Becoming Lady Malfoy by Miss Fantastic

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BecomingLadyMalfoybyMissFantastic
Summary:
Tofinallyendthewar,Hermionemustagreetoamarriagewiththeotherside.
BeingengagedtomarryoneMalfoywouldbestressenough,butHermione
findsherselfoutnumberedbyMalfoystwotoone!Whileshetriestonavigate
hernewrelationship,noteveryoneishappywiththesituation.
Categories:Hermione/Draco/Lucius,Hermione/LuciusCharacters:Arthur
Weasley,DracoMalfoy,FleurDelacour,FredWeasley,GeorgeWeasley,
GinnyWeasley,HarryPotter,HermioneGranger,KingsleyShacklebolt,
LuciusMalfoy,LunaLovegood,MarcusFlint,MinervaMcGonagall,Molly
Weasley,PansyParkinson,RemusLupin,RonWeasley,SeverusSnape
Genres:Fluff,General,Humour,PostHogwarts,Romance,Smutwith
Substance
Spoilers:EWE(EpiloguewhatEpilogue)
Warnings:AlternateUniverse,Anal,CoarseLanguage,Lemons(Extreme
Smut),Limes(MildSmut)
Challenges:None
Series:None
Chapters:44Completed:YesWordcount:206167Read:479522
Published:19/07/2012Updated:06/09/2012
1.Chapter1byMissFantastic
http://www.grangerenchanted.com/enchant/viewstory.php?action=printable&textsize=0&sid=4770&chapter=all
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Chapter1byMissFantastic
Author'sNotes:
Disclaimer!IamnotJKRowlingsecretlywritingfanfiction.Ihavenoclaimon
anycharactersorotherthingsthatyourecognize!Iownnothing.
Prologue
Hermionetookadeepbreathasshetookonelastlookinthemirror.Shealmostdidnotrecognizeherself
swathedintheyardsofcreamcoloredsilkandchiffondottedwithanuncountablenumberofseed
pearls.Hernormallyunrulychestnutcurlscascadeddownherbackinthickshinywaves,tamedforthe
occasion.Minimalmakeupmadehercomplexionlooklikepeachesandcreamwhilemakingheramber
coloredeyesseemdewyandlargerthanusual.
Wow,Mione,Harrybreathed,comingupbehindher.Youlookgorgeous!Imean,youarebeautiful
allthetime,butnow.wow.Howdoyoufeel?
Hermionesmiledweaklyatherfriend,wholookedquiteniceinhisblackformalrobes.Hisuntamed
mopofblackhairmadehersmileabitmore.TherewasonlysomuchonecoulddotomakeHarrylook
fancy.Hermionetookadeepbreath,steelingherselffortheupcomingevents.
Imokay,Harry,really.Hermionedidherbesttoprojecttheconfidencethatshedidnotreallyfeel.
Ithasallhappenedsoquickly.Twoweeksisnotalotoftimetogetaccustomedtothesituation.Itstill
doesnotseemrealsometimes.IdofeellikeIveagoodideaofwhatIaminfor.Besides,youareright.
Idolookgorgeous.Itisamazingwhatunlimitedfundscandoforagirl.
Ohplease,Harrysmiledgenuinely.Allthisonlyhighlightsyournaturalbeauty.Youaretheonly
personIknowwithenoughbrains,guts,andhearttopossiblymakethisworkoutokay.Besides,thinkof
allthegoodyoucandowithaccesstothosevaults.YoucanpourGalleonsintoanycauseyourheart
desires.Youllhaveyourowncharity!YouaregoingtobethebestLadyMalfoyever.
HermionesmiledatHarryscomment.Shecertainlywasgoingtostickoutinthepurebloodaristocracy
likeasorethumb.Nevertheless,theMalfoysknewwhattheyweregettingwhentheyarrangedthisdeal.
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ItcertainlywasashocktoHermionethoughwhentheydemandedthatshebecomeLadyMalfoy.
Chapter1
TheBritishWizardingTreatynegotiationsfeltinterminable.ThewaragainstVoldemorthadnotquite
endedthewayeveryonethoughtitwouldwhenHarrykilledthemaniaconMay2.Itturnedoutthat
manyoftheDeathEaterswerenotfanaticsbentongenocide,justaprominentfewlikeBellatrix,
DolohovandGreyback.TomRiddleandaselectfewhadblackmailed,cajoled,threatened,and
Imperiusedmostofhisfollowers,sotheywerenotterriblysorrytoseehimdieafteralltheterror
inflicteduponthem.TheDeathEaters,however,wereunwillingtoturnthemselvesovertoMinistryfor
prosecution,notwantingtobeshippedtoAzkaban.However,theydidnotwishtocontinuethe
bloodshedeither,asbothsideshadalreadysufferedseriouslosses.
LuciusMalfoycapablyledhisbrethrenintheabsenceoftheirpsychotic,despoticleader.Thestalemate
heldforaboutamonthwhenLordMalfoyapproachedtheOrderofthePhoenix,statinghewasreadyto
talkaboutatreaty.
