LADY MALFOY

by greatest.wit

AU. NON-MAGIC. Set in 19th century, it is a story of a young woman who sacrifices her future to save her family from utter poverty. See whether her sacrifice turns out to be a blessing or not. Draco/fem!Harry.

18. Chapter 18: A birthday wish

LADY MALFOY

Disclaimer: Harry Potter and everything related belongs to J. K. Rowling. And the places I mention, in the story do not belong to me.

Author's note: Hearty thanks to my gracious beta, Savannah0707.

Most of you must have found the last chapter unexpected. I was quite enthusiastic when I started writing it (Cricket is my favourite sport too, not that I had put it because of it. It was the only multi-member sport popular in England at that time that involved least bit of contact between the players) and also, because being sportsman defines a part of Canon!Harry. But much later I realised that most of you won't be familiar with it.
So, thank you, guys for making an effort to understand the Cricket. I know how difficult it is to understand a sport just by reading, without actually viewing it. You guys are really awesome readers that I could ask for and also, many thanks to those who reviewed. Still, I promise, I won't make you do it again.

I have answered some of common questions of signed and anonymous reviewers at the bottom. All of you, please check them out!!!

Another thing, please check the warnings before you start reading the chapter. There is a reason I keep including it at the start of every chapter. I don't want to give away all the (good and nasty) surprises at once, so if you don't like surprises, I strongly suggested you check them before you proceed with the chapter.
Oh, Enjoy!!! *sheepish smile*

Warnings: AU NON-MAGIC. Harry is a female. You will find swear words but quite seldom. This chapter has some depressing moments as well as abuse. I will add further warnings as the story progresses.

Chapter 18: A birthday wish

Three days has passed since Draco's relatives departed to their respective homes leaving Alexandra, Draco and Harriet in the Malfoy Manor with each other's company again. After her unprecedented inclusion in the Gentlemen's Cricket match, Harriet was subjected to several disapproving frowns from Draco's Aunt Victoria and her husband Nathan MacDougal (who had been away from the Manor on some business at that time); and Natalie over the rest of their visit. Harriet suspected Natalie's reaction to be highly influenced by her husband, Nott's prejudice in this regard. Yet, no one verbalized their disapprobation after Alexandra's proclamation. Harriet was at least grateful for the absence of her parents-in-law because they surely would not have restrained themselves in keeping the silence on the matter.

Harriet could not bring herself to be bothered by or even come to care for their reactions having been used to similar attitudes from the people in Biddestone before her marriage. She was, however, quite astonished not only by her husband's simple acceptance of her peculiar interest but also by his encouragement of it. Harriet strongly suspected that his Uncle and Brother-in-law must have subjected Draco to similar disapproval. But not once, Draco spoke of it or took Harriet to task over it. Harriet at least expected him to accuse her of keep that part of her life a secret from him.

After witnessing her performance in the game, Draco's male cousins except Regulus were more open to listen to her views and involve her in their debates over the matches that were played professionally in England over the years.

"How did you know about the professional matches held this past year? Did your brothers write to you describing them?" Draco had queried her when they found themselves alone.

"No, er.. well you see, …. every day morning after you leave for business, I read the sports column of your newspaper," Harriet had admitted hesitantly, biting her lower lip, worrying that he would be annoyed about her discreet action.

Instead, Draco had amusedly looked at her flushed visage.

After that match, Edgar kept pleading Harriet to play a one-on-one with him to which she politely refused every time. Though she was allowed to play once, Harriet was very well aware of her boundaries and limitations and would not dare to cross it. Besides, as a Mistress of the Malfoy Manor, Harriet had several duties to perform. For the first time in her life, Harriet had to organise the summer ball at the Manor. Of course, Alexandra provided her a lot of help in arranging a formal ball of such large scale that Malfoy's are usually fond of throwing at the Manor.

The arrangements for the lavish event were fairly good and were praised, heartily or otherwise to Harriet's immense relief. Almost everyone at the party was a stranger to her except for her family. As much as Harriet longed to use the opportunity to spend some quality time with the Weasleys whom she had invited, the party kept her occupied with greeting and conversing with each of their guests, as was her duty as the hostess. Either Draco or Alexandra personally assumed the task of introducing each and every guest to her. However, Fred, George, Edgar, and especially Draco alleviated some of Harriet's discomfort caused by the severe scrutinizing looks directed at her by their aristocratic guests, by frequently escorting her to the dance floor.

---

One morning after breakfast, Alexandra and Harriet were reading in the drawing room when the post arrived.
With her forehead wrinkled in confusion, Alexandra looked on as Harriet accepted handful of packages wrapped in sparkling, colourful paper along with a letter from Landen, her emerald eyes bright with delighted anticipation.

"What is the occasion, dear?" Alexandra enquired at last, bemusedly watching as Harriet painstakingly worked to open the gifts so as not to rip the wrapping paper.

Blinking at the reminder of the other's presence in the room, "Er.. today is my birthday," Harriet admitted lowly with a faint blush.

"Really? Why didn't you say anything before?" Alexandra asked, frowning at her.

In response, Harriet shrugged demurely.

"Does Draco know?"

Harriet, who had her head lowered and her gaze fixed on the gift resting on her lap, shyly shook her head.

"Oh, come here, you silly girl," Alexandra ordered affectionately, gesturing to the sofa she was currently perched on.

When Harriet finally sat beside her, Alexandra gently took her face in both her palms and placed a soft, tender kiss on her forehead before lovingly saying, "Many happy returns of the day, sweetheart."

"Thank you, Grandma," Harriet whispered, smiling through the tears.

A minute later, "Oh how am I going to organise a party in such a little time?" Alexandra bemoaned after a pause, throwing a mock-reproachful look at Harriet.

Harriet laughed at her immediate concerns. "I don't want a party, Grandma," she replied softly yet firmly, recollecting herself.

"You and Draco are too much alike," Alexandra grumbled in exasperation and a bit of disappointment. Draco who had celebrated his birthday on 5th of June, also had absolutely refused to have a party on his behalf, knowing that it would only mean unnecessary stress for his Grandmother. In addition, Draco and Harriet were still at odd with each other or more precisely, Harriet was vexed with him at that time. Finally, upon on Alexandra's insistence, Harriet had arranged a dinner gathering at the Manor attended only by Draco's few close friends and their respective spouses who were living in Wiltshire as well as his cousin, Natalie and her family to mark his 28th birthday.

"Oh, this will not do at all," Alexandra tut-ted in disapprobation after some thought. "Tell me what would you like for a gift? I will grant whatever you wish for if it is within my power."

When Harriet made to refuse, Alexandra firmly shook her head at her and encouraged her saying, "Go on."

"Well," Harriet started after a long, thoughtful pause. "I would very much like to go out of the estate," she replied before hastily adding, "any where is fine."

Though Alexandra understood Harriet's feeling of being cooped up inside the Manor for so long, she asked in disbelief, "Is that all?"

Harriet nodded, smiling charmingly.

"I believe I can easily arrange that," Alexandra said decisively. "It will be a nice outing for me as well, considering that I haven't left the Manor since your wedding."

"Er…Grandma when I said anywhere, I didn't mean a visit to our neighbours," Harriet clarified anxiously, biting her lower lip.

"I already surmised that, dear," Alexandra chortled causing Harriet to turn rosy in embarrassment.

Alexandra then rang the bell to call the butler.

As they waited for Francis to make an appearance, "Er….I wanted to ask, you don't mind my addressing you as Grandma instead of Grandmother, do you?" Harriet questioned hesitantly.

"Absolutely not, dearest!" Alexandra responded bestowing a warm smile at her.

"Madam?" Francis said after entering the drawing room.

"Francis, Harriet and I are going on an outing. Inform Gregory to prepare the carriage. We will be leaving in an hour. Also, send Dean in here," Alexandra commanded him.

"Yes, Madam."

"Go on, Harriet, get ready," Alexandra urged when Francis left. "And you had better dress in something dark."

Harriet frowned in confusion at her suggestion but nodded in acceptance, nonetheless before exiting the room.

---

"Where exactly are we going, Grandma?" Harriet asked, finally breaking the silence of their half an hour journey.

"It's a surprise, Harriet. You will know soon enough," Alexandra replied, her watery blue eyes twinkling brilliantly.

"Isn't that noise from a factory?" Harriet queried when the muffled sounds of grinding machines reached inside of their carriage through the open window.

Alexandra nodded in agreement, smiling at her deduction. "Our silk factory, precisely. We will take a tour of silk and flour factories first before going to the paper mill. Today is Tuesday, which means Draco will be spending the day at our paper factory."

But noticing the brief look of surprise that crossed Harriet's face. "Hasn't Draco ever discussed about our business with you?"

"Er… we don't speak of it," Harriet admitted. Upon seeing the frown on Alexandra's face, she internally winced and then hastily added with a bit of nervous laughter, "I could hardly understand it even if Mr. Malfoy did."

"Be that as it may, but as Lady Malfoy, you should be knowledgeable of at least the basics of our business," Alexandra stated firmly before launching into the explanations.

"Draco goes through the paperwork and meetings of our silk, paper and flour mills, each situated at the distance of around 20 yards from the other, on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays respectively unless of course there are urgent issues that need to be dealt with elsewhere. He spends Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays making rounds around the factories, inquiring after the efficiency and also, the problems of our workers and condition of the machinery," Alexandra informed her.

Harriet nodded in understanding. At this moment, their carriage came to a halt and few seconds later Gregory opened the door and helped the ladies out.

Alexandra continued to apprise Harriet on their business workings as they made their way inside the factory. Along the way, Alexandra paused her lecture to introduce the supervisors to Harriet who all bowed politely at them.

Harriet hadn't missed the authority and utmost respect that Alexandra seemed to garner from their employees while she herself received looks of suspicion, anxiety and even fear. 'Of course, the legacy left to me by my ever-pleasant Mother-in-law, lovely!' Harriet thought with dry sarcasm.

---

Finally, Alexandra ushered Harriet towards the office situated in the first floor at the very back of the building.
Upon seeing the ladies' entrance into the room that looked like a small foyer of sorts, a middle-aged man dressed in formal clothes immediately stood from the seat that he was occupying behind the desk, placed to the right side of the door that lead of an office. Harriet realized that the office belonged to her husband upon noticing the expensive rosewood of door on which a gold plate was affixed, with Draco's name along with his designation etched on it.

