The Poisoned Apple

by SeveranSnape

An atrocious act by Draco Malfoy in the dungeons of Malfoy Manor forced Hermione Granger to leave behind everything she ever cared for. Six years later, Draco after losing all that he cared for, comes face to face with the consequences. The once innocent Apple now poisoned is his last resort. Will he leave behind old Draco and earn Hermione's trust for a new beginning? ABANDONED.

41. Chapter 41

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 Grovek26, aryaa, poetrywoman, , ramyfan, roni2010, Nikki98 and happyhoper for their reviews.

Acknowledgements:

The Louvre post office was written from website informations and Google street view map.

The idea of owls was inspired from PS.

Information and description of Gally Farm were taken from its website and some other websites on it.

The poem was taken from children's website.

Draco Malfoy's signature was taken from HP wikia.

59, Ermitage Street was carefully chosen after scouring Paris Google map in satellite and street view modes.

Since the French sentences were translated using Google Translate, there might be chance of unintended mistakes. Please feel free to correct me politely.

Well I guess that's all and now please enjoy and don't forget to leave a review.

An album with the pictures of OC's of this story can be found in my profile. Based on it I have created another poll and would like to see everyone vote.

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.

For adult words this chapter has been rated as : 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 41: The Intent and The Act

"Malfoy?"

The platinum blonde haired man raised his head from his previous occupation of shoe lace tying and fixed his grey eyes on the man before him, "Pardon?" he drawled.

"Draco Malfoy, I believe they call you." The dark haired man enquired.

Giving a curt nod, Draco went back to tying his shoe lace.

"You fly pretty well." The other man said, "I have been watching you fly for some time now." He informed.

Silent, Draco finished tying the shoe laces and folded his blue Quidditch robes before shrinking and throwing them inside his bag.

"What do you want?" he asked the stranger, straightening himself and throwing the bag over his right shoulder.

"First year Seekers were never this good." the man commented.

"Is there anything wrong with being good?" Draco asked back.

"No." the man shrugged carelessly, "I just thought I would better warn you. Not all goodness is rewarded."

Draco arched an eyebrow at the stranger; "Merci, I'll keep that in mind." he said and attempted to leave.

"Careful, Malfoy." The man shouldered him to stop on his tracks, "We don't give a damn who you are. Remember, if you try to be over smart with us in the match, we'll deal with you in the kindest of manners." He said coolly.

Keeping his eyes firmly fixed on the stranger, Draco dusted his shoulder carelessly and accentuated his raised eyebrows.

"Listen, who-ever-you-goddamn-are," he said icily, "I played as the Seeker of the Slytherin team for five years and I am used to these empty threats on daily basis before a match approaches. So if you and your merry men are really capable of doing something, try me here." He offered, "Otherwise you can just sod off with your tail between your legs. Understood?" he sneered and taking care to hit the stranger's shoulder as much painfully as he could, Draco left the Sorbonne Quidditch pitch.

The giant amphitheatre, where classes for the first years were held, was half- full when he entered it.

Dominique was engrossed in a newspaper when he settled beside him, "The place is full of barking and howling mads." He grunted.

"Some of third year supporters have been threatening our players ever since it's been announced that the first match of the season will be between us and them." Dominique snorted, "I guess you were on the receiving end of a bully this time." he commented, his eyes not leaving his paper, "How does it feel to be on the other end?" he asked casually.

Draco just couldn't scoff more, "Bully? That bullshit was bully?" he asked indignantly, "If what those rampaging rhinos said can be called a bully then I guess they don't know what bullying is." He said with supreme pride, "Talk about bullying and that to a Malfoy who are the masters of bullying." He snorted.

"What a nice thing to be proud of…" Dominique folded his newspaper with a final glance, "…Malfoy." He said deliberately and Draco arched an eyebrow, "I mean, it must feel extremely smug and satisfying to be a part of such deplorable act and for an honourable Malfoy, I guess it is too much of a temptation for you and your kind."

Draco folded his arms over his chest and gave his peer his coolest look, "Dominique, I will really appreciate it if you hold your tongue when talking about my 'kind'." he hissed.

The look Dominique gave him was even cooler and unnerving, "Draco, I will really appreciate it if you hold your tongue when talking about others as if they are scum." He hissed back, "True that not everyone here have fool's gold in their vaults to roll in but they at least have their self-respect and being proud of your past when you, too bullied people simply means you are either like them or possibly meaner than those who tried to bully you. So I suggest that you sort your priorities before you talk."

The staring contest that followed between Draco and Dominique wasn't over until their professor walked in and started the lecture on 'Essentials of a Valid Offer.'

Draco's tried hard to keep his concentration on the lecture where his professor was explaining how to create a Legal Relationship in a Valid Offer.

'The proposal must be made to create legal relations…' he was lecturing in fluent French, '…otherwise it will not be a valid proposal. A proposal not made with the intention of creating a legal relationship between the offerer and the offeree, is not fit to create a valid contract.'

'How dare he talks about my family like they are common people?' he seethed, 'We are Malfoys and no one bullies a Malfoy.'

'I have been way too friendly with half-blood riff-raffs like Dominique.'

'But it was he who pointed out that my family gold isn't pure enough to be used for my wife and son.'

'And it was Dominique who came forward to befriend me while almost no one in this class did that.'

'But that doesn't give him rights to talk about my kind like that.'

'But he is right in a sense. You have seen how Adrian reacted when Pierre bullied him. Being a bully is nothing to be proud of.'

'I was not being proud. I was just telling that those threats don't even qualify to be called a bully.'

'Indirectly, you were boasting about your bullying abilities; you were telling him that you can be a better bully.'

'Adrian will never be proud of a father who prides himself of being an accomplished bully.'

Draco's rage calmed down considerably when memories of the night when he was introduced to his son surfaced in his mind. The boy had scolded him for being a bigot to his mother and himself and accused that Draco would have killed him hadn't his mother brought him to France in the first place. Ever since that fateful night, his only son keeps as much distance between them as possible while being civil in public. What will happen if his mother tells him that his father used to be a bully at school? All his works to uplift his image before his son will go to dogs and he will be forced to watch Adrian from distance for the rest of his life while his heart will crave be with son.

Draco sighed so audibly that Dominique gave him a concerned look.

"You alright, Draco?" he whispered from the corner of his mouth while his eyes rested on their teacher.

Draco gave a curt nod and returned to his note-taking.

They received their graded essays at the end of the lecture class and Draco opened his roll of parchment to see what grades he had earned this time.

"I got an 'O'." he said to Dominique as if nothing had happened between them before the class, "What about you?"

"I got an 'E'." Dominique replied, his demeanor calm and collected, "Look, I am sorry if I have insulted your family by my words. It is just that I can't tolerate snobs." He said solemnly.

"You should have thought that before you befriended the greatest snob that ever walked this planet." Draco remarked as he patted on Dominique's shoulder, "Now there is no return." He said carelessly.

"Snob or not Draco, you are not what you show yourself as." Dominique smiled as he heaved his bag on his shoulder and proceeded to leave the class, "There is a different man behind that cold and hard shell that everyone sees and avoids. That was the reason why I approached you to see if my assessments about you were correct or not." He said as they left the class and came out in the corridor.

"And was it correct?" Draco asked curiously, he has certainly never been regarded like that by anyone.

Dominique went back to his earlier careless attitude and shrugged, "No." he said and Draco was certain he was lying and denying to tell the truth, "But I guess there is no way back since I have developed a strange liking for the greatest snob that ever walked this planet." He said airily.

How strange that Draco too had developed a liking for Dominique, the man who hardly let go of a chance to tease him. But somehow his teases had brought good results for him in the end.

As they walked through the spacious corridor and down the stairs to the courtyard that had the willow tree that they were partial to, Draco pondered over the challenge at hand.

He checked his watch and found it was only quarter past one o' clock. That meant he had almost two hours before his interview in the Ministry of Magic and there was no way he wouldn't give his theory a try.

"Dominique," he called the man as they settled under the willow tree and rested their backs against it, "Is there anywhere I can find a hundred owls?" he asked as carelessly as possible.

"Why?" Dominique asked, giving him a curious glance.

Draco considered the question before answering it, "Well…um… my wife and I have put on a bet." He said solemnly, not to appear as a liar, "She said that I can't find a hundred owls at a time to deliver a post and I said I can." He lied smoothly.

"So finally you have got back into her good books?" Dominique snorted audibly.

Draco couldn't deny that he wanted to be in Hermione's good books now for the sake of their son. But with Delacour orbiting around her like a satellite, it was seemingly impossible.

"Do you want me to win or not?" he asked back, frowning.

"Well I guess from your words that your wife is also an English woman and she still doesn't know much about France and most importantly about Paris." Dominique answered, "Otherwise she would have known before she put that bet that, not that there is a place where you can find more hundred owls to deliver posts, Draco, that place also happens to be in Paris."

Overlooking Dominique's remarks about Hermione's lack of knowledge about France, Draco leaned forward to know the answer, "Where?" he asked.

"Louvre post office." Dominique replied curtly.

Draco frowned even deeper, "You mean there is a post office inside the Louvre museum?" he asked skeptically.

Dominique gave an exasperated sigh, "Of course not. Why should it be?" he asked Draco, "It is a Muggle post office in 52 Rue du Louvre, a street just around the Louvre museum. While most post offices closes at six o' clock in the evening and don't open in weekends, Louvre post office is open 24 hours a day seven days a week. It is more efficient than other post offices and has more staff on the floor."

Draco shook his and rolled his eyes in resignation, "Dominique." He said with uncharacteristic patience, "I am looking for a Wizarding post office, not a Muggle one. Besides since when did Muggles start to use owls for postal services?" he asked deliberately.