AsHermionesatatthenegotiationtable,shehadtoadmitthatLordMalfoywasagoodchoiceonthe
partoftheDeathEaters.Hewasbrilliant,beautiful,andoddlycharismatic.Hecalledtheceasefireand
wasnowworkingonthetreatywithArthurWeasley,KingsleyShacklebolt,SeverusSnape,andherself.
LordMalfoyhadappealedtothemedia,explainingthatthemajorityofthePurebloodAristocracyhad
originallyalignedwithVoldemortyearsagowiththegoalofpreservingtraditionalpurebloodvaluesand
othermagicalculturetraditions.TheywereconcernedwiththewayMuggleculturewasinvading
WizardingBritainandmistakenly,inretrospect,alignedwithapowerfulleaderthatturnedouttohave
hisowninsaneagenda.
LordMalfoyhadargued,quitewellinHermionesopinion,thatservingunderVoldemorthadbeen
enoughpunishmentformostDeathEatersandeveryfamilyhadsufferedgrievouslosses.Heconvinced
manypeoplethattheDeathEaterswerehaplessvictimsofthelunatic,soadditionalpunishmentbythe
MinistrywouldbeexcessiveandonlyworsenthedivideinWizardingBritain.Itwashopedthatthe
treatynegotiationswouldreunitethesplinteredsociety,minimizefurthersufferingandillwill.Frankly,
noonecouldaffordcontinuingtheturmoilofthepreviousyears.Theeconomywaswretchedand
magicalbirthrateswereatanalltimelow.
Hermionewasproudtofindherselfseatedatthenegotiationtable,evenifithadbeengoingonforsix
longweeksnow.Shewasclearlytheoddmanout,beingsoyoungandtheonlywitchpresent.Shenot
onlyrepresentedtheMuggleborn,butshehadbeenelectedtorepresenthergenerationforherside.
Harryhadinitiallybeenthenominee,buthedeclinedandadvocatedforHermione.Withhis
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endorsementthatshewasnotonlymuchsmarterthanhim,butcraftyenoughtodealwithaSlytherinlike
Malfoy,HermionewasunanimouslyselectedtorepresentDumbledoresArmy,Muggleborns,andthe
youngergenerationoftheWizardingworld.Rongrumbledabitaboutnothavingevenbeenconsidered,
butquietedquicklywhenhesawhowmuchworkitwas.
Hermionesatquietlywithhereyesclosedasthegrouptookafifteenminutebreaktorefresh
themselves.ItwasearlyJulyandtheroomeventuallybecamehotandstale,despiterepeatedcooling
charms.ShesmirkedtoherselfassherememberedthelookonLordMalfoysfacewhenhesawshe
wouldbeoneoftheparty.Helookedasifhehadbeenforcedtosuckonalemon.Assoonasshe
receivedhercopyofMalfoysopeningterms,Hermionehadmercilesslytakenherredquilltoitwhilehe
readthedocumentaloud.Hermionescopyoftheparchmentlookedtobebleedingwhenhewasthrough
withhispresentationandthatwasonlywithonereading.Hermioneclosedhisselfservingloopholes
byrephrasingandusinglanguagethatwasmorespecific.Sheoutrightrejectedsomeofhistermsand
begandraftingaddendumstomostothers.ArthurandKingsleyprofuselythankedherforherattentionto
detail,notingthatBritainstopsolicitorswouldbeenviousofherabilitytomaketheagreementironclad.
SnapejustchuckledwhileMalfoysusuallyunflappablecomposurewasseriouslytested.Severuswas
happytoinformMalfoyatthenegotiationtablethatnowitwashisturntodealwiththetroublesome
knowitallhehadtoteachallthoseyears.
ItquicklybecamecleartoLordMalfoythatHermionehadtherealteethinthegroupandshebecamehis
identifiedopponent.Shewastoosmartforhimtotrick,whereasArthurneverreallyreadthefineprint
orbotheredaboutvaguelanguageMalfoycouldlaterexploit.Shewastoomoralforhimtobribe,
whereasKingsleywouldhavebeenhappytocalliteveniftheformerDeathEatersweretopaya
substantialamounttorebuildtheMinistryandtheWizardingworld.Severusjustmediatedandclarified
thepointsasnecessary,havingthebestunderstandingofwherebothsideswerecomingfrom.Lord
Malfoycamealonethefirstweek,butthenbroughtDracowithhimtoassist.Hermionehadtoadmit
bothMalfoysweredangerouslysmartandneitherfellforherattemptstogetthebetterendofthedeal
anymorethanshefellfortheirs.Dracocouldreadasfastasshecouldandwasquicktopointout
inequitiesandvagaries.Shewasnotverysurprisedhewasalwaysfightingwithherforthetopspotat
schoolandsometimesdidmanagetobestherscoresbyasmallmargin.
