CHAPTER 20
"Just what the bloody hell is going on here Malfoy?" Harry yelled and slammed his hand down on the heavy oak table. Draco rolled his eyes at the dramatics of the saviour while Blaise winced and was grateful that Draco had the good sense of throwing a silencing charm over the office.
'Sit down Potter," Draco said evenly as he sat behind his mahogany desk. "There is a lot to explain and your childish tantrums are not helping the situation."
Harry flushed at being so openly admonished and by Draco Malfoy no less. But he swallowed his pride and took a seat in front of Draco's desk nonetheless.
"As Hermione told you, our relationship has been a more recent development. She has been helping me seek a cure for my son, who is in fact very sick." At this point Draco had reached in to the top drawer of the desk and pulled out a thick file handing it over to Harry. "Our trip to Russia was an impromptu one with the objective of finding a cure for Scorpius." Draco's voice was strained at best as he explained the developments over the past couple months.
"Why didn't Hermione tell me this herself?" Harry questioned.
"Because, like she told you; it was part of her job." Draco explained deadpan.
Harry scowled, "But the attack on Hermione?" he questioned, "You don't know who's behind it?" Draco didn't say anything but Harry was watching him closely and figured that both Slytherins knew something he didn't know. The blonde shifted slightly in his chair, "Well what is it? What do you know and won't tell me?" Harry demanded.
"Look Potter it's slightly complicated," Blaise offered before Draco could answer.
"Well then un-complicate it… that or we can have this conversation at the Aurors offices in the Ministry if that would suit you better?" Harry threatened.
Draco pushed himself forward on the desk, "Don't threaten me Potter. It's been a trying few days. Now I have been patient… at best with your course of nature. I said I will answer your questions but don't assume for a moment that you have control here." Draco warned dangerously. Harry looked about ready to argue back but Draco raised his hand and spoke first, "Like Blaise said it's slightly complicated. And like he explained to you earlier, we thought it would be safer if we brought Hermione here rather than St. Mungo's. Rest assured Potter, she received the best treatment."
Surprisingly Harry simply nodded at this. There was no doubt that Draco would seek the best help for someone he cared for and as much as Harry hated to admit it, it was very clear that Draco cared for Hermione… a lot. Pulling his auror training together, he studied the men in front of him. Blaise stood behind Draco's chair, with a steely expression, while Draco supported a more resigned one. It made him realise that they knew… or at least had an idea of the truth behind Hermione's attack.
Deciding they had wasted enough time, Harry cut straight to it, "Well that's all very well, but what interests me now is what exactly is it about this attack on Hermione… apart from the obvious that is; that has you two so… nervous?"
Draco shot him a glare but knew he couldn't hide the truth anymore, "Initially we thought the attack on Hermione might have been caused by Astoria Greengrass."
"You wife?" Harry asked puzzled.
"Ex-wife," Draco corrected grimly. "She paid an unexpected visit to this house while we were in Russia. She somehow managed to break through the outer wards but Ippy was able to hold the inner wards."
"Ippy?"
"My house elf," Draco answered. Harry nodded appreciatively at this.
"Why was she trying to break in?" Harry asked intrigued.
"Probably to get to my godson," Blaise answered seriously. Hot anger shot through Draco but he didn't say anything.
"So if she wanted her son," Harry started and Draco growled slightly at this, hating the idea that Astoria could still be referred to as Scorpius' mother, "Why would she attack Hermione?"
"Astoria doesn't like competition" Draco said scowling, "She probably felt threatened by Hermione being in our lives."
"If that is the case why attack Hermione with such brute force?" Harry asked. "Was it a message to you?" he demanded getting slightly angry at the thought that Hermione was hurt only to serve as a point to Draco Malfoy.
"Perhaps," Draco replied.
"But?" Harry prompted. Bloody secretive Slytherins, he silently cursed as he saw the knowing looks being passed between the two men.
"Well that's where this gets a little complicated Potter," Blaise said, "Once we heard that someone had informed the ministry about Hermione's attack we realised it couldn't be her."
"Why not? She could easily have sent word. Maybe she didn't like the idea of someone dying by her hands." Harry argued. "Maybe she didn't want Hermione to die; but just for her to be seriously hurt."
"Oh trust me, she's not at all bothered by that fact," Draco snapped angrily. "She's a cold, manipulative wretch and hurting a few people to get her way is not beneath her. Death be damned."
"Look, Hermione said she dreamt about the attack," Blaise said bringing them back to the point. He ignored Draco's glare and continued, "She said the attacker felt familiar, like she knew who he was… And that he said…" Blaise stopped talking suddenly uncomfortable.
"He said what Zabini?" Harry asked impatiently, "enough with your games! What did he say?"
"He said that Hermione would be his and always his," Draco shot out quickly. Harry simply looked at them with a blank expression, "Which is why we think it might have been Weasley who attacked her," he said waiting for the indefinite argument from the saviour.
It only took a few seconds for the accusation to hit home, "What the hell sort of theory is that?!" Harry yelled. "How could you possibly think Ron would ever hurt Mione? He loves her! There is no way, absolutely no way he could do this!"
"Are you sure?" Draco questioned not at all phased by Harry's outburst.
