A/N: Thanks to everyone who has been reading my story with patience.
Thanks for all the reviews, favourites and follows. They were most rewarding.
Thanks to: nikki98, louisethelibrarian, arya, , v-x-y-zz, Grovek26,roni2010, happyhoper and guests for their kind reviews.
I/R: Thanks all for liking my last chapter. I had to think a lot before Fidelius Charm on that. ;)
Happyhoper: I think you'll get your answer on German guy here.
Acknowledgements:
I had to read a lot of articles on traditional French dinners before writing this chapter. I was too much for me so skipped the details since didn't want to make any mistakes.
The calendar said that 19th September 2004 was indeed Sunday.
"Joyeux anniversaire" is fench equivalent of 'Happy birthday to you.'
Again customs of French birthday was researched thoroughly.
The fact about Florentine diamond was taken from a website. So were the other cursed objects.
The song is a copyright to Ronan Keating who published it in 1999.
Madame Bovary is the name of a book by Gustave Flaubert.
Well I guess, that's it. So enjoy and don't forget to leave a review. Less than 15 and I am never updating again. *wicked grin*
My fiction 'The Poisoned Apple' has been nominated for The Hogwarts award in the category Hermione Romance. It is posted on the site and I would like you to cast your vote on the site under 'vote' tab.
The website is hogwartsawards DOT weebly DOT com **replace DOT with a . The link can also be found in my profile.
Please read other fictions there too which are: Broken by Teardrops13 and Looking for lost love by Alyssialui.
THERE IS ALSO A POLL IN MY PROFILE. FEEL FREE TO VOTE.
For some adult language this chapter is rated: M.
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 31: Poignant Truths
Alexis Delacour adjusted the collar of his dress shirt and cast a last look at his reflection before putting on the coat. The man who looked back at him from the mirror was sour faced and tired.
There was a knock at the door of his suite but Alexis didn't bother to open it; he knew his mother would come anyway.
Sure enough Apolline Delacour entered her son's suite after a moment and cast a gloomy look at Alexis.
"My dear, where are you going dressed up like this?" Alexis heard his mother asked him though he knew that woman already knew the answer.
"I am going to my office." Alexis answered only to affirm his mother's speculations.
"Son, today is Sunday." Apolline reminded her son, "Surely your office is closed on Sundays." She said evenly.
"It may be closed for others, maman, but not for me. I am the Junior Undersecretary and I have special duties to attend to." Alexis said in an emotionless voice.
"Oh really?" his mother demanded, "Pray tell me what are they?"
"Maman, I surely can't discuss my office at home." Alexis said in an exasperated voice, "I am leaving now." he said and turned to leave.
"Why are you doing this to me, Alexis?" Apolline asked him from behind, "What have I done, dear son? Are you angry at me? Tell me, Alexis; are you angry at me because I persuaded Jean to marry Draco Malfoy?"
Though Alexis couldn't see his mother's face, he knew that the woman was on the brink of tears. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath before turning to face her.
"No, maman, no." he said as he approached and placed an arm on her shoulder to comfort her, "Why should I be angry on you for a matter on which even you didn't have any choice?" he asked her, "I know why she married that man; she did that for Adrian. She sacrificed her life for Adrian's safety. If Jean can be brave enough to do that, we surely can support her. Neither Jean nor you are any way to be blamed for anything at all. If anyone is to be blamed, maman, it is solely Draco Malfoy. He destroyed Jean and Adrian's lives; not you." Alexis said firmly.
His mother looked up at him, her eyes tearful, "If Malfoy is responsible for all these things, Alexis, then why are you avoiding your family for a whole week?" she asked in constrained voice, "Why are you attending office on weekends when you never did it before? Why are you visiting Jean's old suite when you return and sleep there almost every night? Why didn't you attend her dinner when she invited us in Château last Tuesday? Why, son, why?" she asked him desperately.
Alexis closed his eyes and clenched his teeth; his mother had asked him something that he couldn't explain to himself.
True that the moment the ceremony of Sacred Marriage between Jean and Malfoy had ended, he realized that the woman he loved sincerely was lost forever; that there could never be anything between them anymore. But a large part of his mind, the part that was completely insensible, still wanted Jean back in his life. That part of his soul hoped for Jean to appear at her suite with Adrian, smile at him at dinner and if possible plant a kiss or two on his cheek. The rest of his sensible part was having trouble dealing with this impossible desire and the conflict was making him lose his mind. So in order to employ his treacherous mind, he had drowned himself in his works, hoping that it would somehow numb his pain.
"It's nothing, maman," he lied smoothly, "I already told you that I have plenty of works to attend to since the Minister has just recovered. He is relying on me and the Senior Undersecretary heavily. So naturally the workload has increased. As for sleeping in Jean's suite, maman, it's on the Eastern side of our home and it has plenty of fresh morning air." He said in a convincing voice, "And I am very sorry that I couldn't attend Jean's dinner last week but as you know, work always comes first for me." He said with a forced smile.
His mother said nothing in response; she simply stared at him for a moment and smiled back.
"Well then, I guess that you wouldn't say 'no' to the dinner party at Chombrun Malfoy's this evening." She offered, "Madame Audré Chombrun Malfoy visited our home yesterday to invite us and your father and I accepted it gladly." She informed him.
Alexis was completely at a loss to say anything.
Realizing her son's momentary bewilderment Apolline gave him an encouraging smile, "Don't back out now, dear. Gustave already said that we all will be attending it and if you don't go, it will be pretty embarrassing for us." She said gently, "Besides, your sister is staying there with Jean and Adrian and as a dutiful older brother you should have already visited her to see if she feels alright there." She added.
Feeling completely defeated by his mother's logical points, Alexis nodded silently and gave a chaste kiss on her cheek.
"Don't worry, maman, I wouldn't do anything that embarrasses you or Papa." He assured his mother, "I will be home at five. Is that okay?" he asked.
"That will be just fine." His mother affirmed and patted him on his shoulder.
Completely convinced that he would be doomed for the rest of the evening, Alexis left his suite with only one thought in his mind:
'What will I do when I see Jean and Adrian at dinner?'
•••••
Audré was looking curiously at the stunning white dove that was standing on a flat perch and eating on some safflower seeds.
"Isn't she beautiful, aunt Audré?" she heard Hermione asked her and turned her gaze to the woman.
"She, most definitely is beautiful." Audré admitted, "In fact, calling her 'beautiful' would be an understatement, dear, since she looks positively divine." Audré commented, "Where did you find her? In my Dovecote?" she asked skeptically.
Hermione nodded positively, "I am sorry I brought her here without your permission, aunt Audré but it just wouldn't let go of me when I visited the place this morning. I was so enchanted by her beauty that I couldn't control myself and brought her here at my quarters." She confessed apologetically.
"It's alright, Jean, you need not apologize for taking out one Dove while I have hundreds out there." She assured the young mother, "But what interests me is that you said it wouldn't let you go. My birds never behave that stubbornly; not even with me." She commented curiously.
Hermione shrugged and returned to the book she was reading titled 'The Florentine Diamond and other cursed Gems'.
The Sunday morning breakfast being over, during which her nephew Draco had crushed another teacup in his already injured hand, Audré had decided to spend some time with her little grandson in his quarters. The Château house elves had been notified of the upcoming dinner party as Audré instructed them on what would be in the menu. She was currently sitting comfortably on a sofa with her grandson on her lap, occasionally stroking his hair affectionately.
It seemed that Adrian had given her life a new horizon. The little boy had charmed her with his innocence and sharp intelligence previously but nowadays she felt like she had been intrigued by his other qualities as well namely: loyalty, truthfulness, honesty and valour.
This was the son of Draco Malfoy and Hermione Granger; an eternal intermingling of their contrasting bloodline and qualities – a union between Gryffindor lioness and Slytherin serpent.
"Grandma Audré," Audré heard her little grandson whispered her name and she looked down at him with a questioning look.
Adrian motioned her to bring her ears closer to him and feeling amused she complied.
"Grandma, today is Mama's birthday." Adrian whispered in her ears, "Aunt Gaby told me this morning that grandma Apolline is planning something special for Mama." He informed Audré, "Can we plan something special as well?" he asked excitedly.
'Today is Jean's birthday?' Audré asked herself, having difficulty digesting the sudden piece of information, 'What date is today?' she frowned.