Dominique held out a hand to stop Draco and sported a superior smile on his face, "Did I ever mention that Muggles use owl?" he asked Draco, "That post office has a Wizarding section where people like you and me go to post their letters by owls." He finished.

"Is there any place in whole France where there isn't a magical establishment not running alongside a Muggle one?" Draco asked, throwing his hands in air in evident irritation, "I mean, you French have infiltrated every Muggle institutions I have laid my eyes upon. The Ministry of Magic is in the Muggle Ministry of Defense, this law school is inside a Muggle University – Sorbonne, Ruelle Les Halles is just beside Muggle Les Halles and now you are telling me that even the Wizarding post office is inside a Muggle post office? What an idiotic way to hide ourselves from them." He said scornfully.

"That's because we, French, follow the camouflage rule, Draco." Dominique said with an amused smirk, "I know it may appear weird for English people like yourselves and a pureblood nonetheless to share something with Muggles whom you consider way under your precious feet. But I assure you that there is no better way than to hide ourselves just beside Muggles. Take Sorbonne for example, there are almost four hundred thousand students that study here in various disciplines and only nine hundred of them are witches and wizards. So tell me who is going to look for the needle in this haystack? Who is going to look for nine hundred Wizarding students from among four hundred thousand?" he asked skeptically, "No one." He answered, "That's why we run our institutions alongside them so that they never notice us. They will take us just as another Muggle. Besides, these days Muggles dress pretty weirdly too. So there is also no chance that they will spot us for wearing a robe or a cloak; they will think we are just another weird Muggle like them." He shrugged.

Defeated in his argument against his peer, Draco decided to leave this subject, "Whatever." He said indignantly, "Now tell me where is this Wizarding post office? Where should I apparate?" he asked.

Dominique checked his watch and stood up, "Come." He said to a frowning Draco, "I'll take you there." He offered.

Not wasting another moment, Draco leapt to his feet and followed his peer.

The place that they appeared a minute later was a thin alleyway between two imposing buildings on the either side.

"That's Rue du Louvre." Dominique indicated the Muggle street before them as they started walking towards it, "The building on my right hand side is Poste Centrale du Louvre." he tilted his head to it and they turned the corner to appear beside an impressive building, "The Muggles enter through that door," he showed Draco a blue and yellow sign with a writing 'La poste' on it, "We, wizards on the other hand enter through this way," Dominique said and led him through a high arched corridor with large Muggle clocks fixed on the wall to a wooden door before pushing it open, "Welcome to La Poste du Magic." He announced pompously.

Draco had never seen anything less like a Wizarding post office in his life.

The place had not a single trace of owl or wizards in it. Instead men and women dressed in Muggle attire where working as they weighed letters and placed seals on them manually.

Deciding to keep his views to himself, Draco followed Dominique to a counter where a wizened man was writing something on a large white envelope.

"Excuse moi, Monsieur?" Dominique addressed the man, "This friend of mine wants to send a hundred owls to his beloved wife as a romantic birthday surprise. Can it be arranged?" he asked while Draco snorted beside him.

The post office staff looked up from his envelope, "A hundred?" he asked seriously.

Dominique nodded, "Yes, Monsieur." He affirmed.

"That's a large pack of owls you are requesting for." The staff said, "It will require special payment."

"How much?" Draco asked this time, "I am willing to pay any amount for my wife." He assured.

"Well, then fill up this form and deposit the money in the 'Cash' section." The man said and handed a roll of parchment to Dominique, "Your request will be processed according to your wish." He said before returning to his work.

Draco carefully filled the form and deposited the required amount of hundred galleons for hundred owls on the cash section before taking out the bundle of letters that he had created using a Gemini Spell.

"Here." He handed the fat bundle to the clerk who sat behind the 'Local mail' bar, "I want these to be delivered to the person in question all at once." He explained while the female clerk received the letters and gave him a voucher.

The female clerk nodded, "It will be done, Monsieur." She assured him.

"But can I be present when you let the owls out?" Draco asked carefully, "You see this is a birthday surprise for my wife who is angry with me and currently living at her parents." He lied smoothly, "I just want to make sure everything will be perfect." He gave the clerk a charming and convincing smile.

To his immense satisfaction the clerk smiled back, "How touching." She remarked, "Don't worry, Monsieur. Since the occasion is very special for you, I'll ask the caretaker to take you to the owlery for your posts. Happy?" she asked him.

"You are so kind." Draco smiled at her and with a promise to be back again for his letters he left the counter.

"Your wife is an English woman and the name that you wrote on the form – Guathiot, is a French one. So who are sending all these letters to?" Dominique asked him as they left the post office together, "Both of us know that we lied." He said airily.

"It is for my wife." Draco affirmed, "In an indirect way." He added.

"Subtle romance?" Dominique smirked and they appeared in the alleyway where they had apparated half an hour ago, "Interesting! I hope she realizes it in the end." He commented.

'I hope that she realizes that her husband is more intelligent than her lover.' Draco thought, as he bade his peer goodbye and turned on the spot to appear before the Ministry of Magic.

Once inside, Draco proceeded to find his cousin Julian at his office.

The man was extremely grave when he knocked and entered the office.

"Draco." His cousin noted and motioned him to sit, "I thought your interview was not before three o' clock."

Draco nodded, "My class is over and I thought I would meet you before the interview to see if there has been any progress on the matter." He explained his intention.

Julian rubbed his face wearily, "I am so sorry Draco, I couldn't find an opportunity to ask Sergeant about you. The Minister is extremely disturbed by the way those men died. Luckily, it didn't leak to the press otherwise there would have been a mayhem claiming that we are using illegal methods to interrogate prisoners. Besides, maman met the Minister this morning and after that Guizot called a meeting asking everyone's opinion about Pasteur's demands." He said and rang a bell, "I am starving and I guess from your looks that you also haven't eaten anything since breakfast. I will order us some food." He said as the door opened and his secretary walked in, "Smoked chicken and cheese baguette sandwiches with two coffees please." He bid and the woman left with a silent nod.

"I thought aunt Audré met the Minister yesterday. She told me that she had asked Delacour to place an appointment on her behalf." Draco said as soon as the door closed and Julian shook his head.

"I told Delacour to change and place it this morning instead." Julian informed him, "I wanted the questioning under Veritaserum to be over so that we can gather enough evidence to persuade the Minister to fulfill Pasteur's demands. Besides, maman may not show it, cousin, but she is injured and weak. That was a Dark Magic they used on her." He said grimly, "Lillian and I have no one except maman now and Rochés or not I don't want to lose her." He said firmly.

Julian's words touched Draco's heart in a way that he himself didn't even know he was capable of feeling. Since he had met his aunt and got the opportunity to know her closely, he had envisioned her to be an unusually strong and clever woman. Except for fainting once in Malfoy manor Audré has never shown any signs of weakness before him and therefore Draco had taken it to be granted. That his cousins too relied upon their mother like he relied upon his mother Narcissa made him wonder what he has ever done for the woman who had done so much for him.

"Your sandwich, Draco." He heard his cousin called him and coming back to reality, Draco took one before taking a large bite out of it.

"Julian, I want to give mother something. Can you give me any suggestions?" Draco asked him.

"To Aunt Narcissa?" Julian asked back, "Well that depends on what she likes." He commented.

Draco reflected on the question, 'What does his mother like?'

"I don't know what mother likes." He said truthfully to his cousin, "I mean, it's not that I don't love her or didn't pay her much attention, Julian; I did. It is just that she always had what she wanted. My father never kept any of her wishes unfulfilled. She had the best clothes, jewelries, capes, hats, everything she wanted. So, it never occurred to me to ask or enquire what she likes." he explained.

"Well, Papa also never left maman's wishes unfulfilled. She too had the best things." Julian finished his first sandwich and reached for more, "But how long do you think those things can keep a woman happy?" he asked, "Women like our mothers always want to see their children to be successful and respected in the society. So, my advice to you will be to give her something that she never thought was possible." He said and took a sip from his coffee.

Draco pondered over Julian's words.

It was evident from his mother's words and actions that she had distanced herself from her only son, the son for whom she had once fought against the world. She had sacrificed all she could to keep him safe and in return he, Draco had given her the title of a rapist's mother.

How can he possibly make their relationship like it was before?

"What did the Minister say in his meeting?" he asked Julian, making a mental note to give his mother's issue a good thought later, "Has he agreed to come at terms with Pasteur?"

Julian smirked, "How could he not be?" he asked back, "Who do you think he is dealing with? My maman and Pasteur – the two most intelligent people in the whole France." He said proudly, "As soon as maman left, he called a meeting and told us that from now on Pasteur's demands will be fulfilled only if he could provide us with right information." He said smugly.

"That's a progress." Draco said pleasantly surprised, "I knew aunt Audré could do it. Then why were you so grave when I arrived here?" He asked Julian.

"Because Delacour still haven't had any breaks on the case of how to contact those Delacroixs." Julian said irritably, "Blasted people. We need them now. My mother has been injured, my nephew has been traumatized. Our family is facing all the dangers and this family is hiding behind the Wizarding etiquettes." He said angrily, "Had it not been for those rules regarding owls, Draco, I swear I would have hunted them down." He said furiously.

Draco held out a hand to stop his cousin's outburst, "Patience, cousin, patience. Delacour isn't the only intelligent man that walks on this planet." He said with a confident smile.

Julian snorted this time, his earlier anger gone, "I guess the great Slytherin had hatched some deadly plans to make Delacroix to come out of their hiding?" he remarked.

