Disclaimer: JKR owns all recognizable characters.

Dose of Your Own

By: OurLoveIsForever

Chapter Nineteen: Scheme

Life always takes the strangest courses. I learned that early on, but I had never expected my path to lead me to where I was sitting currently, leaning back into the arms of Draco Malfoy on the grass behind Malfoy Manor. The birds were singing, the sky was blue, and we were safe.

It was as if everything had happened to simply bring us together, as strange as that sounds. I had always believed that everything happened for a reason. Now, it seemed that I was completely right in my assumptions.

I felt completely at ease, relaxed. His fingers traced my arm from where my sleeves ended to my hand and back, causing me to shiver. "Best shag?"

My nose scrunched. "You're so bloody obnoxious."

He chuckled. I could feel the rumbling through his chest which I was propped up against. "And you are avoiding the question."

Sighing, I knew with it being the fifth time in the past hour he had asked the question, I would have to answer eventually. We had been sitting outside for nearly two hours simply talking. I really couldn't say what had brought it on. It was sadly born. I had spent the evening at Malfoy Manor as my flat was being repaired. I, of course, was forbidden to leave seeing as though two very dangerous Death Eaters were still at large. Lady Malfoy had been ready for my stay, having new clothing prepared by the house elves before I even stepped foot into the guest accommodations.

Nott had disappeared since his spar with Draco. I assumed that he could only take so much stupidity at one time. That's not to mention, he had just dueled for his life. He had returned to Nott Manor to increase the wards, taking the Malfoy Ward book with him.

Zabini and Davis had left late into the evening on their way back to Zabini Manor.

Everything felt wonderful.

Especially the kiss that Draco placed on my shoulder. "You know that won't work." I whispered, turning my head to face him. "Verifying with whomever I have slept with won't verify if I am a good-" He caught my mouth with his before I could say anything more. I lifted my right hand to hold the back of his head, pushing my fingers through his platinum hair. After a long moment, he pulled back with a wily grin. His arms wrapped around me possessively as I ran my fingers along his arms as he had done mine. A three-inch scar lay at the upper part of his left forearm. I stared at length before running the tips of my fingers along it as well. I could feel him tense.

"Do you regret it?" I whispered. I thought perhaps that my question would go unheard in the mid-afternoon breeze.

He didn't move. "I regret nothing I have ever done, Astoria."

"Nothing?" I repeated, knowing that I certainly had things that I had come to regret. How could he—

"I can admit to mistakes, but I do not regret them."

I nodded, understanding the concept. I felt somewhat the same and though there may have been a few things that I regretted, I wouldn't admit to them. It was a question of pride and pride was something that we had in spades. "Admitting to mistakes is hard enough, but proclaiming to regret them is something completely different." I said slowly formulating each word.

"In a philosophical mood, Greengrass?" He quipped, pushing me forward so that he could stand. He wasn't all too gentle with the motion. His tenderness, if that was what one would call it, could only last so long before it was swallowed by his usual crass self. "I never thought you one for deep words."

I scoffed, narrowing my eyes up at him. The intense sunlight was blinding me. "I can speak intelligently from time to time."

"Big surprise, that." He replied, holding out a hand to help me up. I stared at him as if he had lost his mind. "I'm not contagious." Draco smirked straightening his fingers. "Or so the Healers tell me."

Smirking a bit, I took hold of his hand for him to pull me up. He did so with ease, a ghost of a smile on his face. I wondered just what he was so happy about.

"Need to lose a bit there, Greengrass. That was a difficult task I just set about there." Malfoy chuckled, tucking his hands into his pockets. I gave him a fierce glare before measuring a response.

"Yes, I find that very insulting but you know that you might want to look into hair re-growth potion. It can't be healthy to be losing hair so early." I answered back, grinning like a fool. He let go of my hand as if it were on fire. I knew instantly that I had won the spar. I let out an almost cruel laugh as I moved toward the back entrance of the house leaving him frozen behind me. As I entered the house, I turned to see him still staring at me as if I had sprouted horns or something of the like. "Are you quite alright?"

"'Quite alright?'" Draco muttered, almost indignantly. "Have you no shame?"

"Sure, I do. I just ignore it." I smiled, swinging the heavy oak back door wide. "You may want to come inside—"

"He will want to come inside." A voice said behind me. I glanced back into the conservatory, through the small plants and such to see Nott leaning in the doorway, his arms crossed over his chest. Feeling my good mood expanding with the sight of him, I smiled even broader. When he failed to even attempt a smile back, my exuberance faded. "Malfoy!" Nott called past me to the man standing just outside. "There is a visitor from the Ministry."