Harriet immediately recognised man as the one who frequently visited the Manor to meet her husband.

"Good morning, Lady Malfoy, Mrs. Malfoy," He greeted them with a deep bow.

"Morning," Alexandra returned with a small smile and then giving her female companion a sidelong glance, she said, "Harriet, this is Mr. Stewart Ackerly. He is the Draco's personal assistance."

"How do you do, Mr. Ackerly?" Harriet said curtsying with a genial smile.

"Is Draco occupied, Stewart?" Alexandra inquired, glancing at the closed door of Draco's office.

"Yes, Madam. Lord Malfoy is in a meeting with Mr. Brande. But, their conference should end in about fifteen minutes," Stewart politely informed her. "Would you like me to inform him of your arrival?"

"No, we will wait. Come along, Harriet, I will introduce you to our clerical staff in the meantime," Alexandra said, leading Harriet to another door.

---

After Alexandra finished introducing the staff, Mr. Bagman, one of their long-term employees, offered them drinks with buoyant greeting which was followed by variety of flattery praises.

Harriet, bored of hearing the man's nonsensical blabbering over never-ending issues to the patiently listening Alexandra for past ten minutes, slowly drifted towards the open window.

Gazing at the courtyard below, Harriet watched a skinny boy who seemed to be no older than ten, carrying a basket full of waste from the inside and adding to the garbage pile outside.

Harriet watched as the boy repeated the process for couple of minutes. With a small smile, Harriet made to glance away but paused when she noticed the boy suddenly halt and then anxiously glance around, scanning the deserted surroundings. With her curiosity piqued, Harriet intently gazed as the boy removed a small bun from the pocket of his dirty, threadbare trousers.

Harriet suddenly gasped in alarm when a comparatively taller, bulkier boy jumped out of nowhere and viciously seized the bun from the smaller boy. With a deep frown, Harriet watched as the two boys struggled and fought for that piece of bread. Within a few seconds, a supervisor came outside with an admonishing bellow, having heard the commotion.

"Excuse me, Grandma. I will just come," Harriet said, hastily moving towards the exit, intending to prevent the smaller boy from receiving an unjust punishment.

"Don't venture too far, dear," Alexandra advised her to which Harriet promised that she won't.

---

By the time Harriet arrived down at the courtyard, the supervisor had managed to break the fight and send the larger boy back to his work, leaving the smaller boy with the job of cleaning the dirt.

Stricken, Harriet watched the boy staring remorsefully at his food that was now floating above the stagnant water of the open sewage.

In the next instant, his stomach rumbled quite loudly in hunger. Harriet continued to watch, frozen on her spot, as a lone tear spilled out of the boy's eye. Swallowing painfully, the boy bent down to pull his spoilt bun out of the murky water. With an enormous effort, Harriet pulled herself out of her stupor and dashed towards the boy.

Grabbing the wrist of his outstretched hand, Harriet prevented him from picking up the soiled food.

"Come with me," Harriet said in a voice that was strained with unknown emotion and purposefully strode towards the entrance gates, dragging the startled boy behind with her.

Afraid that the woman was going to throw him out of the work, the boy started protesting loudly while struggling against her surprisingly strong grip.

"I ain't done nothin', Miss," the boy cried noisily in panic. "LET GO!"

Swiveling her head around to face the boy, "Shhhh," Harriet said with a finger pressed on her lips. "I am not a Miss but a Mistress."

"Was this filthy scum bothering you, Madam Malfoy?" The gatekeeper, Macnair, asked gruffly, sneering at the said boy when they reached the gates.

"Watch yourself, Macnair!" Harriet snapped with a frown and then ordered him imperiously, "Go inform Lady Malfoy that I have gone to the market. Tell her that I am not alone. Also, inform the supervisor that I," Harriet paused in her instruction and then turning back, she inquired the boy, "what is your name?"

"Tony," the boy whispered, staring fearfully at her.

Nodding once at him, "That I have taken Tony with me," Harriet finished, glancing back at Macnair.

Pulling Tony with her towards the carriage, Harriet asked their coachman, "How far is the nearest market, Gregory?"

"Five minute ride, Mrs. Malfoy," Goyle answered politely.

"Take us there but do be quick about it," Harriet commanded while motioning to Tony to get in the carriage. Goyle frowned against allowing a dirty little boy to ride inside their immaculate, expensive carriage but at the hard look on Harriet's face, he kept his mouth shut.

---

When they arrived at the market, Tony jumped out of the carriage before Harriet exited with the help of Goyle.
"Do you know where the confectionery is?" Harriet asked glancing at the boy.

"The what?" Tony asked his eyebrows scrunched together in confusion.

As she made to repeat herself, Harriet realised that the boy didn't understand her question. "A sweet shop," Harriet clarified with a small smile.

Now assured that the woman just wanted his help in finding the shop, Tony pointed to the said shop five yards away. "Oh, it's right over there. Come, I show yeh," Tony said, rapidly leading towards the direction he had previously indicated.

Smiling, Harriet sedately followed him.

"Why, you nasty little bugger, didn't I warn you against lingering near the shop?" Harriet heard the shopkeeper yell harshly at Tony as she approached the confectionery.

"He is with me!" Harriet declared coldly, draping an arm around Tony's thin shoulders and glaring at the man.

"But I can see we are not welcome here, Tony. Let's go do our business elsewhere."

"Oh, I am extremely sorry, Madam. I didn't see you there. Please do come in," the short, podgy shopkeeper simpered, his countenance taking a complete turnaround at the sight of a wealthy customer. Wealthy, aristocratic woman Harriet did look, elegantly dressed in dark blue silk gown that was painstakingly embroidered with silver-coloured silk thread; her head and face protected by a stylish bonnet.

In response, Harriet grimaced in an unconcealed disgust. Noticing her reluctance, Tony hissed at her that this was only sweet shop in the entire market.

Sighing in resignation, Harriet reluctantly trudged inside the shop with Tony leading in the front.

Gesturing to the variety of cakes and pastries held on display, Harriet said, "Choose whatever you like, Tony."

Tony hungrily stared at the mouth-watering treats for a long moment before his small, dirty face hardened in resolve. "I ain't no beggar, Misses. I ain't takin' your alms!" Tony protested loudly.

Harriet looked taken aback by his words for a brief minute before a rueful smile tugged across her rosy lips. "It's not alms, Tony. Today is my birthday and I thought I would celebrate it by distributing sweets," Harriet told him reasonably.

"How's that you givin' me only?" Tony immediately demanded her, narrowing his eyes in suspicion.

"Oh, I thought you were the only child working in the factory?" Harriet said, tilting her head mock-innocently.

"I is no child!" Tony retorted, looking offended.

"I apologize," Harriet said in amused indulgence. "Would a young man work all right for you?"

Tony nodded haughtily in acceptance before answering her previous question. "Naye, there's other boys and girls younger than meself workin' in mills."

"Well then, why don't you select one of those larger ones so that I can give them too?" Harriet said decidedly, pointing to the display that held a variety of voluminous cakes.

"I choose anyone?" Tony asked, his black eyes wide in hope.

"Yes, whichever you like," Harriet promised with an affirmative smile. "Do be quick though, we have to get back to the factory."

Nodding eagerly in acquiescence, Tony hurried closer to the display. Harriet watched sadly as Tony ran from one end of the display counter to the other checking the mouth-watering treats.

Five minutes later, "What's the matter?" Harriet asked sidling beside Tony who was staring undecidedly between a decadent looking chocolate cake and a spongy cream cake.

"I is likin' this one," Tony whispered tentatively, pointing to the juicy cream cake. "But I not had chocolate be'ore."

"Oh," Harriet said with a wince and then pausing for a thoughtful minute, she continued. "Well since you will be helping me by distributing the sweets to the other children on my behalf, I should return the favour, shouldn't I? So, how about I buy you a piece that chocolate cake as a thank you for your help," Harriet said, wriggling her eyebrows suggestively at him, a habit she had picked up from her twin brothers.

"Really?" Tony asked, staring at her in wonder.

"Yes, but you have eat it here," Harriet confirmed then glancing at the shopkeeper who has been keenly watching their every move with his beady eyes, "Could you give a piece of that chocolate cake?" she asked him.

Nodding his overly large baldhead, the shopkeeper offered a morsel of that cake in a piece of paper.

"What's this? I asked for a piece, not a sample!" Harriet exclaimed loudly, her cheeks turning red in outrage.

Flinching at the withering glare of her inflamed green eyes, the shopkeeper shuffled back and brought a large piece this time.

"Here you go, Tony, enjoy your cake," Harriet said, handing him the plate.

Still staring wide-eyed at her, Tony silently took the cake and then moving to the furthest corner of the shop, he immediately settled himself on the floor.

Noticing this, Harriet's anger mounted. "Why are you sitting on the floor when all the chairs are empty? Occupy of those," Harriet commanded sharply.

Tony stared fearfully at the severely disapproving frown on shopkeeper's face. But, at Harriet's glare, the man relented with his lips tightly pursed.

Tony slowly walked towards the table and hesitantly, carefully sat at the edge of the chair. Bending close to the table, Tony dug into his treat while frequently throwing wary glances around.

"Tony, do you know how many children are working in the three factories?" Harriet queried, joining him on the table and feigning ignorance of his tensing at her proximity.

Tony relaxed a little when he was assured that she wasn't going to take away the cake. Slowly counting on his fingers, "Twondy cich," Tony replied with his mouth full.

Chuckling, "Twenty six?" Harriet asked in clarification and Tony nodded.

"Have you included that boy you were fighting with earlier in your count?" Harriet questioned, raising a brow at him.

"You saw that?" Tony asked, turning red in embarrassment.

"Yes."

"That bastard was tryin' to steal me lunch. I ain't likin' him. He's always bullyin' food out of those smaller than him," Tony grumbled hotly.

"I see," Harriet said at length. "Well, don't you think he would bully the cake from you if you didn't share?"

"Er.." Tony flattered, realizing the truth in her statement.

"So, it's 27 then," Harriet stated immediately, sparing his discomfort.

