Hey Guys! Here's another chapter! It's a long one. I hope you all enjoy it.
Warning R-rated
October 30, 1998
Tink tink tink
Draco furrowed his brow and opened his eyes. He was still cocooned in the darkness of his curtained bed.
Tink tink tink
He opened the bed curtains and found that it wasn't morning but rather still completely dark. He glanced at his wristwatch the was laid upon the bedside table and saw that it was a bit past midnight. With a yawn, he looked over at the window, where he saw Athena holding a letter in her beak.
He stood up and walked over to the window, letting the bird into the warmth of the room, "Thank you, Athena." He whispered so as to not wake Blaise.
He took the rather thick envelope and looked at it, feeling his heart lodge in his throat. His name was written on the front, but the seal was stamped with the Azkaban emblem.
He set Athena on her perch and gave her a treat before sitting back on the bed. Breaking the Azkaban seal, he opened the envelope and pulled out the letter, all while noticing another envelope inside. He unfolded the letter and read it.
Mr. D. Malfoy,
Lucius Malfoy is no longer allowed to receive or send posts. He recently received a letter that appears rather important, so we have decided to send it to you. Usually, we would send it to his next of kin, which is your mother, but once you read it, you shall understand why we chose to send it to you instead.
I hope it wasn't an inconvenience.
Ansgar Duncan
Azkaban Office of Prisoner Family Affairs
Draco furrowed his brow and pulled out the other envelope. He turned it over and saw the broken seal with the letter B stamped in it. He opened it and began to read. Utter shock and disbelief took over as his eyes moved from one word to the next.
Blaise stirred in his bed across the room and opened his bed curtains enough to look over at Draco, "Drake, why are you up, mate?" he grumbled.
Draco swallowed and put the letter back in the envelope, shaking his head, "Just erm…just couldn't sleep. I'm going back to bed now."
Blaise nodded, "Alright, mate." He said, closing the bed curtains.
Draco placed the letters in the drawers of his bedside table and grabbed a vial of Dreamless Sleep. Within the short time it took for the potion to take effect, his mind reeled from the shock.
How could it be?
When Draco woke at six, he took a shower and got dressed, all the while trying to ignore the letter that was practically screaming at him from the drawer.
"Are you sure that you're okay, mate?" Blaise asked for the fifth time that morning.
Draco raised his brow before nodding, "I'm fine."
"I'll meet you down there, then?" Blaise asked with doubtful tone.
Draco nodded, "I'll be down there in a moment."
Nodding, Blaise left the dorm and headed down to the common room where he spotted Hermione chatting with Pansy, "Hey Granger." He said.
Hermione turned, "Good morning, Blaise." She said with a smile.
"Yea." He replied with a sigh. "Listen, something is wrong with Draco."
"What do you mean?" She asked, looking around for her blonde boyfriend.
"I'm not exactly sure." Blaise sighed, "He seems a bit…distracted."
The brunette's brow furrowed as Draco came down to the common room. She walked over to him, attempting to hide any concern and act normal, "Good morning, love." she said with a small smile.
He smiled slightly and kissed her lips, "Morning, love." he replied quietly.
"How'd you sleep?" She asked.
He swallowed and nodded but didn't speak.
Hermione furrowed her brow, "Draco?"
The wizard sighed, hearing the concern in her tone, and met her eyes, "I've erm…I've got some things on my mind."
"Would you like to talk about it?" She asked quietly, seeing that he was clearly struggling, and she wanted to help.
"We don't have enough time before Transfiguration."
She shook her head, "We'll miss the class today. This seems to be important."
He clenched his jaw thoughtfully as he looked into her eyes and considered the options. He knew they ought to go to class but with the news he had received from that letter, he truly needed to tell someone, and she was the person he wanted to tell. He also knew that if Hermione Granger was offering to skip a class, then he must truly be acting out of character.
Draco nodded, "Okay." He said, "Come on. I need to show you something."
The couple went up to Draco's dorm room. Hermione set her satchel on the table and turned to Draco.
He tossed his own satchel on the trunk at the foot of his bed and walked over to the bedside table. Both letters were glaring up at him from the drawer as he opened it. He handed the first one to Hermione and she read it before nodding.
Draco swallowed and handed the second one to his girlfriend, watching her face to see her reaction.
The thin, swirling handwriting was quite elegant on the crisp, cream-colored parchment.
Mr. Malfoy,
My name is Cordelia Badeaux. My mother's name was Louise Badeaux. She passed away September twelfth and left me a letter informing me that you are my father.
I am sixteen years old and live in Nice, France, where I have lived all my life. I currently attend Beauxbatons Academy of Magic, but they will not allow me to continue my education here due to a lack of funds.
I will be transferring to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry come November first.
I am not asking for any money. I simply wanted to know more about any family I may have. I am aware of who you are and what you have done but I have no one else to contact.
Please respond at your earliest convenience.
Cordelia Badeaux
Hermione looked up at Draco from the letter. She was stunned by what she had just read and shook her head, "Does your mother not know?"
"I suppose not. She's never said anything." He sighed, shaking his head, "He cheated on my mother, Hermione." Draco breathed as he sat down on the edge of the bed. "That bastard. How could her cheat on her? He was supposed to love her." He looked over at Hermione with a helpless expression. "I don't understand."
The last shred of hope he had for his father's humanity had vanished.
Hermione set the letters on the table and stood up, walking over to Draco. She cupped he face in her hands and looked at him tenderly.
Draco met her eyes, "He's beaten me, tortured me, and done terrible things to many others but...I always thought…I always thought he truly loved her. I suppose he can't truly love anyone." He swallowed.
Hermione could see the pain in his dejected, grey eyes and felt and ache in her chest at the sight.
"Draco, I'm so sorry." She said before swallowing, "You should tell her though. Your mother. The news is going to get out and you don't want her to hear it from The Daily Prophet or a random person."
He nodded, knowing she was right. "I'll have to speak with McGonagall and see if I can use her fireplace to go to the Manor for a bit."
Hermione nodded, "Let's go talk to her now and see if perhaps you can so that today."
Draco sighed and wrapped his arms around her waist. "In a moment." he muttered, holding her close.
Hermione ran her fingers through his hair and looked down at him, feeling awful for him. She knew that despite the pain Lucius had caused Draco in the past, her boyfriend had always held out the slightest bit of hope that Lucius would never hurt Narcissa.
He pulled back and looked up at her, "I love you." He said quietly but she could see in his eyes that he was also telling her that he would never do anything to hurt her.
She nodded, lovingly cupping the sides of his face as she replied, "I love you too, Draco."
He stood up and kissed her lips tenderly.
As they made their way to the Headmistress's office, they noticed how quiet the corridors were with everyone in class.
"November first is the day after tomorrow." Draco muttered, "Do you recall the date on the girl's letter?"
"I believe it was October third." Hermione replied.
When they arrived at McGonagall's office, Draco knocked and waited until they heard the Headmistress respond with an "Enter".
The couple entered the office and walked over to the desk.
"Mr. Malfoy. Ms. Granger, how can I help you?"
Draco went into his explanation about Azkaban receiving the letter then sending it to him instead of his mother.
Once he finished explaining, the Headmistress nodded, "I was going to speak with you after dinner this evening. I received the transfer paperwork this morning and while reading it, noticed that Lucius was named as her father…on her birth certificate."
Draco nodded, knowing that magical birth certificates only allowed the true birth mother and father to be written on it. He sighed, "I need to tell my mother."