Draco was at my side in an instant, his hand raking though his hair. Perhaps that was what caused so much hair to be thinning at such an early age. Nervous habit? Not that he would admit to a 'nervous' habit. He stopped just beside me, his eyes completely void of emotion again. They looked to Nott for further information.

"This man is not forthcoming with any information. He simply asked to see Miss Greengrass. Though he, and I may add I as well, is curious why she is staying here." Nott didn't budge from his position in the opposite door.

"Convenience." Draco smirked, pulling the door closed behind him. I elbowed him hard in the abdomen for which I received a dark glare. "You know those two bloody maniacs are still free. The wards are safer here than at her flat. That's not to mention that it will be awhile before that hut is repaired." I sent him a fierce look, which he ignored.

"She would be just as safe—" He gave Draco a strange leering expression to which the man beside me smirked. "Or perhaps safer if she were to stay with me."

"You're not her damn protector, Nott!" I looked to Draco throwing his hands in the air in frustration. "She's a grown woman and fully capable of making decisions herself." For once in his life, Draco was speaking the honest truth. "I can't help it that she chose to remain here for my bodily needs." And then that pride…

"Yes," I purred, sliding a hand sensuously down his chest. My eyes held a look of almost uncontrollable hunger. I could tell the effect that my lust deepened voice and slightly 'sexy' movements were having on him when he glanced down, irritated. I deadpanned, withdrawing my hand and losing all expression. "I certainly am not staying for your intelligence." With a huff, I turned to leave the room, Nott following slightly behind me, a pleased smile on his face.

"You know, pissing him off is awfullyentertaining." Nott said with a grin. "He honestly thinks that I am seeking you romantically or something."

"Or something?" I laughed, shaking my head. "That's handsomely vague, Nott." He gave me a withering look as I comically batted my eyes in his direction.

We continued talking until we reached the dining room. Normally, the room remained closed off, but it seemed that it had been opened for the guest sitting at the opposite end beside Lady Malfoy. She looked none too pleased to be playing the hostess to the great brute.

Demidov glanced up upon my arrival. I felt my back straighten at the almost immediate wave of hatred I felt for him. Just one simple glance was all it took to have me wishing I were better at charms and curses or that I hadn't left my wand in my room.

He gave me a curt nod before motioning for us to sit somewhere along the table. This, of course, was not his home so he really had no right, if one considered manners, to ask me to sit. I gave Narcissa Malfoy a measured look before she nodded.

"I have been sent to act as a liaison between the Ministry and Miss Astoria Greengrass." Demidov said haughtily holding up a bit of rolled parchment. I bristled at his condescending tone. "Miss Greengrass, do you not reside in a flat on Diagon Alley?"

"I would, if not for the fact that there are two crazed Death Eaters who are still free due to the Ministry's negligence." I ground out, fisting my hands under the edge of the table. The buffoon was lucky I didn't have my bloody wand.

He gave me an appraising glance. "I suppose that subject is neither here nor there." I nodded sharply hearing the rustling of clothing at the other end of the room. I could literally feel Draco's presence now. There was an 'aura' of hatred emanating from the doorway. I didn't bother to turn 'round to see his face. I could have guessed it was contorted with rage. "I am here to purpose an offer."

"Any offer that you have could not possibly sway—"

"The capture of Carrow and Crabbe is pretty nice incentive, would you not say?"

I jerked back, looking to where Nott sat. Behind him, by the doors, stood Draco, his arms crossed over his chest. His eyes were narrowed dangerously. I turned back to Nott who wore the same expression as he glared toward Demidov. They were both ready to kill. This man certainly didn't know what he had walked into. "What is it the Ministry wants exactly?"

Demidov steepled his large fingers in front of his chest, leaning back into his chair. "We want evidence to raid the Greengrass estate."

"You must be joking." Nott nearly shouted, throwing his chair backward. I jerked at the suddenness of it.

The auror's hand rose slowly, pausing Nott momentarily. "I do not jest, Mister Nott. This has been decided by the Head of the Magical Law Enforcement office himself."

"That is a suicide mission." Lady Malfoy said slowly, shaking her head. "You would send her to her death?"