Thesixweeksofnegationhadbeenhard,butfruitful.Hermionecouldseethelightattheendofthe
tunnelnow.Atpoints,thetalkshadbrokendownintosnide,childishbickeringusuallybetweenherself
andtheMalfoys.Theyrarelyresortedtoshouting,butitseemedinevitablethatafewblowupswould
occurgiventhestubbornnatureofbothparties.LuciusandHermionehadeachstormedoutoftheroom
atleastonceinthecourseofevents.Theycertainlytestedtheothersintelligence,patience,and
determination.Atcertainpointsduringthetalks,everyoneintheroomhadachancetobethankfulthat
nowandswereallowedandthatverystrongwardsprohibitedanywandlessmagic.Ifnotforthosefacts,
bothHermioneandeachMalfoywouldhaveinevitablyexperiencedapainfulhexortwo.Despiteallthe
trouble,apartofHermionewasgoingtomissthechallenge.Shedidloveachallenge,particularlya
mentalone.BothMalfoyswereformidableopponents,especiallyasateam,butshewasgladtobe
finishing.
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Thecountryneededthistreatyandthepeopleneededtoreturntotheirlivesinpeace.Hermionewas
pleasedwiththeoutcomereally,evenifshecomplainedabouttheMalfoys.Antidiscriminationlaws
werecentraltothetreaty,forbothMugglebornandpureblood.Hermionegottoincludeapieceabout
antidiscriminationforothermagicalcreaturesinvolvedinthewar.Sheknewthisclausecouldbeused
toadvancerightsforwerewolves,giants,andelves.RestitutiontotheMinistryandvictimsofthewar
weregoingtobepaidbytheDeathEaters.ThePurebloodAristocracywouldbeknownastheWizarding
Aristocracyandnonpurebloodswouldbeabletoholdtitles.Opportunitiesfordialogandeducation
regardingculturewereincludedinthetreatyaswell.HermionedidnotmindmandatingaWizarding
CultureclassatHogwartsforallMugglebornandMuggleraisedstudents.Frankly,shewouldhave
welcomedtheknowledgeherself.Itwasdifficultbeingthrownintoanewworld,notknowingwhy
peoplebehavedthewaytheydid.Thearistocracyinparticularhadanumberofsocialrulesandcustoms
completelyunknowntoher.
Hermioneswandvibratedsoftly,alertingherthatthefifteenminutebreakwasup.LuciusandDraco
wereconversingquietlyontheirsideofthetable,headsbenttogether,asArthurandKingsleyreturnedto
theroom.Severusputdownhispotionsjournalandappearedreadytoobservetheproceedings,much
hashehadbeenthepastsixweeks.Whilehedidnotsaymuch,hechimedinwhennecessary.Heoften
metwithHermioneafterwardstodebriefandgiveheradditionalinsightintowhattheMalfoyswere
tryingtoachieve.HermionehadcometofeelquiteclosetoherformerProfessorinthepastsixweeks
andverymuchvaluedhiscounsel.Hecertainlywasashrewdmananddidnotlethisfriendshipwiththe
Malfoysgetinthewayofhisgoalofcreatingafairtreaty.
Itseemswehavealmostreachedanaccord,theelderMalfoystatedaseveryonesettledbackatthe
table.
Almost?Hermioneasked,archingabrowatthestoiclookingblonds.Shewonderedwhattheywanted
toaddnow.
ThereisonlytheissueleftistheActofGoodFaith,Dracoexplained.
TheActofGoodFaithisrarelyusedanylongergentleman!Idontevenrecalltheparticulars,Arthur
chimedin.HermionenoticedSeverusnarrowhiseyesandlooksuspiciouslyattheMalfoys.Hermione
hadlearnedthatthiswasnotagoodsignandstraightenedherbackbone,waitingforwhatwouldcome
next.
ItisanoldPurebloodtraditionthathasunfortunatelyfallenbythewaysideinthepastseveralhundred
years.Luciusintoned.Heappearedalmostbored,buthiseyesflashedwithexcitement.Hermione
knewthismeanthewasgoingtopresentsomethingparticularlychallenging.Itusedtobethattreaties
andcontractsbetweencountries,landowners,families,orbusinessesweresealedwithsomesortof
personalconnectiontoshowthatbothsideswereearnestandgenuineintheirdealings.Italsohelped
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ensurethatnoonerenegedontheirsideofthedealafterwards.
Whatkindofpersonalconnection?Kingsleyaskedimpatiently.Hewasclearlytiredandwantedto
processdone.
WellMr.Shacklebolt,itvarieddependingonthenatureofthedeal,Dracoreported.Mostcommonly,
twopeoplefromeithersidewerebondedinsomeway.Thiswasachievedthroughalifedebtbeing
assumedbybothparties,theexchangeofaWizardingOath,orinthemostimportanttreatiesa
marriageunitingbothsides.
Hermionedidnotliketheblazeinhiseyesashisgazelandeduponher.HewasjustasMachiavellianas
hisfatherwasandshenarrowedhereyesinsuspicion.
AndyouproposetomarryMissGranger?Severusdrawled,muchtoHermionesshock.Thatiswhat
youaregoingtopropose,isntit?
