."

"Thank you, Gloomy." Draco smiled down at the house elf and followed the elf to the parlor. This was his childhood elf, and the one he liked the most. He even named the poor thing. Gloomy and Dobby had been cousins and Draco had taken a liking to Gloomy. He named him that because he always looked so sad, unlike Dobby who was always smiling. He thought about taking Gloomy to his flat, but he'd have more to do here, at The Manor, and it's better to keep him busy.

"Draco, what a pleasant surprise. What do I owe this pleasure?" Came Narcissa articulate words.

"Mother, I'm here to talk to you about a few things. They aren't very pleasant things, really either."

"Well, I guess you should get on with it then. I guess you feel it is absolutely necessary otherwise you wouldn't be here."

"Well Mother, first I need to tell you that I've been doing a great deal of soul searching these past couple months. I never realized how angry, bitter, hurt, and upset by the way things happened in my life until Hermione came into my life. She has shown me things I never thought I'd see. She made me feel ways I didn't know I was capable of. I've experienced this amazing thing, forgiveness." Draco took a breath and looked at his mother.

He continued, "Mother, I never realized how amazing it feels to forgive and to get forgiveness. I had to ask Hermione for forgiveness and she asked for forgiveness as well. I did the same with Potter and Ron Weasley. It has been a huge weight lifted off my shoulders and I've felt better than I have, ever, I believe. Mother, I need to let you know that I've spent more than fair amount of time thinking about this and I need to tell you that I forgive you for everything. I forgive you for all but holding my arm out and having Voldemort put his mark on me. I forgive you for not sticking up for me with Father when you knew he was wrong. I forgive you for everything." There were tears streaming down Narcissa's face. "I no longer harbor any anger or hate or bitterness towards you for anything, Mother."

Draco had never seen his mother cry. He felt very strange seeing his mother cry. He didn't know how to feel. He hoped those tears were good tears, but he couldn't be sure.

He felt loads better now that he had told his mother that he forgave her.

Gloomy headed his mistress a handkerchief and she wiped the tears off of her cheeks and her chin and tried to mop up the tears that had landed on her shirt.

"Draco. Oh Draco." Narcissa got up and walked over to her son. She sat down beside and wrapped her arms around him. Draco didn't know what to do at first but then he wrapped his arms around her. His mother kept sobbing into his shoulder.

Draco wiped her tears and continued to hold his mother while she sobbed. He had never hugged his mother like this. There had been small light hugs through the years but never a real, true, honest hug.

"Draco. I'm so sorry. I wasn't a good mother to you. I allowed your father to push his bigoted ways onto you. I forced you to follow in his footsteps, even though I knew your heart wasn't like your father's. I am thankful that your heart wasn't as black as your father's. Oh, Draco. Please forgive me. Please. Draco. I'm so sorry, my boy. I'm so sorry. I love you, Draco. I never wanted any of that for you. I'm so sorry. I love you, oh I love you so much." She had tears on her cheeks again.

"Mother, I forgive you. I forgive you. I know you did what you thought was best. It's okay. I might have that mark on my arm, but that mark doesn't taint my heart. Mother, it's alright now. Mother, I love you too." Draco hadn't said those words to his mother since he was a young boy. They tasted strange coming out of his mouth, but he felt amazing saying them.

She looked up at him and smiled. "Draco. My precious baby boy. I love you." She calmed down and then asked, "What else did you need to talk to me about?"

"Mother, I want to bring Hermione over here for dinner one evening, but the only other time she was in The Manor she was tortured. I don't know how easy it will be for her to be here with that memory still very fresh in her mind. I know that the Malfoy Manor hasn't changed much in hundreds of years, but I really think we should redecorate and change some things."

His mother looked up at him again and smiled, again. "I do believe you are right. Things here are very out of date. I was actually thinking about redecorating myself, but I didn't know how you would feel about that."

"I believe it would make this place look much better. Thank you, mother. Thank you for understanding and for being willing to get to know Hermione. I really do care a great deal for her."

"Believe it or not, Draco, I never had much against muggle borns. I was more like Dromeda than I wanted to believe and more than I'd ever let anyone else know. I was so very in love with your father and so I followed him and his beliefs like a lost puppy. I never truly believed in the beliefs he felt so strongly about. Draco, your father wasn't always this way. Before Voldemort came into power, he was a much kinder person. He treated me like gold. He was very loving. He always had his blood prejudices but he wasn't the man you knew. I am ashamed of the man he became. That mark not only stained his arm, but his heart. I am ever so relieved that it wasn't able to get ahold of your heart. I'm glad you are stronger than that, and I'm glad to see that the Black is strong in you. It gives me some hope and makes me think I didn't fail completely."'

They continued to talk and Narcissa decided to get to work on the remodeling right away.

May 16, 1999

Hogwarts

McGonagall made her way into the Great Hall and was carrying a large amount of mail with her. She ate her dinner first and just had the mail sitting in front of her. Hermione knew what was in the mail. The results of her N.E.W.T.s. Hermione could barely eat knowing she was so very close to getting her results. Once the Headmistress finished her meal she made an announcement. Everyone but those who had taken a N.E.W.T. made their way out of the Great Hall.