"No, there's his friend too," Tony admitted sheepishly causing Harriet to shake her head in exasperation.

"Is it good?" Harriet asked as he loudly moaned in appreciation, savouring last bit of cake.

In response, Tony nodded emphatically.

Smiling at him, Harriet stood on her feet and walked back to the counter.

Upon her order, the shopkeeper placed two large sponge cakes in front of her. Ignoring the flabbergasted looks of the shopkeeper and Tony, Harriet did her usual check up of the cake. Deeming it satisfactory, Harriet asked the man for a knife.

Carefully making 16 equal pieces of each of the sponge cakes, Harriet glanced up at the man, "I want you to pack two large pieces of that chocolate cake along with these two," Harriet commanded, suddenly remembering something.

The man licked his lips at such large purchase and eagerly packed them.

"How much?" Harriet asked when the man finished the task.

"9 pounds Madam," the shopkeeper answered promptly.

"Is that so?" Harriet drawled, unknowingly imitating her husband's commonly used tone. "Let me rephrase my question, Mr. Shopkeeper. True price if you don't want me to grouse about severe lack of sanitation in your little shop?" To emphasize her point, she looked at the greasy seating and the grimy floor.

Gulping in fear at her threatening look, "3 pounds," the man squeaked quickly.

Nodding in acceptance, Harriet opened her purse. "I do hope you packed those chocolate cakes neatly. I would not be least bit amused if Lord Malfoy loses his appetite over a clumsily packed lunch," she said casually, counting the change.

The shopkeeper's eyes widened in horror as he stared at the young, delicate looking woman in front of him and then glanced down at her left hand where her overly large wedding ring was prodding against her lacy glove.

At the loud snort that escaped from the boy who now standing beside her, Harriet glanced down and winked mischievously at Tony who immediately covered his mouth with his hand.

"Er…Let…m…me…check again, Madam," the man stuttered, fumbling with the package. As Harriet suspected, the man did have to change the package, now knowing to whom it was being taken.

Giving the man a disgusted look, Harriet dropped the money on the counter and grabbing the package, ushered awe-struck Tony out.

---

Five minutes later, Harriet and Tony hastily walked back inside the paper factory.

Mr. Connolly, one of the supervisors, who was waiting for her in the courtyard, stepped forward upon her arrival.

"Mrs. Malfoy, Lady Malfoy is anxiously waiting in the foyer," Mr. Connolly informed her.

"Yes, yes. I will be going now but could you gather the children working in the three factories in a private room or something? Tony here will be distributing sweets to them," Harriet requested politely. "Also, please make sure that there isn't any shuffling or rough housing."

"Of course, Madam," Mr. Connolly agreed, although he looked thoroughly bewildered at her request.

"Thank you," Harriet said to the supervisor before glanced down at Tony. "Go with Mr. Connolly, Tony. Remember to share it with everyone. There is one for you in there," Harriet told him.

Nodding in understanding, Tony let Mr. Connolly usher him away. Taking just few steps, he remembered something.

"Misses Malfoy," Tony called, turning back at her.

Harriet halted in her movement and turned back to face him.

"Happee birthda'!" Tony greeted loudly with a wide grin. Mr. Connolly's expression cleared as comprehension drew.

Harriet smiled warmly in appreciation and waved at him once before rushing inside.

---

"I am so sorry for disappearing on you like that, Grandma," Harriet apologised, hastily walking towards Alexandra who was still waiting in the clerical office with Mr. Bagman keeping her company.

At that moment, Mr. Ackerly entered the room and said, "Sorry for the wait, Madam. Their meeting dragged on longer than I had expected. It has finished now."

"We will talk in Draco's office," Alexandra said giving worried-looking Harriet a reassuring smile.

Standing just outside of his office, Draco looked astonished at the unexpected visit of Alexandra and Harriet.
"Grandmother, what are you doing here? Have you been waiting for a long time?" Draco finally asked, guiding them inside his office.

While Alexandra looked immensely pleased with herself for thoroughly shocking her Grandson, Harriet felt anxious about his reaction. In order to save herself from his piercing gaze, Harriet glanced around immaculate room, taking note of gleaming Mahogany desk on which the paperwork was neatly organized in three different piles, his collections of different coloured ink pens held on a silver stand. The other furniture in the room consisted of upholstery high backed black leather chairs that they were currently occupying; a long comfortable looking settee situated to the right corner of the room. There was also a fireplace to the left.

"Twenty minutes," Alexandra answered his enquiry.

"You should have made your presence known. I would have ended the meeting sooner," Draco said, frowning at her.

"We did not want to disturb you while you were in a meeting, Draco," Alexandra replied, waving her hand dismissively. "Besides, I was showing Harriet around the factories."

"You didn't inform me of your visit this morning?" Draco groused a bit accusingly.

"Decision to visit here was abruptly made, dear. Did you know that today is your wife's birthday? I only found out when I saw Harriet receiving gifts from Biddestone this morning," Alexandra told him seriously.
With eyebrows raised in surprise, Draco glanced at Harriet who felt heat spread across her face in utter embarrassment.

"Is that so?" Draco drawled at Harriet who was resolutely staring at her lap. "Well, Happy birthday, Mrs. Malfoy."

"What sort of greeting is that, Draco?" Alexandra immediately protested in disapproval against his formal wishing. "Promise her a gift of her choice at least!"

Peeking through her eyelashes, Harriet noticed extreme reluctance on Draco's part to make any such promises and felt mildly hurt. Nonetheless, Harriet decided to save her husband before Alexandra could demand and extract unwilling promises.

"Thank you, Mr. Malfoy. This is for you," Harriet interrupted, thrusting the package at him.

"What is it?" Draco asked, hesitantly taking the package.

"Just some cake I bought," Harriet said, shrugging nonchalantly.

"Is that where you disappeared to? Macnair said a boy went with you?" Alexandra asked curiously, glancing at her.

"Yes, his name is Tony," Harriet replied, nodding in agreement.

"Who?" Alexandra questioned, glancing at Draco.

Raising his brows in surprise, "He is Phillip's son," Draco responded. Phillip was one of the men who got severely injured during Lucius' reign. In addition to giving them compensation, Alexandra had returned their jobs in the factory after they had recovered.

"I see," Alexandra nodded before adding as she checked her pocket watch, "Oh, it is almost 12. We must leave but before that I would like to use the restroom."

Both Harriet and Draco stood along with Alexandra and then watched her stroll out of his office.

"What are you doing here?" Draco hissed, leaning across his desk as soon as Alexandra disappeared.

"Grandma just told you," Harriet answered, frowning at him. When Draco continued to questioningly stare at her, Harriet sighed. "Seeing the gifts I got from my family, Grandmother demanded that I ask her for something. I could not think of anything, so blurted out the first thing that came into my mind. I told her that I wanted to go out of the Manor. Which was true, I was bored out of hell staying inside the house for so long," she told him.

Unsatisfied with her explanation, "Yes, but why did you have to come here?" Draco demanded, narrowing his eyes at her.

"I did not know that Grandma was going to bring me here. I thought she was going to accompany me to Biddestone or at least Blaise's house. I did not find out where exactly we were going until we arrived here!" Harriet confessed, looking miffed by his suspicions.

Draco loudly sighed in resignation.

"Besides, what is the big deal if I see your business. What is it you suspect I will do here?" Harriet snapped at him.

Draco looked momentarily off-guard by her perception before reassuming his poised countenance. "Nothing. I don't mean it like that," he lied unsatisfactorily.

"Oh, do forgive me for mistaking your innocent questions as an accusatory inquisition. My mistake," Harriet said sarcastically causing Draco to silently frown at her.

"Don't worry, Mr. Malfoy. I won't step inside your precious factories next time," Harriet sniffed, staring at him.

At her husband's continued silence, Harriet, disgruntled, glanced away from him and impatiently waited for Alexandra's return whereas Draco stared undecidedly at her face flushed with anger. He felt torn between apologising to her and arguing with her about reasonability of his suspicions. In the end, he decided against both and quietly returned to his paperwork. Meanwhile, Harriet settled for tapping her finger against the surface with grumpy look on her pretty face.

Ignoring his wife, Draco tried to concentrate on his work but was unable to do so because of the noise she was making. When he could no longer contain his annoyance, Draco slapped a hand over her own that was resting on the surface of his desk, effectively putting an end to the irritating sound.

Surprised, Harriet glanced back at him. But before either of them could get a word out, Alexandra re-entered the office with her gaze immediately falling on their joined hands on the desktop.

"So, you have promised to give her a gift of her choice after all!" Alexandra exclaimed, bestowing a proud, joyful smile at Draco.

In response, Harriet stared wide-eyed at her spluttering husband who hastily retracted his hand.

"Yes," Draco agreed at last, in a strangled voice.

Alexandra's smile widened while Harriet frowned at him.

"Are you returning to the Manor, Grandmother?" Draco asked, getting on his feet as they prepared to leave.

"Not yet, we are invited to luncheon at the Longbottoms'. And I wanted to give Harriet a tour around our factories before we visited them," Alexandra answered as Draco ushered them out.

"Well, enjoy your day," Draco told them.

---

As they trudged towards the gates, Harriet watched the workers coming out for lunch break. She saw considerably cheerful looking Tony playing with few other children.

"He seems so small, so young. They all do," Harriet mused aloud staring at the children.

Having heard her comment, "He is not that young. He is 13. In fact, no child in the factory is below the age of 12," Draco informed her curtly.

Harriet looked startled at his admission, "But who would believe that Tony is 13?" she remarked gazing at his small stature while Draco helped Alexandra into the carriage.

"Who would believe that you turned 19 today?" Draco teased with a smirk playing across his mouth as he pointedly appraised her petite form.

"Hey!" Harriet exclaimed indignantly, elbowing him in the stomach.

Rubbing his abused stomach, Draco stared at her, astounded by her action.

"Watch it, Mr. Malfoy or I might be tempted to ask you for something you are disinclined to depart from," Harriet warned cheekily with a wink, disappearing inside the carriage next.

Then sticking her head outside the window, "Oh, do enjoy your cake, Mr. Malfoy. We will see you in the evening," Harriet added as parting words to her stunned looking husband.