Nineteenth September of year 2004.
The wheels inside her head started moving as a rush of sudden thrill engulfed her.
'What an excellent opportunity to make Jean feel special!'
"Of course we will, dear grandson." She whispered back to the little boy whose innocent grey eyes immediately widened, "We will arrange a surprise birthday party." She informed Adrian.
Unable to contain his excitement to himself, Adrian clapped happily and gave her a wide grin, "It will be fun, grandma." He nodded his head in encouragement, "Mama always forgets her birthdays." He added albeit sadly.
"That's even better, my dear man." Audré affirmed casting a sideway look at Jean who seemed deeply immersed in her book, "She won't know anything until we bring out the birthday cake." She said in a conspiring tone and sat up straight on her sofa before clearing her throat, "Ahem, Jean!" she called Adrian's unsuspecting mother, "Can I take out Adrian for a tour in the Dovecote?" she asked her most innocently.
Hermione nodded absentmindedly - she was positively lost in her book, "Yes, of course, aunt Audré." She granted Audré's request, "Just be careful so that he doesn't bump his arm." She added her default warning.
"Don't worry about that, Jean. He is my grandson too." Audré assured the young mother and motioned Adrian to leave her lap before standing up and taking his small right shoulder in her bigger hand, "Let's go Adrian." she nudged the boy who clutched his rabbit to his chest and followed Audré silently.
They left the quarter and Audré directed her steps to the Château kitchens.
Like most of the medieval Châteaus in France, Château de la Grange-Bleanue had an extensive kitchen composed of Kitchen proper, Pantry, Buttery, Larder and Ice House. Though Audré never actually cooked in the kitchen she often visited it to inspect the condition, which to her immense relief had been satisfactory; thanks to her well trained house elves.
This morning however, she had something else in her mind.
The only two or three occasions during which she ever cared for baking anything were her childrens' birthdays. Julian and Lillian always preferred their mother's hand made fruit tart over the elves version and Audré had never missed an opportunity to present them with one.
Adrian was hopping happily along her, bombarding Audré with questions.
"Where are we going, grandma?"
"What will be our surprise?"
"Will it be something special?"
"Is it another bird?"
"Is it another dove like the one Mama brought?"
"When is the birthday party?"
Audré answered them to the highest of her ability, quenching the little boy's thirst as much as possible as they both reached the kitchens.
She noticed that his little grandson's mouth fell open at the sight of her Grand Kitchen.
It was spacious chamber with ceiling-high stained glass windows whose mullioned colourful window panes filtered the sunlight and created a beautiful image on the marble floor. From the marble topped fitted units and Marble Island to the striking three chandeliers and several state of the art oil paintings, the Grand Kitchen spoke of a serious style statement. Their sudden presence made the house elves stop their activities and bow low to them.
"Good morning, Madame Malfoy and Little Master Adrian." they declared.
Audré felt Adrian tugged her hand insistently and she looked down at the awe-struck boy.
"Grandma, are you going to make something for Mama?" Adrian asked her his eyes still wide in amazement and excitement.
"How about a delicious fruit tart, little man?" Audré asked back temptingly.
"Mama loves tarts." Adrian approved and affirmed happily.
•••••
Draco had never experienced such jumble of opposite feelings in his life.
He was happy, sad, angry, relieved, agitated and calm at the same time - happy because he had seen his son at breakfast; sad because he couldn't reach out and touch him; angry because of his helplessness to face his mother Narcissa; relieved that Hermione had taken the dove he had given her to her quarters; agitated because he wanted to see his son again and calm because he had a plan to whip up a comfortable relationship with Apolline Delacour.
He looked down at his Muggle bandage that had been freshly dressed half an hour ago. He had crushed yet another cup with bare hands in an effort to prevent them from reaching out to stroke Adrian's sweet face as the adorable boy talked and laughed in the most bewitching way during his breakfast that morning.
Had he be forced to tolerate this any longer, Draco was sure he would simply go mad.
He wanted so badly to hold his son in his arms and embrace him protectively, making sure their souls merged with one another.
His heart ached to be kissed once - just once, by his innocent and sweet boy.
His hands ached to stroke his little son's silvery blond curls.
And his mind numbed in pain when he remembered that his son had called him Monsieur.
How he wanted Adrian to call him father in his tender and sweet voice!
What would he not give or do or endure to just hear that one word from his only living son?
His salvation. His Adrian.
That was the reason he had preferred to keep his wounds unhealed by any sort of magic.
'If Granger can tolerate pain for the sake of my son, surely I can do that too.' he had thought.
Draco was reminded of his third year at Hogwarts when he had been attacked by a Hippogriff named Buckbeak. The injury had been minimum but he had exaggerated it to win some attention from his teachers and housemates, especially the girls. Now years after that incident, when he had bled both externally and internally from catastrophic losses in his life, Draco was somehow immune to physical pain. What had been a torture once, was bliss now and he welcomed it openly.
All he wanted was Adrian and the road to Adrian started from his mother whom he had damaged inadvertently.
That woman was suddenly occupying most part of his thoughts as he formulated how to alleviate her pain and ask for her forgiveness.
His first step had been to know her more than he already did. His attempts had paid off well as Hermione had accepted his small gift.
His next step would be befriending with the Delacours and winning their confidence, which surely would be almost next to impossible.
But years of pain had hardened his, Draco Malfoy's, determination and tolerance to extreme limits and he was not afraid to undertake any course that would take him to where he wanted, in this case – the Delacours.
Draco leaned down on his sofa and closed his eyes.
He was waiting eagerly for the dinner that evening.
•••••
Skipping through the pages of the latest edition of Witch Weekly, Narcissa reflected on the event of previous night.
Brought up in a Pureblood family, Narcissa had never imagined that she would have a Muggleborn daughter-in-law and a Half-blood grandson one day. Even more unexpected was the fact that she had almost pledged to the said woman to accept her gift. Had she been her old self, Narcissa would have considered it almost impossible but fate it seemed had made even that - possible. And somehow she was not ashamed of it.
Trying hard to concentrate and failing miserably to read an article on current fashion trend in Witch's gowns, she closed the ladies magazine and tossed it on the table before her. Her mind was somewhere else.
Her little grandson – Adrian.
The boy, a complete miniature of Draco at age six and even better looking than his father had entrapped her with his innocent manners.
She had met quite a few pureblood children and Adrian was like none. While he displayed wit, good manners and affection to his elders he was also shy and even suspicious to strangers. She had noticed how Adrian stared at her whenever they met at breakfast table and since his mother Hermione hadn't endeavored to introduce them to each other, Narcissa had deemed it prudent not to approach her grandson on her own and frighten him on the process.
But in her mind she knew what she wanted.
She wanted to be introduced to her only grandson.
She wanted to be addressed as Grandma just as Adrian addressed Audré in front of her.
She wanted to talk to the boy and have an opportunity to know him more properly.
There was a loud knock on her door and Narcissa's stream of thought was interrupted. "Come in." she called from her place on sitting room sofa.
The door opened and Lillian peeped inside, "I hope I am not disturbing you, aunt?" she enquired.
"Not at all." Narcissa shook her head, "Why are standing outside?" she asked and motioned her to the sofa opposite her.
"Thank you aunt, I haven't come to sit. I want to show you something. Please come with me." Lillian offered her in a tantalizing voice.
Feeling overly curious Narcissa left her suite and followed her niece.
"Where are you taking me?" she asked her followee after some time who turned and gave her a mysterious smile before answering in one word, "Kitchens."
Unable to comprehend what her niece's motive might be Narcissa remained silent during the rest of their walk through the spacious corridors and soon reached a part of Château where she had never been before.
A large shining double door lay open before them.
"Come this way, aunt." Lillian beckoned Narcissa to join her inside the pantry and then hid her behind the door, "Look over there." She offered.
The sight that met Narcissa's eyes was extraordinary.
Adrian and his little white rabbit were sitting on top of kitchen Marble Island while Audré placed a large tart shell before him. There were traces of liquid chocolate over his flawless cheek and he smeared it even more when he tried to wipe it off.
"He is helping maman to bake a chocolate fruit tart." Lillian informed Narcissa, her eyes shining with excitement.
Narcissa blinked several times and tried to clear her head.
Her five and a half year old grandson was helping someone bake a tart!