"Yes! This is completely insane!" Harry stood and started pacing before the desk, "To accuse your ex-wife is one thing but to try and put the blame on Ron. Merlin that's low even for yo-"
"I'm not trying to put the blame on anyone Potter!" Draco said angrily, "I am merely telling you the facts!"
"It's not a fact. It's your biased opinion!" Harry argued. Draco pushed himself out of the chair and stood with his palms firmly pressed on the desk.
"Enough!" Blaise called as he saw Harry subtly reaching for his wand, "Look Potter we don't like this anymore than you do," Harry scoffed at this but Blaise continued, "Hermione liked it even less but considering that you are investigating this we figured it would be best if you had all the facts so you could follow all the leads… like you're suppose to." He said narrowing his eyes slightly.
"You can't possibly expect me to believe that Ron attacked Hermione and just left her on the floor to bleed out?!" Harry asked disbelievingly.
"Just think about it for a second Potter," Blaise rationalised, "If he did attack Hermione, it would explain the anonymous tip to the Ministry. It would also explain why Hermione said he felt familiar… and why he would say that she was his and only his."
"No…no… you're wrong," Harry muttered but he couldn't deny there was logic behind what was said.
"Think about it Potter," Draco pressed, "Who would be most upset about my relationship with Hermione? Who else would say that she belonged to him and only him?" Draco felt a sickening twist in his stomach as he spoke the last part.
"This is… no…" Harry mumbled softly. Draco almost felt sorry for him. He couldn't imagine what it must feel like if someone had to tell him that Blaise had violently attack Pansy. It seemed unfathomable; yet sadly it was currently a world so real for Harry Potter.
His conversation with Harry had been more tiring than he imagined and now all he wanted was to see Hermione. To see for himself that she was okay. He felt his guilt and anger rise again as the image of Hermione falling in his arms played over and over again in his mind.
"I'm off to check on Hermione," he said softly to Blaise. He looked to the still frantically pacing man and cleared his throat gaining his attention, "Blaise will fill you in on whatever details you need for your investigation. Once you have them, you can leave." He said dismissing Harry.
"Oh no! That's not how this works," Harry said angrily. "You can't just accuse my best friend of such a heinous crime and then waltz out of the room."
"Considering it's my house, I'm pretty sure I can." Draco countered, "It's been a long day Potter. I'm going to check on my son and Hermione and if you plan on stopping me I would suggest a well aimed curse… though perhaps not Sectumsempra considering I'm still wearing the scars of that one." Harry flushed in guilt and Draco smirked slightly before walking out the room.
"Come on Potter," Blaise called, "Lets get you what you need so you can get the hell out of here."
Harry glared at the Italian but sat down once again at the table as Blaise started pulling pieces of parchment towards them.
"Oh god… Oh god… Oh god…" Ron repeated as he paced the length of his bedroom. "Merlin what have I done?" he whispered in agony. The room was in an abysmal state; with clothes strewn everywhere, empty bottles of firewhiskey and Oaken's finest littering the room; pieces of parchment and pictures haphazardly placed on the bed and table. Ron stank of whiskey and guilt. His mind played terrifying games as it repeated the events that had taken place at Hermione's. Over and over again; Ron saw her slipping from his grasp and then hitting her head on the table, next came the sea of blood; which washed easily with his guilt.
Once he had realised what he had done, the only thing that mattered was making sure someone found Hermione in time to save her. So he sent an anonymous message to the Ministry. He got very worried when the next day he saw the headlines, that Hermione was now missing. Ron briefly considered telling Harry what had happened but then decided against it.
Ron had caught Harry muttering to himself as he marched out the fireplace earlier the previous day. All Harry could tell him was that apparently Hermione was at the Malfoy residence; healed and safe… well as safe as she could be with all those Slytherins around. He didn't seem too pleased about it but told Ron that he would be returning the next day hopefully to get proper answers. Ron tried to argue that Hermione wasn't safe with Malfoy but Harry told him that it would be too risky to move Hermione now, while she was still healing.
"Besides we hadn't identified the attacker yet; perhaps Hermione is safer with Malfoy", Harry had said, "Don't worry I'll be checking in on her regularly to make sure she's safe." He had promised and then disappeared around the corner to speak to Kingsley.
Ron grimaced at Harry's words and could only hope his memory charm on Hermione was strong enough. Thinking about that brought a sickening feeling to him. He didn't want to do that but it was too risky if Hermione pointed him out as the attacker. He couldn't rationalise what he had done to himself; how was he going to explain it to Harry and his family?
The smooth combination of guilt and fear along with some firewhiskey had now made Ron most unlike himself. Guilt for what he had done to Hermione. Merlin he had never meant to do that to Hermione. He had never meant to hurt her in that way. But those wicked images of her and Draco wouldn't give him peace. It also grew fear in him. Fear so deep; he didn't realise it until she was bleeding out in front of him. Ron didn't mean to lose her to Malfoy; and he didn't know when it happened or how… but it did. Now he feared she would never forgive him for what he had done. Not that he could blame her.