---

Lady Augusta and Mrs. Enid Longbottom received Alexandra and Harriet cordially upon their arrival at Longbottom's estate. After enquiring after each other's welfare, they moved to the dining room for Luncheon where men of the house joined them.

"Harriet, this is my Brother-in-law, Mr. Algie Longbottom and my Grandson, Neville," Augusta introduced formally, gesturing first to the tall, hefty man in his sixties and then to slightly plump, blond-haired young man who bowed respectively to the ladies.

"How do you do, sir, Mr. Longbottom?" Harriet said, curtsying genially at the older man and then at his grand nephew.

Once everyone settled in the chairs and started on their meals, Augusta turned to her long-term friend, "So, Alexandra, what has finally made you to leave your haven and visits us finally?" She inquired with an arched brow. "I was quite surprised to receive your letter this morning. Pleased but mostly surprised."

Alexandra chuckled at her comment. "Today is Harriet's birthday and she wished to venture outside. So, I thought I would bring her to your abode. In the process, make good on my promise to visit you as well."

"Two tasks accomplished at once," Augusta remarked, shaking her head in amused exasperation.

"What a coincidence! Neville is celebrating this 28th birthday today," Mrs. Enid supplied with a genial smile.

"Oh yes, I had forgotten," Alexandra said and then glancing at their quiet, young companion, she warmly offered, "Happy birthday to you, Neville."

"Happy birthday," Harriet echoed with a gentle smile after young Longbottom thanked Alexandra, with his shy little one.

"You as well, Mrs. Malfoy," Neville said softly, glancing at Harriet.

"If only Neville would agree to accept the Lordship this year, I could start look for a bride for him," Augusta sighed, sparing a disapprovingly glance at the said young man.

"What has marriage got to do with the Lordship?" Harriet asked with her forehead creased in confusion.

Augusta blinked at her. "Why, my dear, just like Alexandra here, I wish to bestow Neville with the Lordship on his wedding day. Besides, as the sole heir of the family, his future wife would expect him to accept his inheritance. She would want him to take over the duties of the family and handle its fortune rather than spend most of his time in our greenhouse and the garden," she explained seriously.

Harriet opened her mouth to argue but seeing the imperceptible shake of head from Alexandra, she fell silent.

Rest of the dinner was spent with Augusta complaining about Neville's complete lack of interest in taking over the responsibilities of their estate or in making social acquaintances. Meanwhile, Harriet discretely watched as Neville's mortification seemed to progressively rise as every minute passed.

When the lunch ended, Harriet decided to spare Neville from further indignity by abruptly requesting him to show their garden, surprising everyone except Alexandra who smiled a little in understanding.

---

As they strolled through the large garden, Neville's nervousness from earlier seemed to steadily decrease at being back in his comfort zone, Harriet noted. Encouraged, she asked him several questions regarding his works in the garden and greenhouse. Harriet could not help but smile at his passionate tone and bright glint in his eyes as he enthusiastically spoke, answering her questions and explaining his experiments on plants. He proudly confided in her that theirs' was largest greenhouse in the whole of Wiltshire.

After the tour, "How come I did not see you at our wedding?" Harriet asked as they made their way back to the house.

"Er… I did not mean to offend your family by not obliging your invitation, Mrs. Malfoy. I just don't feel very comfortable in formal gatherings. I usually tend to avoid them," Neville admitted, his cheeks reddening in embarrassment.

"I understand," Harriet said with a rueful smile. Despite attending many formal, high-class parties and balls since her wedding, Harriet still felt overwhelmed and even a bit nauseated by them.

Neville blinked at her in surprise. "Oh yes, Grandmother told that you come from an inferio…." He stopped abruptly, realizing how uncommonly rude he was being. Wincing a little, "Sorry, I didn't mean to say that," he said, ashamed.

Harriet laughed in assurance. "It's all right, Mr. Longbottom. It is the truth after all. My maiden family doesn't move in the same circles as my in-laws," she said with a good-natured smile, easing his mortification. "In fact, those formal gatherings scare me as hell too."

In response, Neville gave her a tentative smile.

---

On their way back to the Malfoy Manor, Harriet glanced at Alexandra and enquired, "How come Lady Longbottom is so hard on her Grandson? Why is she so disapproving of his interests?"

Alexandra sighed. "I believe Augusta hopes to see her deceased son in Neville. She loved her son, Frank, very much but his untimely death in the war, broke her heart while Neville's mother could not the bare the news and she gave herself to insanity, never to recover again. Augusta was and is very proud of her son's accomplishments. You see, he was a Major in British military and though his professional duties kept him away from home for months together, Frank performed the responsibilities of the Lord impeccably whenever he was in Wiltshire. After Frank's death, his uncle, Algie took care of the family and looked after their properties since Neville was only seven then. Now that Algie is getting old, Augusta desires to transfer the duties to her Grandson but Neville's seems to have no interest in following his Father's footsteps. I understand that Augusta's severe attitude stems from Neville's continued display of his disposition vastly different from that of his Father."

"What happened to Lady Longbottom's son and her daughter-in-law is terrible. But I still find her expectations of her Grandson to be unreasonable. And Lady Longbottom doesn't seem to realise that she is hurting Mr. Longbottom in the process. Why cannot she let him be? Why does she have to thrust her ambitions on the poor man?" Harriet protested strongly, shaking her head in undisguised reprimand.

Silence settled inside of their moving carriage after the end of Harriet's dialogue. Alexandra watched the moving scenery with a deep frown marring her wrinkled face.

"I forced Draco into marriage," Alexandra stated quietly at last, fleetingly glancing back at Harriet.

Harriet inhaled sharply upon realising how Alexandra has taken her words. With a grimace, she silently stared at clearly upset looking Alexandra for a long moment, internally debating whether she should tell the truth or not. "I know. Mr. Malfoy told me before our marriage," Harriet admitted, having decided on the partial truth.

When the stricken look on Alexandra's face did not seem to wane, Harriet gently grasped her hand in both of hers. "That situation was different, Grandma. Malfoy family would have been slated for doom, had you not forced Mr. Malfoy to marry. You had the family to save and the only way that was possible was to push Mr. Malfoy into matrimony and henceforth, qualify him for the mantel of Lordship. Mr. Malfoy understands this and so do I, Grandma," Harriet insisted softly, giving her an earnest look.

Slowly, a small reassured smile replaced the frown on Alexandra's face.

Lightly squeezing Harriet's hands with her own, "Despite his reluctance to marry, I am proud of Draco's choice in a wife," Alexandra declared finally, unwittingly making Harriet internally wince in shame and despair but outwardly she managed to return Alexandra's smile.

In an attempt to change the subject, "Since you and Lady Longbottom are close friends, are Mr. Malfoy and her Grandson acquaintances too?" Harriet enquired curiously.

Alexandra chuckled at that. "Well, we did try to encourage such relationship between them when they were children but we failed in our many a attempt. You see, even as a child, Neville was quiet and shy whereas Draco was very active, never one to stay indoors, always up to some mischief or another. It was mostly their varied personalities and difference of opinion that prevented any kind of friendship to develop between them," she confided in her.

Harriet nodded in understanding.

---

Enjoying the exotic dinner that was especially prepared on the occasion of her birthday and later that evening, Harriet watched with internal amusement as her husband discretely squirmed in discomfort whenever Alexandra reminded Draco of his promise. Remind Alexandra did, several times since his return from the factory. Though Harriet could not fathom why Alexandra seemed so insistent about it or what exactly did she expect Harriet to ask of him?

As Harriet and Draco made their way to the Master Suite at the end of the evening, she could no longer contain herself. "You are worried about what I might ask for as a gift, aren't you?" Harriet teased, her bright eyes glittering with mischief.

Briefly, Draco stilled his gait before continuing the movement, "I am not!" he denied sharply. But Harriet wasn't fooled.

"Yes, you most certainly are!" Harriet argued, wagging her finger at him and giggling, which caused Draco to glare churlishly at her.

"Oh Mr. Malfoy, you took my words seriously. I was merely jesting," Harriet said mirthfully, wrapping her arm around his and marching forward towards their suite.

Draco raised his brow at their linked arms but didn't comment. Harriet didn't seem to notice his incredulity.

"What are you afraid I would ask of you, Mr. Malfoy?" Harriet asked once they were inside, staring amusedly at the sour look on his pointed face.

Feeling irked by her teasing, "I am a businessman, Mrs. Malfoy. It is against my ethics to go around giving my word without knowing what I am promising beforehand," Draco bit out angrily, his gaze straight ahead.

Harriet's amusement vanished at his reasoning.

"Yet you did it. To make Grandma happy," Harriet observed softly a moment later. Draco turned sharply towards her, realizing what his words could mean to her. 'Because she is your family,' Harriet added inwardly, bowing her head and then noticing her hold on his arm, she slowly relinquished it.

An awkward silence settled between them. When he had spoken, Draco had meant in a general sense and now he could not refute her perception in this situation considering their agreement. Staring down at her, Draco, however, felt a pang of guilt for uttering those words. But what he had said was true and he wasn't the person to sugar coat the facts.

Despite the pain she was feeling for being treated as a business deal, Harriet raised her head with a fake smile plastered on her face. "Well then, I better find some way to spare you the vexation of not knowing, don't you?"

Looking thoughtfully for a long moment, "I know," Harriet said suddenly. "How about this? Cross my heart, I won't ask you, Mr. Draco Lucius Malfoy for anything you are averse to gave me as my birthday gift," she stated solemnly, making a gesture across her bosom with her right hand.

"What was that?" Draco asked staring uncertainly at her.

"It is gesture that indicates that you seriously mean to keep your word," Harriet told him. "Fred and George taught me when we were children."

Then abruptly Harriet chuckled, remembering some distant memory.

"What is it?" Draco asked, furrowing his forehead.

"This gesture actually ends with each of the party spitting on our hand and shaking them," Harriet explained and then seeing Draco's face scrunched up in disgust, she added, "Yes, I know, it is disgusting. My mother found us, when the twins were showing me this. She was so angry that they were teaching these dirty habits to me. After their punishment, they could not sit properly for two whole days. Naturally, we stopped such practices, out of fear of Mother back then, but now because I know how utterly unhygienic that is," Harriet finished, staring off with a longing expression.

"Thank god," Draco remarked with roll of his eyes, making a feeble attempt to lighten the mood.

