Warning: This chapter contains explicit scenes

Finally, the day came when Astoria was able to return to her apartment. Her return home, for the second time in months, was not as joyful as she would have hoped. Despite her relief at being healthy again, Astoria was still worried about how Blaise would react, and how the effects of the curse would affect her in the future.

Harry had informed them that Blaise was away on his yacht. Since they wanted to catch him off guard, they had to wait for him to return to England before acting, but there was no telling when that would happen. And so, the lack of news was the hardest thing to bear. Following Harry's instructions, they tried to lead a normal life, as if nothing had happened, but Draco was tense. Out of the corner of his eye, he could see the shadows of the Aurors following them at all hours, both inside and outside the hotel.

From his parents' letters, he knew that Malfoy Manor was under more surveillance than ever. His mother had protested, subtly at first, that Draco continued his relationship with Astoria, despite the danger he was in. She had begged him on multiple occasions to return to Malfoy Manor and focus on his job again, but Draco had turned a deaf ear. He hadn't completely abandoned his work, however, there were many other things occupying his attention now. He didn't want to abandon Astoria, now less than ever, and as long as she accepted him by her side, he would never leave her alone.

She worried him. Draco could see that she had lost part of her smile, and she always seemed pensive and downcast. Astoria was still immersed in her work, designing the hotel rooms, talking to Manawa and contacting her clients, but she was also unable to sleep at night. Now it was she who was plagued by nightmares, and Draco could only watch helplessly as she tossed and turned in her sleep, even when he held her. The sight of her face twisted in fear made his heart ache.

Astoria had kept the cursed pendant in a safe and never mentioned it, but Draco had heard her crying in secret, cursing Blaise. He had corrupted a precious memory, and she would never forgive him for it.

One day he noticed that Astoria was looking at him differently, as if she was worried or embarrassed about something. Draco didn't know why, since his routine hadn't changed in the last few days, and he tried to give her all the space she needed, so as not to overwhelm her with his worries. But he knew that look; Astoria was in a spiral of self-doubt, blaming herself for something that surely wasn't her fault.

"What's wrong?" he asked, seeing her rubbing her hands together nervously again.

"Nothing."

"Astoria, I know something's wrong. Are you feeling ill? Is it the curse?"

"No, it's not... I'm fine, don't worry," but she bit her lip in worry, contradicting herself. Draco came over to take her hands.

"You know you can tell me," he insisted softly, worried as Astoria avoided looking at his face.

"It's just that... I think I'm disappointing you," she murmured.

"What are you talking about?" Draco still didn't understand, even more so when she turned red.

"We are living together, and we haven't... I haven't been able to..." speechless, Astoria shook her head. Draco watched her in silence, until he suddenly understood what she was trying to tell him.

"Are you talking about sex?" Astoria's mortified expression confirmed that he had guessed right. "Why are you worrying about that? You haven't fully recovered yet."

"But we haven't done it for a long time."

"And?"

Astoria shrugged, unable to express herself clearly.

"Do you think I'm going to be upset if we don't sleep together?" Draco probed, and she lowered her head further. Draco sighed. "Astoria, you don't have to worry about that. I assure you it's the last thing on my mind right now."

Astoria looked up, her eyes wet. She seemed to be harboring doubts.

"But still-"

"No, Astoria, there are other things that matter more to me. Your health, for instance" he gently caressed her face.

"Don't you want me?"

"Of course, don't have the slightest doubt about that. You are the sexiest and most attractive woman I know," he smiled. "But I want you to feel comfortable too, and honestly..." he added, hugging her around the waist. "Hugging you is more than enough."

Astoria pressed her lips together, a few tears welling up in her eyes. But they were tears of relief, and Draco just held her in silence, pressing her against his chest.

"Why were you thinking about that? Did I do something to make you feel that way?" he dared to ask after a few minutes of uncertainty.

