A/N: Thanks everyone for follow, favourite and reviews for the last chapter.
The 'tale of Peter Rabbit is copyright to Beatrix Potter.
The description of interior of Morpheus's study is taken from Neuschwanstein Castle of Germany.
The Sorbonne school of law is a real place for studying law.
'Un Dimanche à Paris' is a real restaurant famous for their brunch and hot chocolate. They also serve lunch and dinner. I don't know whether the place existed in 2004 but I imagined it did.
The symbol of Fleur-de-lis is a three petal lily and has different meanings but mostly it is associated with French Royalty.
Hotel Rochés is imaginary but Hotel Ritz is an actual hotel where princess Diana stayed the night she died in Paris.
For some explicit bad languages at the end of the chapter, rating is: M.
Well I guess that's all. Enjoy.
Disclaimer: The copyright to Harry Potter characters belong to J. K. Rowling. Any other characters are purely work of fiction and any resemblance is co-incidental.
Chapter 19: The Fierce Protector.
"Mama, do you think, he understands English?" Adrian's sweet voice echoed around the kitchen of the Delacour Residence.
His mother who was currently helping Apolline Delacour to make some fresh Croissants looked up from the kneading board and wiped a stray curl away leaving a trail of flour in her face.
"Why should not he, Adrian?" Hermione asked looking confused.
"But he's a French rabbit, Mama!" Adrian exclaimed as if trying to make her see the obvious point, "He was born in France like me and I don't know if his mother was from England or not." Adrian stated in a matter of fact tone. It appeared that Adrian was currently in deep thought about the original nationality of his new rabbit.
Everyone present in the kitchen tried hard not to laugh their lungs out as Adrian pondered over the matter with great interest.
"In that case my love, I must inform you that he's a Netherland Dwarf and the only language he can understand is Dutch." Hermione supplied looking very serious while exchanging a suppressed smile with Apolline.
Her comment however intensified the little man's quest for knowledge, "What's Netherland and what's Dutch?" he asked his mother fixing his wide gray eyes to her.
It was the most adorable sight that Draco Malfoy had ever witnessed - even adorable than holding his first born son Scorpius for the first time. His son Adrian was sitting on his lap while the subject of their discussion, a small white rabbit, sat and chewed some timothy hay comfortably on Adrian's lap. It's sleek white far glistened like snow in early morning sun and it's beady blue eyes glinted as Adrian scrutinized his new pet 'Peter rabbit'.
Draco would bet that the day had been the best day of his life. He had already made certain arrangements for the original Edmound Bellamy before appearing in the Delacour Residence as his doppelganger five minutes before eleven o' clock and then taken a completely oblivious Adrian and his mother to the menagerie to buy Adrian his promised pet.
They had returned to Delacour Residence with Adrian's new white Netherland Dwarf and after a thorough bathing and drying session it was handed to Adrian to play as he liked. He however preferred to sit with it on his uncle Edmound's lap and Draco had no complaints about it at all.
His adorable boy had brought his copy of 'The Tale of Peter Rabbit' and laid it open in front of his 'Peter Rabbit' to show it the beautiful illustrations of the book.
"Pouvez-vous lire l'anglais, oncle Edmound?" (Can you read English, uncle Edmound?) Adrian asked Draco who was supporting his precious son with one hand and holding the book open with the other.
"Yes, I can." Draco answered in English. He just could not take his eyes off the small innocent boy on his lap.
"Pouvez-vous lire le livre pour moi?" (Can you read the book for me?) Adrian requested him.
"Can't you read it yourself?" Draco enquired with a slight frown. His son was intelligent and he expected him to read simple English by now.
His query however was answered by Adrian's mother, "You know Edmound, it's high time you start learning about kids and their intelligence levels instead of running after those so called rare and precious animals." Hermione snapped at Draco, who frowned deeply, "Five-year-olds just begin to extend their oral language skills to reading and writing. They know most of the letters and understand that those letters represent specific sounds in spoken words. This knowledge helps them to sound out words in print and write down words based on their sounds. But that's just the primary stage of reading. They read by pronouncing words loudly; not like adults who can read them quietly." She stated like a scholar, "In other words my son can read and write all the basic words but he needs help when reading a story book." She informed him and returned to her work.
Draco wanted to snap at her too but thought better of it. Instead he made a mental note to research about five year old kids and looked at the book Adrian was offering him to read. He could not understand the reason behind his sudden request since it was not bedtime.
"You want to go to sleep, Adrian?" he asked his son who looked too excited to even yawn.
"No, why?" Adrian turned his wide grey eyes at Draco and blinked twice.
"Well, this is a bedtime story." Draco stated obviously.
Adrian shook his head as if his uncle Edmound was a lost cause, "I want Peter to listen to the story." he said in an exasperated voice, "He's also Peter rabbit." He reminded Draco.
"Yeah, I got that." Draco winced realizing his mistake. His son had a unique but innocent way of making him feel embarrassed. He looked at the book on his lap along with the other two occupants and started to read aloud:
"Once upon a time there were four little Rabbits and their names were—Flopsy, Mopsy, Cotton-tail and Peter. They lived with their Mother in a sand-bank, underneath the root of a very big fir-tree." He started.