Draco wiped his mouth in his napkin and took up his coffee cup before answering, "Deadly?" he mocked, "No." he replied, "Plans?" he asked himself, "I guess it's a yes." he smirked.

"You took the Night Hawk for that purpose?" Julian asked, looking interested.

Smiling contentedly Draco finished his coffee and checked his watch to find that it was already quarter to three.

"I will be off." He said leaving his bag on the chair he had occupied, "Don't even think that I am going to thank you for the lunch. You yourself said yesterday that Slytherin don't thank people." He said and without a backward glance, left his cousin's office.

Walking slowly and deliberately, he reached Sergeant's office precisely at three o' clock just when the secretary came out from within and informed him that Sergeant was expecting him.

"Bonjour." Draco greeted man with mixture of pride and politeness, "Draco Malfoy is at your service." He said arrogantly.

Sergeant, who was accompanied by two other men on his either side, greeted him back and motioned him to take a seat.

"Can you please show us your certificates?" the man on Sergeant's right side asked Draco.

Draco reached inside his robes and took out a small folder before enlarging it to its original size and handing it over to him.

"You will find my O. W. L. and N. E. W. T. s certificates in there." He said to the men in general before him, "My grades in every subject is written there."

"Sergeant told us that you passion lies in potions and we, his colleagues know that how hard it is to please him. He almost never praises a person except I guess, your cousin Julian for his devotion and sincerity in his works. So, when he told us that he has found someone who he thinks can be a good researcher for us, we decided to give it a try." The man on Sergeant's left side said with an apathetic face, "Tell me Malfoy, why do you think most people don't take Potions seriously like they do with other subjects like Charms and Transfiguration?" he asked Draco.

Draco, who had been expecting questions on different Potion ingredients and recipes, thought about the question with slight frown before the answer hit him.

"Monsieur," he fixed his grey eyes on the asker, "Your question was answered by my late Potions professor on my first day at Potions class. His name was Professor Severus Snape and he was one of the most knowledgeable persons I have ever met. He had said that since 'there is no foolish wand waving and silly incantations in Potions' most people don't regard it as magic." Draco quoted his mentor's first speech, "He said not everyone has the power to appreciate the beauty of a softly simmering cauldron with shimmering fume that can bewitch our minds and ensnare our senses except for those selected few who truly understand what a correctly brewed Potion is capable of doing. My family being a pureblood one from tenth century and my ancestor Armand Malfoy being a Frenchman who settled in Britain, I have had close encounter with good potioneers from childhood and thus I understand as well as appreciate its real beauty." He said solemnly.

"So you claim that you find Potions as an engaging subject. Then why not open your own apothecary and run your own business?" the man who had been examining Draco's certificates asked this time as he handed the certificates to his companions, "Don't you think that would be more suitable since you will have more freedom of work ?"

Draco shifted his gaze to the man and shook his head, "No, because no excellence can't be achieved without competition." He said boldly, "I could have done what you suggested, Monsieur, but that way I would be competing only with myself, not with others. But here, I will be working with the researchers who are taking this field to a new direction. There is chance of ground-breaking discoveries and all I would be doing, had I ran my own shop, was reading about them in newspaper. I want to be a part of it, a part of history and if possible even create one. That's why an apothecary business isn't my cup of tea." He answered.

"Tell us what do you know about Suicide Salt?" Sergeant asked him this time and Draco being the one to brew it in order to frame Rochés couldn't more delighted.

His first ever job interview being over, when Draco came out half an hour later clutching his appointment letter the first person who came in his mind was his mother, Narcissa Malfoy.

His cousin Julian's earlier words echoed across his mind:

'Women like our mothers always want to see their children to be successful and respected in the society. So, my advice to you will be to give her something that she never thought was possible.'

He walked back to his cousin's office to retrieve his bag, determined to pay a visit to his mother to show her his appointment letter.

'You may no longer take pleasure in calling me your son, mother. But I will always seek to be your loving son once again.' Draco thought as he shoved his appointment letter inside his robes and entered Julian's office.

•••••

Hermione couldn't be happier with the arrangements she had made for Adrian and Apolline this afternoon.

The little boy was running to and fro like his little rabbit Peter and it was a sight to behold. Her mother Apolline on the other hand was digging out some potatoes.

Her work for the day being over earlier, Hermione had returned to Delacour residence to take Adrian and Apolline for a day out in a pick-it-yourself farm in the fringes of Paris. Located at the west of the French capital city, the Ferme et Cueillette de Gally or Gally Farm was a farm bursting with a variety seasonal fruits, vegetables and flowers where public was invited to wade through the fields of lush greenery and blossoms to harvest their own produce.

She will never forget how much effort Gustave and Apolline had put to make her cruise with her son a memorable experience and living with the half-Veela Delacour matriarch for more than six years had taught her that Apolline would be affronted if Hermione tried to thank her too much. It was no secret that the elderly woman loved her like her own daughter and maybe even more. So taking Apolline out with her and Adrian was Hermione's form of expressing her gratitude for always being there when she needed her and her family.

"Mama! When will we go to pick the apples?" her son tugged her sleeve and Hermione looked down at the happy face that was as red as the muffler that Adrian wore around his neck, "Right after grandma Apolline digs some more potatoes." She replied.

"Can I dig them too, Mama?" her son enquired but Hermione shook her head this time.

"No, Adrian." she said stroking his silvery blonde curls fondly, "It is a tough job for a little boy…sorry…little man like you." She corrected herself noticing Adrian's slight frown at the word 'boy', "I just don't want you to hurt your arm before the cast is removed on Thursday. Hm?" she explained kindly and her cute little son nodded.

"I am tired of this cast." He complained, "I can't draw. And I made you hurt yourself." He gave a tiny sniff and unable hold herself anymore Hermione crouched down and gave her son a tender kiss on his soft rosy cheek.

"How can Mama be at ease when her little rabbit is in pain?" she asked, hugging Adrian and feeling their hearts beating against each other, "You are Mama's love, Mama's man…you are Mama's everything and she can never see you in pain. Never." She said firmly.

"I can never see you in pain, Mama." Her son said, his voice tender and truthful.

Her son's honest words filled her heart with such a surge of emotion that Hermione embraced Adrian more tightly and closed her eyes.

'What would I have done without this child in my life?' she asked herself, 'What would have been the value of my existence without him?'

'Nothing.'

'Without Adrian I am nothing.'

Someone kissed softly on her head followed by Adrian's and opening her eyes, Hermione looked up to find a flustered but otherwise happy Apolline.

"I don't think I have ever seen such a bond between a mother and her child. It's like you two have different bodies but one soul." She commented wisely, "Even among Veelas, it is very rare."

Hermione smiled at her and stood up, "I hope your potato digging is over mother because Adrian has been asking me to take him to apple gardens." She informed her.

"Oh yes, it's done." Apolline nodded while indicating at the wooden crate filled with freshly unearthed potatoes inside a wheelbarrow which has been magicked to run on its own, "Gustave just loves my Baeckeoffe and if I add fresh potatoes with cubed mutton and onions, I guess he will eat the entire dish alone." She said fondly.

Taking her son's sound hand, Hermione started to walk towards the apple gardens where she planned to spend the rest of the afternoon.

"Where did you find this farm, Jean?" Apolline asked her as they walked together, "I have lived in Paris ever since my marriage with Gustave and I didn't know about it." she confessed.

Hermione gave her a modest smile, "Well, mother, even I didn't know about it until this morning when I went to my office and found my intern, a witch by the name of Claudia eating an apple and reading one of my books. She offered me one and told me that her mother had picked them from a farm called Gally Farm which is near to Paris. I never knew witches and wizards picked their own fruits and vegetables from Muggle farms but Claudia told me her mother apparates all the way from Lillé just because she likes the fresh and down-to-earth flavour of fruits and vegetables over the market bought ones. That's when I remembered how Adrian loved picking grapes the other day in Château and decided to spend our afternoon here." She explained.

"Well, I must say I am happy that you brought us here, Jean." Apolline said pleasantly, "Because like Claudia's mother, from now on I will be coming here to pick my vegetable and fruits. It's true that I have apple, olive, fig and other fruit-bearing trees in my garden but what's better than standing on a apple garden with rows and rows of apple trees full of red apples waiting to be picked?" she asked happily.

The moment Hermione set her foot on the apple garden, Adrian's excited squeals reached the Jupiter and its many stars.

"APPLES ! APPLES! APPLES!..." he sang while running around the place from one tree to another and looked up at the deliciously fresh and inviting fruits, "MAMA! I WANT TO PICK APPLES!" he demanded impatiently.

Hermione nudged Apolline forward to help her son pick his favourite fruit while she removed her wand and cast protective spells around the place; true that she wasn't expecting to be attacked here in a Muggle farm of all places but the way Audré had been attacked had made her more cautious regarding Adrian's security while he is out with her. Being the Gryffindor she was, Hermione denied to let her son be cooped up inside the Château for the fear of being attacked by some lunatics. Adrian was her son; as a mother she was well capable of taking care of her son and would never spoil the little boy's childhood fun for a battle between two families that doesn't concern him directly.

It was the one of the best afternoons that she had spent with her son and French mother, Apolline. They talked, sang, played and picked up apples. Hermione soon found out that her son was more talented that he ever displayed himself as for after some demonstrations from Apolline on how to choose the best apples, he started selecting them on his own while Apolline lifted him in her arms and the happy little boy picked them one by one.

"Grandma, take me to that apple. It's round and red." He noted and Apolline carried him to the mentioned apple that waited to be picked.

"Adrian, would you like to learn a new poem?" Hermione asked from under a tree that she was standing and looking up a suitable fruit, "Mama knows a poem that she thinks you will like."