Whereas her son, Draco Malfoy, had never even lifted so much as a finger to do anything – whether it be five or twenty five.
She watched silently as Audré poured Vanilla bean Pastry Cream into the Tart crust and spread it evenly before casting a Freezing Charm over it.
"Grandma, I want to decorate it especially for Mama's birthday." She heard Adrian requested Audré who laid down a platter full of berries before him.
"Do you know how to do that?" Audré asked him clearly amazed at her grandson's appeal.
Adrian nodded enthusiastically, "I always help grandma Apolline when she bakes on Fridays. I glaze the cookies she makes." He informed Audré proudly who gaped at him.
Feeling utterly bewildered Narcissa watched as Adrian carefully selected some blue berries and started arranging them on the outer rim of the cream filled tart.
"Isn't he just adorable?" Lillian whispered to her aunt fondly.
Narcissa couldn't agree more and a small smile broke into her lips at the thought of being able to present Hermione something on her birthday, though she didn't know it at that time.
"But why aren't they baking a cake instead?" she asked after sometime as Adrian took some raspberries to decorate the middle rim while Audré stood motionless watching the boy work diligently.
Lillian gave her a knowing smile, "Because aunt, at France we don't bake cakes to celebrate birthday. Traditionally we make a specially decorated fruit tart." She explained to Narcissa, "Maman always makes white chocolate fruit tart for Julian's birthday and milk chocolate fruit tart for my birthday. Only for Papa's birthday, did she make an English style cake with vanilla frosting."
"I see." Narcissa remarked, feeling interested to know more about French birthday traditions.
She was about to ask her more but Adrian's tender voice cut in, "Grandma, can we have some strawberries please?" he supplicated to Audré who gave the little boy a questioning look.
"Why, my dear?" she asked the little chef in charge.
"Because grandma Apolline used strawberries to decorate the centre of the tart." Adrian informed her as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.
"Sure." Audré nodded matter-of-factly and left to fetch some strawberries.
"I have never seen little boys show interest in cooking." Narcissa stated to her niece who was having hard time try not to laugh loudly as she watched Adrian bossed over her mother.
"I guess it's the family where he was brought up, aunt." Lillian commented lightly, "I have heard that the Delacours loved Adrian like their own grandson and brought him up fit to be a gentle man from an early age; not to be turned into some spoiled arrogant kid when he grows up." She added.
Realizing that the last part of the comment matched her son's criteria Narcissa remained silent and watched as Audré came back with some strawberries.
Adrian had already decorated the inner rim of the pie with blackberries and together he and Audré placed the perfectly halved strawberry pieces in the centre.
Audré casted a Stasis Spell over the birthday tart and cleaned Adrian's chocolate stains before rewarding him with a piece of Croissant.
Narcissa and Lillian watched from their hideout in pantry as the lady and her master chef left the kitchens and Narcissa was suddenly visited with an incredible thought.
With Adrian's love and support by her side Hermione Jean Granger was the most fortunate mother in the world.
•••••
The Canal Saint Martin was a long canal in Paris which connected the Canal de l'Ourcq to the river Seine. It was a popular destination for Parisians and tourists who loved watching the barges that navigated through the series of locks and road bridges.
Sunday afternoon found Alexis Delacour skipping stones into the shallow depths of the said canal as he stood alone over the arched iron bridge that connected the two ends of it.
Though he had tried to convince his mother that he had urgent works in the ministry to attend to, the reality had been quite opposite.
He had spent most of the morning checking and rechecking his official documents while scanning through the already done reports to see whether they needed any further modifications. The only new document that had been forwarded to him was an official letter that informed him that Audré Chombrun Malfoy would be attending to the case of Minister of Magic's assassination attempt against Augustus Rochés and Olivier Metzner.
While signing at the bottom of the document he had looked up at the calendar absentmindedly and found that it was nineteenth of September – Jean's birthday.
The discovery had hit him hard and soon he had deducted another series of truth with it: For one, his mother had concealed Jean's birthday from him and for two, he had neither inner strength nor motive to visit her on her birthday.
He had lost Jean and Adrian forever and it was entirely his fault that Jean was under Draco Malfoy's evil clutches.
Had he acted more prudently and informed Jean about Malfoy's Brussels visit, the course of events could have been different. Jean would have been alert and Adrian wouldn't be kidnapped and Claimed by Malfoy in the first place.
How could he show his guilty face to her when he already knew that the woman he still loves was suffering because of his foolishness?
He knew that Jean was strong and forgiving but he didn't deem himself fit enough for her forgiveness.
He had simply sold her to a lifetime of loneliness and agony.
The stones he threw skipped through the water and created splashing sounds.
Alexis had already purchased a present for Jean on the occasion of her birthday – a Swiss wrist watch that he had bought for her when he had been in Brussels.
He had kept it safely in his cupboard all along thinking that he would present it to her on her birthday and propose her again.
But ironically she is someone else's wife now and way beyond his reach.
All he could do now was watch her from distance and make sure she and Adrian was safe and protected.
With a sigh Alexis threw the last stone at the canal that skipped through the water before submerging into it's depths.
It was time to go home and get ready to attend the dinner party at Château de la Grange-Bleanue.
•••••
Hermione looked at her reflection on the full length mirror and frowned.
Her navy blue georgette chiffon V-neck long evening dress with sheer elbow long sleeves was extremely modest looking.
But still she felt uncovered and naked thinking that she would be spending a whole evening in the presence of Draco Malfoy.
His cold grey would be sweeping over her body and the thought was enough to make her skin crawl.
Hermione looked at the off white satin shawl on the bed and considered draping it over her upper body. At least that way the horrible rapist wouldn't be able to ogle at her chest.
She felt bile rise at her throat.
"Mama, do you think Peter should wear the blue coat that grandma Apolline gave him?" Adrian asked her suddenly and Hermione gulped audibly to recover her voice.
Not caring to dress her son in a formal dress robe since his plastered arm needed minimum movements she had decided for a scarlet T-shirt with the picture of a golden snitch on it. The colour was chosen deliberately to display the Malfoys that the boy's mother was a proud Gryffindor.
"I think that will be a nice idea." Hermione agreed with her son who immediately dashed into the closet to retrieve Peter's blue coat.
Hermione looked at her reflection again and decided to drape the shawl over her shoulders. There was no way she would attend the dinner feeling uncomfortable.
That being resolved, she proceeded to wear the pearl necklace and earrings.
Her only consolation for the upcoming dinner was the thought that Alexis Delacour might finally attend it.
•••••
The impressive view of Château de la Grange-Bleanue was breathtaking in the afternoon lights as the last rays of sun illuminated it. Apolline Delacour approached it accompanied by her family, her husband Gustave and her son Alexis. While it was custom among the French to bring finest quality wine for their hosts on a dinner invitation, to Apolline's immense relief Gustave hadn't followed the golden rule and resorted to a large box finest quality Belgian chocolates that Alexis had brought from his trip to Brussels. It was well known fact that pureblood witches never drank as much as their husbands did and since Audré Chombrun Malfoy was the lady of the Château it would be inappropriate to bring something that she and her ladies couldn't consume.
Their host, Audré was already waiting for them at the entrance as her son Julian guided the Delacours through the vast gardens and led them to her.
"Bonsoir." Audré greeted graciously and courtesied to them as she came forward to lightly embrace Apolline, "I believe my son brought you safely at our home." She enquired to her guests who had been fetched to the Château by Julian on side-along apparition.
"We are just fine, Madame Malfoy." Apolline assured her, "Though Julian and Alexis know each other from work that certainly won't prevent us from being caught against the Anti-Apparition Ward. It was most kind of you to send your son to bring us." she said with a charming smile.
"Not at all." Audré waved her hand airily, "Please come in, my family is waiting for you in our sitting room." she informed the Delacours and ushered them inside.
Their brisk walk through the spacious entrance hall adorned with characteristic triangular ribbed vault ceiling brought them to Audré's sitting room where most of the Malfoys save for Hermione and Adrian were sitting already.
With all the old glamour, European medieval artwork, antique furniture and extravagant chandeliers - the main salon of the Château de la Grange-Bleanue could not be better designed. Stunning French marble archway supported the entrance door while hardwood floor with intricate inlay and a painted ceiling gave it a regal look and atmosphere. Like most noble homes in France it had an elaborately decorated fireplace large enough for a man to stand with ease inside it and an enormous painting with gilded frame that covered the west side of the room. Audré always served her special guests in this salon.