"Look, Peter" Adrian interrupted and showed his pet the picture in the book, "His name is Peter too." He indicated the picture rabbit with his little index finger.
Draco was dumbfounded as he saw Adrian trying show the picture to the rabbit. He watched curiously as Adrian pressed Peter's rear paw over the illustration and tried to specify the picture rabbit while the real rabbit chewed some timothy hay eagerly.
"Why aren't you reading uncle?" Draco heard Adrian ask him and he nodded before continuing:
"'Now my dears,' said old Mrs. Rabbit one morning, 'you may go into the fields or down the lane, but don't go into Mr. McGregor's garden: your Father had an accident there; he was put in a pie by Mrs. McGregor.'" He stopped to listen what Adrian said to his rabbit.
"Now, Peter, you should always listen what your Mama says." Adrian interrupted again and warned his rabbit that looked completely unabashed.
Draco was beginning to understand the rhythm of reading and proceeded to read before Adrian urged him again.
"'Now run along, and don't get into mischief. I am going out.' Then old Mrs. Rabbit took a basket and her umbrella, and went through the wood to the baker's. She bought a loaf of brown bread and five currant buns. Flopsy, Mopsy, and Cottontail, who were good little bunnies, went down the lane to gather blackberries: But Peter, who was very naughty, ran straight away to Mr. McGregor's garden, and squeezed under the gate." he stopped again and waited.
"Mama, Peter doesn't have a Mama!" Adrian called out sounding alarmed and Draco winced, "Will you be his Mama too?" he asked his mother looking serious.
Hermione smiled widely at her son, "Of course, little rabbit. Mama will be happy to be called Peter's Mama too." She assured him.
"Right Peter you have a new Mama now and you'll always listen to her." Adrian instructed a completely unfazed looking rabbit.
Draco, not knowing how to react continued to read:
"First he ate some lettuces and some French beans; and then he ate some radishes; and then, feeling rather sick, he went to look for some parsley."
"Don't be greedy like him, Peter, when you eat." Adrian advised the rabbit who in turn attacked the hay stack.
Draco identifying his son's silence and continued again:
"But round the end of a cucumber frame, whom should he meet but Mr. McGregor. Mr. McGregor was on his hands and knees planting out young cabbages, but he jumped up and ran after Peter, waving a rake and calling out, 'Stop thief!'" he turned the page before continuing again, "Peter was most dreadfully frightened; he rushed all over the garden, for he had forgotten the way back to the gate. He lost one of his shoes among the cabbages, and the other shoe amongst the potatoes.After losing them, he ran on four legs and went faster, so that I think he might have got away altogether if he had not unfortunately run into a gooseberry net, and got caught by the large buttons on his jacket. It was a blue jacket with brass buttons, quite new." Draco stopped at the proper moment waiting for his son's remark
"Mama, can you make a Blue jacket for Peter too?" Adrian asked his mother while the rabbit scratched the book impatiently.
"I'll make that for him." Apolline Delacour replied in his mother's stead and Adrian smiled brightly. "Say thanks to Grandma, Peter." He instructed the fidgeting rabbit before lifting and waving it's rear paw at Apolline's direction, "Grandma, Peter says thanks to you." He informed the elderly lady who waved back.
Draco almost gagged to prevent him from laughing and continued again:
"Peter gave himself up for lost, and shed big tears; but his sobs were overheard by some friendly sparrows, who flew to him in great excitement, and implored him to exert himself. Mr. McGregor came up with a sieve, which he intended to pop upon the top of Peter; but Peter wriggled out just in time, leaving his jacket behind him. And rushed into the tool-shed, and jumped into a can. It would have been a beautiful thing to hide in, if it had not had so much water in it. Mr. McGregor was quite sure that Peter was somewhere in the tool-shed, perhaps hidden underneath a flower-pot. He began to turn them over carefully, looking under each.
Presently Peter sneezed-'Kertyschoo!' Mr. McGregor was after him in no time. And tried to put his foot upon Peter, who jumped out of a window, upsetting three plants. The window was too small for Mr. McGregor, and he was tired of running after Peter. He went back to his work." Draco paused looking highly amused.
"Peter you'll not break Grandpa Gustave's flower pots like that, okay?" Adrian instructed his rabbit who seemed to make neither head nor tail of what a flower pot is.
Draco now smirking and enjoying the absurd reading session, continued:
"Peter sat down to rest; he was out of breath and trembling with fright, and he had not the least idea which way to go. Also he was very damp with sitting in that can.
After a time he began to wander about, going lippity-lippity-not very fast, and looking all round. He found a door in a wall; but it was locked, and there was no room for a fat little rabbit to squeeze underneath.
An old mouse was running in and out over the stone doorstep, carrying peas and beans to her family in the wood. Peter asked her the way to the gate, but she had such a large pea in her mouth that she could not answer. She only shook her head at him. Peter began to cry. THEN he tried to find his way straight across the garden, but he became more and more puzzled. Presently, he came to a pond where Mr. McGregor filled his water-cans. A white cat was staring at some gold-fish, she sat very, very still, but now and then the tip of her tail twitched as if it were alive. Peter thought it best to go away without speaking to her; he had heard about cats from his cousin, little Benjamin Bunny." Draco stopped to allow Adrian leave his comment.