"New poem?" Adrian asked eagerly, "Tell me, Mama."

Hermione cleared her throat and tried to remember the poem her grandmother had taught her when she was a little girl of five or six.

'A little red apple

Hung high in a tree

I looked up at it,

And it looked down at me.

'Come down, please,' I called.

And what do you suppose?

That little red apple

Dropped right on my nose'

Adrian's amused laugh again scared the birds out of their shelters.

"The apple dropped on your nose?" he asked and laughed so hard that the little boy almost turned blue and coughed.

"Enough laughing." Hermione chided her son, patting him gently on his back to help him get over his cough, "Now let's recite it together." She offered as they settled on the grass under an apple tree.

Just like the day before, Adrian copied his mother's tone and tempo as he recited after Hermione.

"A little red apple…" Hermione said.

"A little red apple…" Adrian said after her.

"Hung high in a tree…" Hermione said tilting her head up to look at a tree.

"Hung high in a tree…" Adrian too tilted his head like his mother.

"I looked up at it…" Hermione widened her eyes mocking surprise and interest.

"I looked up at it…" Adrian's grey eyes widened too.

"And it looked down at me…" Hermione looked down as if she was the said apple.

"And it looked down at me…" Adrian copied his mother's movements perfectly.

" 'Come down, please,' I called." Hermione looked up again and pleaded the imaginary apple.

" 'Come down, please,' I called." Adrian on the other hand pleaded to a real time apple hanging from a branch.

"And what do you suppose?" Hermione asked dramatically.

"And what do you suppose?" Adrian asked the apple a little too dramatically.

"That little red apple…" Hermione announced.

"That little red apple…" Adrian held his breath in anticipation.

They didn't get the chance to finish the poem together for the apple that Adrian had been targeting with his eyes suddenly dropped on his lap.

"Oh my Nostradamus!" Apolline squealed loudly as Hermione looked up and around wildly to understand what had happened, "He Summoned the apple! Jean, stop looking around." she bid Hermione who returned her gaze to a stunned looking Adrian watching the apple on his lap curiously, "Your son has Summoned the apple just by his eyes." She explained.

Waves after waves of surprise, pleasure, pride, love and affection hit Hermione and she lost all coherent thoughts as she realized what her son had done.

"He is just five and a half and he Summoned an apple from that distance without any wands?" Apolline said incredulously, "I bet not many adults can do that with a wand." She said before engulfing a shocked looking Adrian in her deep embrace.

Hermione took the apple her son had summoned and looked at it.

'It was clear now that this magic wasn't the result of a sudden emotional outburst.'

'In his mind Adrian had imagined the apple to fall and unconsciously used his magic to get what he wanted.'

'Who could have thought that her little son, who has barely been trained, would be so controlled when would he display his magic?'

"I think we should return home right away, Jean," Hermione heard Apolline offered her, "I am looking forward to inform everyone about this marvelous incident and I guess we will be coming over with you to the Château this evening."

"This evening?" Adrian who was finally found his words, asked his grandma Apolline curiously.

"Yes, my lovely little man, this evening." She affirmed, "We will come to celebrate your First Intended Magic." She explained kindly.

Hermione, who now understood what Apolline meant, was still at a loss of words.

Even she hadn't imagined that the afternoon could be come to a close with a better outcome: Adrian's first intended magic.

•••••

Audré couldn't believe her eyes when she saw the solitary apple on the table.

Her dear little grandson, the most eligible bachelor in Paris, the adorable and innocent boy who has become her heart beat, had displayed his First Intended Magic by Summoning an apple from six feet distance at the at the tender age of five and a half.

The said boy was currently sitting on combined laps of his grandpa Gustave and grandma Apolline, his head resting on Apolline's bosom while his tiny feet lay over Gustave's lap. He was uncharacteristically silent for a person who was the centre of all attention.

Apart from her, the other occupants of her parlour were Narcissa and Hermione. Narcissa looked as shocked as Audré herself while Hermione was sporting a gentle smile.

"I am so pleased that you came on your own." Audré, who was having one of those rare occasions when she couldn't speak, found her voice at last and said, "It will strengthen our family bonding." She commented, "But I must admit that you have embarrassed me immensely, Madame Delacour, with all these delicious foods that you have brought with you." She indicated at the French Opera cake, lemon pie and fruit custard tarts before her on the table, "Jean's home is your home too and you need not bring anything to visit her." She said earnestly.

Apolline waved her hand airily, "It's nothing, Madame Chombrun Malfoy." She said politely, "It's the occasion of my grandson's First Intended Magic and how could I visit him empty handed?" she asked with a smile and kissed Adrian's forehead, "Besides, we, Gustave and I wanted to invite you and your family for a humble dinner at our residence on coming Sunday."

That the Delacours have come forward and invited her family for a dinner pleased Audré to one end. It has been a while that both the families had been formally acquainted but have had no opportunities to progress it apart from occasional official visits by Alexis and once a week long stay of Gabrielle. The Delacours were overall a nice family and Audré was interested in strengthening the bond between them. As elders it was their duty to look past unpleasant realities between Draco and Hermione in order to have a better future for Adrian.

"Where are your children?" Apolline asked, looking around the place.

Audré checked the clock over the mantelpiece and smiled at her guests, "I am sorry that they are not at home to welcome you. It's only five o' clock and Julian is still at the Ministry. Lillian, my daughter will be returning home at six and my nephew Draco, he will be returning with Julian too." she replied.

Truth be told the day had been full of surprises for Audré. It had started with her meeting the Minister of Magic where she had pointed out how it was important to have Pasteur on their side. The Minister Francois Guizot, though wasn't as intelligent as her grandfather the ex-Minister of magic Pierre Laval had been, had listened to her words and there weren't many people who walked this planet that had the audacity to say 'No' to Audré Chombrun Malfoy's request. Eventually, he had agreed to come at terms with Pasteur. Then around the dusk, her nephew Draco had returned from his Law School and informed them – Audré and Narcissa- that he has been selected as one of the Potions Researchers under the Defense Potions Department and that he would be working alongside his cousin Julian as well as continuing his study in law at Sorbonne. It had been more of a shock than a surprise for Narcissa when her son laid the appointment letter on her feet and left silently. Audré had witnessed how the woman had clutched the letter and cried like a child all the while wailing that why hadn't her son done it before and why hadn't she encouraged her son to earn his own money.

But the cherry on the top was Hermione returning with her son Adrian followed by Apolline and Gustave's visit. The news that Adrian was capable of controlling his magic at such a young age was the biggest surprise of all for both Audré and Narcissa. Adrian's biological grandmother had gaped at her grandson while Audré had been at a loss of what to do or say.

Audré's was dying to take Adrian in her arms but since the Delacours didn't get much opportunity to spend much time with their 'little man' she let them have their time with the adorable child first. The tea was served along with the cake, tart and pie they had brought and after half an hour of merry talks among the elders, during which Narcissa remained mostly silent, the Delacours left with a promise from Audré that she will be present at the dinner next Sunday with her entire family.

As soon as the Delacours left, her daughter Lillian returned from her work and Audré greeted her with the day's biggest news: Adrian's magic.

To her immense satisfaction, the little boy was now sitting beside Audré as silent as before.

"What is it, my little man?" Audré asked curiously to the silent child, who should be jumping up and down instead of sitting quietly, "Are you sad, my dear?"

Adrian nodded and Audré, who knew how this little boy never lied, for his eyes always spoke the truth on his behalf, gently stroked his blonde curls.

"Can grandma ask what is wrong with her little man?" she asked tenderly.

Adrian's voice was barely audible when he spoke, "Everyone tells me that I am young and I have a lot of magic. Grandpa says men should take care of ladies. But I couldn't save you. They attacked you. You were alone. I am ashamed." He said sadly.

Realizing what her grandson meant by 'they' and 'attack' Audré didn't know why she was suddenly crying and smiling at once.

Hermione, who certainly has had more than her own share of surprises for the day, looked dumbstruck at her son's confession while Narcissa and Lillian were speechless.

"Who said my little man didn't save his grandma Audré?" Audré asked the sober boy kindly, "Do you any idea my child how you have kept this old and tired woman alive?" she asked unable hold back her emotions.

"You are crying?" Adrian asked noticing Audré's tearful eyes and he reached out to wipe her tears with a small hand, "Mama cries." She indicated at her now tearful mother, "Monsieur's Mama also cries." He tilted his head at Narcissa's direction, "Now you cry. I don't like to see ladies cry. Grandpa says it's bad for eyes." He complained.

"We won't cry." It was Narcissa who spoke this time, her voice was full of emotion, "I promise on behalf of all the ladies here that we will never cry again." She placed a solemn hand over her heart, "We have nothing to fear when our little man is here." She said proudly.

"Yes, my little rabbit." Hermione said this time as she leaned and kissed her son's forehead, "Mama also promises she will never cry."

"Yes, dear little nephew, we won't cry ever again." Lillian assured, "We are so proud to have a little brave man like you with us. My brother and cousin both are completely good-for-nothing kind of men. They are not as brave as you are." She said firmly.

After many assurances that her 'ladies' wouldn't cry ever again and that he had been brave the day they were attacked, Adrian got back to his cheerful mood and ate a slice of Apolline's French opera cake while describing their apple picking in a Muggle farm.

"…there was a lot of apples…red…round…fresh…" he said as Audré watched him with fascination, "…I love apples…I love grapes and berries too…I love fruits..." Adrian said and Audré nodded encouragingly, "Mama taught me a poem on apples and I laughed a lot…it says the apple drops on my nose." He laughed in amusement.

"Did the apple fell on his nose?" Audré asked in alarm as she checked Adrian's the perfect nose.