Narcissa, Lillian and Draco stood up as soon as the guests entered the sitting room and the cheerful mood between two families suddenly became considerably grave as the Delacour eyed Draco with considerable repugnance. As if perceiving the subtle change Audré gestured her guests to take seats and proceeded to introduce her family.
"I believe an introduction is in order." She said placing the chocolate box and rose bouquets on the centre table, "I am sure that you are already acquainted with my charming nephew, Draco." Said she, "And this is Draco's mother and my sister-in-law Narcissa Malfoy." Audré indicated at Narcissa, who was wearing a salmon pink evening gown robe and diamond jewelry, before moving on to her daughter, "And here is my only daughter Lillian Chombrun Malfoy."
Completely ignoring Draco, the Delacours gave simple curt nod at Narcissa's direction and smiled genuinely at Lillian.
"I believe you have already met my youngest daughter Gabrielle." Apolline said to her host Audré who nodded in response, "This is my son Alexis Delacour. He is the Junior Undersecretary to the Minister of Magic." She said proudly and patted her son.
"Enchante" Audré said with a gentle smile while casting merest of glance at Lillian's direction, "I hope I'll be seeing more of you very soon." She added, "By the way I am thankful that you didn't bring wine." She commented at the gifts the Delacours had brought for their host, "My children hardly drink alcoholic beverages. And luckily Draco and Narcissa share the same taste."
Apolline nodded in agreement.
"Well-bred pureblood ladies are prohibited from drinking." Narcissa remarked to the room in general, "Though nowadays it's a common practice among some witches to drink like a fish." She sneered at the thought, "At our home my mother used to say that 'The first thing in the human personality that dissolves in alcohol is dignity'." She quoted, "We were three sisters and brought up in a manner most befitting for our family name. There were rules about what kind of jewelry we should wear as well as when and where, who to talk with, who to dance with, how and when to speak to a stranger – these were deemed very critical knowledge." She said pompously.
Apolline was tempted to ask Narcissa regarding any rules in her esteemed family that said whether or not pureblood men should violate Muggleborn women but controlled herself at the last moment and instead gave her a forced smile.
Meanwhile Alexis discovered that he was having difficulty in keeping his eyes off the extremely pretty lady sitting opposite him – Lillian. She was wearing a light blue evening dress consisting of hand-beaded illusion blouse and a mock-wrap. Alexis had never stared at ladies in his entire life but for some unknown reason his treacherous eyes were trying to travel back to her pretty face and deep blue eyes. Feeling immensely uncomfortable and embarrassed at his attitude he fixed his stare at Audré instead.
"I received a notice this morning that said you would be taking the Ministry's case against the Rochés and Metzner." He said to her, "I must admit that I was a bit astonished because I as far as I knew you have already retired from the post of Chief Public Prosecutor."
Draco was amazed by the piece of information and realized why his cousin Lillian had remarked it at co-incidence the previous day at breakfast, "Congratulations aunt." he said her loftily, "I thought I would never see you in courts again and with all honesty, that would have been a terrible loss."
Audré smiled gently at her nephew before turning to her guests, "My nephew Draco has joined the Wizarding Law School at Sorbonne." She informed them, "And it so happens that Olivier Metzner is his teacher in Criminal Law." She added.
"How are you planning to tackle him?" Gustave asked with interest, "I have heard he has never lost a case." He commented.
"For him, Monsieur, it may be another case of winning so as to add another feather in his already overloaded crown but for me it's not so." Audré replied, "I never fight a case to be a winner. I fight for justice." She emphasized, "And this case is very special for me since I am fighting it for somebody I would die for." She said firmly.
Gustave was just about to ask who that person might be but the appetizers were served at that moment.
"Please help yourselves." Audré appealed to her guests motioning at the nuts, crackers and drink.
"What is this thing?" Apolline asked her taking up a goblet and examining the sparkling blue light, "Is it some kind of Gin?" she asked incredulously remembering their earlier conversation about wine.
"Of course not." Audré denied, "We call it Bombay Sapphire, it's a kind of cocktail made from Juniper berries, orris root, angelica, coriander, cassia, almond and lemon peel." She informed them, "It's one of mother's own invention that she used to serve her guests with and I am merely continuing her tradition." She added pleasantly.
Draco was indulging himself in the incredibly fresh piney taste of Bombay Sapphire and wondering where Adrian and his mother might be when the said couple entered the salon.
"Mother! Father!" Hermione exclaimed from entrance and walked over to the elderly couple to plant a kiss on Apolline's rosy cheeks, "Sorry, I am late but it's quite difficult to don fancy dresses like this with just one arm." She said apologetically.
Draco's had already automatically moved to his son's attire as he had been expecting to see him in formal robes but found that he was wearing a scarlet T-shirt with a golden snitch that fluttering it's wings.
'Gryffindor colours on my half Slytherin son!' he thought raising an eyebrow, 'Is Granger tempting his Seeker father to catch the Snitch?' he thought with amusement remembering his ride with Julian where he had outsmarted his cousin.
All his amusements however evaporated upon seeing what happened next.
Adrian, who had been kissed and cuddled by Apolline and Gustave Delacour to their heart's content, ran to Alexis and jumped into his outstretched arms.
"Uncle Alexis!" he squealed happily, "I missed you." He declared and placed two kisses on the man's both cheeks.
Suddenly Draco's blood was boiling and he felt as if molten lava was coursing through his veins. His earlier tranquility and peace completely gone, he gripped the arm of his sofa and tried hard to control the anger that was splitting his soul into two.
"Uncle missed you too, dear Adrian." Alexis said with a broad smile as he hugged his nephew and kissed him.
Draco's hand automatically moved to grip his wand, ready to hex the infernal man to oblivion should he try to kiss his son again. Anger and jealousy was blinding his vision and he placed his goblet on the table to prevent it from smashing in his hands.
Hermione was immensely relieved to see Alexis and settled down with Apolline after exchanging a courteous greeting with him. She noticed that Alexis was back to his old reserved self and was paying serious attention to avoid meeting her eyes. Sighing deeply she turned to the conversation between Alexis and Adrian.
"Are you attending Monsieur Monette's drawing classes regularly Adrian?" Alexis asked the little boy who was showing Apolline the blue coat she had made for Peter rabbit.
"No." Adrian replied when he saw the approving smile Apolline bestowed upon his Peter rabbit, "Mama says I can't go anywhere until I am fully healed." He informed Alexis pouting his lips in a complaining manner.
Hermione took the opportunity to join the conversation and moved from her place to sit beside Adrian on the double sofa Alexis was occupying, "Well, that's because I don't want you injure your arm any further." She said casually, "You see Alexis, St. Joan's has granted Adrian three weeks leave to fully recover and I want him to make the best use of it."
Alexis gave Hermione a very courteous nod, "That's quite understandable Jean and I fully agree with you on that point." he said in a reserved tone before turning his attention to Adrian, "Adrian, I want you to listen to everything your Mama says, okay?" he requested the boy.
"But I already listen to Mama." Adrian interjected and looked at Hermione for support.
"Yes, he does." Hermione admitted and stroked her son's silvery blond curls fondly, "I was wondering why you didn't visit us after we moved in?" she asked Alexis in a carefully casual tone.
"I apologize for that rudeness, Jean." Alexis replied with a calm demeanor though he was feeling quite the opposite inside, "But you know that the Minister had been attacked and I had to attend to his matters which kept me extremely busy." He lied smoothly, "I heard about your and Adrian's injury and was planning to visit you but just couldn't manage my schedule. Please forgive me for my impertinence." He offered with a gentle smile.
Knowing Alexis's reserved nature Hermione was not convinced by his very believable excuse. She knew that had Alexis truly wanted, he would have turned the world upside down in order to visit them. It was evident from his apologetic manner and careful avoidance of her gaze that he was trying hard to avoid her and Adrian.
In her contemplation and conversation with Alexis and Adrian, Hermione hadn't noticed that Draco was giving them a deadly look.
Apolline meanwhile was admiring the general splendour of the room and noticed that her youngest daughter had not accompanied Hermione when she came in.
"I don't see Gabrielle." She noted her daughter's absence, "Where is she?" she asked Hermione.