"Be careful of cats, Peter, Madame Dufour has a naughty cat. She's our neighbour and her cat always tries to steal food from our kitchen whenever she visits us." Adrian informed the excited rabbit knowledgeably and Draco started reading again:
"He went back towards the tool-shed, but suddenly, quite close to him, he heard the noise of a hoe-scr-r-ritch, scratch, scratch, scritch. Peter scuttered underneath the bushes. But presently, as nothing happened, he came out, and climbed upon a wheelbarrow and peeped over. The first thing he saw was Mr. McGregor hoeing onions. His back was turned towards Peter, and beyond him was the gate. Peter got down very quietly off the wheelbarrow; and started running as fast as he could go, along a straight walk behind some black-currant bushes.
Mr. McGregor caught sight of him at the corner, but Peter did not care. He slipped underneath the gate, and was safe at last in the wood outside the garden." Draco paused eyeing his son with anticipation.
"See he escaped at last, but wait till he meets his Mama." Adrian said and shook his rabbit excitedly. Draco turned the last page and started to read:
"Mr. McGregor hung up the little jacket and the shoes for a scare-crow to frighten the blackbirds. Peter never stopped running or looked behind him till he got home to the big fir-tree.
He was so tired that he flopped down upon the nice soft sand on the floor of the rabbit-hole and shut his eyes. His mother was busy cooking; she wondered what he had done with his clothes. It was the second little jacket and pair of shoes that Peter had lost in a fortnight. I am sorry to say that Peter was not very well during the evening. His mother put him to bed, and made some chamomile tea; and she gave a dose of it to Peter. 'One table-spoonful' to be taken at bed-time.' she said. But Flopsy, Mopsy, and Cotton-tail had bread and milk and blackberries for supper." He ended with a flourish and eyed his innocent son who was now looking his rabbit rather seriously.
"Did you learn anything from that story Peter?" he asked the rabbit, "The story says to listen to what Mama says. Ok." He informed it, "Now we go and eat something, hm?" Adrian offered his rabbit and left Draco's lap before approaching his mother who had put some freshly baked croissants on counter.
"Can I have one, Mama?" he enquired indicating the croissants and Hermione immediately took a freshly baked good from a basket.
"Put Peter down and wash your hands first, little rabbit." She instructed her son.
Draco tilted his head and continued watching his son as he ate his food happily.
How could he be bestowed with such a gift of innocence whose name was Adrian.
•••••
The Château de la Grange-Bléneau was French equivalent of an English castle. The place though huge was well maintained by Audré Chombrun Malfoy who was currently standing on her husband's study. Like everywhere else in the Château, this room bore unmistakable signs of elegant care. The eastward room was adorned with numerous shelves carrying books, crests and cups. The furniture – sofa, table, armchairs and seats in a northward alcove – was comfortable and homelike. The westward wall was completely covered with moving photographs displaying Audré and Morpheus with various notable wizards and witches of their time.
Audré sighed as she watched the photographs silently. It was so strange that the history would choose this room when it is about to repeat itself. She still remembered how Morpheus had started his journey to redemption from this very room.
There was a knock on the door and Audré turned to look, though she knew who it could be.
Draco.
'About time' – she thought.
Her nephew closed the door behind him and strode in to Audré where she was standing before her husband's motionless portrait.
"Good evening, aunt," Draco greeted her, "I was informed that you wanted to meet me in uncle's study." he said calmly.
"Good Evening." Audré greeted back, "Yes I did, dear." she affirmed, "I think you still haven't met your uncle." she said while indicating at the portrait that hung before them.
Draco looked at the direction his aunt had pointed. Audré noticed her nephew frowned slightly at the motionless portrait.
"It's a Muggle portrait, aunt!" Draco said looking incredulous. Clearly he had not expected to see a Muggle portrait of his magical uncle.
"Yes, it is." Audré remarked, "Morpheus especially requested to make a Muggle portrait, Draco." She clarified him, "Even in portrait form he would not leave behind the awful memories that haunted him for most part of his life. He used to say that he had caused enough damage by sharing them with me and would rest only when he took them to grave, which he did." Audré reflected looking sad.
She waited while Draco surveyed the portrait silently, "He looks very much like father except for his eyes look warmer." Her nephew opined after some time.
Audré sighed and looked at her husband's grey orbs, "Only I know Draco what he hid behind that warmth. I know how hard he tried to forget those haunting memories." She put a hand on Draco's shoulder and ushered him to the moving photographs that hung next. "Tell me, do you see any familiar face here?" she enquired showing him the moving photographs.
Draco narrowed his eyes and started scrutinizing the photographs. He moved along the wall carefully examining them and Audré waited patiently for him to reach where she knew the intended photo was.
"That can't be…Professor…." She heard Draco's surprised voice al last and finished the sentence for him.
"Albus Dumbledore" Audré stated calmly.
Draco looked surprised beyond measure, "You knew Dumbledore?" he asked with a quizzical look on his face, "But how?"
Audré moved to the photos that sported her and Morpheus with Dumbledore. "Morpheus, though a Slytherin, was one of Professor Dumbledore's favourite students at Hogwarts. Besides we both worked in Wizengamot – he was in British one and we were in French one. We met every year during the international conference of the members of Wizengamot." She explained.