McGonagall nodded, "I agree. It'd be best for her to hear it from you. Ms. Granger, I assume that you'd like to check in on your parents as well?"
Hermione nodded, "I would, if that's okay."
"You both may use the floo, so long as you are back before midnight tonight. I'll let your professors know."
Draco and Hermione went back to their dorms to change their clothing. Hermione grabbed the note she had found from her grandfather while Draco pocketed the letter from his half-sister. They used the fireplace in the office and arrived in the Manor's library a few minutes past ten.
Pippy immediately popped into view with a wide smile on her face. "Master Draco! Miss Hermione! Welcome home! Mistress and the Grangers are out but will be back at two o'clock. Can Pippy get Master Draco or Miss Hermione anything?"
"No thank you, Pippy." He said before realizing that he and Hermione would finally be alone for a few hours. He paused for a moment, considering if the time was right before glancing at Hermione.
She raised her brow is question.
"Pippy," He said, "Hermione and I will be in my room. Just knock on my door when they get back. We'll come down to see them. Don't tell them that we're here." Draco said before holding out his hand for Hermione to take.
Hermione furrowed her brow but took his hand. They made their way through the Manor and up to his room.
When they entered his room, he locked the door and turned to Hermione, "We've got a few hours…to ourselves…" He said.
She caught on quickly and nodded, "Are you sure?"
He nodded, "I am. Are you?"
She smiled and stepped closer, "You do know what today is, don't you?" she asked.
He nodded, knowing that it was their five-month anniversary, "I do, and I have a gift for you in my dorm."
She smiled and pulled out her wand, placing a silencing charm on the room before slipping off her jacket.
Draco slipped off his own before leaning in to kiss her once more.
As they snogged, Hermione reached forward and began to unbutton his shirt.
He reached down and pulled up at the bottom of her blouse. She smiled and reached down, pulling it over her head, revealing a light lilac cotton bra with lace edging.
Draco leaned forward and pressed a kiss to her collar bone before saying, "You're beyond beautiful, Hermione."
She blushed and pulled his unbuttoned shirt off his shoulders. The skin of his torso was pale and scattered with scars but well-defined with muscles that flexed with every movement.
Hermione pulled him close and kissed him passionately, moaning as their bare skin touched.
Draco pulled her along as they slightly stumbled moving towards his bed. She pushed him to sit down on the edge first. She reached down and undid her jeans, pushing them down her legs.
He swallowed, seeing her standing there in her lilac bra and white cotton knickers with lace edging.
She stepped closer and straddled his lap before kissing him passionately.
He hands rested on her bare thighs for a moment before sliding up to arse, causing her to bite her bottom lip. She leaned forwards and kissed his neck and collarbone before moving to kiss his chest.
Draco wrapped his arm around her waist and flipped them over, making her squeal.
He chuckled, "I've got you, love."
She laughed before biting her bottom lip as she watched him stand up and undo the button of his own jeans. He pulled them down revealing a pair of dark grey boxers.
He paused and met her eyes and pulled out his wand, "Are you sure about this?" he asked.
She nodded and watched as he aimed his wand at her stomach, "conceptus praeventionis" he muttered and a round light hovered through her navel, and into her stomach before diminishing.
She sat up and reached back, about to undo her bra, but he shook his head, "I've got it." He said with a smirk as he set his wand on the bedside table. He leaned in and kissed her deeply.
As they snogged passionately, he reached around and snapped his fingers, causing her bra to magically unclip. He slowly slid the straps down her shoulders and arms until her bra was lying on the mattress.
Draco pulled back from the kiss and met her eyes, eagerly wanting to look down but not wanting to make her feel awkward.
She cupped his jaw and kissed him once before saying, "It's okay…you can look."
Draco glanced down and felt lightheaded. She was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. Every part of her was perfect. He kissed her collarbone and met her eyes.
"You're beautiful." He whispered, looking at her as her hair spread out on the mattress.
She was biting her bottom lip and the tinge on her cheeks was a deep red however he knew it wasn't embarrassment but rather arousal.
He kissed the top of her left breast before doing the same on her right side. Slowly, he raised his hand and swallowed nervously as he cupped her left breast in his hand, groaning at how perfect she was.
He heard her moan when his thumb grazed her nipple, and he bit his lip in arousal.
She pulled his face closer to hers and kissed him before saying, "I want to see you."
He nodded, and slipped off his boxers, revealing his rather large, fully erect cock.
Hermione sat up and looked down at it before meeting his eyes once more with a question clear as day in her eyes.
He nodded and she reached over, wrapping her hand around the thick shaft. Draco hissed, watching as her hand slowly moved up and down.
"Bloody hell." Draco breathed brokenly.
Hermione swiped her thumb across the head, making Draco jump a bit. She looked up from her hand and her eyes landed on his face. He was watching her hand move while biting his lip so hard it nearly drew blood.
She let go and pulled her knickers down her legs before sitting up on her knees and straddling his lap once more.
Draco gripped her right hip and his cock before helping guide her down onto it. Once she had taken all of him, moaning against his shoulder in complete and utter pleasure, she began to move.
"Oh Draco…" She moaned as she moved slowly, riding him at a pace they could both handle.
He groaned, "You feel…you feel so bloody good, Hermione." He mumbled, watching himself disappear into her.
As she moved faster, his eyes moved up to his bouncing breasts and he groaned before gently taking her right nipple between his lips.
Hermione threw her head back at the sensation, gripping his shoulders as she picked up the pace even more, nearing her climax. She cupped both sides of his face and met his eyes.
His arms wrapped around her as he helped her keep the rhythm.
Her moans grew louder, and he knew she was close but not quite there. He felt himself about to come and skillfully thrust his hips up a couple times, meeting hers.
He came deep inside her, holding her hips in place as he emptied himself into her with a groan, his face buried in the crook of her neck.
He reached between them and gently touched her clit, making soft circles around it, causing her legs to suddenly shake as she moaned his name loudly. As she came down from her climax, she leaned forward, resting her head on his shoulder.
He gently rubbed her bare back and she kissed his shoulder. She was shaking in his arms, though neither of them was cold.
"I love you, Hermione." He breathed, pressing kisses to her neck and shoulder.
Hermione swallowed and pulled back a bit so that she could see him. She cupped his jaw and looked at him lovingly before replying, "I love you too, Draco." Her voice was like a whisper as she leaned in down and kissed his lips softly.
As the separated, he reached up and brushed a bit of her hair off her face, smiling at her, "You are the most beautiful sight I have ever seen."
She blushed and rolled her eyes, "Draco, I'm all sweaty and…"
"You're perfect, Hermione." He said pointedly. "That was perfect"
She smiled and nodded, "Yea, it was." She replied before looking away for a moment, "It…never mind."
"No. What is it?" He asked, concerned.
"It wasn't just a distraction from everything…" She said nervously.
He shook his head, looking at her with sincere eyes, "No. I've wanted to make love with you for months now. This was just the only time I knew we wouldn't be interrupted."
She smiled and kissed his lips softly. The snogged slowly for about ten minutes before hearing Pippy quietly knock on his bedroom door.
Draco sighed and pulled back to look at her, "I wish we had more time."
She nodded, "Me too, but we've got a lifetime, love."
He grinned and nodded, kissing her lips one more.
"Let's get cleaned up and dressed." Hermione said.
He nodded.
Once they were cleaned up and redressed, Draco pulled her close and kissed her deeply, "I love you. Please know that this was first time in my life that I have ever made love with anyone, and it was amazing."