Nodding once at him, Harriet walked towards her dressing room to change for the night.

"Mrs. Malfoy!" Draco called before she could disappear inside.

Harriet turned back to him. "Yes?"

"The cake you got for me, ………….. it was quite delicious," Draco said reluctantly yet softly.

Harriet blinked in surprise. "I am glad," she replied after a minute pause with a smile, genuine one this time.

---

One late morning, Alexandra found Harriet staring morbidly at the grounds through the window, the cloth she was embroidering on, left forgetting on her lap.

Quietly gliding towards her and sitting beside her, Alexandra ran a gentle hand over her hair and softly asked, "What's the matter, dear? You have been subdued for past two days. Tell me what's troubling you."

Harriet sighed at Alexandra's coaxing tone and studied her searchingly for a long moment.

FLASH BACK

Eight-year-old Harriet keenly eavesdropped on her Aunt's superciliously monologue to their cook, Mrs. Palmer of the dinner party that had been held at the Dursley's residence that evening. For her part, Mrs. Palmer dutifully nodded at appropriate moments as Petunia mocked their neighbour, Mrs. Steele's grand plans of throwing this autumn's first party in Little Whinging. Harriet had strong suspicions about where this conversation was leading and prayed to God that she was right. As expected, Petunia winded down the one-sided conversation with the declaration of secretly organising the first party.

A dreamily look appeared on Harriet's face as she languidly scrubbed the dishes while listening to Petunia's sharp orders of different dishes that would need to be prepared for the party. Dursleys' celebration meant a change from eating brown bread and lean broth that Harriet was daily supplied with. Scrapes it may be, but Harry still looked forward to the savouring delicious food that was served at the parties thrown by the Dursleys.

So immersed in her daydreams of tasting the heavenly dishes, Harriet failed to notice the foam from the washing soap that was beginning to rise on the plate and thus causing it to be slip from her small hand and smash on the hard floor with vibrating sound.

Noise of breaking china effectively jerked Harriet out of her stupor and her eyes goggled in horror at the sight of the broken plate.

In the next instant, Petunia appeared by her side and landed a resounding slap across Harriet's cheek. With a menacing scowl, Petunia towered over the tenuous form of her niece and painfully grabbed her elbow as Harriet tried to back away from her fearsome looking Aunt while holding her rapidly reddening cheek.

"How dare you break my finest china? With one plate destroyed, I could never use that set again! Do you any idea how expensive that is, you wretched little girl? Almost five pounds gone down the drain because of you!" Petunia shrieked, relentlessly striking the back of her thin body that was trembling with silent sobs.

"I…. a ..m s…orry, …Aunt P…etunia!" Harriet stuttered repeatedly between her sobs while Petunia continued to abuse her.

Mrs. Palmer could do nothing but watch sadly as her Mistress harassed her own niece.

"Oh, you will be sorry for your clumsiness, you filthy little scum!" Petunia hollered, finally halting her torture . A brief moment later Petunia's horse-face assumed a nasty expression. "You will be getting no meals until you work to earn the price for that whole set."

Harriet's large green eyes widened significantly in shock and terror. Immediately, she clutched her Aunt's long, bony leg and cried pitilessly, "Please, Aunt Petunia, don't do this. I am sorry, I am sorry!"

Petunia's ire peaked at Harriet's audacity for defiling her expansive gown with her grubby self. Giving her a disgusted look, Petunia wretched her leg free out of Harriet's grasp and give her a vicious kick causing Harriet to stumble and land painfully on the stone floor.

Turning to the troubled looking Mrs. Palmer and ignoring Harriet's intense sobs, "Helda, she is not to receive any food until I order so. The servant who goes against my wishes will receive only half the wage at the end of this month. Inform the others as well," Petunia snarled acerbically.

Then dismissing Mrs. Palmer for the day, Petunia locked the pantry and strode out of the kitchen, taking keys with her and leaving her disconsolately crying niece on the cold floor.

---

For following few days, Harriet went about her daily, backbreaking chores with only water for survival. Without any supplication of food, Harriet's skinny frame now looked frail and she started experiencing fatigue. Everyday, Harriet watched the servants taking the break for Lunch. Shaking their heads sorrowfully at her, they consumed their food, keeping it away from her longing gaze, for there was no room for generosity in the face of poverty. She could not ask their neighbours for food either if she did not want to raise her family's anger further.

---

On the late night of the fourth day gone without any food, no amount of water could restrain the acid from burning the insides of her stomach. With silent tears rolling down her gaunt face, Harriet tightly clutched her stomach and curled up into a ball on her thin bedding and tried to fall asleep. But sleep wouldn't come; Harriet could no longer ignore the hunger pangs that have now become her constant companions.

Harriet desperately thought of a place where she could get some food. Suddenly an idea, a wretched thought occurred to her. But the ache in her stomach dissolved any and all dispute and reluctance Harriet had. Clumsily standing on her wobbly legs, Harriet had to immediately grasp the wall of her tiny, attic room to prevent herself from collapsing from the faint spell that washed over her. With her eyes closed and her forehead furrowed, Harriet waited until the feeling passed.

Despite the weakness, Harriet made sure to walk as quietly as possible, her light feet barely making any sound as she descended the stairs and passed through the hallways. Stepping down the hallway on the ground floor, Harriet quietly disappeared into the kitchen.

In the faint light emitting from the dying embers of the cooking fireplace, Harriet slowly progressed towards the backdoor. Working the bolt open with as minimum sound as possible, Harriet slipped outside through the narrow opening of the door.

Closing the door behind her, Harriet pulled her shabby, over-sized nightgown tightly close but its thin, threadbare material could barely protect her body from the chilly winds of the night. With her heart beating furiously, Harriet stepped further into the dark night. Shivering violently from cold and perpetual fear, Harriet scurried to her destination that was situated at the end of the street while making sure to keep herself in the shadows and frequently glancing around and back over her shoulder. Despite all the precautions, Harriet could not prevent the quick pattering of her footsteps against the muddy street that was still wet from the rainfall of that evening.

Arriving at her destination, Harriet halted at a distance and scanned the surroundings one more time before her gaze locked on the food source, the dumpster. Tentatively taking a couple of steps forward, Harriet eyed the filth around it with a grimace.

Swallowing the lump in her throat, Harriet stood on tiptoes and searched the inside for some food. Harriet got steadily disappointed to find most of the food that was thrown away in it seemed spoiled from the rain or grim until her gaze landed on a small, dry loaf of bread.

Cracking a tiny smile, Harriet approached the waste bin closer and outstretched her hand.

"Don't do it, Harriet. It is unbecoming for a young girl such as yourself from a decent family to be eating out of the garbage," cried a tiny figure that was dressed as an angel, suddenly appearing by her shoulder.

"Its unbecoming for a young girl such as yourself from a considerably wealthy family to be dying out of starvation," countered another tiny figure that was dressed as a devil appearing by the other side. "Pick up that fine-looking piece of bread, Potter."

"Look around the bin, Harriet. You can't eat something out of this filth," Angel-Harriet protested, sweeping her hand widely at the garbage with her face scrunched up in disgust.

"You have been eating scrapes for past seven years, Potter. How is this any different? Grab that piece if you don't want to find yourself dead tomorrow morning," Devil-Harriet argued with a sneer.

"Don't do it, Harriet. This action of yours will only serve to prove the Durselys' right," Angel-Harriet reasoned desperately.

A loud, heart-wrenching sob escaped from Harriet's mouth at that.

"It was them who drove you to this state, Potter. You shouldn't care what they have to say about it. Besides, they will never know," Devil-Harriet pointed out to Harriet who was now crying softly as they incessantly argued.

"But your conscious will, Harriet. Please don't do it," Angel-Harriet cried loudly as Harriet tightly shook her head and outstretched her hand again.

"That's right, Potter. Pick it up," Devil-Harriet encouraged with a triumph smirk on her evil face.

Just as Harriet leaned forward again to grab the bread loaf, something dark, shaggy jumped up onto the rim of the waste-bin.

Gasped loudly in fear, Harriet staggered backwards at the sight of large, black dog that growled menacingly, barring its sharp teeth at her as if daring her to steal its food.

Utterly terrified, Harriet slowly backed further away upon seeing the dangerous glint in its gleaning yellow eyes before turning around and breaking into a sprint towards the Dursleys' residence. Luckily for her, the dog seemed to have no intention of pursuing her now that it was sure that Harriet would not contest for the food.
Ignoring the weakness of the body, Harriet ran, heaving with silent sobs, all the way to the house. As soon as she reached the kitchen, her body, however, gave away and she collapsed in a dead faint.

---

Next day morning, their gardener, Allan who saved her many times from the Dursleys' wrath found Harriet's unconscious body by the backdoor. But this time, his outrage knew no bounds and he threatened to reveal Dursleys' ill treatment towards their own niece to the entire neighbourhood and even to the authority. Afraid for their reputation, Petunia gave in and allowed Harriet to eat again. But of course, Allan was immediately dismissed from work. In addition to the scullery work, gardening duties were now thrust on Harriet's thin shoulders.

END OF FLASHBACK

Harriet lightly brushed away the tears cascading down her cheeks and sighed. "I am not proud of that moment of weakness. In fact, I am a bit grateful for the appearance of that dog, for it spared me from the shame of it all!"

"Harriet, did they abuse you physically too?" Alexandra asked, immensely disturbed.

"No, my Uncle wouldn't touch a filthy little thing like me, probably afraid of tainting his hands. My Aunt and cousin, however, had no qualms about delivering slaps and scruffs on the back on occasion. They mostly denied me food and gave me more chores for my mistakes or what they thought as my infractions," Harriet admitted softly, her eyes haunted.

Noticing the ferocious look of outrage on Alexandra's face, "Don't be angry on my behalf, Grandma. I have mostly forgotten that part of my past. The Weasleys gave me so many good memories of childhood. It's just that, seeing that boy, Tony in the factory brought back those bitter memories. That he turned out to be stronger willed than I was."

At the quizzical look that Alexandra gave her, Harriet explained what she had witnessed in the factory on the day of their visit. "So, you see, knowing their suffering, I cannot ignore the situation if I could do something," Harriet finished aggressively.

"No, I have to do something," Harriet rephrased her statement with fierce determination.