Youknowussowell,Severus,Luciussmiled.WeproposethatMissGrangerbecomeLadyMalfoy
inordertosealthisdeal.Itwouldcertainlygoalongwaytowardestablishingtheprecedentofaccepting
theMugglebornintothearistocracy,asstipulatedinthetreaty.Whatbetterplacetostartthanathome?
Hermionewas,foronce,speechless.HerheadjustswiveledbackandforthbetweentheMalfoysand
Severus,mouthagape.
Weverenderedherspeechless,Father,Dracochuckled.IneverthoughtIwouldseethatday.
Youstilldidnotmentionwhoexactlyshewouldmarry,Severusremindedthegroup.
WhowhatYoucant.seriously,Hermionefinallysputtered.Aftertakingadeepbreath,shewas
abletocontinue.Youcantbeserious!Youexpecttomarrymeofftocompletethistreaty?
Itistraditional,Arthurreluctantlyconceded.Atleastitwastraditionalforwizardstosealan
importantagreementwithamarriageofpartiesimportanttothoseonbothsides.Andwehaveagreedto
incorporatemorewizardingculturetraditionsbackintogeneralsociety.
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Butwhyme?Hermionealmostshrieked.Iamnotimportant.
Wellthatcertainlyisnttrue,injectedLucius.WhobetterthantheGryffindorPrincesstomarrythe
SlytherinPrince?
SoitstobeDracothen?Severusasked,eyebrowarchedinquestion.
ItwouldbeatraditionalMalfoymarriage,repliedDracotoSeverus.Asyouknow,ithasbeenseveral
generationssincewevehadone.AbraxasdiedwhenFatherwasyoung,soFathersmarriagetoMother,
maysherest,waslargelyengineeredbyVoldemortunfortunately.YouknowhowhefavoredtheBlack
sisters,asunstableastheymayhavebeen.
HermionedidnotnoticeSeverusglareorthesourturnofhismouth,asshewastoobusystaring
disbelievinglyattheMalfoys.Shewasreallyonlytakinginafractionoftheconversation.Thefactthat
theywantedhertomarryDracoeffectivelydistractedherfromwhatwasbeingsaid.
Butyoudontevenlikeme!sheblurtedtoDraco.
Why,Hermione,Dracodrawled,withabitofaleer.Youhaveprovenyourselftobeeverythinga
Malfoywifeshouldbe.Youarehighlyintelligent,shrewd,determined,willful,andstrong.Andwho
eversaidIdidntlikeyou?
Um,youdid!Hermioneshouted.Allthroughschoolyoupickedonme!
MissGranger,Luciuscutincalmly,Letusletbygonesbebygones.Isntthatwhatthistreatyis
meanttorepresent?IagreethatDracomaynothavealwaysshownhisadmirationforyouinthemost
matureway,butitwascertainlypresent.Iwasfrequentlysubjectedtorantsaboutyou,whichoddly
enoughincreasedafteryoubrokehisnose.WellthatisnotsooddreallyweMalfoysappreciatestrong
womenwhocanchallengeus.IfanyoneispowerfulenoughtobeLadyMalfoy,itisyou.Apparently,
weintimidatemostpeople,orsoIamtold.However,youdonotseemtofallinthatcategory.Besides,
thefactthatDracoandIarequitefondofyouismerelyicingonthecake.Arrangedmarriagesare
commonintheWizardingAristocracy,partofourcultureifyouwill.
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ThisActofGoodFaith,Kingsleyspokeup.Hownegotiableisit?
Not.Luciusstatedfirmly.TheneedforanActofGoodFaithisnotnegotiable.Andasthepartythat
initiatedtheceasefireandbeganthetreatybypresentingourtermsfirst,itisourrighttodecidewhatthe
Actwillentail.
Andthisiswhatwehavechosen,Dracocontinued.WewishtomakeHermioneGrangerLady
MalfoythroughatraditionalMalfoymarriageceremony.Wewillnotacceptanyotherofferor
substitutions.Thisisfinal.
AndIcanassumeyouwillhavenoproblemgoingtothemediaandlettingthemknowofyourterms?
Severusaskedslowly,hisexpressionstilldark.
Ofcoursethepeoplehavearighttoknow,Luciusreplied.MissGrangerhascraftedanadmirable
treatyandnowhasonlytoagreetothislaststipulationtomakeitareality.Itwillbecompletelyher
decisiontorejectit.Then,ofcourse,oursocietywillcontinuetobeatthistroublingstalemate.Those
antidiscriminationlawsshewordedsoflawlesslywillnotcometopass,muchtothedisappointmentof
themagicalcreaturesofthisworldIamsure.Itisquiteliterallyinherhands.
Hermionelookedbeseechinglyaroundtheroom,butdidnotfindanysolace.Sheknewthetruthof
Luciuswords.Shehadtodothis.Shehadtomakethissacrifice,forthegoodofthewhole.
Fine,sheeventuallystatedevenly,hervoicesoundingalotmorecertainthatshefelt.
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Author'sNotes:
Aspreviouslymentioned,Idonotownthesecharacters!Ijusttookthemoutof
theirboxtoplaywiththemabit.