She smiled, "I love you too. It was my first-time making love as well. Before it's always just been a shag but with you…" she shook her head, blinking her eyes to keep from crying.
"Hey, love, what's wrong?" He asked, concerned as he stepped closer.
"I just…I'm a little emotional I suppose. It was...it was perfect."
He leaned in and kissed her lips, "You and I are foretold, remember? So that perfect feeling won't be going away, love."
She smiled and kissed him once more before they headed down to the library where Narcissa and the Grangers were sitting.
"Mother." Draco said, startling the Malfoy Matriarch.
"Draco!" She exclaimed. "What are you doing here? Hermione! Is everything alright?"
"Well, we've got a few things to speak with you all about." He said.
They started with the letter from Leonardo Granger to Hermione.
"We're figuring it out and Draco is working on a cure with a researcher. We'll be going to search for it soon." Hermione told them.
"Okay. Is there anything we can do to help?" Hayden asked.
"I don't believe so. But we'll let you know." Hermione replied.
"Please, Minnie, be careful. You too, Draco." Jean said, concerned. "We don't want anything to happen to you two."
"We will, Mum." Hermione responded
Narcissa looked at Draco, "What else did you need to tell us?"
Draco swallowed and glanced at Hermione.
"Mum, Dad, let's go for a walk in the gardens." Hermione said, wanting to give Draco and Narcissa privacy for the next conversation.
Hermione kissed Draco before leaving with her parents.
Narcissa looked at her son, "Draco, what's going on, son?"
Draco sighed and pulled the letter from his pocket, "I received this from Azkaban early this morning. It was meant for Lucius, but he isn't allowed to receive posts. They said that normally they send the items he receives to you but this one…well, they felt that I should be the one to receive it. Mother, I don't want you…" He sighed, "I don't want you to hear about this from someone else, so…" He nodded and handed her the letter.
Narcissa read it and her eyes filled with tears. She read it again to be sure before meeting her son's eyes, "Is it true?"
"Well, we haven't done any tests. I haven't even met her yet, but Headmistress McGonagall has received her transfer papers and she did say that this girl's birth certificate states that Lucius is her father." He said.
Narcissa swallowed and nodded, sniffing, "Well, I need to speak with Lucius."
"Mother…"
"No Draco." She said sternly. "I must speak with him. He has to explain."
Draco nodded and sighed, "I'll write to Ansgar Duncan. He might be able to work something out."
Draco got to work on a writing a letter to Ansgar and sent it with Narcissa's owl, Dara.
When the Grangers came back inside, Narcissa asked Pippy to begin fixing dinner for them and the guests who would be arriving soon.
"What guests?" Draco asked.
"Arthur and Molly will be here, as well as Andromeda and Teddy." Narcissa replied.
Draco nodded, "Okay, we just have to be back at Hogwarts by midnight."
"That's plenty of time." Narcissa replied.
It was nearly five when Dara brought back a response from the prison.
"Mother, Ansgar has replied. He is allowing you to come to the prison with an escort today at six to speak with Lucius for short time." Draco said, reading through the letter.
Draco and his mother quickly got ready to go.
"We'll be back before seven." Draco told Hermione, "I'm sorry for leaving you, but I don't want her to be alone."
"It's fine, love." She replied, "Take care of your mother. We'll all be waiting when you get back."
Draco looked at his wristwatch, seeing that they needed to leave, "I love you." He said before kissing Hermione on the lips softly.
He and Narcissa used the floo to arrive in Ansgar's office.
"Hello Mrs. Malfoy. Mr. Malfoy. I've set up a visitation room for you both to speak with Lucius Malfoy. I can only give you about fifteen minutes." He said, "Are you ready?"
Narcissa nodded, "Yes."
Draco nodded but didn't speak.
Ansgar led the way out of his office and down the corridor to a room that was split into two by a row of bars. Lucius was sitting on the other side of the bars, chained to a chair. There were four guards in the room, all with wands in holsters and stern expressions on their faces.
When Lucius saw his wife and son, his eyes widened in shock, and he tried to stand up but couldn't.
"Don't move, Malfoy!" One guard grunted.
Narcissa sat down in one of the two chairs that were on their side of the bars while Draco remained standing, just behind her to the side.
"Narcissa, what's going on?" Lucius asked, glancing at Draco who simply stared back with a blank expression.
"Who is Louise Badeaux?" She asked, ignoring his question, and getting straight to the point.
Lucius' eyes widened as his face altered to an expression of shock and fear. "Wh…why?"
"Who is she?" Narcissa asked firmly.
Lucius cleared his throat, "She's erm…she's a Veela." He inhaled deeply before continuing, "I met her about seventeen years ago in France while searching for the Dark Lord's Horcruxes to bring him back. Why?"
"Did you know that she had a daughter named Cordelia Badeaux? She's sixteen years old." Narcissa replied but didn't wait for a response, "She's your daughter, Lucius."
Lucius swallowed, "I erm…I did know that…yes. But the girl doesn't know I'm her father."
Narcissa glared at her husband, "She does now. How could you cheat on me, Lucius? I know that you aren't a good man. You've got a dark soul, but I thought that you truly loved me."
"I do, Narcissa." He replied, "I do love you. I always have."
"No! No, you don't. Because you don't cheat on someone that you love." Narcissa shook her head, "Louise Badeaux is dead." She said before adding, "Cordelia will be attending Hogwarts now and the world will know that you have a half-blood daughter."
"She is not part of our family, Narcissa!" Lucius shouted angrily, "That girl is just some half-Veela who is after my money…"
"My money!" Draco shouted, finally speaking up, "It's my money now, Lucius." He said, adding a tone of disgust to the man's name.
Lucius glared at Draco, "You bloody piece of shite!"
Draco huffed and ignored Lucius' comment. "Even though you wanted nothing to do with her, Cordelia is part of my family. We share the same arsehole of a sperm donor. You have no say in how this family works anymore. You have no family anymore. Best you remember that, Lucius." He said before looking at his mother, "Are you ready, Mother?"
Narcissa nodded, "I am. Goodbye Lucius."
"Narcissa, wait!" he exclaimed
"No." she said and left with her son without a single glance back.
Lucius screamed and demanded for them to come back and listen to him. His voice echoed through the corridors but neither listened. Lucius Malfoy's time was over and it was time for them to leave him behind and move on.
Narcissa wasn't quite ready to go back to the Manor where everyone would be waiting for them. Draco understood and suggested that they go to the Leaky Cauldron to grab a drink in hopes of calming her nerves.
When they arrived at the pub, they found the place to be nearly empty and sat at a booth in the back. Tom asked what they would like, and Draco asked for a double Firewhiskey and a glass of red wine.
"So, you've decided to let the girl in the family then?" Narcissa aske after taking a sip of her wine.
Draco sighed and took a gulp of his Firewhiskey before answering. "Only if you are okay with it. I just know that she has no one else. But in this family, she has me plus Ezio and Antonia and their families. It's difficult being alone in the world. But, Mother, if you don't want…"
Narcissa shook her head, "No. It's fine. It may be difficult for me at times but why don't you bring her home for Christmas? No one should spend the holidays alone."
He nodded, "Okay. If you're sure."
She nodded and reached over, squeezing his hand lovingly before pulling away and saying, "Draco, there's something you should know."
He nodded, "Okay. What's that?"
Narcissa smiled, "I've met someone."
He furrowed his brow, "Met someone…as in you are dating someone?"
She smiled, "Yes."
"Really?" He asked with a small grin.