However what Ron couldn't understand - no matter how much he thought it over - was what Hermione saw in Draco-bloody-Malfoy. Sure, the kid might be a charmer but was that really a reason to throw away their relationship? That was what had angered him the most, so easily she cast their relationship aside… perhaps that was a little too harsh. But Ron was beyond the normal rationale now.
His lamenting was disturbed when he felt a bump in the wards. Stalking out of the bedroom, he groaned when he saw the witch seated at his table.
"What the bloody hell did you do?" she asked angrily.
"Nothing!" he said defensively.
"Well not according to this!" Astoria said throwing the paper down on the table. The front headlines read "HERMIONE GRANGER MISSING AFTER HOME ATTACK!"
Ron nervously swallowed, "You don't know that was me!"
"Tell me that when you're not stinking of whiskey and looking like someone just drowned your cat!" she shot back. "You've really screwed things up! And now it's going to be that much more difficult to get my son!"
"I don't see how Hermione's attack has anything to do with your son." Ron said watching her closely.
"You fool!" Astoria yelled angry, "Scorpius is practically stuck to Granger. And now with your foolish actions; there is no way Draco will let either of them out of his sight!"
"I told you it wasn't me!" Ron argued. He didn't understand why he was lying, especially to Astoria Greengrass.
"Save your lies for Potter, Weasley. You're going to need them." She said unbothered. "Granger's no longer our problem." She said hastily moving on, "I need you to secure this location for me." She said sliding a peace of parchment across the table, with an address written on it.
"Why?" he asked taking the parchment in his hands.
"Don't ask questions. Just do it!' she snapped.
"No! If you want it done so badly, go bloody do it yourself!" he retorted.
Surprisingly Astoria smirked rather than scowling in anger. "That's not how this works Weasley. Not unless you want Potter to know what you did to Granger." she threatened, "Though I imagine if Draco finds out it was you that hurt his beloved mudblood… then Potter and the Ministry are going to be the least of your problems."
"I'm not scared of Malfoy!" Ron scoffed.
"Well you should be. After all he was willing to become a Death Eater just to save his pathetic mother. Imagine what he would do for his son… or perhaps that mudblood he loves?" Astoria taunted. Astoria, unlike Ron had no illusions of Draco's love for Hermione. Even a blind fool would see it. That didn't mean she had to accept it; or even like it. It didn't matter to her in any case. It wasn't going to last long; not with what she had planned.
"You're blackmailing me?" Ron asked with a deep scowl, but then realised he unwillingly admitted to the crime, "… Of a crime I didn't even commit!"
"Oh save the theatrics for your fellow Gryffindor's," Astoria laughed. "And it's not blackmail it's… a means to an end." She stood and walked towards him in even steps, "Just do as you're told and it will all be over before you can even blink." Then before he could argue further she disapparated, leaving in a whirl of silk robes.
Ron felt nauseous; and it had nothing to do with the whiskey. Steeling his resolve he looked again at the address. He was already this far in; might as well finish and be done with it. The auror in him riled up briefly, urging him to go to the Ministry; but he would never be able to explain why or how he got caught up in Astoria Greengrass' schemes.
Looking at the Daily Prophet, he saw that beneath the headline was a big picture of Hermione smiling broadly. Much further down the page he saw another picture that caused him to frown. The picturewas of Malfoy; his kid and Hermione as he had seen them eating ice cream in Diagon Alley before everything went wrong. It wasn't a big picture but it would indeed raise a lot of questions. Sighing as he threw the paper into the bin; he only hoped Astoria made as good a mother as Hermione looked to be in that picture.
"Draco," his mother called as he was walking towards his bedroom. She placed a gentle hand in his shoulders and felt the worry and tension her son carried. "That was quite a scare… especially for Scorpius."
"This is exactly why she should stay here! Bloody stubborn Gryffindor!" he muttered with deep frustration.
His mother sighed rather unceremoniously and then swatted him upside the head. "Really Draco I thought you were too old for a hiding." He opened his mouth to respond as he brought a hand to nurse his head. Yet the look on his mother's face silenced him, "I know that you are scared dear. But acting like a fool will only push Hermione further into harm's way."
Draco groaned, "Why can't she just understand that I'm only trying to keep her safe?" he asked despondently. "This attack is all my fault. I put Hermione in danger –"
"Draco!" Narcissa scolded, "This is in no way your fault. Whether or not Weasley did attack Hermione, that has nothing to do with you. Those are his actions alone. You cannot worry yourself over Ronald Weasley right now. Your focus is Scorpius and Hermione… and only that." Draco sighed knowing his mother was right. "You know Draco," Narcissa began slowly, "Hermione seems to think you have no faith in her capabilities as a witch and that's why you insist she stays here –"
"That's completely ridiculous!" Draco snapped, "She's the most bloody talented witch I know… not that you aren't a talented witch yourself mother." he added quickly looking at his mother nervously.
Narcissa hid a bemused smile, "I know that dear. But perhaps you should explain to Hermione why it is that you want her to stay here." She offered. "She doesn't see it that way. Perhaps… or rather it is more likely that what Hermione has with you is worlds apart from what she had with the Weasley boy." Draco frowned at this, not seeing the true intent behind his mother's words, "Draco she is not used to how we love. It's a little different from the loud brashness of what she has received from her fellow Gryffindor's. I am sure once she realises this, she will perhaps be more understanding of our protective natures."