"It's not you... When I was in the hospital... The curse... It made me remember everything. I couldn't stop hearing his voice," Astoria sobbed, making Draco's blood run cold.

"His voice? You mean Blaise's?" his heart in his throat, Draco reviewed everything he knew about the pendant and its effects. "I thought you'd been unconscious."

"No, I lied to my parents so they wouldn't worry, but I wasn't asleep. I was aware of what was going on around me, but I couldn't wake up," Astoria explained. "And I kept hearing Blaise all the time, saying... saying..."

Damn Blaise.

"He always said it was my duty."

"Your duty?"

"To please him. Even if I didn't want to... He said that if I really loved him it shouldn't be so difficult."

Draco held her tighter, feeling the fury rise in his throat, threatening to make him tremble.

I hope Potter catches him, because if not, I will.

"Astoria, I don't care what that piece of shit said to you when you were together, I don't think like him. I don't need to sleep with you to be happy."

She didn't answer, still sobbing, and Draco felt grief and helplessness consume him.

It wasn't fair. Why had Blaise thought he had the right to hurt Astoria like that? She was the smartest, most wonderful girl in the world. Why did she have to be crying, broken into pieces, over someone who didn't respect her? But he didn't say anything. His feelings weren't important now, he shouldn't ignore Astoria's pain in exchange for his own. He just held her, kissing her head, rocking her gently, until Astoria stopped crying.

That night they went to bed in each other's arms, as if separating was an unthinkable act. Slowly, they began to caress and kiss each other, but they never got any further. Draco wanted her, of course he wanted her. It was unthinkable to touch her skin and not be aroused, but there was no way he would act on that desire, not after what Astoria had told him. So he limited himself to caressing her tenderly, expressing his love with his kisses and the tips of his fingers, with the sole intention of making her feel safe and relaxed.

Unabashedly, he repeated why he loved her. He told her about her smile and how he couldn't stop looking at her wonderful eyes. He talked about how imaginative she was, and how he was amazed at her ability to capture her vision on parchment, creating drawings so vivid they seemed real. He reminded her of all she had accomplished in just a few months, and how proud he was of her. He tried to explain how much he admired her energy and intelligence.

He talked for hours, never stopping to caress her, and finally his wish was granted, and Astoria fell asleep in his arms, smiling the first smile he had seen on her in many days.

ooo

The next day, Draco decided to do something he had been wanting to do for a long time. He pushed any hint of doubt to the back of his mind, told the Aurors to be discreet when following them, and convincing Astoria, he managed to disappear with her. When they arrived at their destination, she looked around in surprise.

"Orchab garden?" she asked, recognizing the place.

"Just like our first date," he reminded her.

"It seems like an eternity ago."

"Are you that bored to be by my side?"

"I meant that it seems like time has passed very quickly," she protested, but Draco's smile told her he was joking. "You weren't so sure of yourself back then," she countered scathingly.

"I was really nervous," Draco admitted, smiling sheepishly. "I was worried you wouldn't like it."

"Are you talking about the garden or about yourself?"

"I thought I didn't deserve to have that opportunity."

Astoria glanced at him and bit her lip, hesitating.

"I was nervous too. I didn't think you would like someone like me."

"What do you mean by that?"

She shrugged.

"I thought you'd prefer a more traditional girl."

Draco stopped and looked at her carefully.

"That's Blaise's thing, right?" he dared to ask.

"I'm sorry, I know I shouldn't remember him."

"I didn't say that, and you don't need to apologize," Draco took her hand.

"He... he always tried to change me, you know? He wanted me to be a smiling, silent little wife who would always hold his arm and give him one or two children. He didn't understand why I wanted something else. He always told me I was a fool for wanting to be so weird."

"You are not weird," Draco had clenched his fists angrily. "You are amazing and wonderful and you never cease to amaze me."

Astoria smiled gratefully, and reaching out a hand, she combed his hair, making Draco shiver.