Nodding, her smile widened, "He's wonderful. You actually have already met him."
Draco furrowed his brow, "Who is he?"
"Cato Morales. He is the owner of Timeless Tomes in Knockturn Alley." Narcissa explained.
Draco grinned, "Mother, that's wonderful." He replied truthfully before asking, "Is he treating you properly?"
"Yes. He is wonderful. He is very gentlemanly and respectful. We get along brilliantly."
"How long have you two been dating?" He asked.
"Not very long, but I believe that it might truly go somewhere so I wanted to inform you. Also, he will be at Christmas, if that is alright with you."
The blonde wizard smiled, "Absolutely. I'm thrilled for you, Mother."
Narcissa smiled with relief.
They finished their drinks and used the floo to get back to the Manor where everyone was waiting for them.
When they arrived in the library, the first thing Draco spotted was Hermione playing with Teddy and a flying, stuffed Hippogriff. He smiled and walked over to her, joining them on the floor.
"Hey Teddy." He grinned.
The 6-month-old looked at his cousin and smiled a chubby-cheeked grin as his hair changed from its usual teal color to a light blonde that matched Draco.
Draco chuckled as Hermione leaned into him, "How'd it go at the prison?"
Draco shrugged, "He already knew about her. He tried to tell us that she's not allowed to be part of the family, but I set him straight. He's not part of this family anymore, so he has no right to decide that. Mother and I spoke, and we've decided to invite her here for Christmas since she has no one else."
Hermione nodded, "That's wonderful, Draco."
Nodding, Draco added, "Also, her mother was a Veela which means that she is Half-Veela, so Lucius' reputation of being completely pureblood is gone."
"How is your mother handling it all?" She asked quietly.
He nodded, "I think she's fine. She did really well at the prison. Oh, and erm…she's in a relationship with Cato Morales."
"Cato Morales…" Hermione said, trying to remember where she knew that name from.
"He's the owner of Timeless Tomes in Knockturn Alley." Draco said.
Hermione nodded in realization, "Of course! I couldn't quite place the name. Well, how do you feel about that?"
Draco smiled, "Honestly, I simply want Mother to be happy and I believe that she finally is. She claims that he was wonderful so I'll take her word for it until I get to actually it with him and talk."
"Talk?" She smirked
"He's dating my mother. I want to know his intentions." Draco replied.
Hermione smiled and cupped his jaw, "You're a good son, Draco. And I am glad that your mother is happy."
He leaned in and kissed her softly on the cheek, "Are you happy as well?" he asked quietly.
She nodded and met his eyes, "I've never been happier." She replied just as quietly.
He looked down at their hands and interlaced their fingers.
"And you?" She asked. "Are you happy as well?"
He gently pressed his forehead against hers and smiled, "I never knew I could be this happy."
Hermione smiled and kissed his lips softly before pulling back.
As the couple continued to talk, Molly, Narcissa, Jean, and Andromeda were off in the corner of the library, chatting quietly as they watched the scene.
"Those two are such a affectionate couple." Andromeda remarked, watching her nephew hold his girlfriend close in a loving embrace.
"I've never seen Minnie so comfortable with a boy before. And to see the way he looks at her…" Jean smiled and looked at Narcissa, "He is such a gentleman."
Narcissa smiled, "Yes, he is. I have loved watching him mature since this past summer." She said before looking at Molly, "You had so much to do with him becoming this wonderful man. Thank you, Molly, for being willing to take him in when no one else would. I will never be able to fully express my gratitude."
With a smile, Molly Weasley kindly waved Narcissa's remark off, "He was a treat to have in my home. Seeing him and Hermione fall in love has been such a joy."
They watched as Draco reached over and lifted his baby cousin into the air, making the boy giggle loudly.
Pippy popped into the room, "Dinner is served, Mistress."
"Thank you, Pippy.
The large group enjoyed dinner together before going to sit in the library.
Draco held his sleeping cousin as the group chatted.
It was nearly ten when Narcissa suggested that Draco and Hermione get back to school.
"I hate to see you two leave, but you have classes in the morning, and you need your rest." Narcissa said, taking her sleeping great-nephew from her son. "I've been invited to the wedding in a few weeks so I will get to see you soon."
Draco nodded. He and Hermione bid everyone farewell and used the floo to get back to McGonagall's office.
They arrived back in the eighth-year common room around eleven and found it to be empty.
"I want to give you your gift." Draco said, glad that it was still their anniversary, "Will you wait here for me?"
Hermione smiled, "I have one for you as well." She said, pulling a package from her beaded bag, "I'll wait here."
He smiled and kissed her lips before running up the stairs to his dorm.
Blaise was sound asleep, so Draco was quiet while grabbing two packages from his trunk before leaving to go back down to the common room.
Hermione was sitting on the sofa, looking at the fire with a thoughtful expression. He joined her on the sofa and looked at her, tilting his head in concern.
She smiled and blushed, shaking her head, "I was just…" she shook her head again.
"What, love?" He asked.
"I was just thinking about how perfect today was." She said with a smile.
He nodded with smile of his own, "It truly was. I hope I didn't pressure you…"
She shook her head, "Not at all, Draco. I promise."
He nodded and swallowed before saying, "Would you like to open your gifts?"
"More than one?" She asked in shock.
"Well, this one I found the other day and thought you would like it but this one…" He said, handing over a package, "is the gift I truly wanted to give you."
Hermione smiled and opened it, revealing a large plate with 'Family Recipes' written on it in her mother's handwriting.
"Any food that you plan to serve on this plate, the recipe will appear on it in the same handwritings from the recipe book. I found a way to copy over the recipe book onto it. So, you just tap your wand on it." He said as he did so, "and say the recipe you plan to make. Victoria Sponge."
The family recipe for the sponge cake appeared on the plate in her mother's scrawl.
"Draco, this is brilliant! How did you think of this?" She asked.
He chuckled, "Well, I thought of how you had said you borrowed the book from your mother, and you may have to return. I didn't want you to be without the recipes and I felt like another book was too obvious, so I thought this might be a good idea."
"This is incredibly sweet of you." She replied.
He smiled as she leaned over and kissed his lips before saying, "Now, open your gift."
Draco opened the box and found over a dozen pocket-sized, leather bound, blank notebooks.
"These are for you to make important notes in for your Healing courses or for the research for the cure. You can use them for anything really." She explained, "I know they're not…"
He shook his head, "Hermione, I love them. I've needed some pocket-sized notebooks and theses are perfect. Thank you, love." he replied, leaning over to kiss her lips.
When they separated, he grinned, "One more gift." He said, handing her the second gift.
She unwrapped it and found a book with the title 'Rectifying the Mistreatment of Magical Creatures' by Seren Thindrel.
"I've never heard of this book or this author before." She said, opening it with a curious expression.
He nodded, "It's rather new. This author is an activist for the rights of all creatures. She's quite committed and uses all the proceeds from this book to continue the fight for rights for werewolves and centaurs."
"That's intriguing. Thank you, darling." She said, still looking through the pages.
He smiled. He loved seeing her concentrated on something.
Hermione nodded and closed the book, "This will be an interesting read. Thank you."
"You're very welcome. We ought to get to bed."
She nodded, yawning, "I am a bit tired."
Draco stood and reached out to help her up, which she accepted. As she stood, she looked into his eyes and smiled
His other hand came up and cupped her jaw, "I love you." He breathed.
She nodded and leaned into his touch, "I love you too."
"Get some rest and I'll see you in the morning." The wizard said.