Silence fell between them for a long moment with each disappearing in their thoughts.

"Can't we do anything for them, Grandma?" Harriet asked finally, gazing pleadingly at Alexandra.

"If you are implying that Draco raise their wages then I am afraid, he can't do that even if he so wanted to, at least not for another year and an half," Alexandra told her, plaintively.

"Why ever not?" Harriet asked, frowning.

"Because of the agreement I signed nine years ago that was put forth by the Counsel of Wiltshire County," Alexandra admitted with a regretful sigh.

At the quizzical look on Harriet's face, Alexandra elaborated. "I told you how I had trouble in making people accept my authority over Malfoy's businesses and finances. It took me three years to make them agree to my leadership and follow through my plans. Finally, when I succeeded, our business accumulated great profits and whatever doubts, our business partners and associates had, evaporated in the light of the booming business. Since we achieved such attractive profits, I decided to share a part of it with our workers who were primarily responsible for the success. I raised their wages but failed to foresee the ominous situation that would arise because of this action. Despite all the intellectual knowledge of business management that I gathered through my studies, I fell short in actual experience."

Frown on Harriet's face deepened in confusion.

"You see, when the word spread of attractive wages that I was offering to my workers, a general outcry rose among the lower-class people working in other workhouses in Wiltshire. They started demanding the same from their Masters who absolutely refused gave in. Consequently, some of the aggressive people even went so far as to injure our workers so that they could grab their position in our factories. Six of our workers got severely hurt because of them."

"Avaricious businessmen who refused to share their profits with their workers brought the issue before the Counsel and placed the entire blame on my head. Assembled by the Counsel, I was ridiculed for fancying myself to be able to run the enormous business of the Malfoy's and then forced to sign the agreement that contained the Counsel-approved figures of wages that all the businessmen in Wiltshire are to pay for their male, female and child workers. The agreement also said that no businessman is allowed to raise wages that would again be decided by the Counsel between the three-year gaps. I accepted without any arguments for my sole intention was to prevent any more accidents from happening. By the end of the meeting, Counsel and the businessmen left, smugly satisfied while the poor won nothing," Alexandra finished dolefully.

"But that's terrible and so unfair!" Harriet exclaimed her voice strained with shock and outrage.

"I know, Darling," Alexandra agreed with dolor.

Silence again fell in the room for some time.

"Was my Father-in-law also assembled by the Counsel for his ill treatment of the workers?" Harriet queried, her burning emerald eyes narrowed in suspicion.

Alexandra was caught off-guard by Harriet's shrewd perception. "Aren't you sharp!" she remarked at length. "No, Lucius was never summoned for his transgressions. As long as their businesses weren't affected, they could care less for others' practices. In my case, Gentlemen found it difficult to digest the fact that a woman could successfully perform what was considered a man's job for centuries. So, they pounced hard on the first opportunity they got to derogate me."

Looking at the fuming Harriet, Alexandra was glad to have restricted herself from admitting that her son and his wife, and daughters (on behalf of their husbands) were also quite vocal in expressing their severe displeasure over her decision to give away the money. After that incident, Alexandra has never used Malfoy's fortune to spend on any kind of charity.

When her anger subsided a little, "But there must be some way to help them," Harriet muttered agitatedly, coming back to the matter at hand.

"There is always a way. You just have to be a little patient when looking for it. And I have confidence that you will find a way to help those children. When you do, know that you will have my full support," Alexandra promised, solemnly.

Harriet gave her a tiny smile in appreciation and gratitude.

For the following two days, Harriet racked her brains for possible solution to the situation, which avoided all the problems that Alexandra suggested, might occur. In addition, Harriet had to keep in mind that the solution caused no monetary expenses or effort on her husband's part. As the hours passed in deliberation, Harriet's ideas got more complex and far fetching.

---

On the morning of third day, Harriet slowly paced along the large balcony, lost in her thoughts while absently watching Abraham work in their vegetable patch. Suddenly, her dull eyes widening as she finally comprehended the answer that was glaring in front of her for the past hour.

Her excitement grew as she worked out the kinks in the solution. Once finished, Harriet dashed inside, hurriedly making way towards her sole supporter.

"Grandma, I think I would the way," Harriet declared breathlessly to Alexandra who was reading in the silence of her rooms.

"Well, let hear it then," Alexandra said, putting her book away and welcoming Harriet to sit by her.

Ten minutes later, when Harriet was finished relying her plans, a proud smile graced Alexandra's face.

"Go on, then. Write your letter," Alexandra encouraged, gently patting her back.

Harriet smiled and left.

---

When Neville arrived at the Malfoy Manor the very next day of Harriet sending him a letter, she and Alexandra genially exchanged greetings with him.

"Thank you, Mr. Longbottom, for obliging me and visiting the Manor at such short notice," Harriet said with a relieved smile.

Shyly nodding in acceptance of her gratitude, "Well, you sounded so urgent in your letter," Neville remarked quietly.

"Yes, the situation is kind of urgent," Harriet agreed and then motioning towards the door to the side of the foyer, she added the request, "Could you follow me to the grounds? I will explain the situation in detail as we walk."

When Neville nodded in acquiescence, Harriet ushered him out.

---

Half an hour later, when they returned to the Manor, Harriet served him tea and snacks in the drawing room.

"Mrs. Malfoy, in all your explanations, you haven't once mentioned your reasons for doing this," Neville commented candidly, feeling at ease in her presence.

"Would you believe me if I said that I really wish to tell you the truth but I cannot, at least not until my hasty plans take a concrete shape?" Harriet asked mildly in return.

"I would," Neville answered with a chuckle, placing his now empty cup on the table.

"Thank you. Your advice will be of incredible help, I am sure. Most importantly, your positive response has alleviated my main concern," Harriet responded with a gratified smile.

"Don't mention it," Neville replied, dismissing it good-naturedly.

"I hope you will be staying long enough to dine with us this evening," Harriet requested softly. "Mr. Malfoy would be pleased to see you."

Neville's eyebrows disappeared in his fringe in utter disbelief. "I am sure," he muttered blandly under his breath but out loud he said, "I am sorry, Mrs. Malfoy. I have no choice but to decline your offer. You see, I am working on an important project these days and the plants need to be watered at regular intervals. It is a sort of delicate task that I dare not assign to the servants."

Upon seeing the slightly disappointed look on Harriet's expressive face, Neville added, "Some other time, I promise."

Standing up, they exchanged the farewells and trudged out of the room. Harriet stayed back in the foyer upon Neville's insistence that he would see himself out.

---

Upon stepping out into the porch, Neville encountered Draco who was returning from work.

"Malfoy," Neville greeted stiffly with a bow and then remembering something, "Belated congratulations on your nuptials," his tone held a hint of disbelief at the union or more precisely, Draco's choice in a life partner.

Quickly masking his surprise, "Longbottom," Draco drawled, barely returning his bow.

No more words were exchanged as they nodded once at each other and strode away in opposite directions.

"What is Longbottom doing here?" Draco questioned Harriet as soon as he entered the foyer, staring at her.

"Oh good, you have met him. I asked him to stay for dinner so you two could talk but he said he had other business," Harriet replied candidly.

Draco loudly snorted at thought of him and Neville conversing amicably over the dinner. "What exactly was he doing here in the Manor?" Draco asked again.

Frowning at his tone, "I invited him," Harriet replied simply.

Arching his eyebrow in incredulity, "You invited him? Why?" Draco demanded sharply.

At this moment, Alexandra arrived at the foyer. Having heard Draco's last inquisition, she gave Harriet an encouraging smile.

"Er…could we talk somewhere private?" Harriet asked, feeling suddenly nervous.

His other brow joined the raised one at her request before Draco gestured her towards his study, leading the way.

Following him with trepidation, Harriet glanced over her shoulder at Alexandra who gave her an approved nod and an encouraging smile again.

---

"So?" Draco drawled once he occupied a seat behind his desk and Harriet sat across him.

For couple of minutes, Harriet silently stared at her cold hand that nervously fiddled with the cuff of the other on her lap while trying to avoid her husband's penetrating gaze.

"Mrs. Malfoy!" Draco snapped impatiently at last.

Not knowing how to start,"" Harriet rushed out in a single breath.

"What?" Draco asked, furrowing his forehead as he tried to decipher her words.

"Er…I want you to lend me 50 yards of land on the furthest side to the south of Malfoy estate," Harriet repeated, much more slowly this time.

With his eyebrow arched in incredulity, "And why should I do that?" Draco drawled at her.

"I want to create a vegetable garden over there," Harriet answered, finally meeting his gaze with her own.

"We have a fine vegetable garden in the back of the Manor and not to mention, the greenhouse. We don't need another," Draco said, waving a dismissive hand at her.

"Well, I know but the produce from this garden will not be for us. It's for the children working in our factories," Harriet insisted.

"Come again?" Draco choked out staring at her as if she was strangest thing he had ever seen in his life.

"I want to provide free afternoon meals to those children from the produce of this new garden," Harriet clarified finally.

Draco simply gaped at her before composing himself. "Have you lost your bloody mind?" Draco exclaimed loudly.

"Of course not!" Harriet huffed, looking offended before her tone took a pleading tone, "Please Mr. Malfoy, you can't deny the fact those poor children are suffering from starvation."

"And you acted all insulted when I disapproved of your visit to the factories!" Draco snapped accusingly. "I knew you couldn't help yourself from poking your nose in other people's affairs. I heard that you distributed cakes to them!"

"Are you calling me a ceaseless meddler?" Harriet demanded, bristling at his remark. "Besides, it was my birthday and of course, I would celebrate it in whichever way I pleased!" she added with a haughty sniff.

"Of course not, calling you a meddler would be stating the obvious. And that is something Malfoys never do," Draco sneered at her, leaning across the desk.

Harry barely restrained herself from rolling her eyes at his statement before asking, "Other than my today's request, what basis do you have for accusing me of being a meddler?"

Draco pursed his lips tightly to prevent himself from blurting out the words, 'my nightmares,' instead he cried, "Cricket!"