Draco eyed the photograph with interest now, "I nearly forgot that uncle must have attended Hogwarts too." He shook his head in annoyance, "We were never allowed to talk about him at home. In fact, I did not even know that I had an uncle before I was in my fourth year when father warned me against the Beauxbaton girls since Hogwarts hosted the Triwizard Tournament that year and told me that I had an uncle who ran away from home because he had met a French girl who had…. seduced him." He said looking uncomfortable.
Audré smiled gently at her nephew, "How very nice of Lucius." she commented and directed him to the seats in northward alcove, "Let's go and sit there, Draco. I have something to show you." She offered him.
Once seated, she handed him an old piece of parchment that looked like a letter. Draco took it silently and read it.
"That's the day after my sorting, 2nd September 1991!" he exclaimed examining the date, "Professor Dumbledore informed Uncle Morpheus that I was sorted to Slytherin. But why would he want to know about me?" he asked looking interested.
Audré leaned against the sofa she was occupying and eyed her nephew, "Despite popular beliefs Draco, your uncle cared about you. Remember once I told you that he went to see you when you were born and took some Pearlflower Essence for you." She reminded him, "He cared because he wanted the future Malfoys to be untainted by the horrible past. He always kept correspondence with Professor Dumbledore about your progress in study and was very happy when he was informed that you were selected as seeker in your house Quidditch team." She smiled in reminiscence, "The only thing he did not like about you was you being a Slytherin." She said gravely.
Draco frowned at his aunt's direction, "Why?" he asked irritably, "He was a Slytherin himself. Then why hold such irrational prejudices against Slytherin?"
Audré remained as calm as before, "He had no prejudices for Slytherin my dear. But he held prejudice against the prejudices Slytherin house created about other houses among their students." She explained, "He disliked branding and manipulating people's minds from such young age." She opined.
Her explanation only made Draco more annoyed, "People also hold prejudices against us, aunt." He said looking angry, "You have no idea how the precious Gryffindors looked down upon us – like we were some lowly creatures and they were saints." He said sneering.
Audré raised her hand in a manner of surrender, "Let's put that topic aside for this time Draco." she offered him, "That's not why I called you here. I called you to ask you something." She informed her nephew.
"Ask away, then." Draco said a bit calmer now.
"How did you feel when Lord Voldemort assigned to you kill Professor Dumbledore?" Audré asked him in a very quiet voice.
Draco looked with shocked expression at Audré's question, "How did you know that?" he asked her sharply.
Audré was completely unfazed by Draco's reaction, "Do you think I know nothing about you Draco?" she asked him instead. "When I asked Narcissa about your depression she told me that you have been that way ever since you were assigned by Lord Voldemort to kill Professor Dumbledore."
Draco rubbed his head wearily, "You have no idea how horrible it was." he said suppressing a shudder, "I was constantly in fear that he would kill my parents, especially mother who was alone and was not involved in Death Eater activities. I feared for her life so much that I almost forgot to do any school works that were given to me." He said fearfully, "I was only sixteen when I was branded with this horrible thing." He looked disgusted as he rolled the sleeve of his left forearm and showed Audré a pink Dark Mark.
Audré straightened Draco's sleeve and covered the Dark Mark, "So you did not want to kill your headmaster on your own will?" she enquired.
Draco shook his head in protest, "Of course not!" he exclaimed, "I am not a murderer." He stated firmly.
Audré nodded and sighed, "That brings me to my next question, Draco." She said calmly, "Imagine for a moment that Scorpius is alive and you came to know about Adrian. What will you do now? Kill him because he's a half-blood Malfoy? Kill his mother too because she is a Muggleborn witch?" she asked a tired looking Draco.
Draco faced his aunt boldly, "No, I'll never do that." He said firmly.
"Even with Scorpius alive?" Audré enquired.
"Even with Scorpius alive." Draco replied determinedly.
"With him being a half-blood?" Audré pressed.
"With him being a half-blood." Draco confirmed.
"After being mothered by Jean Granger?" Audré challenged.
"After being mothered by Granger though it's an unfortunate condition." Draco concluded and grimaced.
"Why?" Audré demanded.
Draco never left his aunt's intense eyes when he replied, "Because blood status affects the upbringing, aunt. Those brought up by non-pureblood mothers have less sense of dignity and display less aristocracy." He said proudly.
Audré raised an eyebrow at her nephew's direction, "I am afraid, Draco but judging the way you behaved with Jean despite your pureblood mother's upbringing, you are in no position to comment on Jean's way of upbringing Adrian." She said firmly.
Draco stood up and looked down at his aunt, "You brought me here to taunt me, aunt?" he asked her looking angry.
Audré shook her head and gestured him to take the seat he had just vacated, "No, quite the opposite, Draco." She informed him, "I called you here to teach you something." She said looking calm again.
Draco eyed her with suspicion, "Teach me what?" he asked her sharply.
"To teach you how a real man should behave." Audré said again gesturing Draco to seat.
Draco took the seat and sat up in a challenging manner, "I am sorry, aunt but I fail to comprehend your meaning." He said with a raised eyebrow.
Audré took Draco's right hand in her palms and looked calmly at him, "Draco can you please tell me how was Lucius and Narcissa's relationship? Did he treat her with respect?" she asked him.