She leaned up and pressed a kiss to his lips before whispering, "Goodnight." As she pulled back.
He watched her climb the steps before going up to his own dorm.
October 31, 1998
Draco was sitting next to Harry, taking notes in Charms when Headmistress McGonagall stepped into the classroom.
"Professor Flitwick, I need to take Malfoy with me." She informed the short professor who nodded.
Draco put his things into his satchel and stood up, nodding to Harry before walking out of the classroom with the Headmistress.
"Mr. Malfoy, Cordelia Badeaux will be in my office before dinner. I thought that perhaps we should discuss a few things before she gets here." She said as they made their way through the corridors towards her office.
Draco sighed and nodded, "Yes, I suppose so." He replied.
When they arrived in her office, they sat down, and Draco took a deep breath while McGonagall got her things in order.
"Now, I know this is going to be rather strange, but I will be here to assist in making it as easy of a transition as possible."
He nodded, "Lucius wants nothing to do with her. He wants us to have nothing to do with her." Draco explained, "However, he's no longer part of my family. Mother and I have decided to invite her to the Manor for Christmas, since she has no one else."
The Headmistress appeared surprised by his words, "Really? Well, I'm disappointed in Lucius' behavior but it's wonderful how you are handling this, Draco. I'm glad that you are taking this so well."
"I'm not happy that he cheated on my mother but that's not this girl's fault."
McGonagall nodded, "I agree."
He nodded, "Would you like me to be here when she arrives?" he asked.
"I think perhaps that may be a bit too much for her take all at once, but I thought that once she was sorted, I could speak with a fellow house member to assist her in getting aquatinted here."
He nodded, "If she is sorted into Slytherin, could you please use Pansy? I don't trust some of the others."
McGonagall nodded, "That will be fine. If she is sorted into Gryffindor, I will call upon Ginny Weasley. If Ravenclaw, I'll speak with Luna Lovegood and should she be sorted into Hufflepuff, I'll ask Hannah Abbott."
He nodded and glanced at the time, "I suppose I should go so that I'm not here when she arrives."
McGonagall nodded, "I'll be giving her a tour of the castle during dinner. You are welcome to join us at any point."
He smiled as he stood, "Thank you Headmistress." He glanced at Professor Dumbledore's portrait and saw that the wizard was not there.
"He is at a meeting. There's another frame for him at the Ministry." She said, though Draco felt as if she was holding back, but ignored the feeling and nodded, before leaving her office.
He made his way to the dorms and changed his clothes before heading to the Great Hall for dinner. He was early, so only a few people were in there, scattered amongst the tables.
He sat down at the Slytherin table and pulled out a one of the notebooks Hermione had given him from his pocket. Earlier in the day, during his potions class, he had thought of something for the cure potion and jotted it down.
Healing Magic
Healing Ingredients
Phoenix Tears?
As he read his notes again, he thought of the possible measurement and added a few more details.
If 4 Fire Seeds, then double the amount tears.
8 Phoenix Tears!
He shook his head in shock, realizing that Phoenix Tears would be a necessary addition to the potion. It made sense but despite that addition there was still something missing.
He flipped the page back and looked at the potion's ingredient list he had copied down.
African Sea Salt (15ml)
Ashwinder Egg (1 whole) – frozen
Castor Oil (30ml)
Dandelion Root (3) - whole
Dittany Stems (3) - ground
Dragon Horn (1) - ground
Fire Seeds (4) - whole
Honey water (250ml)
Mint (5 leaves) – ground
Moondew (2 flowers) – ground
Niffler's Fancy (3 leaves) - whole
Thyme (2 stems) - ground
White Wine (180ml)
Charm Incantation – 'magicae restitutio' meaning 'Magic Restoration'
Taking a deep breath, he began to hear students entering the Great Hall for dinner. He stayed focused on the notebook, thinking of an idea he had previously mentioned to Rocco and Dario.
He flipped back to the other page and jotted down something that seemed to be the key to the entire cure.
An ingredient that identifies with that particular family's magic!
Unique to each family
He felt someone ruffle his hair slightly and turned to see Hermione sitting down next to him, "You look like you're in deep thought." She remarked quietly.
He sighed and closed the notebook, "I've got an idea about the cure, but we shouldn't talk about it here. Can we go somewhere later?"
She nodded, placing her hand on his thigh, "Yea. Are you all right, though?"
He nodded and leaning over, kissing her lips softly, "I'm fine, love. It's good to see you."
She smiled, about to reply when she was cut off.
"It's absolute shite that we have Astronomy tonight when we should be having a Halloween bash." Theo muttered, sitting down across from them as the group gathered to eat together.
Draco sighed, having completely forgotten about Astronomy.
"It's actually supposed to storm all night long." Luna said as she sat next to Theo. "Professor Throndsen will most likely cancel the eighth-year's class tonight."
"Here's to hoping!" Blaise said, lifting his goblet before taking a large gulp.
Draco slipped his notebook back into his pocket and filled his plate with some food.
The group chatted until Hermione nudged her boyfriend.
He raised his brow and she nodded to the entrance of the Great Hall where Headmistress McGonagall was standing with a beautiful girl who had long blond hair and bright grey eyes.
The resemblance was noticeable for those who knew. She was his half-sister…there was no doubting that.
McGonagall walked over towards their group, glancing at Draco before speaking up, "Ms. Lovegood." She said, "Could I speak with you?"
Luna nodded and stood up before walking out with her and the Cordelia.
"Who's that?" Blaise asked, "She looks…" He paused before adding, "familiar."
Draco sighed and looked at his friend, "That would be my half-sister."
"What?!" Theo, Blaise, Pansy, and the others exclaimed in utter shock.
Draco nodded and began to explain, in detail, everything that he knew.
"Bloody hell." Ron muttered.
"Have you spoken to her yet?" Hannah asked.
Draco shook his head, "Not yet but I will."
"I've always wished I wasn't an only child, but it must be difficult to find out you have a sibling in that manner." Neville added with a respectful nod towards Draco.
Draco nodded, "It was."
Luna reentered the Great Hall and rejoined her friends. She smiled at Draco, "Cordelia is very nice, Draco. She's eager to meet you. She didn't realize that you'd be here. Apparently, she didn't even know your name."
He swallowed and nodded, "Where'd they go?"
"Headmistress McGonagall is showing her around the castle then I will show the Ravenclaw Common Room and Dorms." She replied.
"What year is she?" Harry asked.
"She's in sixth year." Luna answered. "Oh, and McGonagall informed me that the storm is preventing the Astronomy class from meeting tonight."
"Thank Merlin!" Blaise grinned, "I've purchased a few items for us to have a good time tonight. Why don't the lot of us bum around in the Room of Requirement."
"It's Tuesday, Zabini." Ginny said pointedly.
"Yea. We've got a curfew." Neville said before adding, "Why don't we all just go to one of our dorm rooms?"
"Oh alright. Everyone can come to ours." Blaise nodded.
"What about Gin and Luna?" Harry asked.
Draco smirked and looked at Harry, "I've got a cloak and so have you. Luna may use mine and Ginny can use yours."
Harry chuckled and nodded, "That works."
They finished dinner and made their way towards the dorms when they ran into McGonagall and Cordelia.
Draco cleared his throat as McGonagall introduced the group to the new student, "…and this is Draco."
Draco nodded and held out his hand, "Draco Malfoy." He said.
Cordelia smiled widely, "You're my brother." She said, shaking his hand.
He nodded as their both let go.