Draco nodded solemnly and walked towards his bedroom. His mother called out to him again as he reached for the handle.
"Tell her what's in your heart and you will have hers." She said wisely before disappearing down the stairs.
Taking a calming breath, he quietly pushed open the door and immediately stopped as a small voice reached out to him through the darkness.
"Scorp what are you doing?" Draco asked softly as he saw his son sitting beside a sleeping Hermione, book in hand.
"Reading Mione a story," he said simply. "She always reads me a story; so I thought it would make her feel better if I read one to her."
Draco couldn't help but smile at his son's thoughtfulness. Walking towards them, he took a seat at the edge of the bed. "That's a very good idea son." He said softly then looked around the room to notice that Pansy was missing. "Perhaps we should let Mione rest a little while?" he suggested tentatively.
Scorpius begrudgingly agreed; putting the book down on the bed so he could crawl towards his father. Draco had scooped Scorpius in his arms and was about to get up when shifting from the bed caught their attention.
Beneath the sheets in his bed; Hermione groaned and reached across to bring Scorpius closer to her, already feeling cold in his absence. When her hand hit the cold bed she frowned and quickly sat up, immediately regretting the brazen move. She winced and brought a hand to her head.
"Whoa, easy" she heard a velvety voice soothe and gently press her into the soft pillows. Scorpius shifted slightly in his father's arm but didn't move towards Hermione just yet. "How are you feeling?" Draco asked softly though she could see the worry in his eyes.
"I'm… fine," she said slowly looking between father and son. "Just a little sore."
"I'm sorry!" Scorpius suddenly cried though his grip on his father didn't loosen, "I didn't mean to hurt you."
"Oh! Sweetheart," Hermione said softly, "It's not your fault. I promise." She reached out and wiped away his tears.
"Are… are you sure?" Scorpius asked in a small voice.
"Off course I am." Hermione answered gently. "I just got a little tired that's all."
"But… you fell," he said with downcast eyes. Draco and Hermione grimaced at this. They hadn't realised that Scorpius had seen that. "And daddy had to carry you upstairs and the other man was yelling; even uncle Blaise was scared."
"I promise sweetheart, I'm fine." she said gently. Scorpius nodded solemnly though not entirely convinced as he hid his face into his father's shirt. "I'm a healer remember?" she said and he turned slightly to look at her with renewed interest. "So I know all about these things and I promise that I'm fine. Once I take these potions" she pointed to the vials Luna had left behind on the night stand, "I'll be all better."
He looked at her with worry in his silver eyes, and Hermione didn't need any other incentive. She reached over and took him into her arms. "I'm sorry it hurts mummy," he said quietly as he touched a small hand to her forehead.
Hermione smiled, "You know, it doesn't hurt so much when you're around."
Really?" Scorpius asked happy to hear this.
Hermione nodded and gently kissed the top of his head before hugging him close to her. She looked over to Draco who had been oddly quiet. Hermione could see he was still upset about their earlier argument, and perhaps the visit he just received from Harry. Thinking back to Narcissa's wise words, she reasoned that Draco was only trying to protect her, and while he might have gone about it in the wrong way; she couldn't hold that against him. The problem was approaching that topic; as both adults were rather stubborn in nature, they waited for the other to make the first move.
Scorpius however wasn't fond of stony silences between adults, "Daddy," he called a little too innocently, "Are you going to tell Mione you love her now?"
Draco felt his jaw drop at his son while Hermione barely held back her shocked breath. "wh-where did you hear that?" Draco managed to ask a little red. Hermione brought her bandaged hand to her mouth to cover her smile as she watched Draco stumble at his son's question.
"I heard Uncle Blaise tell Aunty Pansy that… that it was about b-bloody time you told mummy that you love her… yeah that's whats he said," Scorpius said scrunching his face in serious thought. Draco frowned as his son repeated those blasted words from Blaise. Hermione sat there unsure of what to say or what to do. "Well are you?" Scorpius pressed.
Draco sighed running his fingers nervously through his hair, "I suppose I will now." he said softly then shot a cheeky smile to Scorpius and then turned to Hermione with all the serious he could muster. Hermione felt her smile slip of her lips as she saw the change in Draco's demeanour. Was he doing this just to please Scorpius or did he really mean it?
Shuffling closer on the bed, he reached forward and tentatively took her bandaged hand in his, "I'm sorry." He said softly.
"What?" she asked confused.
"For earlier." He explained, "I know it seemed a bit much; but all I wanted to do was keep you safe Hermione. My mother… uh knocked some sense into me earlier and I realised that I never explained to you why I wanted you to stay here. Yes I want to protect you, but it's more than that." Draco brushed aside some of her unruly hair from her face and ran his thumb across her cheek, "I… I didn't realise what it would feel like if I lost you. I never thought about it. It seems stupid but I sort of assumed you would always be here with us; but when I found you… lying in a pool of your own blood… Merlin Hermione I have never been so scared." Draco explained. His mind briefly jumped to the conversation he had outside with his mother. Taking a calming breath he knew he'd have to explain himself further.