"She said she had some urgent work with Edmound and left just before we came here." Hermione replied, "But she promised that she would be back before dinner." She added.
Audré was satisfied at the way her plan was continuing without any suspicion on Hermione's part. In fact it was she who had approached Gabrielle to bring Hermione's closest friends Eva and Edmound for the surprise birthday party they had planned. The birthday tart and other arrangements were already underway in the Dining Room and as the clock struck eight, her daughter Lillian gave her a meaningful look and excused herself politely to join Audré's little conspiracy.
Draco's nerves were stretched to their highest extents as he observed silently Adrian and Hermione exchanged an amiable conversation with Alexis. Adrian was chatting animatedly with Alexis and they both looked so close to each other that Draco thought he would go mad from jealousy.
The episode of l'aperitif being over Audré called for everyone's attention to join the dinner. She stood up to lead her guests to the Dining Room and noticed the intense look Draco was casting at Alexis and Adrian when the little boy took his uncle's bigger hand and hopped alongside him happily.
Shaking her head in amusement at her nephew's behaviour, Audré heralded the Delacours to her Dining room where as per her prior instructions Gabrielle, Lillian, Eva and Edmound would be waiting patiently.
Sure enough when they reached the place and entered the grand room it was plunged into complete darkness.
"What's wrong?" Julian asked loudly and Audré was pleased that his son was doing his part as a surprised host very well, "Why haven't the Elves lighted the chandelier?" he asked irritably.
"Let me investigate the matter, Julian." Audré offered patiently and turned to the small crowd behind her, "Jean dear, can you please light the chandeliers?" she appealed to the woman in semi darkness.
"Yes of course." Hermione took out her wand and waved it, wondering all the while why Audré asked her to do it when she could do it herself.
The grand chandelier lit up as her Lighting Charm hit it and bathed the Dining Room with bright light.
"Joyeux anniversaire,
Joyeux anniversaire…."
Hermione heard Eva, Edmound, Gabrielle and Lillian sang in chorus and soon almost everyone joined the song,
"Joyeux anniversaire, Jean!
Joyeux anniversaire!"
They finished the song with a flourish and clapped their hands loudly.
Draco was completely taken aback at the sudden turn of events. He hadn't paid much attention to the small act that happened before him since he was already preoccupied with Adrian's thoughts and suddenly realized the mystery behind the darkened room as soon as the song ended.
'Today is Granger's birthday?' he eyed a smiling Hermione who was being hugged and kissed by her family and friends save for Alexis and Julian, 'Then it seems that I was the first person to give her a birthday present.' He thought with mild irritation and amusement.
"Mama! Mama! Come and see." Hermione heard as her son called and tugged her skirt to take her to the dining table where two beautiful tarts were already placed, "Look," he showed her a tart decorated with berries, "I made it for your birthday." He announced with a broad grin.
By the look of her, Audré could tell that Hermione was stunned and speechless and so were the other occupants of the room. She moved her glance to her nephew who was displaying the most curious expression: admiration, shock, amusement and tinge of jealousy.
Hermione's hand moved over to the Tart her son had made for her and she touched the soft berries. Her emotions were in complete jumble and she couldn't figure out how to express or release them. Pride, satisfaction, gratitude and love was overwhelming her senses and before she could know her vision blurred as she burst into tears of joy.
"Adrian!" Hermione almost threw herself on her little son, who had been hoisted on a chair by Julian for better view of the food laden table, and embraced him tightly, "Adrian! Adrian!" she chanted and kissed him feverishly through blinding tears, "That's the best birthday present Mama has ever had." she said in tearful voice, "Mama's little rabbit is the best son in the world." She declared proudly.
No one present at the room protested against her.
It was hard for Hermione to let go her son but when she finally released him both of their faces were flushed: her with tear and Adrian's with laughter.
"Mama, grandma Audré and Peter helped me too." he said shyly observing everyone's gaze upon him and pointed to his rabbit.
Hermione kissed Peter rabbit before kissing her son again as if she was completely oblivious of other's presence in the room, "Both of Mama's rabbits are the best sons in the world." She corrected her previous declaration and wiped her tears clean.
As everyone settled down for dinner after Hermione and Adrian both overcame their emotions, Draco was lost in the thoughts of his son.
Since the day he had found out that he had a son with a woman he detested his reactions to him had been like an obsessed person. He had never felt like this towards anyone in his entire life - not even Scorpius and Astoria, the two persons he valued more than anything in the world. At first he had thought it was because Adrian was his only living child, his heir and therefore his salvation. But as time progressed he discovered that it was something more than that. His son was better than him in many ways: looks, manners, magical abilities, drawing skill and flying. The boy had accomplished so many things in tender age of five and a half and yet he was the most innocent child in his eyes; ever so modest and humble to others, fiercely protective about his mother and brave to stand up for his beliefs. He even sported his father's Slytherin cunning and selfish abilities sometimes but it would be intermingled with his inborn innocence. Adrian had touched his heart in a way no one ever had and he longed to be loved by him equally.
A delicious five course dinner was served and soon everyone engaged themselves in lively conversation. Audré and Gustave talked about the upcoming trial while Narcissa exchanged her views on Parisian witch's fashion with Apolline; Edmound and Gabrielle whispered among themselves.
Hermione, Adrian, Julian and Lillian were talking about a highly unusual topic for their own good: Quidditch.
"Well, the Bulgarian's will be playing next with the French team. I have heard that they have put on a good side and that Krum had been given a personal trainer." He informed the ladies.
"Is he still the same surly looking guy he was?" Hermione asked Julian remembering her short period of relationship with the famous Seeker in her fourth year.
Julian gave her an astonished look, "You speak as if you know him personally, sister-in-law!" he remarked.
"We… we went to the Yule Ball together in my fourth year we came to Hogwarts to participate at the Triwizard Tournament. He was the Durmstrang champion." Hermione explained to him suddenly wondering how much everything had changed in her life within a span of nine years. She had been fifteen year old when she went to the Ball with Viktor Krum and lived with her parents and friends – Harry and Ron. Today she turned twenty five and none of her previous life existed for her anymore. Her life now encompassed around Adrian and regrettably his formidable father, Draco Malfoy.
"What's a ball, Mama and who is Krum?" she was brought back from her reverie when Adrian asked her, his attention currently focused at the conversation.
"A Ball is a kind of dance party and Krum was Mama's old friend from school." She said plainly.
"Why did you use 'was' Jean instead of 'is'?" Julian asked her, "Are you not friends anymore?" he asked curiously.
"We lost touch once he left Hogwarts. I guess we both became busy with our own lives." Hermione replied in a dismissive manner. Clearly the topic of Viktor Krum was creating far too much interest than she had expected.
As if sensing her apparent unease Julian didn't pursue the topic anymore. He turned his attention to Alexis instead.
Alexis, who had been listening to the conversation half-heartedly, was having difficulty in keeping his eyes off Lillian again. With the distraction of Adrian gone, he was looking at anywhere but the pretty witch and berating himself for such a shameful behaviour. He dipped his spoon in the French onion soup and tried hard to concentrate on his food when Julian attacked him about his knowledge on Quidditch.
"Alexis, I heard that you don't follow Quidditch like most of the ministry employees do and that there are rare occasions in which you can say the score. Why is that so?" he heard Julian asked him playfully.
He straightened himself and gave Julian a very serene look, "I am afraid Julian but I don't find Quidditch worthy enough to spend my time burying my nose in newspapers to check the scores." He replied with equal slyness, "I would rather enjoy my time with a nice game of chess where there are ample possibilities to train your brain and mind alike." he remarked.
'First Ron and now Alexis.' Hermione sighed. It was quite a co-incidence that the two men she had fallen for in her life were avid fans of chess. She remembered how Ron beat the giant chessmen way back in their first year when they when went to save the Philosopher's stone from Voldemort's evil clutches.
Suddenly the food tasted bitter in her mouth and Hermione reached for some water to overcome her emotions.
"I thought all the men had forgotten the fine taste of chess already." Lillian gave a snide remark at Julian, "Honestly, the way they throw themselves on anything related to Quidditch makes me and maman think they have lost their appeal in the more refined games like chess." She casted side glances at her brother.
Julian snorted, "Just because you feel dizzy whenever you ride a broom, my dear sister, doesn't mean that Quidditch is a rouge game." he retorted back, "Flying can be much more fun than sitting and brooding over a board full of motionless black and white pieces."