She smiled, "It's…it's so wonderful to meet you." She said, her accent was a mixed one with mostly French but also a touch of English.
Draco smiled, "You too. Have you met the others yet?" He asked, realizing that she needed to meet their cousins.
"Others?" She asked confused.
"You and I have four cousins that attend Hogwarts. They are all younger than us, but they are the children of Lucius' siblings." He explained.
"Seeing as it's rather late…" McGonagall said, "Why don't I set up a special place for the six of you to have dinner tomorrow evening so that you may all talk?"
Draco nodded, "That'd be wonderful."
Cordelia smiled and nodded, "Yes. I'd love that."
McGonagall nodded and looked at Luna, "Ms. Lovegood, would you care to show her to the Ravenclaw dormitories now?"
"Sure." Luna said.
McGonagall nodded and looked at Cordelia, "Ms. Badeaux, should you need anything, just let me know."
Cordelia nodded and thanked her.
The Headmistress left and Luna looked at the group., "I'll meet you lot there in a bit."
After nodding them farewell, Luna and Cordelia walked the opposite direction of the group, who made their way back to the eighth-year dormitories and up to Draco and Blaise's dorm.
Blaise was quick to charm the room, altering his side of the room to have sofas and chess sets, and snacks.
The group began to relax and chat.
Blaise got out the alcohol and set it up, pouring everyone a large serving.
After a couple hours of drinking, Harry and Ginny were hidden away in the corner, snogging their lives away while Neville and Hannah did the same on the sofa.
"What do you think about this whole situation with having a sister?" Blaise asked Draco as they drank by the window.
The storm was loud, and lightning struck, illuminating the room for a moment.
Draco sighed and glanced over at Hermione who was chatting with Luna and Pansy while Theo and Ron played chess. He turned back to Blaise and said, "I have no clue. It's strange. I feel bad for my mother, but she's done with Lucius…completely done. So, I suppose it's not too bad. I do wonder though…" He swallowed and sighed, "I wonder how a man could cheat on the woman he claims to love."
Blaise nodded, looking at his friend with slight concern, "You're forgetting how well I know you."
The blonde, who was becoming rather intoxicated, furrowed his brow, "What do you mean?"
The dark-skinned wizard leaned in and spoke lowly, "Draco, you're nothing like Lucius. You need to know that. Right now, you are terrified that, somehow, you're going to hurt Granger. Mate, you won't."
Draco sighed and nodded, taking a large swig of his Firewhiskey. "Where's Timothy?" He asked after swallowing.
Blaise sighed, "Erm…Timothy and I have decided to remain friends but only friends. He is a wonderful bloke, and we get along splendidly but the romance just isn't there."
Draco nodded, "I'm sorry mate."
Blaise nodded with a shrug, "It's all right. How are things going with Granger?"
Draco smiled and Blaise smirked, leaning forward, "So it was good then." He said in a tone that Draco for suspicious.
"What?" the blonde wizard asked.
"When you two shagged of course." Blaise replied
"What?" Draco said, "What are you talking about?" he asked, trying to not give anything away.
Laughing, the other wizard looked at him pointedly, "Draco, come now, mate. She hasn't been able to wipe that smile off her face, nor have you. I must have been bloody fantastic."
Draco blushed slightly and sighed, "We're not discussing this right now."
Blaise nodded but Draco knew he wouldn't drop it for long.
As everyone went to bed, and Luna took Draco's cloak to get back to the Head Dorms, Draco walked over to Hermione. Her back was to him, as she read the label of a drink. He wrapped his arms around her waist and hugged her closely.
She smiled and leaned back into him.
He kissed her temple and muttered, "How are you?"
She sighed, "A bit tipsy."
He chuckled, "I'm completely pissed." He replied and she turned around in his arms to get a better look at him.
His eyes were a bit bloodshot and cloudy while his cheeks that usually were as pale as the rest of him, currently had a mild tinge to them. He smiled and she couldn't help but find a drunken Draco rather adorable.
"Go to bed, love." She said and kissed his lips softly, tasting the Firewhiskey he had been sipping all evening.
He leaned in and deepening the kiss as his hands came to rest on her hips. He pulled her against him and groaned quietly into her mouth.
Hermione hummed, cupping his jaw. She felt as though her mind was spinning with the taste of Firewhiskey on her tongue.
Draco's right hand slid around, into the back pocket of her jean trousers. Hermione softly rubbed her thumb along his cheek before pulling back from the kiss.
"Draco…" She said quietly, meeting his eyes that were still bloodshot while also turning a dark, stormy grey.
He inhaled, blinked slowly, and nodded, "I know. I need to go to bed." He said before swallowing and glancing at her lips.
She unconsciously licked them and saw his jaw clench as he held back from kissing her again. She swallowed and nodded, "Come on. I'll help you."
Draco stumbled a bit as she helped him over to the bed. He sat on the edge of it and let her pull his tee over his head. He met her eyes and hated that they weren't alone.
He was too drunk to realize that she too felt disappointed with their lack of privacy.
"Lay down." She whispered before he laid back and closed his eyes.
She smiled at him and pulled the extra quilt over him, hearing him let out a soft snore.
"So, Granger…" Blaise said from the sofa that was in the spot his bed should be in.
She sighed and turned to face him, "Yes, Blaise? Do you need me to re-adjust the room?"
He waved her remark off, "Don't worry about that. I was wondering though…how are things with you and Draco?"
Hermione nodded, "We're wonderful. Why?"
Blaise smirked, "I've just noticed that you can't seem to wipe that smile off your face."
Hermione rolled her eyes even though the smile remained in place, "Go to sleep, Zabini."
Blaise chuckled and nodded as he laid back on the sofa, "Night, Granger."
"Goodnight." She said as she left the room.
November 1, 1998
When Draco opened his eyes again, it was morning. He groaned as the light streamed in through the window and he felt as if he were going to be sick.
Blaise walked over, "Drink this." He said, holding out a vial of dark blue liquid. "It's Sober-Up Solution." He said.
Draco nodded and uncorked the vial before swallowing the contents. Within minutes he felt completely normal.
"I feel terrible for muggles. They simply must suffer through hangovers." Blaise said as he tied his school tie while looking in the mirror.
Draco nodded and stood up to begin getting ready for the day.
When Draco arrived in the common room, he walked over to Hermione and smiled, "Good morning, love."
"You look like you've taken some Sober-Up Solution." She said with a small laugh as she leaned over and kissed his lips. "Good morning."
He pulled her away from the others and sighed, "I erm…I apologize if I was a bit handsy last night. I shouldn't have acted that way, drunk or not."
She shook her head and smiled at him lovingly, "You were fine, Draco. Let' go grab breakfast. I'm famished."
He nodded and together, with the rest of their group, they headed to the Great Hall.
Luna and Ginny were already at the Gryffindor table along with Cordelia. Draco and Hermione walked over and sat side by side, across from Cordelia.
"Good morning, Cordelia." Hermione smiled.
"Hi Hermione. I'm so sorry, but I can't remember everyone else's names." Cordelia replied nervously.
"That's fine." Hermione replied, "There are a lot of us so don't worry too much about it."
"Yea." Ron said sitting down, "You'll get the hang of it." He muttered as he loaded his plate with food, "I'm Ron, by the way."
Cordelia nodded, "Yes, I know who you are. Even in France, we know who the Golden Trio is."
"Ugh, is that nickname still around?" Harry said, sitting down.
As they talked, Draco spoke to Cordelia.