"I realise that I must have sounded very unreasonable earlier," Hermione quirked her eyebrow at this, "and I am sorry for that. But please don't ask me to apologise for wanting to keep you safe. Because I won't… I just won't!" He said vehemently and to her surprise Scorpius nodded furiously in agreement with his father. Draco chuckled slightly at this but continued before he lost his resolve, "The only thing I have feared my entire life is losing my family. First my… father to the darks arts," Draco said rather stiffly, "And then my mother to Voldemort. I can't bear to think of ever losing Scorp… or you Hermione." He spoke honestly and Hermione knew that this wasn't something he was saying just to please his son, but something that he needed to say. Something he needed her to know. "I don' know how or when; and I imagine it might seem sudden; but my son and those idiotic friends of mine are right." he drew in a nervous breath; there was something so final about saying those words. Hermione could see out of the corner of her eyes Scorpius sitting on the bed, giggling as he looked at them. The minute Draco leaned in closer to Hermione Scorpius brought his hands to cover his eyes though his smile never left him.
But Hermione suddenly became aware of how close Draco was as she looked into his silver eyes. He leaned in close, so close Hermione could feel his breath tickle her lips, "I love you Hermione," he whispered and claimed her lips before she could say anything. His lips felt strong and passionate against hers and Hermione knew without a doubt what her response was. She moved her hand to cup his cheek as he moved one hand into her hair.
Pulling apart for air Hermione looked at Draco with a coy smile, "Say it again," she whispered against his lips, "I want to be sure I heard that correctly." Of course she had heard it correctly but it thrilled her to hear him utter those words to her.
He smiled and moved his mouth so it hovered over her ear. It sent shivers down her spine and goosebumps on her skin, "I. Love. You. Hermione. Granger." he said slowly and only for her ears. She smirked and ran a hand down his chest, enjoying the reaction she got from him as she did so.
"Good," she said, "Because I love you too Draco Malfoy."
Draco was stunned. He hadn't thought she would say it back… but she did. He didn't want Hermione to think she had to say it because he did and when he studied her face looking for any inch of doubt; it stunned him further when he found none. Hermione was being just as honest as he was. She loved him. He couldn't believe he was this lucky.
"Yaaay!" Scorpius cried pulling both adults from their stupor. Draco had forgotten that they had an audience. Scorpius looked over his father's shoulder and smiled broadly, "See Uncle Blaise! I tolds you I'd make them say it," he giggled. Draco did a double take at his son while Hermione gasped.
"Scorpius!" Draco chided only mildly annoyed. He was rather impressed with his son's under handed Slytherin tacit, though he wasn't going to openly praise the boy for it… not with Hermione around at least.
"How very Slytherin of you sweetheart," Hermione said as if reading Draco's mind. Then she turned to the door and saw the Italian leaning casually against it. She narrowed her eyes at him, "You however should be ashamed! Involving a child in such –"
"Easy there Hermione," Blaise laughed interrupting her. "Firstly it was his idea, not mine and secondly; you two are the most stubborn people I have ever met. It was bound to happen, we … just gave you a gentle push that's all." Blaise justified.
"What do you want Blaise?" Draco asked glaring at his friend. But Blaise knew him well enough to know Draco wasn't truly upset. Instead he just laughed and walked further into the room, his mood changing slightly.
"Potter's been called back to the Ministry but he wanted a word with you first before he leaves," Blaise said solemnly looking at Draco. "Uuh… Hermione, Potter said he'd come back to see you. You know when you're feeling a bit better." Blaise said scratching the back of his neck slightly nervous as Hermione's fell into slight disappointment, "Ooh and Pansy offered to go get some of your clothes from your apartment… if you're staying." He finished looking uncertainly between the two.
"She's staying," Draco replied flatly before Hermione could, but still Blaise looked to her for her response.
Hermione sighed, "I'm staying. I suppose I'll go with Pansy to fetch them then."
"Oh don't worry I'm sure she'll be fine." Blaise waved it off, "Besides if she needs help; I'll be glad to offer a hand. And I promise to keep my hands outta your knickers drawer." He teased and then dodged a rather nasty looking stinging hex Draco aimed at him.
"Mummy" Scorpius called, "What's knickers?" he asked innocently. "And why can't uncle Blaise see them?"
All three adults chalked. Hermione turned a beet red, while Draco froze. How was he supposed to answer this? Hermione flashed Blaise a dangerous glare. Blaise swore under his breath at his godson's perceptive little ears. The little devil was definitely going to get him proper hexed by Draco before the day was over.
"Come on little man," Blaise said trying to remedy the situation, "Lets go play a game of exploding snap!" he reached over and picked Scorpius up off the bed, shooting Hermione and Draco an apologetic look, though nothing would take away his smirk as he walked out of the room. "Uncle Blaise what's knickers?" they heard him ask his godfather and there was a distinct groan that followed.
"Serves him right," Hermione laughed but quickly sobered when she saw serious look on Draco's face.
"I could just tell Potter to –" Draco started but Hermione cut him off.