"No." Adrian said as if chiding Audré for being 'silly', "It is in the poem. It says the apple fell on the nose." He explained wisely.

A second round of tea was served, this time with Lillian and Narcissa finally joining in. Audré observed how her sister-in-law looked considerably light hearted in the presence of Adrian.

'How strange it is that even the vilest of hearts would melt down before an innocent child like Adrian?' Audré thought solemnly, 'Be it mine or Draco or Narcissa, it seems like it is this young boy's pure heart that keeps us going forward even when in darkest of despair.'

•••••

Draco rotated his broom and encircled the house that was now covered with a hundred owls of different sizes, shapes and colours while loud and angry shrieks came from one of the windows.

'Who the hell is this?' he female voice was screaming at the top of her voice, 'Who does this blasted 'Malcolm' thinks he is? Sending us a pack of hundred owls? As if we have nothing else to do but to open this cursed letters? What will happen if the Muggle's see all those owls and find out about us.' she swore loudly.

Draco snorted, "Woman, you keep shrieking like that and the Muggles 'will' find out what you are." He said in immense amusement, "So this is Guathiot household?" he asked himself, "I guess we will have a tough time taming that shrew." He said before noting the location and landing smoothly before the two-storied house.

Under the Disillusionment Charm, Draco examined the neighbourhood that appeared like a Muggle one. Loud sounds of Muggle televisions were coming from windows while some motorcycles and cars were parked haphazardly along the wide and spacious alleyway.

He looked around the name plate of the perfectly Muggle looking Wizarding residence.

"59 Ermitage street." He read the French sign and let out a contented sigh, "See you soon, shrew." He whispered to the loud voice that was determined to let everyone know that they were witches, "Have a good-owl-night." he said before grabbing his broom and disapparating into nothingness.

The garden of his uncle's Château was deserted when he appeared there seconds later and checking his watch Draco realized that it must be dinner time.

'How about a nice dinner with my son and wife?' he thought smugly, 'What a marvelous way to celebrate being a tea-spoon.' He smirked on Hermione's earlier comment regarding his intelligence.

The sound from dining room said that the two people that he had been wanting to meet were taking their meals and Draco entered it as impassively as he possibly could.

"Cousin!" Julian, who always sat just beside him, noted his presence first, "I was beginning to think that you have lost your way." He remarked lightly.

Draco settled on his usual seat and looked around the table, "59 Ermitage street." He announced solemnly.

"59 Ermitage street?" Julian repeated after him, frowning, "It seems like you have really lost your way, Draco. This is not 59 Ermitage Street. This is Château de la Grange-Bléneau." He reminded.

Draco gave his cousin an even look before resting his eyes on his wife, who was taking her meal silently with Adrian, "No, cousin, I assure you I haven't lost my way. 59, Ermitage street is the address of the Guathiot residence." He stated calmly.

As if a bomb had been dropped, the dining room became silent.

With immense pleasure Draco noted that as soon as the words reached her ears, Hermione looked up from her soup and their eyes met.

The last time they had looked into each other's eyes had been during their marriage when both of them had been at daggers drawn. If it were not so, Draco would have appreciated the depth, colour and whirls of emotions that those brilliant pair sported now.

Hermione Jean Granger's real time eyes were even more intriguing than their memory version. They were not just any brown.

They were brown of rich melted chocolate with specks of small and shiny golden stars in them.

They were serious yet simple….

…Fiery yet friendly….

…Honest…Genuine…Sincere…

…Warm….calming…comfortable…

And so full of sophistication and elegance!

'How is that he never noticed that eyes can tell so many things at once?'

And right now they were amazed.

"You heard me right." Draco said, not taking his eyes of his wife's pair, "59 Ermitage Street is the address of the Guathiot or Delacroix residence." He repeated.

"But how did you find them?" he heard Julian asked him from beside, his soup spoon hanging halfway to his mouth.

His wife's eyes were curious now.

"It seems, cousin, being a teaspoon has its own benefits." Draco said evenly, waiting for the next emotion that will appear in Hermione's eyes, "You see, they can reach nooks and corners where tablespoons or ladles can't."

With immense pleasure Draco noted that the next emotion in his wife's eyes were what he anticipated it to be: Anger.

"But how did you find their home?" he heard his aunt Audré enquired this time.

"Unlike some, who always pour over books and monotonous documents to find any information or solve problems, aunt Audré," Draco said relishing every word that left his mouth, "I, the Slytherin teaspoon, took a practical approach and went to the Central Post office at Louvre Street where I issued a hundred owls to deliver a hundred letters to the Delacroixs. I had already borrowed a broom from Julian for long distance rides at night. When the owls took flight, I simply mounted it and followed the them through night and found their house." He explained, "It would have been pretty hard not to notice a house that had a hundred owls of different sizes, shapes and colours settled over it Doxy eggs are found in moulds." He gave Hermione his most charming smile.

"What a freaky way to find someone's house!" Julian remarked, "I must say that it's a loophole in our Wizarding security system because our owls can be tracked while delivering a post. True that it's hard to spot one solitary owl in the limitless horizon to follow it on a broom. But if it is a large pack of owls like Draco chose - a hundred - then it can be easily spotted and followed." He said matter-of-factly, "I mean, this is bizarrely brilliant." he laughed at the whole idea.

Hermione's eyes were sporting arrogant indignation now and contented, Draco finally took his eyes of her.

"There are some points that I noted when I examined the Delacroix residence, aunt." he said to his aunt Audré, an interested Lillian, subdued Narcissa as well as a amused Julian, "I was brought up in one of Britain's most secured houses, the Malfoy Manor and I know that Wizarding households are protected with more than just average magic. Unplotting and Anti-apparition wards are common protections against intruders. An Unplottable house is only visible to those who know about its existence like this Château or Malfoy Manor." He explained, "But this house, where the Delacroixs live is not Unplottable. Otherwise, it would have taken me more time to spot it by owls. They also live in a Muggle neighbourhood and any Unplottable house in a Muggle neighbourhood is outright unprotected." He analyzed, "Now the question is why did they deny to meet us earlier? It cannot be because they are scared of us since their home isn't protected enough. Anyone who is scared will be over protective." He said pensively, "There must be some other reason behind it and until we find that out, there is no way we can make them talk, let alone make them give testimony against the Rochés." he opined.

Audré gave him a thoughtful look before turning her gaze to Hermione.

"Jean, I don't think I have to tell you that Alexis, Draco and you need to meet this Delacroixs after your work tomorrow." She said and Hermione nodded silently, "I am pretty curious to find out the secret behind their unresponsiveness. Besides, the Minister of Magic has decided to fulfill Pasteur's demands and I won't let that happen until I am hundred percent sure that the man isn't playing a game with me." She said seriously.

The dinner returned to its light mood following Audré's instructions and when everyone except Draco and Audré left the dining room after dinner, his aunt laid a hand on his hand.

"Good job, Draco." She said smiling pleasantly, "I knew the Slytherins can be amazing when they want to. There is something that I needed to inform you about Adrian." she said solemnly.

"What is it?" Draco immediately sat straight on his chair feeling tense, "He seemed alright when I saw him at dinner. Is he still scared of what happened that day?" he asked, gritting his teeth.

Audré shook her head, "No, Draco, it is the other way round." She said gently and Draco frowned, "This afternoon, Jean took Adrian to a Muggle farm to pick fresh fruits. They were picking apples when something amazing happened." She said beaming with smile.

"What?" Draco asked apprehensively, "What happened to my son?"

"He displayed his First Intended Magic by summoning an apple from the tree." Audré said, her blue eyes twinkling in pride.

Draco didn't know whether to laugh or cry.

"First Intention at five and an half?" he spluttered, not believing his ears, "That's…rare…" he fumbled for exact words to describe what was going inside his mind, "I mean I had mine when I was ten. I was really angry because father said I can't go with him to Italy and I wanted to throw a stone at the window." He reminisced, "As soon as I looked at the paper weight on father's study table, it soared and flew to the window and smashed the glasses." He said with a tinge of pride, "But picking apple by Summoning it from tree, that's really unique." He confessed.

"Jean's son is as unique as she, Draco." Audré commented before standing up and leaving the table finally.

Draco watched her retreating form from his seat before floods of emotions engulfed his senses.

He wanted so much to hold his son in his arms and tell him how deeply he loves him.

He wanted so much to be there when he displayed his First Intention.

He wanted so much to be a part of his son's life…to play Quidditch with him…take him to places…buy him drawing books…sit and draw together…laugh and share their special moments.

Oh how he wanted to be Adrian's father…not his 'Monsieur'!

There was a chance that, that fine day may arrive when he could finally persuade Hermione to forgive him and let him be with his son…when she would believe that he was really ashamed of what he did…when Apolline would testify on his behalf that he had tried hard to get that forgiveness…when he, Draco would promise to never hurt her again and tell her how thankful he was that she brought Adrian to this world…

But it was a long way before that happened and until that time he was alone in spite of being surrounded by so many people.

He was a lone fighter…fighting for his future and destiny.

•••••

Alexis took another spoonful of his Baeckeoffe and relished the taste.

"Maman, what have you done with the Baeckeoffe today?" he asked curiously to his mother who sitting across the table and knitting a red jumper, "It tastes amazing with steamed rice." He noted.

Apolline gave her son a contented smile, "All credit goes to Jean." she commented.

Puzzled, Alexis looked down his meal of Baeckeoffe with steamed rice, "You mean Jean cooked Baeckeoffe today?" he asked incredulously, "But as far as I know she doesn't like cooking very much." he added.