"What's your course schedule look like?" Draco asked as he looked over at her.
She reached in her satchel and pulled out a piece of parchment with her schedule on it before handing it to him.
Draco looked it over and nodded, "On Wednesdays, the period before dinner, you have study hall. Hermione and I also have study hall along with my cousin…well our cousin, Oscar. If you'd like, you can join us during that time. We're helping Oscar with his spellcasting and his Muggle Studies."
Cordelia nodded, "That would be wonderful. Thank you. Where should I meet you three today?"
"We meet in the Entrance Hall." Hermione said, "Right outside here." She nodded towards the Entrance Hall.
Deputy Headmaster O'Conner entered the Great Hall and walked over towards them. "Mr. Malfoy and Ms. Badeaux, here is a note from the Headmistress." He said, handing them each an envelope before leaving.
Draco opened his and read the Headmistress's scrawl.
I have set up classroom #789 for Draco Malfoy, Cordelia Badeaux, Sophie Davies, Oscar Malfoy, Aria Malfoy, and Emily Davies to have dinner.
Please arrive at this location by 6:40pm tonight.
Headmistress McGonagall
Draco nodded and looked at Cordelia who nodded as well.
"I'm not sure where that room is located." She told Draco.
"It's alright. I'll walk with you and Oscar after study hall, and we'll just go straight there." Draco replied.
Later in the day, when Herbology ended, Draco headed to the Entrance Hall where he found Hermione and Cordelia talking. The witches were laughing when he walked over to them and wrapped his arm around Hermione's waist.
"Hello, Love." He muttered and kissed her cheek.
"Hey you." She smiled widely and turned her head, kissing his lips before saying, "Cordelia was just telling about how they made Amortentia in her potions class today. Slughorn had to kick some of the blokes out of the room after some rather bawdy behavior."
Draco shook his head with small chuckle, "I suppose I don't want to know what this bawdy behavior was."
"You don't" Hermione smirked.
"Hey Draco!" They heard and turned to see Oscar coming their way. "What's this note about? Who is Cordelia Badeaux?"
Draco moved to the side, "Oscar, this is Cordelia. She's my half-sister on the Malfoy side which means she is also your cousin. The Headmistress has set up a dinner to allow all of us to get to know her and for her to get to know us."
Oscar nodded, "Oh okay. Hi! I'm Oscar." He said with a kind, slightly confused smile.
Cordelia smiled and the group chatted for a moment before they went to find an empty classroom to work on spellcasting in.
While Oscar and Cordelia talked about a certain spell, Draco pulled Hermione to the side and kissed her on the lips.
She smiled as they separated, "What was that for?"
He shook his head, "We've not kissed nearly enough today."
She nodded, "I agree but right now is probably not the right time." She said with a small smirk and a glance in the direction of the Draco's sister and cousin.
He huffed and nodded, "Fine, but you're not getting away from me that easily, love. Tonight, when I get back from dinner…" he said pointedly.
She laughed and nodded, "Tonight."
He looked at her for a moment and smiled, "I'm sorry, love. I'm just eager to spend time with you."
She smiled and cupped his jaw, "We'll have some time alone soon. Right now, you should spend time with your family." She said, nodding towards the others, "She told me that she's always wanted an older brother."
He glanced over at Cordelia and nodded before quietly saying, "I suppose I just don't quite know how to be an older brother."
Hermione shook her head, "Draco, the way you are with Oscar and Teddy…you practically already are an older brother."
"Yes." He said. "I suppose so, but…" He sighed, "She's a girl. I'm not so sure about having a sister. Am I supposed to be protective or…"? he sighed with helpless shrug.
Hermione shook her head, "Draco, just be you. You are such a wonderful man with an amazing heart. She's extremely lucky to have you as her brother. And love, you are already quite protective."
He sighed, about to reply when Oscar spoke over to him.
"Hey Draco, what's the wand motion for that spell again?" Oscar asked.
Draco kissed Hermione on the cheek and walked over to the others.
When Study Hall was nearly over, Draco offered to walk Hermione to the Great Hall, but she shook her head and told him to go on to his own dinner.
"We'll meet up in the common room later on." She said with a smile, "Enjoy yourself." She added pointedly, truly wanting him to have a good time with his family.
He nodded and headed off in the opposite direction with Oscar and Cordelia. They took several sets of stairs to get to the room.
"How long have you and Hermione been together?" Cordelia asked as they walked.
"Five months." He replied.
Oscar nodded, "Hermione is wonderful. She and Draco make a nice pairing, don't you think?" he asked.
She nodded, "I do. You two seem like you've been together much longer." She paused before asking, "Is it strange? Since your father…our father was a Death Eater, and your girlfriend was one of the saviors of the wizarding world. Does that make it awkward at all?"
Draco furrowed his brow and stopped walking as he turned to Cordelia, "Not any stranger than the fact that I was a Death Eater." He said, surprised that she hadn't already known that.
Her eyes widened in shock, "You?"
He nodded, "Yes. Though it wasn't by choice, I was still a Death Eater, and I still did horrible things. I'm surprised you didn't know this."
She shook her head, "I didn't." she said, her voice was a bit weak from shock. "I didn't even know your name until yesterday."
"Yes, I know. I just meant that the rest of the school…the students…I figured that one of them would mention it." He sighed, "I'm sorry." He said, seeing what he could only assume was disappointment on her face. "I'm sorry if that…"
She shook her head, "I don't know much about Lucius but from what I have gathered, he wasn't the greatest father to grow up with. I'm guessing that he forced you to become one…"
He nodded, "Yes, though that's no excuse for my past actions."
"But if Hermione Granger can forgive you and Ron Weasley and Harry Potter can forgive you, then clearly you're a good person."
Draco huffed, "Well, there is quite a bit that you don't know about. I did things that…" he shook his head, not wanting to go there. "I regret many of my actions, but I've decided to do everything I can to repair what's been broken."
She smiled, "See? You are a good person."
They began to walk again until she paused her steps once more, "Does that mean that you have a…" her words broke off, unsure.
"A Dark Mark?" He asked.
She nodded.
"I do have one. Yes." He, said before looking at his wristwatch, "We'd better hurry."
When they arrived at the designated room, they found three girls waiting in there.
"Oscar, Draco, what's going on?" Aria Malfoy asked.
"Why are we…" Emily Davies began before noticing Cordelia.
"This is Cordelia Badeaux. She is my half-sister and your other cousin." Draco said.
Sophie Davies was the first to step forward, "I'm Sophie. My mother is Lucius' sister."
The all sat down at the table that had been set up with all sorts of food by the house elves from the kitchen. They spent time chatting and getting to know each other.
It was nearly nine thirty when Draco arrived back in the eighth-year's common room. Hermione was sitting at one of the tables, working on her assignments with her back to him.
He walked over to her and sat in the chair next to her.
She was so intently consumed by her schoolwork that she didn't notice his presence. He sat still and watched her for a moment before reaching forward and tucking a bit of her hair behind her ear.
She startled a bit and looked to her right before smiling, "Oh hey you. How was dinner?"
He smiled and nodded, "It was nice, but this is the highlight of my evening."
"What is?"
"Seeing you." He grinned, "I've missed you."
She smiled and leaned over, pressing a kiss to his lips.
When she pulled back, Draco felt his pocket vibrate and furrowed his brow. He pulled out the MAC and read the note on it.
Draco, have you made any progress on the research?
-Dario
Draco sighed, remembering his need to talk with Hermione about his discovery. He looked at her and quietly spoke, "We need to talk in private."