"I'm very proud of each and every one of you. Your journey to get here has been much more difficult than any one else's. Your education has been interrupted many times in the past 8 years and you have seen things that most witches and wizards my age haven't seen. You've worked hard and your hard work has paid off. On that note, I'll call each of you up here to receive your results. You may open them whenever you please. The results have already been sent to the ministry and I have a copy here. This is your copy to do with as you please." Headmistress McGonagall took a deep breath. "Grace Vineyard, Luke McLaughlin, Seamus Finnigan, Dean Thomas, Neville Longbottom, Hannah Abbot" so on and so on. Hermione was waiting on pins and needles. Why hadn't the Headmistress called her name? Finally, "Hermione Granger." Hermione nervously made her way to McGonagall and her teacher and mentor just smiled at her and handed her the envelope. Hermione looked at it and walked out of the Great Hall. Luke and Neville were waiting for her outside the doors.

"Want to open them together?" Luke asked. Hermione just nodded.

She began to walk away then said, "In my room, come on, you too, Neville." They both followed her to her room.

"Ready for this?" Luke asked.

"You first, Luke." Hermione uttered.

Luke opened his and sighed, a sigh of relief. "I passed all of them. Oh, thank gods. I passed all of them." Luke remarked with visible relief.

"Neville, your turn!" Hermione chimed. She was getting more and more nervous but could tell Neville was about to pass out and decided to let him open his first. He only took three of them, but was still very nervous about results.

Neville slowly opened his and began to read. His voice came out very slowly and it was shaking, "I...I...I passed."

Hermione wrapped her arms around him. "I knew you could do it, Neville! I knew you could do it!"

Neville took a several deep breaths then looked at Hermione. "Your turn, 'Mione." Neville urged.

She slowly opened the envelope and flipped the letter open. She smiled, "I passed. All ten of them. I'm the only wizard or witch to ever attempt and pass all ten of them." She was seriously relieved.

Luke hugged her and Neville followed suit and kissed her on the forehead. "You've always been the smartest person I've ever known. Congratulations, 'Mione!" Neville professed.

"Thanks boys. Want a celebration glass of firewhiskey?" Hermione asked.

"You've got firewhiskey?" came Luke's surprised response.

"Yeah, I only drink it on special occasions and I'd say this is a very special occasion. You guys want some or not?" Hermione asked.

They both agreed. Hermione went and grabbed her firewhiskey and three tumblers. She poured each one of them a fair amount and they sat down and talked.

Calgary, Canada

Michael and been in Calgary for about two weeks. He had changed his name. He was now Bryan Smith for the time being. He figured he'd have to change his name the next time he moved. He was staying in a few run down muggle motels that were super cheap. He had gotten a muggle job stocking shelves. It was horribly boring work and could be accomplished much faster with use of his wand but that broke the International Statute of Wizarding Secrecy and then someone would be tracking him. He didn't need that. He hadn't killed anyone since he went to England. He still didn't know why he was on the run. All he wanted to do was to owl Luke or his mum and dad but some part of him wouldn't allow himself to do that. This other part of himself was getting antsy and Michael knew he would be moving on soon. He decided he would move on to Rochester, New York. He decided he'd stay till the end of his shift Thursday then head out to Rochester and hunt for a job and a place to stay.

May 20, 1999

Malfoy Manor

Draco and Hermione stood outside the gate to Malfoy Manor. Due to the extensive wards Draco and Hermione had to enter this way until Draco was able to change the wards.

"I'm nervous, Draco. The last time I was here it wasn't a very pleasant experience for me. I hope she likes me." Hermione chattered nervously.

"Love, things are different at the house, it isn't the same as it was when you were here last. Mother and I completely remodeled and redecorated almost the entire house. She is going to love you. Let's go on in." Draco urged.

They walked through the gates and up to the door. Hermione took a deep breath and Draco opened the door. He ushered her in. Gloomy was there to meet them at the door.

"Master Draco and lady friend. Let me take your jacket." Gloomy said as Hermione took off her jacket.

"Gloomy this is Hermione. You may call her Hermione." Draco said.

"Thank you very much, Gloomy." Hermione said with a smile. She had such a heart of house elves.

Gloomy lead them into the dining room. It was painted a light yellow and was very warm and friendly. It wasn't anything like Hermione imagine. She smiled.

"Draco. Hermione. What a pleasure to have you here. You ready to eat?" Narcissa greeted warmly. It had been a long while since she had wanted company in her house.

They sat down and began to eat. They talked about graduation and their upcoming trip. Hermione explained about her parents and the Hermione looked at Draco and remembered she brought something for him to open.

"Draco, I have something I want you to see." She handed him a letter. He opened it and began to read. A huge smile spread across his face.

"Oh, Hermione! Congratulations! I knew you could do it. Mother, Hermione took ten N.E.W.T.s and passed all ten of them. That's the most anyone has attempted and passed! You are amazing." Draco got up from his seat and walked over to Hermione and gently kissed her.

"Congratulations. Draco always said you were very smart. That is wonderful. I'm sure your friends are very proud." Narcissa responded with a smile. They continued to eat and then they took tea and desert on the back porch. The weather was very warm and the sun was setting. It was beautiful.

"Oh, this is lovely." Hermione gasped as she walked out the door. The gardens were blooming and everything was green and fresh.

"Draco, tomorrow Mrs. Weasley is having a small gathering to celebrate my N.E.W.T. results. We would like you to come. It's at The Burrow tomorrow at 2. Harry, Ron, Ashira, George, Neville, Luke, Seamus, and Dean will be there. It will just be a late lunch and a bit of cake. We would really like it if you would join us."

Draco agreed. He would gladly join Hermione and some of his new found friends for a meal and cake. Mrs. Weasley's cooking was wonderful. He'd be there.