Draco frowned at her question, "Yes, he did." he affirmed, "Why?" he asked looking curious.
"Tell me Draco how would you have reacted if your father had treated your mother unkindly like beat her or abuse her sexually? Would you protest or would you remain silent?" Audré asked looking serious.
Draco's hands immediately tightened under her grip, "I would have fought even the Dark Lord had such things had occurred, let alone Lucius." He growled, "But why are you asking me this?" he almost shouted at his aunt.
"Now tell me Draco how will Adrian feel about you when he comes to know that his father violated his mother and as a consequence he was born?" Audré asked in her most serene tone.
Draco's grip in Audré's palm slackened immediately and fell on his side. His face became demented as he eyed his aunt and contemplated her question.
"I think I can guess what your answer can be but still, please tell me, Draco." Audré broke the silence in her gentle voice.
Draco hung his head and closed his eyes, "He will hate me for it." he said in a low voice.
Audré nodded her head in agreement, "How true Draco." she commented, "There is no child in this world that will not stand up for his or her mother's honour. It's the most natural phenomenon." She stated calmly.
Draco shook his head and looked up at her, his face pain stricken, "But he is my son and I love him." He declared, "And I want him to love me too." He pleaded.
"Can you suggest me anyway you can achieve that?" Audré asked him gently.
Draco remained silent at her query.
Audré deciphered the meaning of his silence and nodded, "I guessed that too. You see there is no way you can reach him without stalking him under Polyjuice or Disillusionment Charm since his mother would not allow him anywhere near you." She stated obviously.
Draco looked at his aunt and narrowed his eyes, "Then I'll ask for his custody. He's a Malfoy after all." He supplied.
Audré shook her head looking resigned, "Unfortunately you have no right over him Draco." She informed him, "You were not married to his mother when he was conceived, nor do you plan to so do in future." She reminded him, "But there is another way." She offered looking serious.
Draco leaned forward at his aunt looking incredulous, "What?" he whispered.
"Try to make yourself different and useful." Audré stated.
"How?" Draco asked trying to decipher her meaning.
"Professor Dumbledore told us in his letters that you were a good student while at Hogwarts. Why don't you start a career?" Audré suggested.
Draco's mouth fell open, "Here? In France?" he asked looking astonished.
"What's wrong with France?" Audré shrugged at him, "Besides Adrian lives 'here'." She reminded him.
"But what should I do?" Draco asked even more surprised at her obviousness.
"Play at your strength Draco." was Audré's enigmatic answer.
Draco blinked twice before responding, "You want me to play Quidditch? As a seeker?" he asked not knowing what else to do.
Audré smiled serenely at him, "Uhum." she shook her head, "May be you have not noticed Draco, but you are very good at making logical arguments and you can device simple but effective plans. Those are your real strengths." She explained.
Draco remained silent wanting his aunt to continue.
"You can be a fine lawyer Draco and an even finer public prosecutor. We need brains like you in Wizengamot." At last came Audré's real reply.
"You want me to study Law?" Draco asked not believing what he was hearing.
"Yes" Audré confirmed, "And I am sure that you'll flourish in it soon. You can attend Sorbonne Law School here in Paris. It has a faculty on Wizarding Law, run under French Ministry of Magic. That's where Morpheus and I studied Law." She informed him.
"But how is that going to help me with Adrian?" Draco asked now getting to the point.
"It will give you a good reputation, Draco, something that even money can't buy." Audré stated, "That way you can live here in France too and keep an eye on your son. If you can make enough good reputation you may even be able to sway his mother too." She explained. "But you'll have to wait until Adrian is old enough him and his mother." She said matter –of-factly, "Do you think you can be patient for years? Do you think you can train yourself to protect that innocent boy even from yourself?" Audré asked him looking thoughtful.
Scenes from last few days played in Draco's mind; Adrian crying over his torn book, Adrian shaking like a leaf while Hermione gave him a bath, Adrian laughing happily when he got his rabbit and Adrian making his rabbit listen to the 'Tale of Peter Rabbit'. His son was as innocent as a doe and he lifted his chin to face his aunt determinedly, "I'll do anything to protect my son, aunt. Anything." he stated firmly, "As for the patience, Slytherin can be highly tolerant and extremely patient when they are assigned to a proper goal." He smirked at her.
Audré smiled genuinely at her nephew, "Truly remarkable feat, Draco." she praised him, "Tomorrow is Sunday. I want you to visit Sorbonne on Monday since it's almost September and the term starts in just five days." She informed him.
Draco's smirk broadened, "You know aunt I really pity those criminals against whom you fought cases in Wizengamot. With that brain behind those eyes, there is no way they can escape." He commented.
Audré smiled internally and eyed his enthusiastic nephew, 'I promise Draco, you won't be able to escape either.' She thought looking smug.
•••••
Hermione watched curiously as her son placed his pet rabbit Peter on the small oval bed and covered it with a small blanket gently.
'That rabbit is going to be spoiled in no time just like my rabbit has been spoilt by my friends.' She thought and shook her head.
Her son had been way over excited about his new pet and had not attended his evening English lessons. Being always serious about studies Hermione did not like to tolerate such act of ignorance on her son's part but Edmound had prevented her from forcing to send Adrian to study. She had asked her friend to leave politely after dinner since Adrian was not least interested to attend his night rituals of bathing if Edmound was around. He had seemed almost angry as he left and had kissed Adrian more times than usual. Hermione had considered it as one of her friend's eccentric behaviours and after he left, had taken Adrian to his bath.