Thankyouverymuchtobunnyhopsforthewonderfulbeta!
Chapter2
Excellent,Luciussmiledbroadly.Dracosexpressionmirroredthatofhisfather.Obviously,the
Malfoyswerequitepleased.Letmebethefirstonetowelcomeyoutothefamily!
Notsofast,Lucius,Severuscutin.TheActofGoodFaithwasagreedupon,yes,butletustakea
momentandtalkterms.
Hermionesfacefeltflushedandherchesttightened.Suddenly,thetoowarmroomfeltstifling.She
wasgettingmarried.ShewasgettingmarriedtoMalfoy.ShewasmarryingtheFerret!Well,surehe
hadgrownintohisfacialfeaturesasheagedandnolongerresembledapointyfacedrodentatall.But
still!Hermionesbrainwaswhirlingattheturnofevents.ShedidregisterthatSeverushadbegunto
advocateforher,forwhichshewasgrateful.Shedidnotknowifshecouldthinkstraightatthat
moment.Nexttoher,Arthurpouredaglassofcoolwater.Shegratefullyaccepteditandbeganto
drink.Itreallydidhelptheconstrictioninherchestandshefeltbetterabletoattendtotheconversation.
AreyoutakingontheroleofMissGrangersintercessor,Severus?Luciusasked,archinganeyebrow
inthatsignatureMalfoyway.
Imaywellbe,ifshelikes,Severusrepliedimpassively.Afterall,assheisMuggleborn,herfamily
isnotlikelyfitfortherole.
Whatisanintercessor?Hermionepipedin,havingfinishedoneglassofwaterinonegoandstartedin
onhersecond.
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Basicallyamarriagebroker,Severusreplied,turningtofacetheyoungwitch.AsLuciusmentioned,
mostmarriagesinthearistocracyarearrangedbythefamilies.Somefamiliesuseaprofessional
intercessor,butformost,thefatherorheadofthehouseholdwouldtakeonthisrole.Theyareusually
quitewellversedatcontractnegotiation.
Hermioneconsideredthisforamoment,herbrowsfurrowing.
AmInotwellversedenoughatcontractnegotiationtodoitmyself?shequestioned,honestlycurious.
Clearlyyouare,Dracosmiled.Thepastsixweekshaveproventhat.Giventheintimatenatureof
thesenegotiations,however,peoplehavefoundthatacaring,concernedparty,whohasyourbestinterest
atheartbestfillstheroleofintercessor.Asthebride,youaretooclosetothesituationandmaynot
makethebestdealforyourself,duetopersonalfeelings.
Hermionenodded.Thatmadesensetoher.HerownfatherwasaMuggleofcourse,butalsohewasa
dentistnotabusinessmanorsolicitorusedtodealingwithcontractnegotiations.Hewouldnotbeable
tomatchtheMalfoysandhewouldbelostregardinganymagicalcomponentsoftheagreement.Arthur
Weasleywasverymuchlikeafathertohersincesheenteredintothewizardingworld.Duringthetreaty
negotiations,however,Hermionehadnoticedthathewasnotparticularlyshrewdandshehadtothinkof
whatwasbestforherfuture.Thiswasimportant.Thiswasherlife!
IdobelieveSeverusisthebestchoicetoactasmyintercessor,Hermionefinallystated.Shedidnotice
outofthecornerofhereyethatArthurlookedabitrelieved.Itrusthim.
Severusseemedtostraightenupabitatherstatement.Hermioneknewtheyhadarockypastwhenthey
werestudentandteacher.OnceshelearnedofhisroleasaspyfortheOrderofthePhoenix,Hermione
understoodthefaadeheneededtoconstruct.Severussacrificedsomuchworkingasadoubleagentin
thiswaraswellasthelast,soshedidnotbegrudgehimabadattitudeorsnarkycommentswhilehehad
tofillthatrole.Shedidtrusthim,asshesaid.Hehadnotsteeredherwrongduringthecourseofthe
treatynegotiations,Hermionedidnotseewhyhewouldstartnow.
Butthetreatyisfinished,right?Kingsleyputin.Ahopefullookshoneinhiseyes.Hermionewasa
bitmiffed,butacknowledgedthatheshouldbemoreinvestedinestablishingapeacefulfutureforhis
peoplethanhewasinthestipulationsofhermarriage.
Yes,Mr.Shacklebolt,Luciusnodded.Weagreetothetreatyasitwaslastpresented.Theonly
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additionwewouldaskisalineattheendstatingthattheActofGoodFaithforthistreatywasagreed
uponandthatMissHermioneGrangerwillbecomeLadyMalfoytosealitforallperpetuity.Ifnoone
objectstothataddition,wehaveabindingpendingtreatythatwecanputintoeffect.
Pending?Hermionequestioned.
Traditionally,atreatyisntofficiallysealed,absoluteandindisputable,untiltheActofGoodFaithis
complete,Arthurgentlyinformedthewitch,hishandonhershoulder.Heseemedtorealizethatshe
wastryingtotakeinandmakesenseofalotofnewinformation.