Lillian was about to retaliate when Adrian's tender voice interrupted their rhubarb.
"I love flying too." he intoned from his place between Hermione and Lillian, "I can't fly now." he said lightly sniffing and pointing at his fractured arm.
Julian reached forward and patted him consolingly, "Don't be disappointed nephew. I'll take on my next ride if Jean gives me permission." He said to the little boy.
Adrian's grey eyes lit up at once, "Mama, can I go with Uncle Julian?" he asked is mother eagerly.
Hermione shook her head, "Absolutely not, Adrian." she said sternly, "I have seen these men flying around yesterday and they almost broke each other's neck." She said carefully avoiding Draco's eyes that were fixed on her now, "You have done enough damage to your arm already and there is no way I will let you do the same with your precious neck."
Julian was not remotely abashed by her comment on their flying abilities. Instead he gave an amused laugh and winked at Draco, "That was because we were trying to catch a Snitch, Jean. But with Adrian on my broom I am certainly not going to fly like that. I will follow the recommended height and speed." He assured Hermione.
"Mama, can I go please?" Adrian pleaded so tenderly that Hermione thought even Voldemort would have hard time rejecting the boy's appeal.
"Yes, please, Mama." Julian batted his eyelashes at Hermione in a complete imitation of Adrian.
Hermione couldn't help but laughed, "Fine." She said to them, "But first I need to see how you fly with him on your broom, Julian." She added her warning.
Julian gave her a courteous bow, "As the Lady wishes." He said and exchanged an excited look with Adrian.
The only person who was silent throughout the whole dinner was Draco. He had been observing Adrian and Hermione at first but soon his attention moved to the woman he sought badly: Apolline Delacour.
His opportunity to finally converse with the Delacour matriarch arrived when coffee and Hermione's birthday tart was served as dessert.
They had moved back to their salon again and Hermione was savouring every bite of the tart her son had made for her when she saw Draco approached Apolline with two cups of coffee in his pale hands.
Her eyes narrowed immediately.
"Madame Delacour." Draco sat beside Apolline, "Would you like to have some coffee?" he offered her a cup he was holding.
Apolline raised an eyebrow at his sudden uncharacteristic polite behaviour before taking the cup silently, "Thank you Monsieur Malfoy. I believe I find your proud pureblood nose well functioning." She taunted him lightly.
Draco inhaled deeply as if showing her that his nose was in perfect order, "It most definitely is." He assured her with a smirk, "I forgot to thank you for your timely intrusion that night. By the way, I would be pleased if you call me Draco instead of Monsieur Malfoy." He added.
Apolline took a casual sip from her coffee and noticed Hermione's intense gaze upon them, "I thank you for the offer Malfoy but I must respectfully decline." She said with an assuring look at Hermione, "I don't know you well enough to call you by your given name."
Draco was certainly not going to pay heed to her scornful reply.
"Then how about getting to know each other properly?" he offered in his most polite voice.
"And why would a pureblood arrogant brat such as yourself do that?" Apolline asked him sharply.
Draco completely overlooked the sarcasm and replied in a calm voice, "I have my own reasons for that, Madame Delacour, which I'll explain more fully when we meet. But I assure you that I have no harmful intention towards you or your family. I know it's hard to believe my words but I swear this upon my dead son Scorpius's soul." He said solemnly, "How about this Tuesday? We can have lunch at any restaurant that you suggest – Muggle or Magic." He suggested.
Apolline seemed to consider his offer thoroughly, "Very well Tuesday then, Malfoy." She accepted his offer, "I'll let you know the time and venue tomorrow." She added.
"Thank you." Draco said and sipped his coffee languidly, feeling Hermione's eyes on her. He looked up at her and returned her gaze with uncharacteristic calmness.
It was then that he discovered that the woman looked quite good in her attire. True that she was more covered up than it was standard for women in a evening dress but somehow her modesty was adding to her beauty.
Draco moved away his eyes quickly.
'What the hell is wrong with me?' he thought irritably.
•••••
Night had fallen finally in Château de la Grange-Bleanue and all it's inhabitants were at their respective suites.
Hermione, her son already tucked on their bed and sleeping peacefully, left her bed and went to her balcony where her pet done Gwyn was asleep on her flat perch.
She gave the sleeping bird a gentle stroke on her tiny head and took the chair before losing herself in the thought of the man who had kept her awake till now.
Alexis had been very polite yet reserved during their conversation throughout the evening. There had not been any personal communication. He had mostly talked about Adrian and their fractured arms and carefully avoided other topics that may involve their short time past relationship. Not that Hermione had wished him to talk about it; she was happy that the man had shown up at last.
She looked at the wrist watch that Apolline had handed her when they all gave her presents for her birthday; the Swiss watch was studded with tiny sparkling diamonds around the dial. Apolline had told her that they were real Belgian diamonds.
There was no doubt in her mind as to who had bought it for her – Alexis.
Though he had preferred to send it to her through his mother.
Gentle breeze played with her wayward curls as the feelings inside Hermione's heart finally found their voice through her song.
•••••
Draco was slipping into a blissful void of sleep when a female voice near her head jerked him awake.
Hermione's voice was singing softly and his listening device was relaying it with crystal clear clarity to his suite.
It's amazing how you can speak to my heart.
Without saying a word you can light up the dark.
Try as I may, I can never explain
What I hear when you don't say a thing.
The smile on your face lets me know that you need me.
There is truth in your eyes saying you'll never leave me.
The touch of your hand says you'll catch me wherever I fall.
You say it best when you say nothing at all.
All day long I can hear people talking out loud.
But when you hold me near, you drown out the crowd.
Try as they may, they can never define
What's been said between your heart and mine!
The smile on your face lets me know that you need me.
There is truth in your eyes saying you'll never leave me.
The touch of your hand says you'll catch me wherever I fall.
You say it best when you say nothing at all.
Draco listened to the voice keenly, never realizing when he had lost himself in it's carefully selected and meaningful words.
There was no doubt in his mind as to whom his wife was referring through that song.
He had seen them together as they conversed throughout the evening.
It was none other than Alexis Delacour.
•••••
With immense difficulty Hermione climbed out of the Gringotts cart she was riding and adjusted her sling over the plastered arm with a grimace.
"I wouldn't ride that cart with a plastered arm if I were you, Madame." A deep baritone echoed across the earthy corridor and startled, Hermione whipped around to find an impeccably dressed Günther Amadeus staring at her from a corner.
Feeling extremely irritated, she lifted her chin defiantly and gave the German the coldest look she could conjure.
"Guten Morgen, Herr Amadeus." She greeted him icily.
"Bonjour Madame Jean Granger." Amadeus greeted back, "Have I offended you in any way?" he asked noticing her cold demeanor.
If there was anything that infuriated Hermione to no end it was – arrogance. Remembering how the insolent man had stared at her and Claudia the day he arrived at Gringotts, Hermione made up her mind to give him a good run for his money. She was the Chief Curse Breaker in Gringotts France and therefore obliged to no one other than her goblin boss Geccemp.
"I don't like men who stare at ladies shamelessly." She stated defiantly.
Amadeus's lips curled into a pleasant smile and Hermione, amazed, noticed that his serious and arrogant features considerably lessened when he smiled. He even sported small dimples in both cheeks.
"Oh that!" he said as if remembering something, "I did that for two reasons. First, I believe that to be a Curse Breaker, one must be sound both physically and mentally. There is no place for weakness in our profession. That's why when I saw you with a plaster on your arm, I was curious to know what might the reason behind such a grave injury that even French Healers couldn't cure. I was also amazed that you are continuing your work in this state." He gave Hermione's plaster a side glance, "Second, I quite enjoy it when people quell under my gaze and fidget." Amadeus commented lightly and Hermione raised an eyebrow, "But I find it even more impressive when they don't falter and glare back at me - just like you did that day, Madame." He said arching one of black his eyebrows.
Hermione was caught off guard by the honest confession from the seemingly severe man but decided to ignore it completely. She started for her lab and to her surprise Amadeus also joined her.
"Your little mind game may not be appreciated by everyone, Herr Amadeus." She said loftily trying to shake off the man who was striding proudly beside her.
"I never buy a wand without giving it a wave first. Similarly I don't mix with people until I am confident that they are up to my league." Her companion said nonchalantly, "As a proud German I have very little patience and zero tolerance for nonsense people."