There was a knock at the door and Hermione looked up from the human and animal rabbit duo at the foot of their bed.
"Adrian, please leave Peter for now and go to bed while Mama checks the door." She instructed her son and stood up.
"Mama do you think I should brush his teeth too?" her son asked and Hermione rolled her eyes.
"I have never heard of brushing rabbit's teeth, Adrian." she said as she approached the door that led to their wing.
"But I do." Was Adrian's small reply and Hermione decided to discuss this matter fully with him once she was done with the door. She opened it expecting to see Apolline only to find that Alexis was standing there with a gentle smile.
"Alexis, I thought it might be mother Apolline." She admitted to him.
"I am sorry to disturb you at such hour, Jean." He apologized and offered his hand to her, "Can I be honoured with the lady's hand?" he asked politely.
Hermione blushed furiously and looked over her shoulder to see what Adrian was doing. Her son seemed deep in conversation with the almost suffocated rabbit and she felt relieved that he might not see if his mother held hands with his uncle. She smiled at Alexis brightly and gently placed her hand in his extended one.
Alexis covered it with his other hand and brought it to his chest before kissing it gently. Hermione shivered - this man's touch felt so safe and assuring that she almost craved for more. But she knew that ladies could not behave like that in front of men and looked away trying to hide her shy smile.
"I want to make an offer that you and Adrian cannot deny." She heard Alexis said in a flattering voice.
Hermione looked up at Alexis and found that he was holding her hand like a precious treasure to his chest.
"What offer?" she asked trying hard not to blush anymore.
"I want to take you and Adrian to dinner tomorrow night at 'Un Dimanche à Paris'." He informed her, "They are very famous for their chocolate desserts and their dinner is said to be one of the best in the Muggle Paris. Would you and Adrian like to go with me?" he asked her gently.
Hermione could not prevent herself from giggling and bit her lip to stop it.
'Honestly, you are not a teenager anymore, Hermione.' She reminded herself. She cleared her throat and looked at Alexis with a much dignified expression, "Have you made reservations, Alexis?" she asked him.
Alexis's eyes widened in apprehension, "If you don't want to go then it's alright." he said looking crestfallen, "I don't want to pressurize you to go to dinner with me if you don't feel…" but Hermione cut in,
"Did I ever mention that I do not want to go? Or that Adrian would not like it?" she asked him frowning, "I just wanted to know if you made any reservations, Alexis. Stop misinterpreting my questions." She said him firmly.
Alexis nodded silently at her.
"What time then?" Hermione asked Alexis, whose face lit up instantly.
"Be ready at six o' clock and I will come to take you both to the place." He offered her, "It's not far from here. Just on the other side of Seine, at 'Cour du Commerce Saint-André'." He informed and kissed her hand again.
Hermione was finding it hard to keep her dignified expression and cleared her throat indicating Adrian to Alexis who took her hint and released her hand after a gentle squeeze.
"There is another thing I wanted to inform you, Jean." Alexis's face became rather serious as he said and Hermione tensed immediately, "No need to worry." He assured her noticing her uneasiness, "I have been keeping an eye on Malfoy and he is doing nothing out of usual. The only thing that I can't decipher is he seems to be missing for long hours with no trace where he might be at that time." he said her, "I checked if is he was keeping any contacts for French supporters of Lord Voldemort but found none. Besides, his uncle's family is well reputed for being impartial to Lord Voldemort and the British Malfoys. They will not tolerate it if he tries to do anything that may taint their family reputation. I think you don't need to worry about him anymore." He assured her.
"How can you be so sure about that? He's Malfoy after all, the right hand man of devil himself." Hermione commented sharply.
"Jean, I am the Junior Undersecretary to the French Minister of Magic and I have my means to ascertain that." Alexis ensured her, "The French Malfoys are highly respected family and they have never supported Lord Voldemort during his rise to power and two wars. They in fact worked against him, aiding the British underground group 'Order of the Phoenix' with anything they might need. There is no way Draco Malfoy can do anything right under their nose." He explained patiently, "Besides I have checked it already, Draco Malfoy does not seem much interested in France since he has not visited more than just Louvre museum, Eiffel Tower and the usual places. He even left France for two weeks and I checked that too. It seems that he went to Britain at that time since he came back from there to notify himself to the ministry." Alexis informed Hermione.
"Are you sure he went to Britain?" Hermione suddenly had an unpleasant sensation in her stomach. "When did he go there?" she asked him.
"Two days after you left for Brussels, Jean. But that's okay, because his aunt was also with him. I checked the list of the outgoing travelers in the Department of Magical Transportation and Customs and found nothing fishy about it." Alexis confirmed her. "But if you want, I can check on the Portkey they used. It requires special permission to check Portkey destinations since that information is classified and is not easily disclosed." He said.
Hermione was about to request that but Adrian took that moment to interrupt their conversation, "Mama, I am sleepy." Her son informed her from the other room.
Hermione looked over her shoulder and noticed that her son was lying on bed alone. "Mama is coming in just five minutes, little rabbit. Why don't you count up to fifty in your head by that time? Hm?" she offered her son and turned to Alexis who was about to leave.