Harriet gaped at him in shock and anger. "Because of my idea, you got the opportunity to play the game and win it too. I don't see what cause you have to complain about!" Harriet snapped. Then she declared with air of self-righteousness, "But if my meddling gets you to realize how wrong it is to send those children to work on an empty stomach, Mr. Malfoy, then I will continue to interfere!" Harriet folded her arms together over her chest with a stubborn, determined look on her face.

"You promised not to interfere in the family business!" Draco scowled furiously.

"And you promised to give me whatever I wished for, on my birthday!" Harriet countered immediately. "Well, this is my wish! And don't say you are averse to the idea of providing food for the children. I would never believe that of you. But if you continue to persist on it, I will think that you are only doing this to wind me up!"

Nonplussed, Draco thought of what action of his could have given her such faith in his good conscious. Unable of think of anything, Draco decided to break her illusion of his non-existent kindness. "It's not like I am making them work for free. If they don't spend their wages on buying themselves food then that is hardly my fault," Draco growled waspishly.

"How can you say that?" Harriet gasped loudly, staring at him in disbelief.

Draco really hated himself at that moment for being affected by her disappointed tone. Releasing an aggravated sigh, he ran his fingers through his hair, already feeling frustrated with their argument. "How exactly are you going to pay the farmer or a gardener that you would need to hire to take care of this new garden? If you are thinking of pushing the job onto Abraham then you had better reconsider. He is getting old and he has enough on his plate with taking care of Manor garden and the greenhouse, let alone a new garden. And where will you get the money for the material?" Draco asked patronisingly.

Slightly cheered that her husband was at least considering the idea, "I don't have money to hire a gardener but I have enough to buy the required material. As for the job itself, I want to take care of the new garden myself. I have experience in it," Harriet admitted with aplomb. In addition to what was left of her earning, Harriet had the money that she had saved from the amount Draco has started giving her monthly for her personal expenses. What Harriet did not know or would not have cared if she found out, was that the amount she was receiving was several times less than that of what Malfoy family ladies usually get.

"Now I have no doubt that you have gone insane!" Draco remarked, guffawing at her. "You are the bloody Mistress of this Manor and you want to dabble in filth and mud like our servants?"

Not at all amused by his reaction, "I am not insane yet, Mr. Malfoy. But I will be if I do not work. If I am forced to sit ideal inside the four walls of this Manor for few more months, that is definitely a possibility," Harriet said seriously. "I used to work eight hours everyday before our marriage. But now I have nothing to do. The servants take care of everything. There is only so much of knitting and sewing I can do. And books don't fascinate me unless the subject is of some interest to me. I am not the kind of person who would be happy to sit in a corner with a bloody book. I am not Hermione. Grandma keeps me company. But she has to rest. And when she does, I feel lonely with nothing else to do!" she added in agitation, finally voicing her repressed feelings.

Leaning forward him across the desk, "Please Mr. Malfoy, I understand that I can no longer go outside and work as a nurse. But you have to at least let me work inside the estate," Harriet urged beseechingly.

Frowning at her, "What about the medical books I bought?" Draco enquired her.

At her pointed hard gaze, Draco looked abashed for a brief minute before nonchalantly saying, "I had those books placed in the library for a reason. If I didn't feel like sharing, I would have kept them in my study."

Huffing in irritation, "I finished them," Harriet confessed bluntly.

Draco's eyebrows rose again in incredulity. "You read all ten of them?" he asked in disbelief.

"Well no," Harriet admitted, biting her lower lip. "But I finished seven of them."

When his expression did not change, Harriet snapped, "Well, what did you expect? I have nothing else to do!" Repeatedly thumping her fist on the desk in emphasis, she added, "I have to do something otherwise I will go mad!"

Stretching his arms forward to stop the items on his desk from rattling against her violent reaction, "All right, calm down!" Draco ordered while words, 'what have I got myself into? I should have trusted the ominous feeling that my instinct warned me about when I promised her the gift!' rang through his mind. "Let's say for argument's sake, I agree to let you provide meals for the children, don't you think the adults are going to protest against the unfairness of it all?" Draco grounded out, clenching his hands on the edge of the desk tightly.

"Grandma told me that those children's have either one or both of their parents working in our factories. What right do they have to talk about unfairness when they make their children work and yet not provide them proper meals?" Harriet demanded angrily.

"Like your father," Draco piqued nastily.

"What?" Harriet inhaled sharply, her eyes significantly wide. "Is that what you think of my Father?"

Draco remained silent, not looking away as the shocked expression on her face morphed into a pained one.

"My Father is nothing like those people!" Harriet shrieked, leaping onto her feet and looking severely affronted.

When Draco continued to look unimpressed and sceptical, Harriet took a deep breath and then braced herself on her palms resting on the desktop. Leaning closer to him, she started in a much-lowered tone, staring right in his eyes. "If your ill opinion of my Father is based on my agreeing to our contract, Mr. Malfoy, then let me repeat what I said when we agreed on it. My father, no, both my parents would die of shame and disappointment in themselves if they ever found out the truth of our marriage."

"But, if it has to do with my apprenticing as a nurse. Let me tell you this, my Father encouraged my medical training as my interest rather than viewing it as future means of additional income. In the first two years of my four-year training, I earned nothing. I went to the Pomfrey's to learn. And whatever I earned in the last two years, my Father refused to accept a single penny despite being badly in need of money. Why do you think most of what I earned is still intact? My Father even refuses to accept my brothers' earnings. Two months before I agreed on the contract, Father sold his horse, his means to travel to work, to continue to provide meals for us. For more than three months, Father walked to his work everyday that was forty minutes away. Not to mention, all the extra hours of work he put in until I forced him to accept my inheritance," Harriet confided in him, her bosom heaving with unrestrained emotion.

"So, don't you dare compare my Father to those parents who have no qualms about making their children work and yet not provide food for them! And I will not hesitate to give them a piece of my mind if they so much as utter the word 'unfair'," Harriet spat her emerald eyes glittering in fierce passion through unshed tears.

Ashamed, Draco could not bring himself to continue to meet the deeply injured look of her clear eyes. A tense silence filled the room after Draco averted his gaze.

But of course, Draco could not admit defeat yet. "What will happen after the end of our contract when you no longer will be Mrs. Malfoy? Will you abruptly stop supplying the meals to the children?" He enquired poised back in his usual impassive self.

With her heart clenched tightly within her bosom and colour drained from her face, Harriet slumped back in her chair with a look of someone who had just been slapped in the face. 'Despite constant remainders of our martial situation, how come I had forgotten the crux of our contract?' Harriet thought in shock. Perhaps if he had yelled that question at her, she would not have been as hurt as she was by hearing the apparent surety of that happening in his quiet tone, she reckoned glancing at the unreadable expression on her husband's face.

But before she could be further pulled into the spiral of thoughts of 'how my life would be after the three years, or what would I miss', Harriet forcefully pushed her personal woes at the back of her mind and decided to concentrate on the matter at hand.

Swallowing the lump in her throat, "I still have a little more than two years of time left. I will keep searching for other sources to continue supplying food for them," Harriet responded tersely at last.

"You can have it," Draco said quietly after a long, uncomfortable pause.

"What?"

"You can have the land and you can work on it. Just make sure that the news of this new development does not go beyond the walls of the Manor," Draco cleared with a sigh.

Harriet blinked at him in surprise. "Thank you," she said at last with extreme gratitude in a strained voice and promptly made to leave the study.

But there was no bright smile on her face this time and Draco shamefully realized that he was responsible for it.

As Harriet made open the door, she heard Draco say, "I shouldn't have spoken ill of your parents…"

Harriet waited for a long moment for him to finish his statement but it never came. And she realized that was as close to an apology she was going to get from her husband.

Looking back at him over her shoulder for a quiet minute, Harriet nodded once in acceptance before exiting.

---

Next day morning, Landen handed Harriet a letter along with a package addressed to her during the breakfast.
Opening the letter, Harriet read,

Mrs. Malfoy,

How are you?

With the wishes that your plans for constructing a garden have solidified since our last meeting, I am sending the seeds of the vegetables that you can safely sow despite the lateness of the season.
You are one of the scarce people to recognize the worthiness of my work. Please accept this small present as a token of my appreciation of your acknowledge of my interest. You can also view it as a belated birthday gift.
I have also included a detailed description of how to go about planting these seeds for I was not quite sure of what plants you previously with. I will try to visit the Manor again to check the progress of their growth sometime soon.

Until then

Adieu

Neville Longbottom

With an exultant smile, Harriet closed the letter and then putting it beside the package on the table, she resumed with her morning meal.

"Whose the letter from, Harriet?" Alexandra asked curiously.

"Oh, it was from Mr. Longbottom," Harriet answered softly.

Alexandra simply nodded; Draco, however, felt a growl raise in possessiveness within his chest.

"Why is he writing to you?" Draco demanded in irritation, narrowing his eyes at her. "For that matter, you haven't told me the reason for his visit in our lengthy discussion last evening!"

Barely restraining herself from rolling her eyes, "After learning of his expertise in the field of botany during our visit on my birthday, I invited him to the Manor to get his opinion on whether or not that part of land would be suitable for growing a vegetable patch before talking to you," Harriet explained calmly but as he made to open his mouth, she interrupted him by adding while gazing knowingly at him, "Before you ask, I haven't told him why I am planning to built a garden."

Draco glowered at her impertinence while Alexandra internally chuckled.

---

In the late afternoon, Draco entered the foyer, having returned from factory, to find Alexandra all alone, knitting and immediately enquired after the absence of his wife. Smiling knowingly at him, Alexandra informed him that Harriet has been working in her garden, the whole day, only taking a break for the luncheon just like past couple of days.

Ignoring her look, Draco ascended the stairs and made his way to the Master Suite.

Ambling out of his dressing room after changing his attire, Draco found his gaze involuntarily drawing towards the window that overlooked the grounds. Moving closer in curiosity, Draco cast a look around until it fell on his wife who was working diligently on the new garden at a distance. Draco did not realize when his legs carried him towards the edge to the south of their estate.

"How is your gardening coming along?" Draco inquired her, in a way of announcing himself while thoroughly startling Harriet and thus, causing her to yelp.

"I told you not do that!" Harriet snapped at her amusedly smirking husband. When his smirk only widened in response, Harriet huffed in exasperation.

"I am almost finished. I would have never been completed the task, had Gregory and Dean not assisted in moving the large stones away," Harriet replied to his earlier query, her voice slightly hoarse from spending a long time outside.