Hermione nodded and packed up her things before they headed up to Draco's dorm room. When they got up there, Blaise was sitting on his bed, reading.
"Hey Blaise, Hermione and I need to talk. Can we erm…have the room?"
Blaise nodded, "Sure. I was just about to go make a cuppa. Would you two care for one?"
Hermione shook her head, "No, but thank you."
Draco shook his head and Blaise nodded, "I'll just wait down in the common room until you come back down, Granger."
"Thanks, mate." Draco said.
Blaise nodded and left the room.
Hermione sat on Draco's bed and tilted her head, "What's wrong?"
He shook his head as he locked the door and set up a few wards as well as a silencing charm. He took off his school robes and loosened his tie before saying, "Nothing's wrong. I just think that I have found another part of the cure potion, but there's still something missing." He sighed, "The piece I've found is phoenix tears. We have to add them to the potion but there is still something else…" he sighed.
"What are you thinking?" She asked.
"I'm not sure. Is there anything in your family that is…" He sighed again, trying to figure out how to phrase his question, "a sort of emblem or something that represents your family's past, present and future?"
Hermione looked thoughtful, "Well, lions have always been a large part of our family."
Draco's eyes widened in realization.
"The prophecy referred to you as the Lioness." He muttered, pacing as he tried to piece it all together. "You found the note in the picture of you and your grandfather making lion faces. Leo means Lion." He paused before asking, "Where is that pocket watch of your grandfathers with the lion face on it?"
Hermione furrowed her brow before reaching into her beaded bag and pulling out the wooden box with the pocket watch in it. She handed it to him while asking, "What have you thought of?"
He opened the box and looked at lion face with intense and thoughtful eyes before looking back at her. "Hermione." Draco said, "I think the last piece to the cure potion involves a lion…but I haven't a clue what lion, what part of that lion, or if it is simply a charm that involves a lion. Perhaps someone with a lion Patronus…" he sighed and sat down next to her on the bed.
Hermione nodded, "We must find the wand. It should bring more answers."
He nodded and handed her back the box. "Charlie's wedding is on a Saturday, so we can go to the bridge on that Sunday."
Hermione nodded, "Have you conversed with Dario or Rocco?"
"Dario just sent me a message on the MAC. I'll reply with the Phoenix tears and let him know that we've got something in the works." Draco replied as he pulled the MAC from his pocket.
He went over to the table and sat down. He replied to Dario before putting the small card back in his pocket and rejoining her on the bed.
"Thank you." She said quietly.
He turned his head and looked at her. "For what?"
"For working so hard on finding this cure. It means so much to me, Draco." She said before leaning over and kissing him.
Draco kissed her back before gently pulling back. He met her eyes and she smiled at him before standing up in front of him. He rested his hands on her hips as she leaned down to kissed him again. As they kissed, Hermione undid his tie before tossing it on the floor.
Draco felt his heart speeding up when she began to unbutton the top buttons of his shirt.
She pulled back from the kiss, meeting his eyes once more.
He swallowed, seeing that her eyes were a deep mocha color. He watched as she pulled off her sweater and tugged her tee over her head.
Grey eyes shot down from her face to the sky-blue cotton bra she was wearing, and he reached out, pulling her closer by her waist. He placed a soft kiss as the top of both breasts before lifting his head and kissing her lips deeply.
Hermione pushed his shirt off his shoulders and deepened the kiss. Draco could barely stand it. He stood up and shook the shirt off before reaching behind her and snapping his fingers. Her bra unclipped and he pushed it off her torso. She pushed her body against his, causing both of them to moan at the sensation of their bare torsos touching.
Hermione reached down and began pushing down her lounge trousers.
Draco groaned and leaned down, picking her up by her thighs so that she was straddling his hips.
She cupped his face and deepened the kiss, moaning in his mouth.
Holding her close, Draco slowly laid her on the bed, never breaking the kiss. He hovered over her, holding his weight on his arms and knees. Draco moved his kisses along her jaw and down her neck to her chest. He kissed the top of her right breast before taking her nipple between his lips and gently sucking.
She whimpered, cupping the back of his head, "Draco."
He pulled back and kissed her lips deeply. She pulled his hips closer, making him groan as his erection, while still in his trousers, rubbed against her heated core.
"Merlin, I want you." He muttered against her lips.
She moaned and kissed his lips once before she replied, "Grab a wand."
He nodded and jumped off the bed, grabbing the first wand he saw, which happened to be Hermione's. He handed it to her, and she aimed it at her stomach.
"Conceptus praeventionis" she muttered causing a round white light to hover through her navel and stomach before fading away.
He undid his trousers and pulled them down along with his grey boxers.
Hermione set her wand on the bedside table and looked over at him. She bit her bottom lip and reached to push her knickers down, but he stopped her.
"I've got it." He said quietly before leaning over her and kissing her left hipbone where her small, diamond shaped birthmark was. He slowly pulled her dark blue knickers down her legs and tossed them on the floor before moving up to kiss her lips.
She lifted her right leg a bit and wrapped it around his waist as he pushed into her, making them both moan.
He pressed his forehead against hers as he slowly began to move. They were in their own world; consumed completely by each other. Pleasure coursed through their bodies as they moved together.
Hermione moaned his named loudly when, with a certain thrust, bliss shot through her body like a bolt of lightning. Her nails dug into his shoulders as each thrust pushed her closer to her climax.
He pulled back to be in a better position and thrust into her deeper than before.
She gripped the sheets and bit her lip.
He watched her face, in awe of how beautiful she was. He felt himself reaching his own climax and thrust faster. Suddenly she was coming around him, moaning his name as he came deep inside her, pressing his face to the crook of her neck.
They were both breathing heavily as they came down from their highs.
She lovingly rubbed his back as they laid there, still connected, simply holding each other.
He turned his head to the right and kissed her neck but pulling back. He laid down next to her and rolled onto his side to face her.
She smiled and looked at him, though his eyes were focused on her chest. She bit her lip, finding that she actually loved him looking at her with such hunger in his eyes…hunger for her.
"You're so beautiful." He murmured before meeting her eyes.
Her smile widened as she reached up with her right hand and cupped the underside of his chin, pulling his face towards hers. They kissed softly for a while until Hermione sighed and pulled back.
"I should probably get going. It's late and Blaise is down there, waiting for me to leave." She said.
He huffed but nodded, "I know." he said with a sigh.
They both stood and redressed, handing each other items of clothing they found that belonged to the other.
Once they were dressed, Draco pulled her close and kissed her, "I love you."
She smiled and nodded, "I love you too, Draco."
Hermione kissed him goodnight and left the room, walking down to the common room.
Blaise was the only person down there. When he saw her, he smirked, "Have fun?" he asked.
"Goodnight, Blaise." She replied, though unable to remove the smile on her lips.
"Yea." He chuckled, "Night." He got up and headed up to his dorm where Draco was lying on his bed.
Blaise chuckled, "You are a dirty dirty bloke, Draco Malfoy." He said with a smirk.
Draco rolled his eyes and sat up, "Do me a favor, Blaise. Don't tell the others about this. I don't want any of them nagging her about it or making any remarks."
Blaise nodded sincerely and replied, "What happens in the Malfoy-Zabini dorm, stays there. It's no one else's business anyhow."
"Thanks, mate." Draco nodded, knowing he could trust his best friend.
In Hermione's dorm, the brunette was showering while thinking of her blonde boyfriend. She had a smile on her face that she was quite sure wouldn't leave for some time.