"Who do you think you are to judge people like that?" Hermione asked, her irritation increased ten-fold.
"Don't get me wrong, Madame." Amadeus walked beside her as they reached her lab, "I don't mean to disrespect others. But I certainly try to maintain some standards before I start to get acquainted with any new person. Most of the time, it depends on the person I am meeting. And for my fellow Curse Breakers, courage is the only quality that I take into account when I meet them. I detest cowardice. Once they pass my little test, I consider them worthy of my companionship and behave in a way that fit them most." He said and held open the lab door for Hermione when she unlocked it.
Hermione was astonished by his sense of good manners and open admittance of his true motives. She stood there on the threshold and looked directly into Amadeus's fathomless black eyes.
"So that was the reason you stared at me and Claudia like that? You tried to intimidate us on purpose?" she asked him incredulously.
"I was merely trying to assess you two as I do with the others." Amadeus replied evenly, "I meant no disrespect and I apologize if I have created any such notion with my behaviour." He said and gestured her to go inside.
"I must say that you give people plenty of opportunity to misunderstand you." Hermione commented and entered her lab.
"Günther Amadeus doesn't give it a damn what people thinks about him as long he is right." The German remarked and looked around her lab with interest, "You work here?" he asked and examined a painting of a crying boy.
Hermione nodded and drew a chair to seat behind the work table, "That's the famous 'Crying Boy' painting." She said pointing at the portrait of a mournful crying boy Amadeus was watching, "Some French lunatic art collector bought it from a Spanish Muggle family and deposited it here in Gringotts. The original painter was also a Spanish man named Giovanni Bragolin. It is said that this painting holds curses and hauntings. Some even say that they have seen tears drip from the canvas. In addition to that rumour, it has been blamed for various misfortune to it's owners like house fires and unexpected deaths."
"Any idea on why to get rid of the curse?" Amadeus asked her with interest.
"I am trying to find out the layer on which the curse has been inlaid. As you know portraits are made with layers after layers of colous which finally bring out an actual picture." Hermione answered to her German guest feeling that the man indeed interested in her methods, "I have found that there are several curses on the third layer which I guess is the layer that the artist used to draw the eyes of the boy. I think that's the reason why they say that this portrait weeps." She replied confidently.
Amadeus gave her a satisfied smile and moved on to next item which was an oil lamp.
"This is cursed?" he asked Hermione with a skeptic look pointing at the simple looking terracotta clay lamp, "Why would anyone endevour curse it?"
"That is an Israeli oil lamp, possibly from 100AD. It is an heirloom and I think they cursed it for the same reason you asked me anyone would curse it. It's easier to disguise a deadly curse in small and simple objects." Hermione answered knowledgably.
"Honestly." Amadeus shook his head in disbelief and snorted, "And they say that only Dark Lords practice dark arts. In my country people don't curse such petty objects. They prefer valuable ornaments, paintings and other such belongings." He commented and approached Hermione's table, "So what are you working on currently?" he asked curiously, drawing a chair to sit opposite her.
Hermione was starting understood the true nature of the German man before her. Günther Amadeus reminded her of her teachers: Professors McGonagall and Snape – both extremely knowledgeable in their areas of expertise and exceptionally strict to their students – but when anyone crossed the hard barrier that they had placed upon themselves, they would discover the friendly and easy going person who lived inside.
Feeling interested to know what his opinion might be he showed Amadeus the amber yellow diamond she was working on.
"This was given to me last week when a rich French witch bought an expansive necklace from Vienna, Austria during her summer holidays." She pointed to the three tier diamond necklace, "I researched on it and found that it is actually the famous Florentine diamond, a massive 139 karat diamond that was associated with a long line of infamous death among Muggle kings and queens." He noticed the spark of interest in Amadeus's black eyes, "Of the most famous deaths are Queen Elizabeth I of England, King Faruk of Egypt, King Maximilian of Austria and last but not the least King Louis XIV and Marie Antoinette for France."
Amadeus gave the diamond necklace a very serious look, his demeanor suddenly professional; "How many diamonds have you curse broken?" he asked examining the cursed gem keenly.
"Not many." Hermione replied honestly, somehow feeling safe that the German wouldn't tease her, "Eleven, that is without this one." She said indicating at the Florentine diamond.
"I have been doing that for last five years and I assure you that there are very few people in the world who have encountered as many cursed diamonds as I have." Amadeus commented thoughtfully, his earlier pride completely gone, "Curse breaking diamonds is not only about counter curse or spells. It takes more in depth analysis than that; we have to take into account the histories of these stones, understand about their memory storage and possible detainment of evil energy. We should also consider the intents and moods like: elation, sadness, rage that may find their way into these crystals. Every single detail matters, Madame Granger, even time and place of a sad event that involves the diamonds." He elaborated.
Hermione listened to the German intently as he explained how curse breaking diamonds were more challenging than curse breaking other stones. They were soon lost in a delightful conversation.
"Madame, where do you take your lunch?" Amadeus asked Hermione as she finished writing down the details he had told him, "Would you mind if I ask you to join me for lunch in a good restaurant?"
"Of course not. That would be an honour, sir." Hermione replied with ease; the German was intriguing her and she was eager to find out more about his knowledge on curse breaking.
Amadeus stood up and bowed his head courteously, "After you please." He said flourishing Hermione to the lab door.
Shaking her head in amusement Hermione took her dragon-hide purse and walked to the door closely followed by her German colleague.
•••••
His lecture class on Family Law finally being over Draco settled down under a willow tree in the Wizarding part of the campus.
The revelation that his wife was deeply in love with somebody else had been extremely distracting. Even more disturbing was the fact that it was making him jealous and furious at the same time.
He sat and contemplated over their relationship that span more than fourteen years.
He had never particularly cared for Hermione Granger; called her a Mudblood for almost entire time of their relationship and even violated her on a fit of anger.
Now the only link between them was their son Adrian, on whom Draco was adamant not to give up no matter what happened.
He hadn't paid the boy's mother much attention until the day she fractured her own arm. Since that day, Draco had felt a subtle change in his view of the woman he so passionately despised. He change however slight had been strong enough to motivate him to whip an entirely new potion to alleviate her pain.
Next had been the fateful night when his heinous crime had been revealed to his mother. The way Hermione had reacted during the hallucination attack and the truth that his aunt Audré bared at him regarding his self denial of crime had been devastating.
Draco was seriously questioning his past actions now – something he had never done before.
He had made up his mind: it was him who damaged Hermione and it would be him who would undo it. But for that he needed more information on her and Adrian.
The listening device that been wonderful as promised by Julian. So far he had collected small information like when they got up, what they ate at breakfast, what Adrian would do for the day and not to mention the unpleasant fact that his wife was in love with Alexis Delacour.
'Has she forgotten that she is married to me not him?' Draco asked himself irritably, not knowing why it was making him jealous.
"Brooding over how to convince your wife to love you, Malfoy?" Dominique's voice asked him airily and frowning, Draco looked around to find him sitting beside him.
"Women; we can and can't live without them." He said with mock melancholy.
"Call me Draco." Draco said his classmate, noting his earlier use of his surname. Somehow the man reminded him of his Slytherin friend Blaise Zabini. "So, what do you prefer? With or without them?" he asked casually.
Dominique's brows furrowed in a quizzical look, "Of course with them. They are the spice in our monotonous life. So what have you done to her this time? Had a quarrel over clothes or kids? Or did you do something really naughty with her last night?" he asked with a wicked wink.
Draco gaped at Dominique as the underlying meaning of his words hit him.
'Me? Sleeping with Granger?' he thought incredulously at the idea.
"I don't like discussing my personal life with strangers." He said coolly after sometime.
Dominique waved away his coldness with one hand, "Oh come on, Draco. Don't be a virgin." He snorted, "Then it is definitely something about 'that', hm?" he stated rather than asked, "Well, let me help you with a piece of advice. After you return home today, just go to her, hug her from behind and say a sweet sorry before planting a gentle kiss on her forehead. She will pretest first but eventually she will calm down and you will be able to find your way into her knickers again." He said confidently.
Draco shuddered at the thought and flinched away from Dominique, "Are you playing cupid between us?" he asked mustering some of his earlier coldness.