"No." Draco's voice came from the opposite side of the room. I sighed, leaning back in my chair as well. "I won't allow it." His voice was so dodgy that even I felt threatened.

Demidov almost rolled his eyes but seemed to think better of it before placing his elbows on the table. "I'm sorry. I believe I was asking Miss Greengrass." His eyes turned back to me, pinning me down with a stern gaze. I knew I had seen a look like that before…It almost reminded me of my father, the cold flash of irritation. "You would go into the Greengrass home under the guise of some story or other. You would find any evidence possible to allow us to raid the Manor."

"You do realize, Demidov, that I am still a Greengrass by blood?" I snapped, irately. I was sure that it appeared as if snakes were hissing in my hair. "Rather foolish, isn't it, to seek help from a wee little Pureblood girl, the daughter of a known Dark Lord supporter? Can you not figure another way into the house, another way to capture these lunatics? Apparently not, if you are coming to me."

He shrugged. "We go with the path of least resistance, Miss Greengrass, you know that path well enough, correct?" A low jab at Slytherin heritage? Did this man really want help or did he have a death wish? "While I am sure that you enjoy taking the piss out of the Ministry, I must say that this is the best plan that any of us can come up with."

"It's a load of rubbish if you ask me." Draco muttered.

"This load of rubbish may just save that cowardly neck of yours, Mister Malfoy."

I grimaced as within seconds three wands were pointed at one. I remained seated while the others stood, their wands pointing directly at the bulky man at the end of the table. What a headache! "Mister Demidov, could you tell me under what guise you would like me to take? You may want to be aware that I do not have the best of relationships with my parents. Simply prancing into the—" I paused and gave Nott a smirk partly out of humor and partly to diffuse the situation. "Snakes' pit would prove both ignorant and deadly. Your plan is only half-assed and I find that irritating."

Demidov's expression became almost quizzical as he looked at me. I kept my face passive. The moment passed quickly when he lowered his wand. "The three of you have threatened an Auror of the Ministry of Magic." Placing his wand on the table with a small click, he sighed. "That is grounds for imprisonment."

"Grounds for imprisonment, my ass! You-" Draco started to yell, but I cut him off earning a death glare.

"You knew the risks when you came here, Demidov. Let's be honest here," I leaned forward placing my forearms on the table. I felt at home, like I was showing my true nature at last as I narrowed my eyes at the man. The whole room was quiet, waiting for my words. "I could have you sent to Azkaban as well considering all of the bribes and pay-outs that you have to your name. It is enough to feed an army. That's not to mention that your dear wife is an unregistered werew—"

"How do you know this?" He spat, jerking back. His face was growing red with anger. I smirked, standing. I sensed that I had the upper-hand. I coiled like a predator, readying for the kill.

"Let's not get into technicalities here, Demidov." I smiled blithely, looking to the surprised faces of Draco and Nott. They were completely taken off guard and for the first time, I could visibly tell. My actions shocked them. "Don't you dare act as if you have one up on us! You will find yourself in the cell next door, sharing the same rat food, listening to the same screams. I promise...No, I swear to you that your life will become a living hell. I am not the most people..."

A wave of real fear passed over Demidov's hazel eyes. "I will not fall to the simple bullying of a child."

"No," I replied, shaking my head. "This does not amount to bullying, nor am I a child. I am a woman of Pureblood, a descendant of the Greengrass and Selwyn clans. When I threaten you, I mean it."

"And when I say that I will have you brought up on charges—"

"I will have to wonder when your trial date will be for I would simplylove to testify there. Not only I, but several others would help me out. I'll need to remember a tissue or two. I would suppose the scene would be a sad one when your wife is discovered. Real danger to society, that is. I hear that the repercussions of harboring an unregistered werewolf is considered a threat against the public health..." I shrugged, looking at the bewildered faces around me. I didn't know exactly what had taken over, but I knew that since I had sunk my teeth in the flesh, I couldn't let go till the beast was killed. I was a snake at heart. How could anyone expect anything else?

My eyes slipped momentarily to where Draco stood. His mouth was slightly open from the shock. As soon as he realized I was looking at him, his jaw snapped closed and he leveled a strange appraising expression at me before he grinned. "Perhaps we shall go to Greengrass Manor."

I blinked in surprise. "Just what are you—"

"We need a guise, correct?" He looked to Demidov who didn't dare move. "I have a plan."

Nott sighed irately, sliding into the chair beside me again, leaning back and locking his arms across his chest. "Well, do share." I almost laughed at his irritation.