Apolline snorted, "I sometimes wonder, Alexis, that how you run the Minister's office with that brainpower." She chided him, "This afternoon, Jean took me and Adrian to a Muggle farm where anyone can pick their choice of fruits, vegetables and flowers. I didn't know such a Muggle farm existed otherwise I would gone their ages ago. Anyways, I dug some potatoes thinking that Gustave would love the taste of fresh potatoes in Baeckeoffe. And here it is," she indicated at the casserole of French Alsatian Delicacy, "I have kept some more potatoes for Sunday for we have invited Malfoys at the dinner." She informed him.

Alexis almost choked on his rice, "Malfoys?" he managed to say with mouthful of Baeckeoffe.

"Yes, Malfoys." His mother affirmed him, "I know what you are thinking, Alexis." She assessed her son from his stunned looks, "True that I don't want to associate with Draco Malfoy and his snob mother but we are related to them through Jean and Adrian." She said calmly, "Besides, it was Audré who invited us first in her Château in occasion of Jean's birthday. Will it not look extremely rude if we, Delacour's don't invite them back?"

Alexis couldn't deny that his mother was right in inviting the Malfoys for dinner. As much as he hated Draco Malfoy and his pureblood British wing of family that has made Jean suffer so much, the French wing of the family – Audré and Morpheus Malfoy's family shouldn't be subjected to their dislike for the entire family. Besides, Audré's supreme rein over her nephew and support to Jean and Adrian had saved them from further sufferings in the hands of that monster.

"I must admit I never expected Adrian to show his First Intention at such a young age." He commented, deciding not to talk about British Malfoys and their upcoming visit, "When you Floo'ed me at my office, I felt like rushing to Château and congratulate Jean and Adrian for this outstanding achievement." Alexis said reminiscing the proud moment, "But, unfortunately the Senior Undersecretary visited me and I couldn't go. I think I will buy Adrian a new present and then congratulate him, maman, that way he will be happier." He suggested.

Apolline nodded, "I think that's a good idea." She commented, "Tell me Alexis, have you met Audré's daughter lately?" she asked him suddenly.

Alexis finished his food before answering, "Maman, I told you I am really ashamed that my mind drifted off to her." He said earnestly, "That issue between me and her is over. You, yourself said it was nothing but a normal attraction for a pretty woman and I really don't want to think about it ever again." He said firmly.

Apolline gave Alexis a pensive look, "That's not the answer to my question, Alexis." She said evenly, "I asked you whether or not you have met Audré's daughter Lillian lately?" she asked again.

Alexis put aside his spoon, "Yes, I have seen her." He replied with an exasperated sigh, "We meet every time I visit the Château for official purposes. But we don't talk."

"Why?" his mother asked him.

"What for?" Alexis asked back surprised at his mother's sudden interest for the witch she herself said was nothing but a distraction, "We have nothing to talk about. I go there to talk about the trial and meet Jean and Adrian. True that I was fascinated by her…her external attractive features…" he purposefully avoided the word 'beauty', "… but she is nothing compared to Jean and will never be." He declared.

"But don't you think visiting a young woman's home and never talking to her is quite rude?" Apolline asked him, "Imagine someone visiting our home regularly and never talking to Gabrielle. Will you not consider it as extreme impoliteness? Will I not take it as rudeness on that man's part? So, what do you think will happen when Audré notices it too? Won't she think that you are avoiding her daughter or worse being rude to her on purpose?" she asked.

Alexis frowned, "But maman, it wasn't intentional." He said truthfully, "It is true that I haven't considered it that way but I assure you that I am not as rude as that. I always try to be as polite as possible with ladies while giving them an impression that the politeness is not out of my wrong intention for them." He explained.

"I know, Alexis, I know. I know that you are not rude to anyone on purpose." Apolline said patiently, "And I am proud that my son behaves himself in the presence of ladies. But not everyone will take it as lightly as you think. Even a simple thing as that may cause misunderstandings between us, families and it will put an end to our future good relationship even before it starts. You know how families like ours are very sensitive about their daughters?" she asked earnestly.

Alexis resumed eating his delicious meal and considered his mother's words. True that from the moment he has laid his eyes on Lillian Malfoy, she had captivated him with her beauty and since he has always loved Jean with all his heart and devotion, he had considered it as a betrayal to his own self. But when his mother explained it to him that it was nothing except a temporary distraction which was normal if his age and mental state was taken into account, Alexis hasn't even looked at the woman who had once caused so much turbulence in his thoughts with her beauty and love for chess.

"Maybe you are right, maman." He said slowly after sometime, "I didn't think it that way and I really don't want any misunderstandings between Delacours and Chombrun Malfoys at this point. They are taking good care of Jean and Adrian and I will not be one to destroy our new relationship." He said firmly, "But how am I to talk to her now?" he asked his mother, "I have never exchanged words except for formal greetings with Mademoiselle Lillian."

"That shouldn't be a big issue for you, Alexis." His mother said kindly, "They will be visiting our home on Sunday and I guess Lillian will be with them too. You can talk to her about chess or ask her about herself, like what she does or likes or anything that's not outside your usual norm of talking to ladies. It's simple as that." she shrugged.

Praying silently that he doesn't feel that strange attraction raise his head once again, Alexis nodded silently and finished his meal.

"Who are you making that jumper for?" he asked, waving his wand and his plate landed on the sink to be washed, "Adrian?" he enquired.

"Who else do you think will look good in red jumper?" Apolline asked back fondly, "My cute little grandson is nothing short of an angel." She remarked proudly.

Smiling at his mother's undying love for Adrian and Hermione, Alexis rinsed his plate and cutlery before leaving for East Wing, where he is now a permanent resident.

The suite was almost like it was when Hermione had left it except for a single bed that has been laid for his personal use. Some of his daily belongings had been moved and placed on a night stand while most of them were in his old suite.

Alexis took off his shirt and readied himself for a night time bath when he heard a knock on window.

A large Eagle owl was tapping on one of the large windows, a letter tied to its leg.

Thinking that it finally might be a reply from the Delacroix's, Alexis opened the window and let the bird in.

With a majestic swoop the owl landed on Hermione's reading table and held out its leg for Alexis.

Carefully Alexis untied the letter and the owl left immediately.

To his dismay, the letter bore Chombrun Malfoy seal, a large and intricate 'M' intertwined with a similar 'C'.

Wondering what the Chombrun Malfoy's would want to mail him about, Alexis opened the letter with a slight frown.

Delacour,

A way to contact the Delacroix's has been found. Be present at my uncle's Château sharp at four tomorrow. We, Slytherins don't like late comers.

D.M.

Alexis looked at the signature at the bottom of the letter. It had initials of D and M with a small serpent attached to it.

"Draco Malfoy." He whispered before crumpling and throwing the letter in the blazing fireplace where it burned to ashes.

•••••

Hermione kissed her son third time in a row as he gave her a pleading look.

"Mama, come back soon." He said snuggling against her, "I will be waiting for you."

Hermione felt a lump in her throat but she gave him a gentle smile, "No matter what happens, my love, Mama will come back to her son." she said firmly.

"Do you think it was wise to tell him where you are going and why?" Lillian asked her, as Hermione handed over Adrian to her sister-in-law, "He is just a child." She said before biting her tongue and correcting herself, "I mean a little man." she said noting Adrian's offended look.

"I never lie to my son." Hermione replied earnestly, "I am his Mama and he trusts me blindly. I would never misuse that trust." She said shaking her head, "Besides, he needs to know some of the issues we are handling because he will be returning to his school on Monday and I don't want him to be unprepared if something happens there." She said before giving her another kiss, "Mama will bring her little rabbit his favourite chocolate truffles. Okay, my love?" she offered.

"Okay," Adrian gave a small sniff and gave Hermione a soppy kiss on her cheek, "But you come back first." Adrian said hugging his mother tightly, "I promise I will be a good boy and eat dinner with grandma Audré and Aunt Lillian." his grey eyes were silently pleading, "Look for bright lights and blood and noise. Don't go near them." He warned his mother.

"Mama will come back as soon as she finishes helping grandma Audré." Hermione assured her son, "Be a good boy and take your Courage tonic before your meal." She reminded her son and leaving him in Lillian's care, who would be babysitting him for the evening, she left her quarter.

Hermione found her detested husband, Draco Malfoy silently waiting for her in his aunt's parlour with Audré and Alexis. She had noticed how the man has suddenly taken to wearing her favourite colour - blue and today was no exception. He was wearing a sky blue shirt with Muggle jeans underneath his black travelling cloak.

Extremely irritated that the vile man was copying her son's dress code by wearing blue shirt and Muggle jeans, Hermione decided not to spare him more thoughts than necessary. Thankfully Alexis was already present and she greeted him with a genuine smile.

"Thanks for coming, Alexis." She said, though she knew Alexis would come no matter he was invited or not, "I think we should leave now." she noted checking the time.

"Good luck with your mission." Audré said before Hermione left her parlour with her wanted and unwanted companions.

They walked silently to the apparition point where, to her extreme dislike Malfoy offered his left hand to her.

This was the moment Hermione had been dreading ever since she found out that her violator will be taking her and Alexis on a Side-Along apparition to the Delacroix's. It required one to hold on to the person physically to be apparated Side-Along and she still couldn't get over her creepy feeling when Malfoy had touched her in the Quidditch pitch.

'You are a Gryffindor, Hermione.' she reminded herself firmly, 'You are not afraid of this vile…monster…bastard. He is not even fit enough to wipe your shoes.' She thought vehemently.

"Granger, we are getting late." She heard Malfoy warned him and looking up she found him silently asking her to take his hand.

Taking a deep breath Hermione placed her right hand over Malfoy's left hand.

Instead of being cold and dry, she found it warm and slightly trembling.