"I am sorry for keeping you so long." He apologized, "Good night, Jean and see you tomorrow." He bade her goodnight and turned to leave.
"No wait, Alexis!" Hermione stopped him, "I need to talk to you. Can you please wait for me in mother Apolline's parlour while I make sure Adrian falls asleep?" she asked.
Alexis nodded silently and left. Hermione closed the door and went to her son who was already heavy lidded.
"…twenty nine, thirty, thirty one, thirty two…." Adrian was muttering under his breath and Hermione settled beside her son to embrace him.
"Good night my love," she said kissing him tenderly on his forehead.
"…..thirty seven…good night Mama." He kissed her on the cheek and soon fell on a deep sleep.
Hermione waited patiently as her son slept, making sure he was comfortable enough and won't wake up if she suddenly left him on bed. Finally after thirty minutes when she was sure that her son was under deep slumber, Hermione left her bed and made for Apolline's parlour silently.
Alexis was waiting there as promised and stood up to courtesy her when Hermione entered the room. Hermione took the seat across him silently and eyed the man opposite her.
"I have a few things to ask you, Alexis. I hope I am not keeping you awake?" she enquired.
Alexis shook his head, "Not at all." He said, "Ask away." He insisted.
"I want to know about the French Malfoys. You said they helped the Order of The Phoenix during and before the war. Tell me more about them." Hermione requested.
Alexis took a deep breath and looked calmly at Hermione, "the French Malfoys are actually a Franco-British family. As far as I know, Lucius Malfoy's elder brother Morpheus Malfoy came to study Law at Sorbonne around 1973. He fell in love with Renée Chombrun's only child Audré Chombrun and they got married in 1975. Morpheus was disowned by his original Malfoy family after their marriage. Audré's father Renée owned the famous 'Château de la Grange-Bléneau' in Ile de France province and they moved in there. After Renée's death Morpheus became the lord of the Château and he and his wife Audré ran the place." Alexis informed her, "They are both famous for their works in French Wizengamot. Morpheus was one of the three chief Warlocks there and Audré was the chief public prosecutor for French Wizengamot. The couple has two children, a son by the name of Julian Chombrun Malfoy and a daughter – Lillian Chombrun Malfoy. Julian works with me in the ministry in the department of Magical Law Enforcement. I have met him quite a few times and he is a nice guy." He assured Hermione.
Hermione nodded silently. 'What an unlikely relative for the Malfoys.' she thought. "You said that they helped the Order. How?" she asked him.
"Well, we had a French wing of Order of the Phoenix called 'Order of the Fleur-de-lis' and it was run by them, the French Malfoys." Alexis informed Hermione, "Morpheus ran it until his death in 1995 and then Audré took over the charges with the help of some of the other Wizarding families. Papa helped them too and then Fleur joined the original Order itself with Bill." He said, "But even in France it was not easy to run the Order since some of Voldemort's followers were after us too. One of them was the Rochés – Pierre's family." He said gravely.
Hermione gasped in surprise, "You mean the Rochés were supporters of Voldemort?" she asked looking incredulous.
Alexis nodded biting his lips, "That's the reason I did not like it when Adrian started mixing with Pierre, but mother scolded me. She said it's not fair to judge children for their parents' actions." he said, "But I am sure that boy is full of nothing but that foul pureblood prejudice." He commented.
Hermione nodded in agreement, "Ever since I heard about him from Adrian I feel like Pierre Rochés and Draco Malfoy are the same categories. They know only to bully other people for their pureblood status." She said bitterly. "Listen, Alexis can you please check where did that monster go with his aunt for two weeks? I am sorry but I am having an uneasy feeling and want to be sure that he was in Britain at that time." she explained.
Alexis smiled gently and nodded, "It's no problem, Jean. I'll apply for the information on Monday. You see International Portkeys are like Muggle air tickets. Only the purchaser and the issuer know about their destination." He explained, "We can ask for information only if we can show enough strong reasons for that. But I have already thought about a way to manage it." he assured Hermione.
"Thank you, Alexis." Hermione said with a gentle smile and did something very brave. She kissed Alexis on his cheek and almost ran out of the parlour.
She never saw the dumbfounded look that Alexis sported as she left him.
•••••
Draco eyed the elegant grand building before him and tilted his head on one side. Julian, who was standing beside him, narrowed his eyes at his cousin's odd behaviour.
"Hôtel Rochés, Paris" Draco read aloud and smirked.
"What is it, Draco?" Julian asked him. His cousin was behaving very oddly since they came here. It seemed as if he had found his prey and was waiting to catch it.
"It's very simple, Julian." Draco answered him still smirking "It takes only a pebble to create a land slide." he commented vaguely.
Julian decided not to ask why he said so. He knew his cousin could be very mysterious some times and he had no intention of delving into it's depths. Instead he gestured him to the hotel entrance and followed after him.
The Hôtel Rochésis a grand palatial hotel in the heart of Paris, the 1st arrondissement. It overlooks border of the famous Muggle hotel 'Hotel Ritz' and is ranked highly among the most prestigious and luxurious hotels in Wizarding Paris with clients including Wizarding royalty, politicians, writers, aristocrats and singers. Several of its suites are named in honour of famous guests.
