Author's Notes: I will never, nor have ever condoned violence or impediment of someone's will or consent. May contain slight triggers of violence and suggestive abuse. I apologize ahead of time if it causes anyone discomfort. (No Characters were harmed in the making of this chapter. Suggestion and mild violence do happen within this Chapter.)
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They arrived at the party with her drawing eyes to them almost immediately. Her arm rested within Draco's as they walked up the steps and Draco listened to those around him. He heard much of what he thought. Women envied her and her dress… men well, they wanted her out of the dress pretty quick.
Hermione felt nearly naked. The dress was cut low on her back, and she didn't realize how sheer it would look in the lighting. They finally arrived at the dining room which was a relief because the low light darkened the gown. The silvery braided embroidery was like vines against the fabric, and luckily the dress was darker in her more private parts of her body.
Narcissa offered her up a beautiful diamond necklace to borrow, and it fit the dress nicely. They came with delicate earrings and brought together her whole outfit. She didn't realize how much they would be looked at. Draco leaned to her ear. "Granger, relax. You are absolutely breathtaking. I know that because everyone keeps talking about you."
She sat them down at one of the round tables, and he tugged her chair closer. "Draco, this looks too obvious," she breathed and wrapped an arm around her.
"Keep talking to me like that. It isn't as noticeable as you think," Draco snickered, and she glared over at him.
Hermione glanced around and started to see the groups forming. Many faces she only recognized as businessmen, but they seemed engaged. Draco's arm had snaked around her shoulders and pulled her closer to him. "The group to the left of us is talking numbers," he whispered, and she gazed at them.
"Okay," she replied.
"They are about investments. Stiffs, with wives who are well past their prime and spoiled children." He declared quietly.
"What about the bunch in front of us?" she questioned, and he tilted his head a little.
"Strip clubs and risqué vacations in Thailand. I imagine Dolohov started that conversation," Draco murmured.
Hermione's cheeks bloomed, and she hemmed. "Well, I am glad they haven't approached us."
"The group to the right, they are the younger guns of the industry. They have been talking about you since we walked into the room," Draco whispered, and she moved closer to his ear.
"Have they said how jealous they are of you yet?" she breathed, her mouth barely an inch from him.
"If you keep looking like you are saying how much you want to shag me, they are going to speak more than envy," he reported with a wide grin. "Granger, I cannot see the text I just received on my phone. Pull it out for me?" he inquired, and she rolled her eyes.
Hermione knew what he was doing. Stupid pissing contests. She reached over his lap and pulled out his phone, reading the text. "It was Astoria asking what table you sat at."
"Tell her we are toward the front," he ordered, and Hermione texted her back.
She tucked his phone in his breast pocket. "I am sure you can pull it out next time from there, Malfoy," she teased and his fingers ran over her arm.
"Darling!" Astoria called out and practically skipped over with Fred.
"Hello, dearest, how are you doing?" Draco asked as she leaned over and kissed both his cheeks.
"Very well. I see your father warmed to letting you come in his stead?" He asked, and she nodded.
"Flint and my sister are around here somewhere. It seems he did not want to face your cousin after what happened." Astoria turned to the woman, and her mouth fell open. "Hermione! I hardly recognized you! Come, stand up, let me see this gorgeous dress."
Hermione was released from Draco's grasp, and she stood in front of the beautiful woman dressed in green. "Blimey, Hermione, you look all grown up now," Fred snickered, and Astoria nudged him lightly.
"That dress is stunning," Astoria gasped and shook her head. "No wonder Draco is holding you so closely. You look like you are covered in liquid silver."
"She picked it out. When she actually decides to dress up, she has great tastes," Draco declared, and Fred narrowed his eyes.
"What happened?" He asked Hermione almost too sharp.
Hermione blushed lightly and cleared her throat. "Nothing to concern yourself with," she murmured, and Astoria smirked.
"Well, it is about time. I don't think I have ever seen Draco pine as much as he did for you," Astoria declared and patted the woman's arm.
Fred gasped, and Hermione huffed. "Are you coming to dinner tomorrow? I will tell you about it then."
Draco reached out and thumbed Hermione's hand. "Sit down; let's have a drink." He declared, and she nodded before rejoining him.
Astoria sat next to Hermione and Fred joined Draco on his other side. The curly-haired woman groaned. "Fred, you aren't going to get anything from him," Hermione grumbled, causing Astoria to laugh.
"I have forgotten how close you are to his family. He is quite nosey if you let him. Must be a family trait," she declared, and Hermione bobbed her head.
"More than you know," she grumbled with a soft smile.