Sowehaveatreatywecanstartusing,butitcanstillberevokedbyeithersideuntilthewedding?
Kingsleyquestioned.Hewasgoodatgettingdowntobrasstacks.
Precisely,Mr.Shacklebolt,Dracoreplied.Butthetreatynegotiationsarefinished.Wecanpublicize
thetreatyimmediatelyandbeginimplementingthetermstomorrow.
Everyonesatandcontemplatedwhatitmeantforeachofthemnowthattheywerefinallyfinished.
KingsleywaseagertoreceivetherestitutionfromtheDeathEatersandbegintorebuildtheMinistry
infrastructure.ItwasestablishedthathewouldbethenewMinisterofMagicforthenextyear,until
thingswerestableenoughtoholdaproperelection.ArthurwastoactastheDeputyMinisterduringthat
time.Hewasparticularlyinterestedinproperlyenactingtheantidiscriminationlawsandotherprograms
detailedinthetreaty.HermionehadimaginedthatshewouldbeworkingonArthursstaffandassisting
withthenewlegislationandprograms.
Atthatmoment,however,theimplementationofthetreatywasthefarthestthingfromhermind.She
wasfocusedontheunexpectedturnherlifehadtaken.Shehadnotplannedongettingmarriedanytime
soon.Shedidnotevenhaveaboyfriend!Nowshewastryingtowrapherheadaroundbecomingawife
andLadyMalfoytotopitalloff.Shewasgoingtogetmarried.ShewasgoingtohavetoliveatMalfoy
Manner.Shewouldhaveawedding.Shewouldhaveaweddingnight!Hermioneblanchedatthespeed
withwhichallthiswashappening.
BothMalfoysseemedtorelishthenewdevelopment,keepingtheireyesonthesoontobeLadyMalfoy.
IfMalfoysevergotgiddy,whichtheydidnot,thenthegiddinessandanticipationwouldhavebeen
palpable.Forhispart,Severusappearedfocusedonwhatwasgoingtocomenext.Hehadalotofwork
aheadofhim.TherewasanalmostunfathomableculturedividebetweenthequickwittedMuggleborn
andthosedyedinthewoolpurebloodaristocrats.
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Ithasbeenalongdayanditisgettingtobedinnertime,Severusfinallystated.Letusbreakforthe
day,agreed?AtLuciusnod,Severuscontinued.Thenthefourofuscanmeetbackheretomorrowat
9am.Arthur,Shackleboltyourpresenceisnolongerberequired,astherestofthenegotiationswillbe
personalregardingthemarriage.
Thegrouprosetotheirfeet,Hermionestillinadaze.Sheverymuchneededthetimetoclearherhead
andorganizeherthoughts.Shewassurethatshewouldcomeupwithdozens,ifnothundreds,of
questionsforthenextday.Inthepastattheendofaday,everyoneusuallywenttheirseparateways,
knowingtheywouldmeetagaintonegotiatethenextday.Today,however,theypaused.Arthurand
KingsleytookturnsshakinghandswiththeMalfoys,everyonecongratulatingeachotheronasuccessful
treatyandhopesforapeacefulfuture.TheblondsthenturnedtoHermioneandstrodetowardher.She
hadafleetingthoughtthattheyweresobeautiful,felineandpredatory,astheymadetheirwaytoward
her.
Getsomeresttonight,littleone,Luciuspurredashebroughtherhanduptohislips.Hermionebriefly
wonderedathowsofthislipswereashebrushedthemlightlyacrossherknuckles.Weknowthatmind
ofyourswillbeworkingovertime,butyoumustnotneglectyourrest.
Wedowantyouingoodformtomorrow,Kitten,Dracosmiledashemovedtostandclosetoher.
Hermionenotedthathisbodyverylightlybrushedupagainsthersandsheshivered.Hewasverytall
thatclose.Dracoleaneddownandpressedhislipstohercheek.Ashepulledbackaninch,he
whispered,Andwhatalovelyformitis.
TemporarilydazedthebyonslaughtofMalfoy,Hermionehadtotakeafewstepsback,forcingLuciusto
dropherhand.Shehadnotrealizedthathehadbeenholdingitstill.Shesuddenlyfelttoowarmagain
anddidnotthinkitwasthesummerheat.Sheshookherheadslightlyandclearedherthroat.
Gentlemen,Hermionefinallystatedstrongly,juttingoutherchin.Iwillseeyoutomorrow.
SeverusjustnoddedtothesmilingblondsandtookHermioneselbow,doingasidealongApparitionto
GrimmauldPlace.HermionewassureherlackoffocusputheratriskforSplinching,soitwassaferfor
Severustoaccompanyher.Besides,theyhadthingstodiscussoverdinnerbeforefacingtheformidable
blondduothenextday.
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HermionefeltthatfamiliarsecondofswirlingnauseathatalwaysaccompaniedApparitionasshefound
herselfstaringatthefrontdoorto12GrimmauldPlace.Hermindwassomuddledthatittookhera
momenttorecallthatshehadtoopenthefrontdoor.Shegavealighttaponthedoorwithherwandso
thewardscouldrecognizehermagicalsignatureandSeverususheredherinthroughthedoor.