"Of course not." Dominique replied nonchalantly, "But a lot of my female friends want me to do that. Let me show you." He said suddenly, "Hey! Marie! Come over here!" he called loudly.
The woman named Marie, a redhead, turned her head at them and excused herself from her friends before walking over to where Draco and Dominique sat under the willow tree.
"What's it?" she asked Dominique.
"Marie, this is Draco Malfoy and Draco, this is Marie Bell." Dominique introduced them.
"Enchante, Draco!"Marie stretched her right hand at Draco with a soppy smile.
"Call me Malfoy." Draco said firmly, carefully shaking her hand and arching an eyebrow at her smile.
"You know Marie, Draco was asking me from where he could buy a pair of sexy lingerie for his even sexier wife. Can you help him on that?" Dominique asked the woman standing before them unabashedly and Draco gasped audibly.
"Dominique!" he almost shouted at the man beside him angrily.
Marie, however, looked disappointed, "Your wife?" she asked Draco incredulously, "You have a wife?" she repeated.
"He has a son too, don't you Draco?" Dominique replied in Draco's stead, "What was his name again?" he asked.
"Adrian." Draco supplied suddenly realizing Dominique's real intention and gave Marie one of his long forgotten Slytherin cocky grins, "He is five years old. As Dominique was saying previously, I was wondering where to buy a really sexy pair of lingerie for my wife. I think we could do with another son." he gave her a naughty wink.
Marie was completely at a loss of words and opened her mouth several times, but no sound came out. "You can try Madame Bovary's lingerie shop in Ruelle Les Halles. That's a pretty good shop for that kind of things." She said at last.
"Do you buy from there too?" Draco asked, somehow wanting to taunt the woman more.
Marie didn't reply but flared at him and walked away.
"Oh dear! Is she angry?" Dominique said, suddenly very interested in watching the leaves of the overhead tree.
"Merci." Draco thanked him.
"Any time." Dominique commented, "Marie had been nagging me to play cupid between you and her." He added lightly.
"Are you always like that?" Draco asked, feeling the Slytherin stirring inside him. He hadn't talked about sex and such stuff with anyone since Scorpius died. Moreover it had somehow lost it's appeal in his life after Astoria passed away.
"Most of the times." Dominique replied nonchalantly and stood up, "Come on, let's get away before Marie attacks us with her friends for taunting her like that."
"Where?" Draco stood up and hitched his bag over his shoulder.
"To Madame Bovary's shop." Dominique said casually.
"What? No way!" Draco protested suddenly pink in his ears, 'I am certainly not going to buy lingerie for Granger!' he thought vehemently.
"Yes way, virgin Draco." Dominique said firmly, "But not for your wife. I want to buy something special for my girlfriend." He said with a evil smirk.
Draco suddenly as if he was fifteen again and talking to his Slytherin friends about their girlfriends. It's been nine years since those lightweight moments between his friends.
"You want to show me what you plan to give your girlfriend?" he asked with a smirk.
"So what? I am not going to show her to you in it." Dominique said with a smirk of his own and started for the apparition point.
"You are most welcome for that suggestion." Draco remarked and followed him feeling his old self again.
Surely enough when they apparated to Muggle Les Halles and entered the Wizarding alley through the hidden entry in an ATM booth, Draco's mood elevated more than he had felt in last couple of monthes. It felt good to get his snarky side back.
They were passing through the alley casually and talking among themselves when he saw her.
Hermione Granger was entering a restaurant with a man in black formal robes.
All his elation suddenly gone and his nerves on fire Draco fisted his hands.
'Alexis Delacour, you are dead!' He thought furiously and turned to his companion.
"Hey Dominique, I am sorry but I can't continue anymore." He said to him as calmly as possible.
"Why? Feeling shy again?" his companion teased him.
"No, I just spotted my wife in that restaurant and I think I will give her a start with a surprise visit." Draco replied with supreme confidence.
"Okay, have a nice time then." Dominique said and started on his track again, "And don't forget the kiss. Not on lips, just on forehead." He called back.
"I'll keep that in mind." Draco assured him and without a moment's delay entered the restaurant he had seen Hermione enter previously with Alexis Delacour.
His grey eyes immediately located Hermione who was sitting comfortably in a corner with a man who had his back on him.
'You filthy woman! How dare you go on a date with Delacour?' he thought furiously and strode over to the couple who were chatting animatedly.
Hermione's eyes widened in surprise and horror the moment she saw Draco standing before her table. The man followed her gaze and turned around to look at Draco.
Draco's mind was totally set on Hermione and he didn't fail to notice that the man wasn't Alexis Delacour. "Having fun, dear wife?" he hissed, "Will you not ask your husband to join you?" he raised an eyebrow.
"M…Malfoy!" Hermione stammered and looked at the man opposite her timidly.
Without caring to be invited Draco slumped on the empty chair beside her and looked at the man he thought Alexis Delacour with immense dislike.
But the man was not Alexis at all. He was a foreigner with black hair and black eyes and his eyes were moving calculatingly between them.
Draco was suddenly caught off guard.
"You are Madame Granger's husband?" he heard the stranger ask him.
He didn't miss the tone of respect the man used when addressing Hermione.
"Yes, I am." Draco replied regaining his old confidence, "And who might you be?" he sneered at the foreigner.
"Herr Amadeus. Please excuse me for a moment. I need to freshen up." Draco heard Hermione's shaking voice said from beside her as she moved away her chair and left immediately before either of them could respond.
Draco watched her retreating form and turned his cold gaze to the man named 'Herr Amadeus.' To his surprise the man was giving him an even colder look.
"My name is Günther Amadeus. I am the Chief Curse Breaker in Gringotts Germany." The man proclaimed proudly, "Tell me do you always stalk your wife like that?" he asked Draco haughtily.
"Meaning?" Draco asked his temper suddenly reaching the sky.
"Don't think I missed the look you gave her when you arrived." Günther said venomously, "Can't she have a simple formal lunch with her foreign guest?" he asked with equal fury, "You must not underestimate her, Monsieur whoever-you-are. Jean Granger is one of the best Chief Curse Breakers I have ever seen." He said proudly.
'Chief Curse Breaker?'
'Gringotts?'
'Jean Granger?' Draco thought incredulously.
And suddenly it dawned upon him.
It all fitted perfectly.
Hermione Jean Granger is the Chief Curse Breaker in Gringotts France!
His cousin Julian had mentioned it during their last visit. He had said that it was a woman.
Draco was completely absorbed in his new discovery when Hermione returned at their table. She took her chair beside Draco and dragged it away from him, who noticed that she was very white and her face was wet. "Herr Amadeus, can we just have some coffee and sandwiches please. I am afraid my stomach is a bit upset." She offered feebly.
"Yes of course, as you wish, Madame Granger." Amadeus said and called the waiter, "And you Monsieur?" he asked Draco coolly.
"Whatever she takes." Draco waved off the offer vaguely and noticed that Hermione's hands were shaking slightly as she grabbed a spoon tightly to stop it.
The food came and they took their lunch silently. Draco soon noticed that Hermione left her sandwiches after two hesitant bites and fiddled with her spoon. She was looking anywhere but at his direction.
"So, Monsieur, are you not going to introduce yourself to me?" he heard the German ask him.
"My name is Draco Malfoy. I am currently studying L. L. B in Wizarding Law at Sorbonne." He replied with half an eye at Hermione who was rubbing her forehead wearily.
"You are one lucky man, Monsieur, to have a courageous wife like Madame Granger. She is a fine woman." Amadeus said with a proud look at Hermione.
Hermione who was staring at the ceiling stood up at his proclamation, "Herr Amadeus, I…. I will go and see if I can take a parcel of Chocolate Truffles for my son." she said and left hastily.
"You have a son?" Amadeus raised an eyebrow at Draco's direction.
"We have a son." Draco replied and discarded all his attempts to eat, "His name is Adrian Thomas Granger-Malfoy."
Amadeus took the final sip from his coffee and placed the empty cup on the table before wiping his mouth napkin and standing up, "Okay Monsieur. It was almost nice meeting you." He said dismissively and left without a backward glance.
Draco watched as Amadeus paid their bills to the man behind the bar and left with Hermione who was holding a small parcel.
He frowned and leaned back on his chair as a poignant truth hit him.
Even with the listening devices installed on Gwyn, he didn't know anything about his wife at all.