Ever since Draco had announced to host a party during the dinner three days ago, Julian pondered over the possible motives. He knew his cousin, who was a pure Malfoy, never did anything unless he got something in return. Something was troubling Draco and he felt it was related to the Rochés. They way he had uttered the word 'Pureblood' while mentioning the Rochés had been unnerving.
Julian had already arranged an appointment with the owner Monsieur Auguste Rochés and reached his office just in time. Draco was looking around disdainfully and entered the office sporting such proud attitude that Julian thought he had been named the supreme ruler of galaxy.
After pleasantries were over Julian took the seat they were offered and looked at Draco who was eying Monsieur with a smug smile in his lips and cold interest in his eyes. He shivered involuntarily. Something was not right about his cousin.
"How can I help the Noble masters?" Monsieur Rochés who was a man in mid forties, asked them and Julian turned his head to their host.
"This is my cousin Draco Malfoy." he introduced his cousin to Monsieur Rochés, "He wants to arrange a party in your esteemed hotel." he supplied.
Monsieur Rochés eyed Draco with great interest, "You are Draco malfoy? Son of Lucius Malfoy?" he asked him incredulously.
Draco lifted his chin most defiantly, "Yes Monsieur, I am Lucius Malfoy's son." He proclaimed proudly.
"It's an honour to meet you, Monsieur." the man was beside himself as she extended his hand to Draco.
Draco took his head with an expression as if he was forced to hold something dead and rotten, "Pleasure." He said curtly.
Julian watched his cousin as he talked to the owner about the party he wanted to arrange. Draco informed Monsieur Rochés that Mrs. Narcissa Malfoy would be overlooking the arrangements and any mistake in the hotel's part would not be tolerated kindly. They talked for ten minutes and Draco left the office with his cousin looking smugger than when he had entered it.
Julian was absolutely certain now that his cousin was up to something. He knew his cousin bore a Dark Mark in his left forearm and the Rochés were one of the families that had worked against 'Order of Fleur-de-lis'.
Things were not turning the way they should be and Julian made a mental note to inform it to his mother when they returned the Château.
•••••
Sunday night found a disillusioned Draco Malfoy entering the Delacour Residence through the moss covered back door. He walked leisurely towards the East Wing where his knew his son was sure to be playing with his new pet Peter. He spent a busy day inviting guests for the party he had planned and wished nothing more than to end the day watching Adrian as he ate, bathed and slept peacefully in his mother's arm.
He approached their wing and found it locked. Irritated that his son might have accompanied his mother to some place he did not know, Draco decided to wait for them. He sat on the stairs and looked at the locked door.
He did not know how much time had passed since he first sat there but then he heard unmistakable sound of two women talking excitedly. One he recognized was Apolline and the other was Gabrielle as they talked to a third female voice.
Feeling curious he left the stairs and approached towards the source of the commotion. It was coming from entrance hall and as he walked into the place, a remark made him stop on his tracks.
"I am so happy for Jean and Alexis, Fleur!" he heard as Gabrielle exclaimed to a woman with silvery hair and immediately recognized her as Fleur Delacour, "You and Bill must come at the wedding." she ordered her sister.
'That Mudblood is getting married?' Draco almost collided with the vase opposite Floo fireplace, 'That too to Alexis Delacour?' he thought looking horrified.
"Alexis took Adrian and Jean for a dinner tonight and I hope it turns out well." He heard Apolline as she informed her elder daughter.
'So that's the reason their suite is locked. That Mudblood whore dared to take his son on her night time pleasures.' Draco thought furiously. Seething with uncontrollable rage he left the place and positioned himself on the stair case leading to the East Wing.
'He was trying to redeem himself before his son by joining Law School whereas that Mudblood was trying to raise his son under a step-father? A Malfoy is never brought up under a step father. Malfoys had survived for a thousand years and they were the most pure of bloods. And now this whore was trying to pollute their reputation by marrying a man and forcing his son to grow up under a step father.' Draco fisted his hands and closed his eyes to control his rage.
'It won't do good to be that angry, Draco.' He advised himself, 'Calm down and wait until they arrive.' He said to himself.
Draco had never waited like this in his life. It was like he was a tiger and waiting in the shadows for his prey to return. Around ten o' clock he heard footsteps in the stair case and looked down through the gap of the banister.
The sight that met his eyes made his blood boil. He had expected Granger to carry his son Adrian to their suite but now he saw Alexis Delacour as he carried his sleeping son in his arms with Granger in tow.
Draco was thankful that he had made that Wizard's Oath to his aunt; otherwise he would have killed that Mudblood whore with his bare hands.
He watched them silently from the shadows as they entered the suite and then followed them inside. Alexis laid his sleeping son on the bed and left after planting a kiss on Granger's hand.
A smirk broke in Draco's lips.
'Surely death can't be solution to every problem, Draco.' He told himself, 'I'll punish this Mudblood in a way that no one has ever thought before.' He thought smugly.
He watched Hermione as she unbraided her hair and left for the bathroom to get changed for the night. Then he turned his attention to his sleeping son.
"Father is coming to see you in real flesh and bone very soon, dear son." he said after kissing Adrian on his forehead, "Until then, good night from Dragon – the fierce protector."