Disclaimer: I don't own anything but my imagination and whatever else is in this story that doesn't make sense. I was inspired by another romance novel i read and J.K. Rowlings wonderful world. Enjoy!

Chapter 22

"Wrapped so Pretty"

Lucius then walked over to Draco. "I felt it would be best to discuss the matter tomorrow. But there is no time like the present and since we are all here. Draco, I will be relieving Narcissa of her ownership over The Daily Prophet. You shall be receiving the papers by mid afternoon tomorrow. You will act in her favor until the Ministry finds a more suited candidate."

Draco stared at his father as if he were a wasp. "And when did you start calling Mum Narcissa?" Draco asked.

"It is her name," Lucius replied.

"For others maybe, Aunt Bella maybe even Voldemort when he ordered her about, but I've never heard you use it before." Draco's voice was heated.

"Who says people have to keep doing things the same way?"

Draco glanced towards his mother, but again she made no comment. Hermione could tell she was clearly uncomfortable. Draco turned away, he walked over to the pantry, opened its doors and began to search through its contents, knocking over several cans and a jar. "Anyone care for biscuits? Hermione, could you start some tea please? Mum would you care for-"

"No, no thanks" said Narcissa.

"You haven't forgotten our agreement, have you, Narcissa?" Lucius stabbed his wife with eyes so unloving that Hermione experienced a surge of sympathy for her. She knew exactly how she felt to be at the receiving end of a Malfoy's cold heart.

Lucius read the communication between the two women. Without waiting he turned to Hermione. "Narcissa, tells me you're studying to become an Advanced Healer." he said "I'm impressed. Draco's mother didn't graduate from Hogwarts, did you know? Alas, of course, you must. You know the Black's history fairly well don't you Miss Granger. Regulas with his untimely end. Surius… a runaway, -and their mother never drop so much as a shiny sickle to complete his schooling when he took refuge at the Potter's. Bellatrix was far to concerned with pleasing the Dark Lord to care for books and studies, and another disowned for choosing a muggle for a spouse. Well, of course that leaves Narcissa, so devoted, kind. Her mother had become extremely ill and extremely poor. You see, she sometimes gets overly intimidated when she meets people with advanced degrees. Of course, she carries the wand I discarded years ago, but she's not licensed and I do have to remind her to be careful."

The palm of Hermione's hand itched to slap the bastard. Mrs. Malfoy had never seemed intimidated by her, and Hermione found herself disliking this son-of-a-bitch just as she had years ago. His wife might be willing to ignore his behavior, but she wasn't. "There certainly isn't any reason to be intimidated," she said with an even tone. "Some of the most loathsome people I know have advanced degrees. But why am I telling you this, Mr. Malfoy? I'm sure you know of one first hand."

Lucius gave a smirk and slipped his hand onto his wife's shirt collar and rubbed her neck. The touch was not an endearing one, instead it gave back the message that he had done that exact same thing for decades. The intimacy of the gesture made Hermione realize she stepped into waters far to murky for her, and she preferred for him to just leave. Whatever marital disputes were going on between them had undoubtedly been going on for years, and it was none of her business. She and Draco had their own marital problems to face.

Lucius stepped away from his wife. "I've got to get going, or I'll be late. It was nice meeting you again Miss Granger. See you tomorrow Draco." he walked over and patted him briefly on the back. His affection towards his son was obvious, but as he left the kitchen Hermione couldn't help but notice that he did not bid his wife farewell. Draco dropped a box of English biscuits onto the counter. Hermione read the visible "No Trespassing" sign on both their faces.

Draco looked troubled. "Why is father calling you by your name, and why are you returning your rights to the paper? Is he forcing you, or, are you doing this of your own free will mother?"

"You'll have to speak to him about it." She gave a warm smile to Hermione. "I know Draco never takes you from that mountain top. We can visit the local shops tomorrow and have lunch afterwards."

"Oh, I'd love that." said Hermione.

Draco stepped forward. "Hermione, there's no need to be polite. Mother is an understanding woman." He said and slipped his hand around Hermione's wrist. "Hermione can't spare the time from her research right now, but she doesn't want to offend you or hurt your feelings. She says yes when she really wants to say no."

"I understand." Narcissa's expression said she didn't understand at all. She hoped the girl coming into her life would rid her of loneliness, that she would have at last the daughter she wanted and a future grandchild. But, she could see the works of her husband in her son. She knew all to well the path the girl would follow, all for the sake of love. "Of course, your work is more important. Forget I said anything."

Hermione was appalled. "No really-"

"Please. You don't need to say another word. I have to get up early in the morning" She glanced over to her son, with her cool eyes. "I hope you can spare some time for us Saturday, for dinner."

Hermione spoke instead. "Saturday will be lovely, and tomorrow I will be here when you rise," She released her husbands hold around her wrist. She did not give him the hateful stare he so rightfully deserved, No, instead it was a look that clearly said never speak for me again. "We can visit the floral nursery for your garden and finish with brunch. I wouldn't miss it."

The door closed behind them. Draco and Hermione walked side by side towards the pentagram. It had not moved and awaited them with loyalty.

"Now I get it." he said as they step further into the frosty grass. "You want to be the dearly beloved daughter-in-law. That's it isn't it? Why? So she can start liking you, and then have her guts ripped out when she finds out we're getting a divorce? I don't want her mourning you when this is over, I want her cracking a bottle of champagne and celebrating her son's narrow escape from a potentially bad marriage."

Uneasiness settled in her stomach. "Let me spell this out for you. I am not upset, and I understand your desire to protect your mother, I do. But, I will not play the bad witch in all this. I love you... and that's as far as it goes."

Her hands began to tremble, and she clasped them together in front of her. Until a few moments ago, she hadn't realized that she was powerless against the likes of Draco and his Father. She pitied his mother, how could anyone live for years, the way she had lived for only a few short weeks.

"Don't look at me like that." She told him. She refused to let him have his way with this. She had come to adore Narcissa and any agreement where she was concerned was completely off limits. "I'll do what you want after the baby is born, I'll stay clear of your friends and your father if you so desire - but not with her, not with Mum. She knows the truth, all of it...I told her... every word."

He turned to look at her.

She squarred her shoulders and lifted her head. "We …we're going to need each other when this storm blows past. And when I say "we" I mean me, your mother, and my baby. She's a girl Draco. Your mother performed a charm for me this evening before you arrived." Hermione was now smiling with fresh tears begging to break free. "And I want her to have her grandmother full-time. I will not let you deny them that...I love you Draco, but that's as far as it goes. That's our deal.... take it or leave it."

He nodded slowly. "All right. I'll take it."