Hermione,youaregoingtohavetosnapoutofit,Severustoldthedazedwitchinthefronthallasshe
juststoodthere.
IjustSeverus,IdontHermionehadtotakeadeepcalmingbreath.Idontknowwhattodo!
ThatiswhyIamhere,herolledhiseyes.Hermionesmiledatthechildishgesturethatwassolikethe
teenagersheusedtoteach.First,goupstairsandchangeintosomethingcomfortable.Thencomeback
downandwewillhavedinner.Afterdinner,wewilladjourntothestudywhereyoucanaskmeallthe
myriadofquestionsyouhavespinningaroundinthatbrainofyours.Andyouwilltellmewhatyou
wantforyourselfinthismarriagesoweknowwheretostarttomorrow.
Hermionenoddedandheadedforherbedroom.Severushadorganizedtheeveningnicelyforher,which
sheappreciated.Hermionealwaysfeltbetterwhenshehadaplan,whenshefeltorganized.Onceinher
room,sheroboticallystrippedoffherrobes.Shealwaysworedark,professional,tailoredbusinessrobes
tothenegotiationsbecauseshewantedtoappearsharpandformidable.Unfortunately,therobeswere
toohot.Shepreferredbrightcolors,softfabrics,andcomfortinherregularlife.Slippingonapairof
veryworn,comfortablejeanshortsandanoldQuidditchjerseyfromVictorKrum,Hermionewalkedto
thebathroom.Shewashedthesummertimegrimefromherfaceandhands.Hermioneuncoiledherlong
curlyhairoutofthenowmessybunsheusedtorestraintheunrulylocks.Brushingitoutandweavingit
intoathickbraidwastherapeutic.Aseachminutepassed,Hermionefeltherselfmovingpasttheshock
ofwhathappenedandshebeganthinkingofquestionsshewantedtoaskSeveruslater.
HermioneenteredtheGrimmauldPlacekitchentofindahaughtylookingSeverussittingwithanirritable
RonaldWeasley.Kreacher,Harrysinheritedhouseelf,bustledaround,puttingfoodinbowlsand
settingthetable.HermionebitbackheroffertoassistancetoKreacher,asthoseneverwentoverwell
withthegrizzledoldelf.Whilehisattitudehadimprovedsignificantly,hewasstillnotaveryniceelf.
Hismadnessappearedtohavebeencausedbybeingleftalonesolong,withnocompanyexceptseveral
oftheoldBlackportraits.OncetheywereremovedandKreacherhadregularcontactwithrealpeople,
hissanityimproved.Hewasalsoforbiddenfromspeakingtoanyoftheremaininghouseportraits,just
incase.
Finally,Mione!Ronexclaimed.Wearestarvingdownhere!
WheresHarry?sheasked,sittinginthechairclosesttoSeverus.Ronscowledatherchoiceofseats.
HedidnotunderstandHermionesfriendshipwiththesnarkyPotionsMasterandforsomereasonalways
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lookedatthemsuspiciously.
Hellbebackanysecond.HejustwenttopickupsomepapersattheMinistry,Ronwhined.Butthis
one,hecomplained,jerkinghisheadtowardSeverus,saidwecouldnteatuntilyougothere.
Thatisthepolitethingtodo,Ronald,Hermionescolded,hereyesnarrowedatheroftenrude,always
obliviousfriend.
JustasRonbegantolookaffrontedbyhercriticism,HarrystumbledoutoftheFloointhekitchen.
Thereyouare,Harry!Ronexclaimed.Wevekeptdinnerwaitingforyou,socomehaveaseat.
AsKreachertransportedthemanysteamingdishestothetable,HermioneglaredatRonandHarryjoined
theothers.Theroastedchickenwithfreshsummervegetables,flakysalmonpie,greensalad,andpeach
cobblerlookedandsmelledwonderful,butHermionecouldnotsummontoomuchofanappetite.
Congratulations,Hermione!YoutooSeverus,Iguess,Harrybeamedfromhisseatacrossthetable.
Hermionestiffenedathiscongratulatorywords.Shewonderedhowhehadfoundoutabouther
impendingmarriagesoquickly!IranintoKingsandMr.WeasleyattheMinistry!Theytoldmeyou
allfinallyfinishedthetreatytoday.Youmustbethrilled.Iknowhowmuchworkingonthishasmeant
toyou.
Oh,yes!Hermioneknewshewasblushing.Shehadnoideahowshewasgoingtotellheroldest
friendsabouttheActofGoodFaith.Roninparticularwasgoingtoexplode.Harry,sheknewwould
supportherhealwaysdid.Thereisjustonethinglefttodobeforethetreatyissetinstone,soto
speak.Butitisbindingevennow.
Hey!Roninterrupted.Howcomeyoudidnttellmethatyoufinishedtoday?