"Don't worry, Weasley, we can talk about it tomorrow before dinner," Draco declared, and Astoria gasped.
"Draco! You are serious about her!"
Hermione rolled her eyes at the Malfoy. "You are terrible at moderation, Draco."
"Don't we know that," Flint's voice sounded, and Hermione glanced back.
He was approaching with Daphne and smiling. "Hello, Marcus. Hello Daphne." Hermione declared.
They joined them at the table, and Flint nudged Astoria. "He shagged her. You can see it in her face with how relaxed she is," he teased, and Astoria sighed, handing him a single note.
"You are a wanker for getting involved. I shouldn't have to pay up," Astoria grumbled, and Daphne stifled a laugh.
Hermione was scarlet as Fred leaned to Draco. "They are just pulling my leg, right?"
"I am afraid not, Fredrick," Draco snickered, causing Hermione to cover her face.
"I am surrounded by Anguises," she hissed, shaking her head.
"Put it this way, Granger, we have been trying to convince him you wanted to for months," Flint told her, and she frowned at him.
"Marcus, not something you should admit for character. Remember she was dating someone," Draco declared.
Fred snorted loudly. "Yeah, my brother. But we knew that wasn't going to last. He didn't want to be a dad."
A server came by and offered water with a pink bubbly beverage. Hermione took two of the pink drinks and waters for her and Draco. His arm returned to her shoulders as they grew comfortable. Holding up his glass to hers. "Cheers to that dress," he snickered, and she scoffed.
"You cannot even see it," she said as her glass met his.
"No, but I can hear what everyone else is saying about it. I am quite positive even if I am missing out on a masterpiece; I can enjoy the admiring." He smirked and drank before tilting his head. "I would recognize that smell anywhere, cousin."
Regulus approached and leaned down to kiss Hermione's cheek. "Dear, you look absolutely ravishing," he told her, and she smiled up at him.
"Thanks, cousin, she looks good too," Draco snickered, causing Regulus to laugh.
"Do you mind if I take your escort from you, Draco? I wanted to introduce her to a few of our associates."
Draco waved him off. "Please go show her off; she needs a little ego fanning."
Hermione kissed Draco's cheek lightly. "I will be back," she murmured and stood up with her drink.
Regulus offered her an arm, and they walked around the dining hall. He stopped and introduced her casually to men she didn't recognize with their wives. It was quick passing hellos until he pulled her toward a group of older men sitting at a table toward the back.
"Gentlemen, this is the wonderful woman I was talking about," Regulus declared, and Severus waved at Hermione.
"The girl who sets the world on fire?" an old man with a green tie asked.
"Precisely, Rosier. She is our little Firestarter," Regulus declared. "Evan Rosier, Ian Fawley, and Daniel Abbots. You know Severus already. Gentlemen this is Hermione Granger. My pet project," Regulus finished, and Hermione shook their hands.
"She is the one you are grooming for international domination?" Fawley asked.
Regulus nodded and rubbed her shoulder. "Yes, slowly. We are getting there. As soon as Draco is able to take on some more of my duties, she will start with my true legacy. International affairs. As much as my cousin is excellent at business projection, she is a big picture woman. Right, Miss Granger?"
Hermione smiled and bit the inside of her cheek. "Well, it was just a simple idea, you are the true dream maker, Mr. Black."
He grinned and sighed. "So humble and sweet. I adore you like a daughter. Are you sure you are not a Black?" Regulus teased.
"Not that I know of, but thank you for the compliment."
The older man with dark peppered hair shook his hand. "Regulus, I like this girl. You must keep her."
"As much as I would love to retain her attention all night, I have to return her to her escort." Regulus declared, and Hermione waved.
"It was lovely meeting you all," she said, and Regulus walked her to another side of the room.
It was more of the same. Showered with compliments and lovely sentiments regarding her work. Hermione genuinely enjoyed Regulus's demeanor, and it was an excellent way to meet the upper end of the company. They wandered toward the younger men Hermione saw earlier, and an older man with a long beard was standing with them.
"Regulus, we were just talking about your companion's dress, who might this forest sprite be?" the older man declared.
"Dolohov, Macmillian, Brinkley, Cormac. This is Draco's EPA, Hermione Granger, and quickly becoming quite the study for excelling further I am sure." Regulus declared and patted her shoulder. "Hermione, these are some of the more louder voices about the company's future."
Hermione noted his introduction was shorter and less friendly. "Good evening, gentlemen," she responded.
Dolohov smirked and gave her a wink. "You like to work for your promotions, Granger?"
Regulus shot him a look. "I was just introducing you. I must return her to her companion."