"No. It's fine." She said trying to sound reassuring. "Harry just needs time to get used to all of this." Hermione explained and Draco wondered if she was trying to convince herself of that as well. "Go," she pressed on. He relented, sighing as he pressed a soft kiss to her lips. With his hands on the door he turned around to speak but Hermione beat him to it, "I'll be fine."
As the door closed behind him, Hermione flopped back onto the pillows.
Draco found Harry waiting for him at the fireplace, looking every bit ready to disappear through the green flames. He was pacing about, muttering under his breath and obviously hadn't heard Draco approaching. "What is it Potter?" he asked after watching the former Gryffindor.
"I'm going back to the ministry," Harry answered not wasting any time. "Zabini has filled me in on all the details on the most recent… events."
Draco looked at him carefully for a moment; and noticed that the saviour seemed to be having an internal battle over something. "Anything else?" he asked leaning casually against the wall.
Harry scowled slightly, "As for you… accusations –"
"Suspicions" Draco corrected.
"Whatever. Obviously I'm not happy about them. I hate that it might be Ron…"
"But?" Draco pressed.
"But it is my job to look into these things. And Zabini made a few fair points that not even I could disagree with." He said surprising Draco a little. "So for Hermione's safety; I will take your suspicions into consideration."
"Marvellous Potter." Draco smirked, "Now you're thinking like an auror."
Harry shot Draco a stony glare, "I'm warning you Malfoy; if you so much as hurt a hair on Hermione's head. I swear to Merlin I will –"
He was cut off as he saw Draco push himself off the wall and stalk towards him; with a very displeased look on his face.
"Let's get something straight here Potter." He said firmly, "I am not Weasley. I have no intentions of hurting Hermione. Now despite what you might think of me; I am a changed man, not the boy you once knew in school. The fact is that I care for Hermione very much and we all consider her to be a part of our family. If there's one thing that hasn't changed from our younger years, it's that I am willing to do anything to protect the people I care about; as is my mother… surely you'd remember that." He said giving Harry a pointed look. Harry had the decency to look slightly ashamed. "Believe me when I say there is no place safer for Hermione to be than here."
Harry sighed unhappy that it was the second time that day he'd been told off by Draco Malfoy. But he knew, somewhere deep, that Draco was telling the truth. He'd seen it today. More than that, Blaise had explained in very shocking details the lengths to which Draco had gone for Hermione's sake. He begrudgingly accepted that until he could prove that Ronald was not behind this; Malfoy residence really was the safest place for her.
He nodded showing Draco that he understood the severity of the situation and that he had accepted the fates as they were… for the time being. "I'll come by a little later to see Hermione. I suppose Ginny will want to see her too…" he trailed off looking at Draco as if asking his permission.
"I'm sure Hermione would like that," he said surprising Harry then he turned and started walking away. "Now if it isn't too much trouble; please get out of my house Potter." He called over his shoulder.
Harry almost laughed at the very Malfoy like dismissal as he threw the powder down, calling out to the Ministry. He couldn't help but frown as he thought about the next step he'd be taking in Hermione's case.
Harry knew that once more people found out about Draco and Hermione's relationship, carrying out his investigation would be that much harder. The thought of his investigation brought Harry to his next troubling thought.
Ron.
He didn't want to believe that Ron was capable of something so vicious but when Blaise had explained in excruciating details; it left little room for Harry to argue otherwise. He didn't want to believe it was true but even he couldn't deny the sound logic behind their suspicions. It was why he couldn't see Hermione just yet. He needed to be sure before facing her again. That and he still needed time adjusting to her relationship with Draco. Hell he needed time to wrap his head around the very different side of Draco Malfoy he had seen today.
But it would have to be done. With a very heavy heart he strode to his office and began sorting through the notes Zabini had provided. Cursing Merlin himself, Harry didn't think the day would ever come when he'd have to investigate his best friend. Oh the gods were truly cruel.
With Blaise distracting Scorpius in a game of exploding snap, it gave Draco and Hermione some time alone. The past few days had been troublesome and tense. After Harry had left, Draco went back to check on Hermione, seeing that she was still under the covers in his bed, smiling softly at him. He was taken back by how natural it looked to have her there, with her brown curls thrown over his pillows. Using the spare time, he decided a quick shower was in order before the chaos of the day could catch up to him again. He pointed to the bathroom before placing a gentle kiss on her forehead and disappeared through the door.
Hermione closed her eyes and gave her senses to the room around her. She heard the gentle crackling of the fire in the distance that drowned out the running of the shower, the pillows smelt of Draco and she allowed herself to be lulled by its soothing scent. It wasn't long before she felt his presence in the room again. Cracking one eye open, she saw him standing with nothing but a towel around his waist. This piqued her interest and she opened both eyes and watched him as he walked around the room, as if it were the most natural thing that she should be lying in his bed watching him as he got dressed. It didn't feel nearly as odd as she thought it might have. He opened his large walk-in wardrobe and Hermione wasn't even in the least bit surprised at what she saw. Everything had been neatly folded and placed. When she looked across she saw that the other half of the rather large walk in was empty.
With his back to her, Hermione took the time to study him. His hair was still wet from the shower and water fell down from the long strands; along his back. Hermione had always known that Draco was an extremely handsome man, with a very desirable physique, but still to see him clad in nothing but a towel left her a bit scrambled. He moved slightly reaching for something she couldn't quite see and it was then that she noticed the slight scars along his back.
