Chapter 17

The flurry of movement in his mother's rooms as he watches her and Cibney pack up her belongings brings a smile to Draco's face. It was a reminder of years past when he was a child and they were preparing for a family vacation to France or Italy. Back when his only worry was pleasing the high standards of his father.

Draco's face fell at the thought.

"What's the matter, dear," Narcissa asks, turning to look back at him.

"Just remembering," he replies with a shrug. "It's been quite some time since I've watched you pack for an extended stay elsewhere. I wasn't around when you were preparing to leave for France after the war."

"I felt terrible leaving without having the chance to bid you farewell, my son." Narcissa turned back to her wardrobe, fishing out the remaining dresses still housed within and placing them neatly on her bed for Cibney to shrink and pack away. "You know I would have stayed if I was able."

"But the Ministry portkey you were given was your one ticket out of this disaster." He waved his Mother's concern away and smiled softly at her. "I've never once faulted you for taking that chance, Mother."

"It was very kind of Mr. Potter to offer his home to us." She picks up a lavender set of robes, inspecting them before setting them aside. "We must be sure to bring him a gift to show our gratitude."

Draco huffs, folding his arms and leaning back in his seat. "And what do you propose we bring then?"

"Perhaps a bottle of your father's elvish wine." She turns slightly to look back at him with a small smile, one eyebrow arched elegantly.

Draco laughs and nods at her, knowing that sharing his father's most expensive wine with the likes of Harry Potter would send the older man into a fit if he ever found out. "That sounds perfect. I'll have to send Cibney down to retrieve our finest vintage."

"Perhaps we should bring a gift for Miss Granger as well. Her help thus far has been invaluable," she continued when Cibney had disappeared to the wine cellar.

"She is doing her job, mother. Nothing more."

"Last I had heard of Miss Granger, she was heading a research department for the Ministry while working as a liaison for the DMLE and the Aurors office. I would say that the effort she has been putting in on our account has far exceeded the expectations of her job."

"And do you have an opinion on what gift would suit her best?"

Narcissa turned to look back at him, closing the door of the wardrobe behind her. "You were at Hogwarts with the girl for several years. I am certain that you could come up with something."

Draco stares down into his lap momentarily, a pensive look on his face, before standing and striding toward the door. "I'll be in the library. Send Cibney when you are finished."

Narcissa watches the door he disappears through before turning to the small elf with a smile. "Now that we have him preoccupied, where were we?"

Two hours later finds Hermione stepping through the flew into the Malfoy parlor.

"Good evening, Miss Granger. Draco and I would like to extend our gratitude once again for your assistance as well as for finding a place for all of us to stay while we rid the manor of the manifestations." She waves her hand slightly and the small elf darts forward, holding a thick tome out in front of her. "I do believe that Draco has chosen a suitable gift in thanks. We know that it does not even begin to equal what you have given us. However, we could not, in good conscience, do nothing to repay your kindness."

"Oh that wasn't necessary."

"We insist."

Hermione looks down at Cibney, the elf giving her a broad smile and a nod. Carefully taking the book from her outstretched hands. Her eyes widen as she lifts her head to stare at the man before him. "This is a first edition," she exclaims, holding the book to her chest protectively. "I couldn't possibly…"

"I'm afraid we do have to insist Granger," Draco cuts in with a smirk. "After all, you must have read your copy of Hogwarts: A History so often in school that you have it memorized. Now you can see for yourself how far Hogwarts has come through the ages."

"Th-thank you. This is priceless."

Narcissa steps forward, placing her hand gently on Hermione's shoulder, her voice barely a whisper. "What you have given me is truly priceless, Miss Granger. I would give every book in the library if it meant the safety of my son." At Hermione's wide-eyed nod she continues, her voice returning to its normal cadence, "Now then, I do believe Mr. Potter is expecting us and I do hate to be late for dinner."

A/N: I am so sorry for the hiatus! Sometimes my mind gets in my own way. I know that this is kind of a short filler chapter but I had to get them moving along somehow right? I'll be back soon with the next chapter. Promise! Love you all!