"Here, I brought you some water," Draco said quietly, outstretching the container in his hand.

"Oh Mr. Malfoy, you are a lifesaver!" Harriet cried with intense feeling. Standing up and rushing to his side, she gratefully accepted the container. "I have been feeling perched for quite some time now."

"Why didn't you ask the servants to bring some, then?" Draco enquired as she greedily gulped down the water.

Draco sighed in exasperation when she simply shrugged.

"Come here," Draco ordered softly, beckoned her towards him.

With slight apprehension clear on her face, Harriet hesitantly stepped forward and paused at arm's length from him.

Shaking his head with an exasperated sigh, Draco himself took a long step closer to her and then withdrawing his handkerchief from his coat pocket, he took gently her chin in his hand and turned her face a little to the side.

With her heart thumping a little faster than usual at their sudden proximity, Harriet watched from the corner of the eye as her husband softly brushed the cloth against her cheek and then grazed the smooth, soft skin a few times with his thumb.

Once finished, Draco reluctantly released his hold of her chin and showed her his soiled handkerchief, his lips quirked in a smirk. Letting out a startled laughter in understanding, Harriet raised her hand to rub the patch of skin when the touch of his long, slender and callous finger left a slight tingle across it but Draco immediately caught her wrist before she could touch it with muddy gloves on.

Harriet met and held his alluring grey eyes with her own glowing in curious interest for long moment until Draco released her wrist and tore his gaze away.

With a lovely blush creeping across her cheeks, Harriet shyly lowered her gaze and took a conscious step backwards, Draco noticed through a stealthy, sidewise glance.

In an attempt to break the embarrassed silence that has now settled between them, "You looked flushed. I think you should stop now," Draco firmly suggested giving her frazzled appearance a pointed look.

"Please Mr. Malfoy, ten more minutes. I am almost finished. Then I no longer have to worry about the rain," Harriet pleaded, hastily returning to the task at hand.

"What do you mean?" Draco asked in confusion.

"I was worried, you see, that it would rain before I finished sowing. It is already too late for sowing any seeds. If I wasn't finished by the end of the week, then all my plans would have been of no value," Harriet admitted softly. "That is another reason why I wanted Mr. Longbottom's advice of what I could plant despite the lateness of the season."

"And what could you possibly grow in this small piece of land to provide meals for 28 children and for weeks at that?" Draco queried, glancing around her garden with a baffled expression.

"Carrots, spinach, onions and radish," Harriet listed promptly. "I am planning to serve them vegetable broth."

"Broth!" Draco exclaimed in shock. "Outcome of all your arguments and hard work is a measly bowl of broth!"

"I know it is not much. But one cannot afford to be picky in the face of desperation," Harriet said with a rueful smile. "Besides, I read in one of the medical books that vegetables make a healthy meal despite our aversion towards them."

Draco silently stared at his wife in strange fascination, taking in the hem of her gown and leather gloved hands that were thickly covered in mud; perspiration gathering on her brow while Harriet kept absently blowing at the irate strand of her hair that managed to escape her bun resting on her nape and fell on her face, not wanting to touch it with her muddy hands while working on sowing the seeds.

"I have never seen a Gentlewoman turmoil in sun, working with her hands deep in mud without a single care for her skin," Draco remarked, his grey eyes shining in bemusement.

Chuckling at his observation, "I know, I know. You have also never seen a proper Lady playing Cricket either," Harriet replied, throwing an amused smile at him. Then leaning forward towards him from her crouching position, "I am terrible at it. I am starting wonder whether Blaise had momentarily lost his marbles when he suggested that I would make a good Mistress to your aristocratic family," she confided in him in a conspiratorial tone.

The good-natured smile on her expressive face told Draco that Harriet was neither criticizing the etiquettes of his high-class family nor being self-depreciating. He realized that it was simple acceptance on her part. "At least you won't have to deal with my inability to behave like a proper Mistress after three years," Draco heard Harriet mutter quietly. He had no understanding of her emotions that belied those words for she had already turned her head away.

As he thought over Harriet's comment, Draco realised that though he had seen many men and women working industriously in their factories and fields like his wife now, they all lacked something Harriet had. Irrespective of her indigent upbringing, there was no denying the charm, the aura of being born in an upper class that Harriet possessed underneath her grimy, dishevelled state. Perhaps, that was what Blaise saw when he thought of her as a potential future Mistress Malfoy.

"Done!" Harriet exclaimed triumphantly at the moment comprehension washed over him.

Straightening up and gathering the materials and tools, "I will see you inside then, Mr. Malfoy," Harriet said gesturing that she would be using the back entrance.

Draco nodded once in understanding.

Harriet had only taken few steps away from him, "You are not doing so bad as my spouse," Draco stated staring at her retreating back, loud enough for her to hear.

Harriet froze in her tracks at his declaration. Turning her head around, Harriet glanced back at him in amazement. Harriet knew that her husband was not the kind of man to deliver compliments just to make someone happy. In fact, he was incredibly hard to please. But, at hearing those almost complimentary words for him, Harriet's face split into a beatific little smile.

Draco did not move from his spot or avert his gaze along after Harriet disappeared inside.

---

Author's note: Draco, you idiot! That was an excellent opportunity to grab Harriet and snog her senseless, you absolute fool!!!

I know most of you who want the kiss are thinking this. * Sheepish smile *

So, I will confess something, the moment they voluntarily kiss, sex will follow immediately if not in the same chapter, then definitely in the next. If they have intercourse, that means the story is rapidly approaching the end. Now I ask you, do you want that kiss?

As for jealous, how can it not exist!!! * melodramatic gasp * Hey, it is the most prominent emotion/feeling (more than love) of my story! * sniffs * Some or other character will be feeling it through the story. It is Draco's time and I am going to stroke it for another couple of chapters. Result will be…….ummmm…. you will know in the future!!! *evil grin*

Am I worthy enough to be proclaimed as Drama Queen yet? * wriggling eyebrows expectantly *

No, well I guess I better work a little hard on it then. !lol!

Anyway, how did you find Harriet, the toughie?

This is the facet of Harriet who did not have a sheltered childhood but a difficult one in which she learnt the ways of the world in a hard way.

It was fairly common for children to do some work in their own homes with their parents or on land nearby from an early age of 6 before the 19th century.

They did not have any laws on child labour then.

In 19th century, because of industrial revolution, the demand for children and women increased in factories probably because their pay was lesser than that of men. This is also the reason Harriet thought men had no right to talk of unfairness. Of course, Harriet did not care that the men received higher wages because of their experienced skill and/or they did heavy work.

But in the mid 19th century, all children under the age of 8 were prohibited from working in factories. Also, the children's work was largely seasonal so they did have some time to play.

And thing was, as long as children lived with their parents, money earned by them along with their mother's was given to the head of the family (mostly father, Weasleys being an exception). He would then decide where the money should be spent. That is why Harriet blamed the men for children's starvation.

Here, Harriet is also being prejudiced towards the parents though she only understands the suffering of the children as she did as a kid, Harriet did not experience the suffering as a parent. Poor parents working in factories themselves had to go without having proper meal, so one could hardly fault them.

Also, rich people blamed poor for their poverty and treated them viciously. Though they did give charity, it did not amount to small portion of what they spent on throwing parties and giving gifts to each other.
I know Harry in HP series lived in a cupboard under stairs. But I wrote here that Harriet lived in an attic. That is because Live-in servants were given topmost quarters of the house because they did not have facilities like fireplace, bathrooms, etc., Also, these rooms experienced the extremities of climates.

Harriet worked as a scullery maid who had the lowest position in the servant hierarchy. She washed laundry, cleaned dishes and utensils, scrubbed pots and pans, prepared vegetables, and performed simple cooking tasks that aided the cook and kitchen maids. In short all the backbreaking jobs. Unlike Malfoys, Dursleys didn't provide living quarters to their servants.

You may find Harriet begging Petunia uncharacteristic but you see, if the Dursleys had paid her for the work she did for them, then around 5 pounds is what she would have earned in a month. So in other words, Petunia had just ordered that she could not eat for a whole month.

Most of the people living in country grew vegetable patch in their backyard. In those days, vegetables were considered poor man's food while only rich could only afford meat everyday (remember Ron and Ginny's complain about no meat at that start!). Wealthy people looked down on vegetable consumption.

Silver Lady: Thank you so much although I am not sure if I deserved that big of a praise. Josephine Dracy is absolutely wonderful. Yes, I have read Marriage Stone more than 10 times already. I am big slash fan though I prefer Harry/ Draco to others pairing, Marriage Stone was the story that made realize that Harry/ Severus could make an excellent pair too.

Meggplant: The story is set in Victorian era (around 50 years after Regency). When I said that Harriet's dress was heavy, I meant her entire attire. Do you know that women used to wear 6 or more undergarments beneath their dress, not mention that they were highly restrictive (you can't move beyond the width of the hem of your dress with each step)? Morning dresses particularly were stitched such that no skin was revealed (full sleeves, neckline fitted above the collar bones). Poor women must have had really suffered during the hot summers. Also, women were not allowed to show their legs. It was considered highly indecent to raise the dress up. Hypocrisy was that the women were allowed to have lower neckline for the evening dress but absolutely no leg showing, ever! Draco and his cousins were astonished because Harriet ran without raising her dress up (years of playing the game in that attire with her brothers). If you want to know more of the period of this story, check the A/N of chapter 16, I have explained it in more detailed there.

Next chapter is of course Emily's wedding, won't be as detailed as Harriet's though. Lucius and Narcissa will make an appearance (Nix, are you reading this?). Harriet will not be meek this time. To make things spicier, I am going to bring in another most hated character of the Canon. * wicked grin * Guess who? Since I am such a nice person, I will give you a clue, character is female, there!

If you want to see Harriet and Narcissa butting heads together, all you have to do is satisfy my REVIEW hunger pangs. REVIEW PLEASE!!!!

Sorry, I am getting bad with the updates aren't I? Reason is the my RL is sucking right now. Fanfiction is my only distraction/refuge from it though I am not getting much time for it. I will try to update fast because I have to finish the story by March after which I will be away from the site for couple of months because of big, bad EXAMS!!!