"You know, the only reason I agreed to celebrate my birthday on Blaise's yacht was because I figured it would be easier for you to come," she confessed. "I really wanted to see you, but you were avoiding me, and I thought that... if you didn't come, or if something went wrong... it would be easier for me to pretend and hide among the guests."

"I was a complete idiot. I was so embarrassed by how I behaved," Draco lowered his head, trying to hide his discomfort. "Who thinks of crying on a first date?"

"It wasn't your fault," Astoria hugged him around the waist. "And you made me realize that I wasn't wrong. You had changed, you were different, I could trust you."

"How could you feel so confident after what happened?"

"Because you never lied to me, Draco," Astoria raised her head, looking into his eyes. "You've always been honest with me. You haven't tried to trick me or inflate your reputation. That's why I know that when you tell me you love me, you mean it."

"Of course I mean it. You are the best thing that's ever happened to me," Draco caressed her face. "I want you to be happy and to be able to fulfill your dreams. And I want you to be the best hotel owner in the world," he added with a smile.

"Were you serious when you insisted we get married too?" it seemed like a joke, but Draco knew she was waiting expectantly for his answer.

"Of course I was," Draco put his arms around her waist, staring into her eyes. "But I don't want you to feel forced into accepting. I want it to be because you want it, when you feel ready."

"What if I were ready now?" Draco held her gaze for a few seconds, trying to keep his voice from shaking.

"Can I let my parents know beforehand? I think they'd like to come," and for some reason that seemed to be the best answer, because Astoria laughed in relief, and standing on her tiptoes, she kissed him.

Draco kissed her back, feeling his chest swell with happiness. He had no doubt about it, his heart and his future belonged to Astoria.

"I'd like to give you something," Draco nervously stepped back and, digging into his pocket, pulled out the small box he'd retrieved that morning. "I know it's not traditional, but it reminded me of you, and I think maybe..." he opened the box, revealing the ring with the green, amber stone he'd picked out some time ago. Astoria's eyes widened.

"It's beautiful, Draco," she exclaimed, breathless.

"Will you marry me?"

"Of course I will," Astoria automatically reached out her hand. However, all her attention was on him, and as soon as Draco placed the ring on her finger, Astoria hugged and kissed him.

And for a second, they both forgot where they were, wrapped in a bubble of perfect happiness.

ooo

When they returned to the apartment, happy and relaxed, they found Harry waiting for them. He seemed nervous but determined.

"Zabini has returned to England. We have him surrounded," he announced, unable to contain his excitement. "I think it is time to catch him."

"What is the plan?" Draco asked, but Harry looked at Astoria.

"The reason I decided not to completely destroy the pendant is because I hope Zabini still has an interest in you and what you do," he explained. "He's been very cautious so far and has covered his tracks very well. Any evidence we have against him is circumstantial at best. Our case wouldn't hold up in court, and I doubt we'll be able to get him to confess."

"Are you expecting me to provoke him into reporting Draco again?" she asked.

"Exactly. Zabini only acts when he is overcome with jealousy, and I think that even now we could get him to lose control and give himself away," Harry looked at them. "We just need to prove that the accusations and attacks are coming from him. We have him under surveillance, and we will be able to detect even the slightest spell that comes from his wand."

"And what are we supposed to do?" Draco took Astoria's hand, preparing for the worst.

"Just act normal," Harry smiled. "We will leave you two alone, no witnesses, and you can... do whatever it is you do every time you provoke his anger."

"Potter-"

"I'll leave it up to you, I don't want to know anything about it. My job is to catch him and bring him to justice," Harry stood up and grabbed his cloak. "Of course, don't forget to put on the pendant," he reminded Astoria.

"Wait! How do you know it will work? Is Blaise able to see and hear what I do? Can he do anything more than that?" Astoria had paled.

"We know there is still some kind of connection between the pendant and Zabini, but after damaging the chain, he can't curse you again, so you can rest easy," Harry covered himself with the cloak and bowed his head. "Good luck."