And then there was a whirl and before she knew what happened they were standing in a deserted alleyway.

"Ermitage Street." She heard Draco saying her, looking directly into her eyes while his hand let go her hand, "Let's go." He said authoritatively.

Deciding that she would be damned if she let a Slytherin take upper hand on a Gryffindor Hermione followed him alongside Alexis.

"I was planning to visit Adrian to congratulate him for his First intention, Jean." Alexis said to her as they came out of the alleyway behind Malfoy, "It's a rare feat. You must inform Sorceress Marianne when Adrian returns to St. Joan's." he said hopefully.

Hermione rubbed her right hand on her mauve dress, trying to get off the unpleasant feeling of Malfoy's touch, "I will." She assured him, "Mother Apolline, aunt Audré and Lillian – everyone has already advised me to notify Adrian's headmistress about him so that he can get some special care. He is the youngest wizard in St. Joan's and even his friend Louis is almost seven."

They walked silently, Hermione returning back to her pleasant mood whenever Adrian's innocent face came before her eyes.

"59, Ermitage Street." Draco Malfoy's drawl reached her ears and Hermione looked up to examine the place they had been searching so relentlessly.

"It's Plottable." Alexis noted immediately, "How strange!" he remarked.

From Malfoy's boasting lecture last night about being brought up in Britain's one of the most secured houses, the blasted Malfoy Manor, where she was tortured like an animal, Hermione knew what being Unplottable meant. What the pureblood bigot had missed to mention was Unplottable houses were also unplottable on maps and it gave Hermione immense satisfaction that the filthy Slytherin wasn't as knowledgeable as he displayed himself.

They approached the perfectly normal looking building. Apart from a large Iron Gate, that separated the Muggle-looking house from the street in front, there was no visible protection. Malfoy pushed the rusty door open and they came to halt on a walkway that led to the front porch.

"I have never seen such a forlorn lawn in a Wizarding household." Malfoy commented on the neglected look of dry and dust covered plants and shriveled state of grass, "Even Muggles have better lawn than the esteemed Delacroixs." He snorted audibly.

Hermione's irritation for Malfoy increasing with each passing moment, she climbed the stairs and came to a halt before an Oak front door with a brass knocker. She watched as Malfoy looked around the place curiously and found it too sported considerable state of neglect and lack of care.

"I think they are not as wealthy as they appear from their name." he commented this time and Hermione's temper hit its roof, "Most well-to-do Wizarding families have an impressive looking front garden as well as entrance door. The Delacroix or Gauthiot whatever you call them, aren't rich." He said with distaste.

"Why is it that some people always consider everyone with their money?" Hermione retorted back this time, "I would rather sleep in streets than roll in a vault full of filthy gold." She said tersely, "I suppose the Great Pureblood can leave us to deal with the Delacroix's if he thinks being here will taint his fine pale complexion." She said through gritted teeth.

"I think not." Malfoy gave her and Alexis a deliberate look before returning to face the door.

"Malfoy, I think it will be better if I introduce ourselves." Alexis offered with a neutral expression, "I am French as well as a Ministry official." He noted.

"Please." Malfoy said with a pointed look on his face and he moved aside to let Alexis ring a Muggle bell.

The sound of the Muggle bell came from somewhere inside the house and minutes later the door opened an inch while a curious pair of black eyes looked at them through the slim gap.

"Bonjour." Alexis greeted the pair of eyes, "My name is Alexis Delacour and I..." he couldn't finish and the door abruptly closed on his face.

"SORTEZ!" (Get out!) a female voice shouted from behind the closed door, "nous ne voulons pas de vous ici." (We don't want to see you here.) she demanded.

"Talk about being French and Ministry official." Malfoy snorted and Hermione gave him her most venomous look.

"Madame, we are here to help you." She heard Alexis said to the door, "Please, open the door for a second and listen. We mean no harm." He said in a deep reassuring voice that reminded Hermione of Kingsley Shacklebolt.

As abruptly the door had closed, it opened once again and a fiery eyed young woman, not older than Hermione, came out.

"What's it?" she demanded angrily, "What the hell are you doing in our house when we my mother said she doesn't want to talk to you?" she waved an angry finger at Alexis.

Before the angry outburst Alexis remained cool as a glacier, "Mademoiselle, I said we mean no harm." He said calmly, "This is my Identity Card." He reached out inside his Muggle coat and took out a small violet card before showing it to the young woman, "I am Alexis Delacour, Junior Undersecretary to the Minister of Magic Francois Guizot. We will take not more than fifteen minutes." he held out his hand in surrender, "Please." He said solemnly, "As a French, I can expect at least these much courtesy from my countryman, can't I?"

Hermione couldn't be more proud of the man she still loved and cared. She waited patiently as the young woman examined Alexis's Identity card and then silently moved aside to let them in, "Fifteen minutes." she warned them and Alexis nodded.

The interior reminded Hermione of a Muggle version of 12, Grimmauld Place except the shrunken house elf heads. The long hallway was lit by a large chandelier and gas lamps while a worn out carpet lay on the floor. The wallpapers were almost peeling and like everything else outside, the home had a look of neglect in it.

They were taken to a drawing room that had a large window facing the front street and a fireplace. As Hermione took the sofa furthest from Malfoy, she wondered why a Wizarding family that has been awarded a prestigious award as 'Croix de Guerre' lived in a shabby state like that.

An elderly woman, almost aunt Audré's age, came and sat on a single sofa while her daughter - the fiery young woman stood behind her, both looking angry and apprehensive.

"What's it, Monsieur Delacour?" she asked Alexis coldly, "Why are you disturbing us like this?"

Alexis took a calm breath and gave the elderly woman a gentle smile which she didn't return, "First let me introduce my companions. Madame Jean Granger and Monsieur Draco Malfoy." He indicated at Hermione and Draco respectively, "We come here asking for your help." He said solemnly.

"What help?" the elderly woman asked.

Alexis was about to reply when Malfoy's cold drawl echoed across the room.

"Madame Delacroix." He said deliberately, "May I ask why are you live almost like Muggles?"

Hermione sighed in annoyance; whereas Alexis was trying to calm to make them talk, the insufferable man was taunting them.

"Does it disturb you in anyway?" the elderly woman asked back with an arched eyebrow.

Malfoy shook his head, "No, not at all." He said coldly, "I was merely curious. Are you in any way angry with the Wizarding world or the Ministry?" he asked evenly.

The young woman came forward and sat opposite Malfoy before giving him a cold stare, "What made you think so, Monsieur?" she demanded.

"You may not have noticed, Mademoiselle." Malfoy said with a smirk, "But I am a Malfoy. I know Wizarding households and your home says that you are very angry with Wizarding world. You have no magical protection around your home. You use Muggle bell, your fireplace is a Muggle one. You live in a Muggle neighbourhood. There must be deep resentment behind this behaviour from a Wizarding family such as yourselves." He explained.

It was not that Hermione hadn't been to enough Wizarding homes before, but she had never paid much attention to its security unless it was extremely necessary like when in Grimmauld place or Burrow or Shell Cottage, where they had been staying while planning and hunting Horcruxes. She had to admit that Malfoy has got a point.

She watched as the women exchanged a look between them.

"We have nothing to do with Ministry of Magic or Wizarding world." The elderly woman said finally, "We are not interested in them."

Hermione leaned forward in interest, "Why?" she asked them.

"Why not?" The elderly woman asked back furiously, "Where were they when those men killed my father Robert Guathiot? Why didn't the Minister send his Junior Undersecretary at that time? Why is he sending him now?" she demanded.

"Robert Guathiot was killed?" Alexis asked with a serious frown, "How? When?"

"See? He doesn't even know what happened to us!" the elderly woman gave a derisive laugh and said, "Rochés and his men killed my poor father in 1975. What was his crime? He had saved some Muggle soldiers from dying in fire during a war and received a Muggle award called 'Croix de Guerre'. They didn't let him live even thirty years after his receiving the award." She said suddenly bursting into tears, "I was nineteen when it happened. My mother had died earlier so I had no one but my father. I was returning from work when I saw some strangers leaving my house. When I entered it, I found my father dead. They had killed him using….the Unforgivable Killing Curse." She rasped.

Realizing that those words had touched her heart, Hermione left her seat and walked over to the crying elderly woman as her daughter tried to console her.

"Madame," she addressed her as politely as she could, "I know how it feels to be without your parents. I had to sacrifice mine too." she said earnestly.

"Why have you come then?" the elderly woman asked Hermione, "To sympathize or to manipulate my emotions with our words?"

"None." Hermione heard Alexis said this time, "If Monsieur Malfoy's assessment is right then you are in impending danger." He said calmly, "The men who killed your father are still at loose and they will be coming for you next."

"Why? Why us?" the young woman asked incredulously, "Haven't my mother suffered enough?"

"Madame and Mademoiselle," Malfoy addressed them both, "I don't know the whole story behind your severing all ties with the Wizarding world but rest assured that soon you will become one of the victims of its cruelty. The men or more properly the Knights of Walpurgis who were sent to finish off your father are desperate to clear away any evidence that may prove that their master Monsieur Rochés killed to establish a pureblood society." he said solemnly.

"Yes," Hermione nodded, hating herself that she had to agree with Malfoy, "We don't know the story but we would like to know and help you in any manner." She offered gently, "If you read the Wizarding newspapers you already know that Rochés has been arrested in charges with attempted murder of the Minister of Magic François Guizot. He has threatened all the lawyers who wanted to take up that case against him and hired someone called Olivier Metzner who has never lost a case in his entire career. My aunt, Audré Chombrun Malfoy, is now fighting the case against Rochés and she needs to collect as many evidences as possible to prove that Rochés is a bloodthirsty bigot. If you could give your testimony in Wizengamot about how his men killed your father or anything that may point to them, the criminal could be brought to justice." She said solemnly, "I have explained all I could. It's all up to you now." she said before withdrawing and standing up to look at Alexis, "Alexis, I think our fifteen is over and we should leave." She reminded him.