"See something you like Granger?" He teased as he turned around to catch her staring quite openly at him.
She broke from her trance as saw that he had put his pants on... When had he done that, she wondered. She'd been sure she was watching him the whole time. He walked over to the bed, tugging at the drawstrings on the sweats he was wearing. Hermione couldn't help the blush when he sat down on the bed, shirtless and smirking before pressing his lips to hers. She kissed him back ferociously and ran her fingers down his toned chest, relishing in his reaction. Her body reacted instantaneously to his pressing against hers, and as she felt his skin, still hot from his shower beneath her fingers and his lips doing oh – so – wicked things down her neck, she moaned and tilted her head allowing him more space. Draco pushed her back onto the pillows not breaking the contact. He moved further up and was soon covering most of her body with his. His lips left her neck and reclaimed her lips, hungry to feel her soft and now most definitely swollen lips against his. Hermione's senses went into overdrive as one hand pressed itself firmly on the bed balancing Draco's weight while the other to her hips pulling her back flush against his body. Like magnets her fingers went straight for his hair; still wet from his shower and she pulled at his blonde locks earning a throaty groan from him. If she were capable of smirking in that moment she would have knowing how crazy it drove Draco went she did that. She did it again and then ran her fingers through his hair and hard down his bare back. Draco felt the pleasant pressure of her nails running along his back, no doubt leaving a few red marks of their own before he felt her hands move to the draw strings on his pants. She pulled at them and Draco moaned appreciatively as her fingers grazed his hips. Yet her delicate fingers pulling at the strings seemed to jar his thoughts back in some semblance of order.
"Shit..." Draco swore under his breath. Still panting heavily as his lips left hers, "Hermione" he moaned his voice husky, "we... we can't" he said hating the words as it came out of his mouth.
Though it didn't sound very convincing especially when his lips started trailing down her neck again, and she paid his words little attention pulling him closer to her if possible.
"Why not?" She asked in heavy breaths and then a sudden realisation hit her. "Don't... don't you want to?" Suddenly she became nervous and was about to push him away when Draco surprised her as he groaned and hid his face in the crook of her neck. He lay there with his bare chest atop hers, and Hermione wondered for a moment if she had over stepped it. She could practically feel the frantic beating of his heart against hers; so why did he stop?
"Merlin, there is absolutely nothing," he said slowly having regained breathing normally, "And I really do mean absolutely nothing I would want more than to continue this" he said raising his head slightly and looking deeply into her eyes.
"But?" She prompted nervously.
"But Luna said to take it easy..." He said looking at her with a cheeky smile, "And if we were to continue this I'd have no intention of taking it easy on you love." He whispered into her ear. His words thrilled her and with his lips hovering over her ear and his lean body pressed against her, she found it difficult to find the sense in what he was saying. But when he pulled back, knowingly smirking at her she couldn't help the blush or the slight groan in knowing that he was doing the considerate thing for her. She reached out and kissed him hard once more.
"You, woman, are going to be the death of me." He said softly leaning his forehead against hers. She laughed and pushed the hair away from his face.
Her fingers danced over his shoulders and muscles before trailing down to his arms. She stopped when she reached his Dark Mark. Her eyes took in the pale scar while her fingers traced around the tattoo. She had seen his mark only once before and that too it was only half of it. Thinking back to their time in Russia, Hermione couldn't recall being offended by the mark. Now that she saw it in its full jaded glory, she realised it still didn't bother her. Knowing Draco as well as she did, she realised that taking the Mark was never something he wanted to do but something he had to do. To keep his family safe; to protect his mother, he had taken a decision, and a most difficult one at that, and people have judged him for it ever since. As her fingers delicately moved over the mark, she felt Draco tense under her touch and felt the heavy weight of his eyes on her but she kept hers trained on the mark. Had Hermione looked up, she would have seen the complete bewildered and nervous look Draco wore.
Draco absolutely hated the mark. It was the one thing he wished he hadn't done. There was no way of removing the mark. His arm would forever be scared by its vile presence. Yet Hermione didn't seem offended by it. It unnerved him slightly at how tentative her fingers moved over it. Scowling at the mark he attempted to move his hand away only for Hermione to grab onto it his arm.
"Don't," she whispered. "Don't hide from me Draco."
He looked at her shocked for a moment, "How can you be so… so not bothered by it?" he asked.
She seemed to be considering her answer for a moment, "Does it bother you?" she asked instead.
He wanted to say no, but found that he'd be lying to her if he did. "Yes." He said quietly.
"Why?"
He looked at her puzzled. Surely she would understand why he hated the tattoo so much. Nevertheless the imploring look she gave him urged him to answer. "It's the one thing I regret Hermione. Because of this stupid mark, Scorpius will forever be known as the son of a Death Eater… and the boy who tried to kill Dumbledore." He said with a heavy heart. "It bothers me because every time I look at it I am reminded of how weak I was, of how I could do nothing to protect me own mother… and now of how I am so helpless in protecting my son… in protecting you." he stopped talking realising he had perhaps said too much as Hermione was now frowning at him. He really hadn't meant to upset her. "I'm sorry. I know it's not very pleasant to look at," he said hastily and tried reaching for his wand hoping to cover it up sooner.