And without further delay, he walked out the door, leaving them alone.

Draco and Astoria fell silent, each lost in their own thoughts. The atmosphere had become somewhat awkward and tense.

"I can't believe it," Draco muttered. "Of all the ideas he could have had..."

"Well, it's not like it's our first time," Astoria's smile was somewhat tense, although she tried to hide it by standing up.

"It is not the same. We didn't know he was watching before," Draco protested.

"If it's the only way to catch him, we will have to find a way," Astoria opened the safe and, with the help of a handkerchief, took out the pendant. She looked at it coldly and disappointedly. "I won't let him ruin something that's important to me again."

Draco stood up and walked over. Gently, he closed his hands around hers.

"Astoria, I'm serious. We can find another solution. You shouldn't do something you're not comfortable with," he insisted. He was scared of being a part of something that would hurt Astoria, even more so after the conversation they'd had the day before.

She smiled and looked tenderly into his eyes.

"You always care about me and try not to hurt me," she whispered. "You've never hurt me, not even when we are alone, and your desire is greater than mine. You always ask me if I'm okay and if I want to continue."

"I find no pleasure in hurting you."

"I know. And I want you to know that I'm doing this because I want to," releasing the pendant from the handkerchief, Astoria put it around her neck and fastened it. The round stone shone against her skin.

Astoria took a deep breath and wrapped her arms around his neck, still looking into his eyes.

"I love you, Draco. You are the best thing that has ever happened to me. You make me feel safe and loved and I know I can count on you. You are always honest with me, and you care about my well-being," her green eyes stared at him, emphasizing the sincerity of her words. "I have always felt comfortable with you," she whispered.

Draco gently placed his hands on her waist, feeling his pulse quicken. He didn't care if this was bait to attract his enemy, he knew that Astoria was telling the truth, and that the affection that emanated from her eyes was sincere.

"I still can't believe you want to be with me. What have I done to deserve you? How did I get you to want to date me?" he asked, his voice shaking. Astoria smiled tenderly.

"I already liked you, ever since you asked me to show you my drawings in Diagon Alley," she confessed.

"I can't remember a time when I didn't like you," Draco leaned in, brushing his nose against hers. "Or a single time when I didn't want to kiss you."

Astoria sighed, leaning closer to him and burying a hand in his hair.

"I like the way you look at me and the way you touch me," she whispered. "I like the way you kiss me, and the way you make me feel," standing on her tiptoes she kissed him slowly, tasting his lips and enjoying his touch. She bit him at the end, in an act of mischievous defiance. "And I like knowing that you are going to fuck me until I can't take it anymore."

Draco chuckled softly, feeling his body react to her. Now that he had her in his arms, it was easy to let go and forget that they had a mission to accomplish.

"You know I like watching you shiver," he murmured, kissing the corner of her lips. "And how you melt under my hands," he kissed her chin slowly, and the base of her jaw. "And under my mouth," he added, brushing his lips along the side of her neck. "I like watching your skin prickle, and how you react when I do this," Draco nibbled on her earlobe, earning a soft gasp in response. That was the sign he needed. Abandoning his reservations, Draco bit her harder, combining it with caresses of his tongue. Astoria gasped louder, pressing herself against him. Gripping her by the nape of her neck to prevent her from moving, Draco persisted, licking and biting, listening to her moans grow more frequent. He felt Astoria tremble in his arms.

"I like it when you do that," his voice was slightly husky, full of desire, and when he looked at Astoria, he saw her dilated pupils and her parted lips. "I like the face you make when you enjoy yourself."

"My face?" she laughed nervously, suddenly self-conscious.

"If you saw it you would understand," Draco had an idea, and taking her by the waist he led her to the bathroom. There he made Astoria face the mirror, and he hugged her from behind, touching her slowly and kissing her neck. She sighed and closed her eyes but opened them again when she noticed him beginning to unbutton her robe.