The man reached for her and ran a thumb over her arm. "Don't be so hasty, Black, she hasn't spoken but three words," he insisted, and Regulus glared; Hermione knew she didn't want to be on the other side of that expression.
Hermione tried to pull away, but the man smiled, subtly trying to pull her forth. "Come on, girl. Don't be shy."
"Granger, dinner is being served," Draco called over to them.
Regulus politely pulled her away from Dolohov and nodded. "Some other time, Antonin," he told him and walked her away.
They put some distance between them, and he leaned to her. "Don't spend more time with Antonin than needed. He is old-fashioned and very Russian. A bit of drink makes that man a horrible companion for any woman."
Hermione gave him a firm nod before they got back to the table. She sat down in her seat swiftly, and Regulus waved. "I will see you all after dinner." He announced and left.
The curly-haired woman moved closer to Draco, and he frowned. "What happened?" he whispered.
"Nothing, I just don't want to do that again, alright?" Hermione breathed, and he tucked her closer.
"Okay, you don't have to go anywhere. Just me, okay?" Draco replied, sensing her distressed feelings.
The dinner was served, and she felt relief. The night was almost over.
O~O~O~O~O~O~O
The ballroom opened up after a beautiful speech from Regulus. Hermione had to admit; there was a charm that he carried over from his older brother. It made him easily likable for her because Sirius acted like an uncle to her many times. Sirius and Remus helped raise Harry, and it was in that, that she spent more time with them than she ever did at home on holiday breaks. It wasn't that Hermione hated her home life or that it was at all cruel, she did not have siblings, and Harry was closer to her than anyone. By design, she and Ginny became closer when the Weasley and Harry started to date.
She supposed that's where she felt need to support Remus with his struggles as a man who lost his only friend. It wasn't a positive notion for him during his marriage to mourn, but she tried to help as a friend would. Perhaps that's why he made her Teddy's godmother. Harry and Hermione were there for him when Sirius died, so in return, he knew they could be there for his child.
Hermione came out of her thoughts with a gentle tug. "Feel like a dance?" Draco asked.
"Can you dance?" she teased, and he huffed.
"Yes, Granger, I can dance. I may not be able to waltz in a room full of people, but a simple four-step is manageable if you make sure I don't run into anyone."
"Alright, Malfoy," she said with a smile, and he led her out to the floor.
She made sure they weren't in anyone's way, and he took her in a formal hold. Hermione liked these things about him. The many facets of Draco Malfoy.
"Can I ask you something?" she questioned gently.
"Yes, we will shag later," he snickered, that produced a snort from her.
"Why did you suggest that I should carry Regulus's child?" she whispered, knowing he could hear her.
Draco waited a moment as he finished the pattern. "Well, it isn't his child, but a Black."
"Explain yourself?" she asked as he twirled her before pulling her closer.
"I have it under good authority that it isn't his donation. It is his brother's, and he wants to do it as an ode to the wild Black who is no longer with us." He breathed, and Hermione's blood ran cold.
"You have to be joking, Draco," her retort was sharp.
"Regulus doesn't know how close you were to Sirius. I however do. I thought I would give you a proper warning to what I suggested him to offer in the first place." Draco responded, his brow knitted.
"That would be absolute madness," Hermione hissed, and Draco pulled her closer.
His cheek rested on hers as the song turned slow. "Hermione, it isn't if you look at your family. You are raising a Lupin. I thought you would find that sweet and lovely. The doctor said it was slim odds I would ever produce an heir, so I thought you would be happy with the sentiment," he declared, and she pulled from him.
"I am getting some air," she announced and tugged him from the floor.
"Hey, where you going, Granger?" Flint asked as she let go of Draco's hand.
"I will be back," she snapped and practically stomped from the room.
Hermione was furious and a bit flustered. Who did he think he was suggesting her to raise Sirius Black's child! She found her way outside into one of the courtyards and leaned on the railing. It was an odd idea, wasn't it? Raising children for the men, she admired as a child. Men that qualities she could appreciate and understand. Remus and his love for animals even with being attacked as a child. The academic who adored books and stories. Sirius with his unhindered loyalty to Harry after his own family disowned him. The man with a spark for life unlike anyone else she knew.
"Granger," a smooth voice murmured, and she turned to see Dolohov.
Immediately she regretted her decision to stomp off. "Oh, I was getting air. I am just going back in now," she said shortly and moved to leave.
"No, girl, don't leave yet. Come join me for a cigar," he purred and hooked her arm. "A wonderful loyalist is going to join us," he said, and a man she didn't recognize walked in view.