Hermione held onto his left arm tighter, "Draco," she said cautiously, "Is that really what you think when you see this?" she asked motioning down to his arm. "Because that's not what I see." She said not giving him the chance to answer. "I see a boy who had no choice and made a decision that seemed like the only way to save his family. You didn't kill Professor Dumbledore because you're not a killer. Don't you see? You weren't helpless Draco. You may not have realised it but you did protect your mother. Do you honestly think she would have been spared Voldemort's mercy had you declined taking the mark?" Hermione questioned seriously. "Voldemort was not a man of honour, but you are. And ironically it's this very mark that proves it."
"What?" he asked disbelievingly. "Hermione are you hearing yourself right now?"
She smiled much to his surprise, "Draco, this mark serves to show the lengths to which you are willing to go to for your family. It shows what a brave and strong man you are. That you're selfless and more than capable of protecting us."
"How can you…?" he asked still astonished at her.
"We all have our scars Draco." She said bring her left arm forward and placing it atop his. "We just have to learn that they only tell part of our story. It's part of who we are… but they don't define us." she said looking down at her arm.
Much like his mark, Hermione's scar was jaded and looked less aggressive. He gently ran his fingers over the word MUDBLOOD; and a painstaking regret hit him as he thought back to that night.
"This was my fault." He whispered. "She got angry because I won't say if it was really you and Potter." His fingers traced around the letters of its own accord, but his eyes found hers. Hermione knew that look in his eyes. Harry wore it for several months after the war ended, that look of guilt and self-blame.
"It was war Draco." She said simply. "And none of it was your fault." She leaned forward and kissed him hard hoping he would understand that she never once blamed him for it. After all they had been just kids, too young to be fighting in a war. "I learnt a long time not to be angry at my scars… or the people who gave them to me. That hate and anger never brought me much relief." She explained praying he would understand that she didn't in any way blame him for the events that had taken place all those years ago in Malfoy Manor.
Draco considered her words carefully. He couldn't understand how Hermione could be so forgiving, "So my… mark doesn't bother you?" he asked tentatively.
"No," Hermione replied without hesitation. "I know that mine upsets you very much–"
"It's not what you think," Draco interrupted her hastily. "It has nothing to do with the word. It's more the… the…"
"Guilt." Hermione finished for him. He nodded avoiding her eyes. "I know. Harry had that same look of guilt for months after the war and it drove me positively crazy." She said with a slight smile but still he didn't look at her. With a great sigh she placed her hand on his jaw and gently lifted it so that she could look into his silver eyes. "So Mr. Malfoy, if I can handle this," she said her voice light and gentle as she pointed to his mark, "Then you can handle mine. No more hiding." Hermione said firmly.
Draco didn't know what to say as he looked at her with pure adoration. He loved her more in that moment than he thought possible.
He stared at her in wonder, "You're truly remarkable you know that?"
"Don't you forget it," she smiled softly into another kiss.
Her smile widened as Draco pulled her closer and Hermione was able to run her hand over his chest. She frowned slightly noticing the bigger, much bolder scars that ran along his body. She had an inkling where he had gotten those from.
"A little gift from Potter's Sectumsempra," Draco said with a little bitterness, noticing as her fingers ran along those particular scars.
"Oh Draco," Hermione whispered. It seemed the curse had left a lot more damage to Draco than they had initially thought. "I'm so sorry. I warned Harry that book was no good!"
To her surprise Draco laughed softly, "I find it hard to believe that Hermione Granger thinks any book is no good."
Hermione blushed at this, "Well this book was different." She argued. "I am –"
Before Hermione could apologise once more Draco gently shushed her. "It's like you said, no more hiding." He said tucking a stray curl behind her ear.
Hermione reached up and kissed him but pulled back all too quickly for his liking, "I think you can put your shirt on now," she teased though he could see a slight blush creep across her cheeks.
He laughed but got up nonetheless and walked back to the wardrobe to retrieve a shirt. "I'm really glad you're staying Hermione." He said so softly Hermione almost didn't hear him.
"Me too," she replied smiling as she pulled the blankets further up. Despite all their arguments; Hermione couldn't deny that she felt safe here with Draco watching over her. She felt the heavy pull of the potions Luna had given her and settled further into the blankets, smiling as she caught Draco's faint scent on the pillows. Draco leaned against the wall watching fondly as Hermione drifted off into a peaceful slumber, knowing they would survive whatever was to come next.
A/N: Hello dearies,
I really hope you enjoy this chapter! Thanks to all who have reviewed, favourited or are following this story! You all are so amazing. Please keep the reviews coming, i'm dying to know what you all think of this little chapter. Things are going to get a little more dark and gloomy so gear up and get your feels in order!
Thanks to my most valued critic Katy! Who has not only been so amazing with this story but with my other fic Coveted, which I've recently posted. It is part Dramione and part Albus/OC. Give it a try and promise it's not so bad and dramione fans will have plenty to appreciate!
Cheers!
xoxo
Immortal Dragon Empress