"Look at you. You are beautiful. You are perfect. I could touch you for hours," Draco pushed the robes from her shoulders, letting them fall to the floor and revealing the short, strapless dress Astoria usually wore under her clothes. "I could kiss you forever," he whispered, kissing her neck and the nape of her neck. He stroked her arms, feeling her skin prickling, and brushed her hair aside, smothering her back with kisses. Astoria gasped, leaning against the counter. Knowing it was a sensitive area, Draco bit between her shoulder blades. Almost instantly, a gasp confirmed he had hit the right spot.

With deliberate slowness he stroked Astoria's back in circles, biting softly when she least expected it. He smiled as he felt her tense, her back arching towards him. He gently grabbed Astoria by the neck, pulling her face towards him.

"Do you see why I like you? You are very funny," he kissed her face, while he began to caress her belly.

"But I'm not doing anything," she protested. In response, Draco moved his hand up to squeeze her breast.

"I wouldn't say that. Look at you."

He watched Astoria's reflection, looking at herself in the mirror, as he slowly massaged her breasts. Pulling down the neckline of her dress, he revealed her nipples, which contracted as he took them between his fingers. Their pink color contrasted with the faint glow of the aquamarine. Astoria leaned against him, letting him touch her. Their gazes met in the mirror, and Draco smiled.

"Do you want me to continue?" he asked. He already knew the answer, but he liked it when she nodded, unable to speak.

With one of his hands, he continued to play with Astoria's breasts, and with the other he slowly caressed her body again, moving in circles over her belly, her sides and her hips. Finally, he put his hand under her dress and caressed her pubis over her underwear. Astoria gasped, anticipating what was going to happen, but Draco made her wait, running his fingers softly over the fabric. He could feel her wetness, and it excited him even more.

"Draco... Touch me..."

"I'm already doing it," he replied, smiling mischievously, continuing to move his fingers provocatively over her panties.

"No, not like that," Astoria took his hand, trying to guide him where she wanted, but he immobilized her wrist with his free hand.

"Don't be impatient," he scolded, but giving in to her wishes, he slipped his hand under her underwear. "Is this what you wanted?" he asked, brushing the folds of her vulva with deliberate slowness. His fingers were instantly covered with the warm moisture that was coming from Astoria.

She made an indeterminate noise, closing her eyes and slightly opening her legs.

"Or would you prefer this?" slowly, barely making contact, Draco's fingers brushed over her clit. He saw the look of agony and anticipation that covered Astoria's face, and felt his own body react in response. His erection struggled to rise inside his pants, but Draco ignored it, simply rubbing his pelvis against Astoria's buttocks, while turning all his attention to her. Slowly and carefully, he stroked her clit in circular motions, all the while looking at her. Astoria moaned and for a moment her knees buckled, overcome with pleasure.

"Open your eyes, look at yourself," he gasped, and watched as Astoria obeyed, looking at herself as he touched her. "That's the face you make. And I love it," Draco took her chin, keeping her head up as she leaned back on her hands, moaning in pleasure.

Draco sped up his strokes, studying the subtle movements of Astoria's face intently. He knew her orgasm was coming; he could see it in her open mouth, the tensing muscles in her neck, her fingers pressing hard against the stone surface. The gasps intensified and suddenly she screamed, involuntarily curling into herself.

"That's my girl," Draco smiled. But he wasn't done yet.

Using both hands, he pulled down her panties, and unbuttoning his pants, he pulled out his erect penis and began rubbing it against her buttocks. She bent her back to better offer her hips.

"If only you could see yourself from here," he growled, admiring her back and buttocks. Astoria moved her hands and repositioned his cock, sliding it between her thighs. Now Draco could feel all of her warmth and wetness, rubbing against her rhythmically. It was the closest thing to being inside her he had ever experienced, and it took all of his willpower not to ejaculate right then and there.