One by one they left the drawing room and went to the door.

They were almost at the doorway when a voice called them, "Wait!" the young woman urged, "My mother says she wants to meet this lawyer. We won't decide anything until we know what we are up to." She informed their group.

Hermione let out a breath of relief and turned to find her other companions regarding the women curiously.

"Very well," Malfoy said after a while, "The lawyer is my aunt, Audré Chombrun Malfoy and as her representative I assure you that she will meet you as soon as possible. Do you want her to come here or you want to come over to her place?" he asked her.

"I think it's better if we meet someplace else." Hermione suggested on behalf of the women, "Like the Ministry?" she offered, "Besides, this place needs to be given every protection possible. There is no knowing when these men will attack them." She said warily.

"Jean is right." Alexis said and Hermione heard Malfoy gave an audible groan, "I will go to the Ministry and return with forces. I will ask them to connect the fireplace to the Floo and make this house Unplottable." He explained to Hermione and Draco, "It would be better if you two could stay back here and talk to them regarding the case while I am gone." He offered them.

If it were not for completely professional reasons, Hermione would have denied the offer to stay in the presence of Draco Malfoy right away. But since the Delacroixs has been persuaded with much difficulty and there might be a chance that they could change their minds if they all left them at this state as well as chances of any deadly attack, Hermione agreed and a hurried Alexis left them on the threshold.

"After you, Granger." she heard Malfoy offered her to go inside and ignoring him, she walked back to the drawing room again with the bigot in tow.

"My name is Marie Guithot Bissette and this is my daughter Adéle Bissette." The elderly woman introduced them at last, "We are also known as the Delacroixs." She informed them.

Hermione took a seat near the elderly woman while Malfoy took one just their opposite.

"How did you find us?" Adele asked them, "We keep no contact with our wizard and witch relatives."

"That's a very long story and if you wish to fall asleep sitting right here, Mademoiselle Bissette, I can tell you that." Malfoy said in a bored voice, "We are more interested in what happened to you. Why have you cut your relations with the Wizarding world?"

Hermione couldn't deny that knowing the whole story was part of the reason why she had stayed behind, "Yes, Madame Delacroix, please tell us." She said encouragingly.

"Adele can you please bring us some tea?" Marie said to her daughter and she left them.

"My father's family - the Guathiots are purebloods who used to live in the heart of Paris." Marie started after the tea arrived, "It was during the Second World War and the occupation forces had captured the whole city. I wasn't born then, I heard it from my mother." She said offering a cup to Hermione while Malfoy took his cup with a skeptic look, "She told me how one day some Muggle French soldiers, who has planning an ambush attack, were caught in a fire. They would have died hadn't my father rescued them and brought them to our home to be nursed back to health. True that it was Muggle war but most French wizards and witches tried their best to help their countrymen in such an emergency state. We didn't back off." She said and Hermione could feel in her words the solidarity the French showed among themselves, "He was awarded the 'Croix de Guerre' by the Muggle government after the war who didn't know that we were actually a Wizarding family. Everything was fine until in early '70s when we started receiving anonymous threats. I still have those letters where it said that they would kill my father for saving those soldiers." she said with an involuntary shudder, "I went to the Ministry and showed those letters to the Magical Law Enforcement Department. They said, since the letters were unmarked, they can't do anything. And then my father was murdered." She paused and Hermione could feel how Marie was trying hard to control her emotions, "They could have stopped it…my father could be saved…but they didn't do that." she said furiously, "After that, I lost my faith in the Ministry. I married a Muggle man named John Bissette and moved in here – Ermitage Street. He died of tuberculosis last year and now it's only me and my daughter Adéle." Marie looked at her daughter, "The reason why I stopped you is, I know how vicious those people are. I am not concerned about myself. I am concerned that they might kill my Adéle and…." She paused, "…I don't want her to meet the same fate as my father."

"She won't meet that fate." Hermione placed a comforting hand over Marie's hand and gently squeezed it, "I promise that the new Minister isn't like that. Alexis, the Junior Undersecretary isn't like that. You will have every protection that the Ministry can provide. All you need to do is assure us that you will help us against Rochés." she said gently.

"Can you show us those letters?" he heard Malfoy asked Marie, "We need to examine it to assess it evidential value." He explained.

The rest of the afternoon and evening was spent in examining the letters which was followed by Alexis bringing some Muggle looking people from Ministry, who started placing protective enchantments around the household.

"It's almost eight thirty, Jean." Alexis noted to Hermione as she stood before the large window to see how the Ministry officials placed security around the house, "Adrian must be waiting for you." He said.

Hermione turned to face the man who gave her comfort with his mere presence and from the corner of her eyes she could see Malfoy observing them closely, "I know how you love Adrian." she said to Alexis with a gentle smile, "He told me he would be good boy and that reminds me…" she suddenly remembered, "…I told him I'd buy chocolate truffles for him." She said apologetically, "I think I should leave now. Malf…I mean he has those letters that needs to be showed to aunt Audré and I think we need a meeting to discuss our next moves." She explained.

Alexis nodded and bid her good night before Hermione came out with Malfoy in tow.

"We are returning to Château directly from here." He bid her and feeling that her anger hit the ceiling at his commanding tone Hermione turned and faced the man she hated most, "I am the master of my own will and I take no orders from filthy rapists." She said boldly.

Malfoy gave her an even look before he replied, "I wasn't ordering you, Granger." he said calmly.

"You can't." Hermione fisted her hands.

"I wasn't." Malfoy repeated.

"You dare not." Hermione snapped.

"I. Was. Not." Malfoy separated the words to emphasize them.

"Better." Hermione said before turning away and starting for the Iron Gate and to her immense discomfort Malfoy followed her again.

"Listen, Granger," he stopped Hermione by placing a hand in air before her, "My son needs his mother and if you get yourself hurt than you already are, I swear on my blood that I will not let go of any chance to…" he paused.

"To?" Hermione demanded, reaching for her wand.

Malfoy gave her an infuriating smirk, "…to accompany you anywhere you go. I'll stalk you until you promise me that you will take care of my son's mother." He said solemnly.

"Dare you try to stalk me, Malfoy…" Hermione gripped her wand so tightly that it hurt, "…they will find your mutilated dead body in one of Parisian dirtiest gutters." She said vehemently.

"Charming." Malfoy commented airily, "Now can we 'please' return to Château?" he asked deliberately.

"No." Hermione snapped, "I am going to buy some chocolate truffles for Adrian and then…" she emphasized, "…I will return to my son." she said firmly.

"I am going with you then." Malfoy said dismissively, "Whether you like it or not Granger, I am your husband and I am not letting my wife alone in the streets after dark."

"Blasted husband!" Hermione snapped and taking a step behind, she spat on Malfoy's feet, "That's where you belong, Malfoy." She said and not giving him another opportunity to stop her, she reached for the Iron Gate and disapparated.

•••••

Seething in rage Draco apparated back to his uncle's Château.

"How dare she?" he kicked the nearby flower pot which turned over, "How dare she spat on me?"

"I thought my nephew Draco Malfoy was back and now I see it's a rampaging rhino." His aunt's voice came from somewhere near and whipping around Draco found her walking towards him.

"I was beginning get worried. It's almost nine o' clock and you left at four." She said after reaching him, "Where is Jean?" she asked noting Hermione's absence.

"Her Majesty the Queen wouldn't come with me." Draco retorted, "She went to buy chocolate truffles for Adrian on her own and when I stopped her, you know what she did?" he asked her aunt, "She spat on my feet and said that it is where I belonged."

"Nice compliment." Audré commented, "It must be a truly memorable moment for you, Draco."

"Aunt, can you please stop taunting me?" Draco demanded irritably as he reached inside his robes and withdrew the letters that Marie had given him, "Here are what we found from the Delacroixs." He handed her the letters, "Spare me details of the evening, aunt, ask it from your beloved Jean." he said before proceeding to leave.

"Draco." He heard Audré called him and he turned with an exasperated sigh, "While you were away, an owl came for you and since you said you don't want to share it with Narcissa, I took this letter to hand it to you later." She offered him a white envelope.

His heart beating against his chest Draco took the letter from his aunt's hand which had a seal of a wolf's face with two wands crossed at the bottom.

"It's from St. Lupus." He noted before tearing open the envelope and taking out the sheet of paper.

Dear Monsieur Malfoy,

We are pleased to inform you that our first batch of potions with your blood sample had been successful.

We look forward to your voluntary participation for further advancement in our research.

Please reply as soon as you read this letter and let us know of a suitable time when we can inject the next test dose.

Yours sincerely

Henri Descartes

Chief Researcher,

St. Lupus's Facility for Lycanthropes

"What's it Draco?" his aunt who had been silently waiting as he read the letter, asked.

Not feeling like talking, Draco handed her the letter.

"Are you going there again?" Audré asked him as she finished reading the letter.

"I will go there until I retrieve all those memories of my son inside Jean." Draco replied firmly.

Audré smiled and placed a hand on Draco's cheek, "Living with Morpheus for twenty years has taught me one interesting thing about the Slytherins, Draco." She said gently and he frowned, "That they can be very passionate and desperate about what they cherish, that they would go to any lengths to achieve it." she said and gently kissed Draco on his forehead, "Good luck with your passion." She said softly and left him in the darkness of gardens.