Draco looked pleased as punch, like he had just outsmarted everyone in the room and was going to wave it about in our faces. His chin rose characteristically as he smirked wider and wider. "In accordance with tradition, I must ask Gregor Greengrass something very important, correct? I think that will buy enough time to find at least something of interest." I didn't react at first. His words not making complete sense in my mind until Nott shot out of his chair like a Lightning Strike Two-Thousand race broom.

"Hell no! Over my dead body!" Nott practically screeched, losing whatever cool and calm demeanor he had ever had. I would have rolled my eyes if the reality of what he had said had not hit me at that exact moment.

Ask? My father? He couldn't possibly mean… "I second the 'hell no'." I retorted throwing him a contemptuous glare. "Are you out of your head?"

Malfoy shrugged, noncommittally. "Perhaps. Not for real, Nott." He almost dramatically chuckled, raising his hand to cover his mouth. "Have you seen me purpose, Greengrass? It's only been two days, are you that desperate?" I had never been one for sneering but I felt the pull of my lips over my teeth as they bore at the man in front of me. "I mean you're a good snog and everything—"

"Shall we move on?" Lady Malfoy almost cried from across the table. "Son, what is this idea? Explain clearly for you have confused our companions."

Draco nodded, moving to walk around the table as he spoke. "If they believe we are getting married then they will allow us in." Malfoy's chest rose with pride.

"They hate me as much as the next person." I retorted, shaking my head at his cockamamie scheme. Completely off his rocker, that one. He just didn't bloody know it.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Narcissa's head shake back and forth. "No, I am sure that your mother will welcome back with open arms. You must play to her weakness. After all, I would guess that she simply wants your happiness." I wanted to retort that she didn't know my mother, but I restrained myself.

"That may be, but—"

"If you play up to their belief that you are foolish, you will have a good cover." I jerked my head around to stare at Nott. I couldn't believe it! Not him as well! His brows furrowed in thought. "It shouldn't be all that difficult." I glared at the insinuation. I raised my hand to give him a piece of my mind.

Demidov made a grunting sound of disapproval. "While your idea might work, it must be cleared—"

"Then clear it." Draco overrode, drawing an irritated breath to keep calm. "I am sure you do not need more incentive." His eyes glanced to me with a threatening glint.

Demidov blanched, making it a point not to look my way. "Certainly not, but you are not a member of the Aurors. You will not be allowed to go on a mission as a 'protector' of sorts. A approved Law Enforcement member could…"

"Oh?" Draco wondered, beginning to examine his fingernails in a bored fashion. To him, the conversation had ended a while ago, when his 'billiant' plan had been spoken aloud. "I stick my 'cowardly neck' out and I am denied?"

"It will not be approved." Demidov restated slowly almost as if talking to a petulant child.

I glanced to where Draco had sunk into a chair at the opposite side of the table. His feet kicked up to plant on the shining wood. The bottoms of his shoes were completely clean. I rolled my eyes at his antics, acting like a renegade teenager. He was obviously not going to listen to anything Demidov said, nor any of the rest of us. He had his mind set. Ultimately, I couldn't honestly, and in good conscience, ignore the genius of this plan. It was simple and clever, something that I could appreciate and see the finer qualities in. Slowly, I began to nod. If anyone could end this once and for all, I could. "It would be a pity, Demidov, if it were not approved for I will not go with anyone else."

"Are you out of your head? He's Draco Malfoy!"

Grinning, I gave Draco a sideways glance. "I trust him enough, so I suggest that you make the necessary arrangements." I shrugged. "It's up to you really. Send the non-Ministry Pureblood lamb into the danger or lose yourself several of your best Aurors in the effort for I know that my family will not go down without a fight."

Demidov let out a frustrated sigh before he stood, pushing the chair roughly out. I could tell that Narcissa Malfoy stood out of habit. His eyes flashed between glaring at Draco and I. Finally, he settled his gaze on Nott. "You're the only sane one here, aren't you?"

"Sometimes it seems so." Nott responded, motioning for Demidov to leave with a jerk of his head. "Sane and insane are relative terms really."

"True." Demidov agreed, stopping just at the doorway, turning back. "Greengrass, do you have any idea what you are doing?"

I shook my head, but couldn't stop a smirk from gracing my lips. I found a sick humor in it all. "Why, I'm going home, Mister Demidov."