Astoria moaned again, moving in such a way that the tip of his penis stimulated her clitoris. Using him to give herself pleasure, she looked at him through the mirror, her gaze burning and full of desire.

"Fuck me," she ordered, her voice hoarse and trembling. "Fuck me like that."

Draco reached into his pocket for his wand, but she stopped him.

"No, there's no need," she turned slightly to look at his face, indicating that she was serious.

"Are you sure?" surprised, he wanted to make sure it was the right thing to do.

"I want you to cum inside me," she smiled at him, confirming her desire.

Unconsciously, Draco noticed the aquamarine, hanging a short distance from Astoria's breasts.

"Have you ever done this?"

"No. I want you to be the first."

Caressing her face, Draco kissed her, before getting into the right position. Astoria leaned over the counter, almost lying on top of it, and Draco spread her legs slightly, leaving the entrance to her vagina accessible. Carefully, he entered her from behind, little by little, feeling the flash of pleasure rise from his groin. She cried out too, arching her back against him, letting the pleasure take over. Draco knew he was going to lose control. The sight of Astoria's flushed face, her rhythmically swaying breasts, and her ecstatic smile was too much for him.

Astoria opened her eyes, glancing at him briefly before settling back on herself. That was what Draco wanted. For her to see how satisfying it was every time she came. Grabbing her hips, Draco sped up his movements, growling and thrusting as deep as he could into her. Their breathing quickened in unison, their moans increased in volume, and suddenly, they both reached orgasm at the same time, crushing on top of each other, trembling with ecstasy.

"Oh Draco..."

Draco kissed her back but moved away from her, to avoid crushing her with his weight. Her legs were shaking, and a euphoric smile covered her face. Astoria turned around and kissed him passionately, her breathing ragged.

"I have no words."

"You still want more?" he teased, knowing that Astoria was fully capable of further enjoyment. She laughed, but didn't deny it.

"I don't know if I could," she protested, when Draco tentatively brushed her nipples.

"That's what you said last time," grabbing her by the waist, he sat her on the counter and knelt between her legs. Astoria gasped in surprise, but didn't push him away.

Draco played with his tongue, exploring. She tasted different, but knowing why only made him more eager. He soon heard the rhythmic moans he loved so much. He adjusted Astoria's legs over his shoulders and continued to lick her, stimulating her clit, circling the entrance to her vagina. He tried different rhythms and speeds, sometimes stopping, other times just attacking relentlessly until he heard her scream. He lost track of time and only stopped when Astoria put a hand on his head.

"I think... I need to stop," she gasped. Respecting her wishes, Draco stood up and kissed her.

"Are you okay?"

"Yeah, my legs are just shaking and I'm a little sticky," she laughed.

"Why would that be?" Draco kissed her again, delighted. "We could take a shower."

Between kisses and caresses they slowly undressed, smiling sweetly at each other and sharing loving glances and caresses. The shower was big enough for the two of them, and they positioned themselves under the stream of hot water, soaping and touching each other, while continuing to kiss.

Unable to put into words what they felt, they held each other close, rocking in silence, letting the steam and the sound of the water wash over them. They couldn't have been closer or more in love. They kissed slowly again, tasting each other's lips. And then, a faint metallic thud surprised them. Bewildered, they looked down and saw the aquamarine pendant and silver chain shining between their feet.

"It's broken," Astoria confirmed, studying it closely. "And the stone itself is split in half. Does that mean it worked?"

"I don't know, we have to wait to hear from Potter."

Slightly hopeful, they dried and dressed, and waited in the drawing-room, but no one knocked at the door. Suddenly, a short note appeared on the table.

"We'll talk tomorrow."

With nothing else to do, they decided to go to bed, and relieved and tired, they hugged each other and fell asleep.

Fears, confessions, a promise of marriage and a spicy scene in the bathroom. Nothing is missing, except... Will the culprit finally be behind bars?

Don't forget to comment and vote!