Shite. "No, my escort is probably wondering where I am, I really should be going," Hermione said more forcefully and tried to yank her arm away from him.
Antonin shook his head and waved. "Come on over, Rowle. This is the girl I was talking about. The one who looks like sweet cream icing on a cupcake," his voice was sardonic and a bit gruff.
They had blocked her exit, and she felt her heart rate speed up. "Honestly, gents, I must be going," she insisted and pulled her arm away finally.
"What made such a pretty, smart, thing like you, wear such an advertising dress?" Antonin asked, his finger trailed down her neck.
She shifted back, and her face hardened. "Let me go, now," she ordered.
Antonin closed the distance. "Or, we can play a game," he muttered caressing her cheek. "Shall we see how long you can hold your breath?"
"Do not touch me!" she spat and slapped his face.
Dolohov growled and grasped her arm roughly. "You will wish you did not do that, girl." He spat and nodded for the other man to approach.
Hermione struggled roughly when they grabbed at her and started to howl. "Let me go, you vile creatures!" she screamed, and they knocked her to the ground, Rowle held onto her wrists. "Help!"
"I would hate to rip your dress, darling," Antonin snickered at her flailing legs when she heard his audible zipper.
She screamed for aid once again. "If I were you, I would be quiet," Rowle hissed as he covered her mouth and pressed his knees on her arms, blocking her view.
Antonin was hiking up her dress and tears started to evade her eyes. She felt him maneuver and hold her legs tightly which only made her try for another scream and try to bite at the man gagging her.
"If I were you, I would get the fuck off of her now." Draco's voice entered the clearing.
Hermione choked on relief, and Rowle stood up, revealing Regulus, Marcus, and Draco standing there. "I suppose too much to drink," Antonin murmured as he stood up.
The woman on the ground scrambled over to Draco and clutched him tightly to her. He kissed her face and then her lips gently. "Are you alright?" he whispered.
"Let's go home, Draco, please?" she replied, and he nodded against her.
Hermione felt a hand on her shoulder, and she looked to see Regulus frowning. "There will be consequences for their actions, Hermione. Not to worry."
She saw Antonin smiling at her waggling fingers in farewell. "Goodbye, girl," he declared and Hermione's gaze hardened before she turned and tugged Draco away.
Hermione was moving swiftly, and Draco did not say one word until the valet had grabbed their car for them. The woman was in desperate need to just be on the road. To get away from the scene. It was awful, and she had never felt so helpless in her life. They were driving before Draco cleared his throat.
"Are you alright?" he questioned, and she sounded agreement.
"I just want to get back to your house, and then we can talk about it, okay?" she responded, her hands were steady despite the whirlwind of feelings she was having.
"I am sorry," he whispered.
"It isn't your fault. I didn't listen to my own intuition and stomped off," Hermione replied and exhaled. "It isn't your fault, not one bit. I would take your hand, but the steering wheel is grounding me right now."
His hand landed on her shoulder, and she choked on a sob. "Really, Hermione. I did not-"
"Draco, if you want us to make it home without me sobbing, please. Talk to me about something good." She whimpered and swallowed hard.
"I might go look at a dog for my mother next weekend," he mused, and she smiled.
"That would be nice for her," Hermione replied. "Draco, how did Regulus know about Sirius's donation to the sperm bank? Only Harry, me and Remus did."
"You knew about it?" Draco questioned, and Hermione bobbed her head.
"He told me he wouldn't make a good father. Their mother ruined both him and his brother. That's why he lived with Remus because underneath it all he was worried he would screw up Harry. Remus told Harry and me after Sirius died that he did that in his early twenties when Harry was born before getting snipped."
Draco pondered that a moment. "I don't know how my cousin obtains half the information he does, Hermione. He is slicker than any man I know."
"Regulus cannot produce children himself, can he?" Hermione asked, her fingers drumming on the steering wheel.
"No, I don't think so. It must be bad genetics as my father had said. Not enough mixing in the earlier stages of our blood. Walburga and Orion were cousins. My father's parents were cousins as well. It might be sheer luck or happenstance that Sirius produced anything for an heir."
"And if I did decide to do this?" Hermione started, and Draco tilted his head. "Would you support my decision?"
"Of course. I would do anything you would want me to, Hermione. I want your happiness; I thought you knew that." Draco declared and squeezed her shoulder.
"Alright, but I have to ask Harry first. It is only right to tell him."
"I would argue with you, but I can't. I see why you would, being that Sirius raised him."
She smiled over at him and sighed. "I miss our bickering at times," she teased.
Draco chuckled and ran a thumb over her neck under her ear. "Don't worry; we have plenty of time for that, Granger. We're almost home."