Youweretooconcernedforthestateofyourstomachformetogetawordin!Hermioneretorted.Ron
justrolledhiseyes,shrugged,andcontinuedshovelingfoodinhismouth.Shealwayssuspectedheate
likeastarvingmanbecausehehadtocompetewithsomanyothersathometogetafairshare.Itdidnot
looklikehewasgoingtobegrowingoutofitanytimesoon.
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KingswasniceenoughtomakemeacopysoIcouldreadittonight.Itisgoingtobepublishedinthe
DailyProphetofcourse,butthatwontbeuntiltomorrow,Harrysmiled.Hewavedhiswandoverthe
thickrollofparchmentandcreatedaduplicatehehandedtoRon.Hereyougo,Ron.Nowyoucanread
it,too!GiventhatHermionehelpedwriteit,Iamsureitisbrilliant.
Youexpectmetoreadallthis!Ronchokedout,hiseyesgoingwide.Hermionejustturnedawayand
startedpushingfoodaroundonherplate.Shehadhopedshecouldwaittotellpeopleaboutthemarriage
untilthenextday,aftertheinitialmeetingwiththeMalfoys.Surelythenshewouldhavemore
information.Now,allshecouldtellpeoplewasthatshehadtomarryMalfoy.Shewouldfeelbetter
havingsomedetailstouseasashieldwhentheunpleasantcommentsandopinionsstarted.
Eat,Hermione,Severuscutinsoftly.Youwillneedyourstrengthandyourwitsaboutyou
tomorrow.
Whatishappeningtomorrow?Harryaskedcuriously.Hermionejustwatchedhimunrollingthetreaty
parchmentandspreadingitalloutnexttohisplate.
Tomorrowwearearrangingamarriage,Severuscalmlyreported.
Absolutelynot!Ronshrieked,topplingoverhisbutterbeerashewenttostand.Hermioneyoucant
marrythisgreasygit!Iwillnotallowit!
What!?Hermioneshoutedandsheboltedupfromherchair,shockedatRonsoutburst.Sheknewhe
wouldexplode,buthewaswayoutofline.Allowit?Youwillnotallowit?Inwhatuniverse,Ronald
Weasley,doyouhaveanyrighttodictatemypersonallife?
Hermionesirewasrisingquicklytomeetthatoftheoverlyemotionalredhead.Everyoneatthetable
knewanangryHermionewasfarmoredangerousthanatickedoffRon.
Beforeyougetyourselfhexed,Mr.Weasley,youmaywanttohearthefacts,Severusdrawled,
managingtosoundboredatRonsperil.Ifyouaregoingtomakeasceneandbeacompletearseyou
mayaswellunderstandwhyfirst.ThenHermionecanhexyou.
Whyareyouarrangingamarriage,Mione?Harrycutin.Theconcernandconfusionshowingonhis
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facebroughtHermionesragedowntoasimmer.
Itisthelastsentenceofthetreaty,Harry,Hermionesighed,gesturingtotheparchmentinfrontofhim.
Harryshuffledforamoment.Hermioneknewhefoundtheaddendumwhenheeyeswentwideandhe
paledsignificantly.
YouhavetomarryMalfoyforthetreatytobecompleted?Harrymanagedtoask.
Yes,Hermionesighed,sittingbackdown.Sheknewshelookeddefeated.Shecertainlyfeltthatway
andhadnoenergytosugarcoatorspintheinformationtomakeitmorepalatableforherfriends.Ihave
tomarryMalfoy.
HermionejustsighedwhensheheardRonfalloutofhischairinadeadfaint.
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Author'sNotes:
Again,IamnotsecretlyJKRowlingsoIdon'townHarryPotteroranyofthe
characters.
Manythankstobunnyhopsforcleaningupmywriting!
NowHermionegetstofindoutwhataTraditionalMalfoyMarriageentails!
Chapter3
Thereisnowayoutofthis?Harryasked,lookingbetweenHermioneandSeverus.Noonemovedto
EnervateRonjustyet,knowingthiswouldbeeasiertodiscusswithouthim.
NoPotter,therereallyisnt,Severusreplied,Atleast,notifthistreatyisgoingtogothrough.No
marriagemeans,notreaty.
Thetreatyisjusttooimportant,Harry,Hermionestatedfirmly.Itwilldosomuchgood.Noonecan
standthisstalemateanylonger.Weneedtobecomeafunctionalsocietyagainandweneedtodoitnow.
IfIhavetosacrificetodothat,thenthatiswhatIamgoingtodo.Hermionewentovertositnextto
Harryandbeganrubbinghisback,asshealwaysdidwhenhewasupset.Itsgoingtobealright.
Severusisgoingtohelpmenegotiateaverygoodmarriagecontract.Iwillbesafeand,knowingthe
Malfoys,Icertainlywontwantforanything.
Whataboutlove,Mione?Andgettingtochooseyourpartnerinlife?Youwontgetthosethings,
Harrypointedoutsadly.
Imnotparticularlyromantic,Harry,youknowthat.Hermionecontinuedtosootheheroldestfriend.
Iwasneverthegirlthatplannedoutherweddingdetailsduringchildhoodorfantasizedaboutfinding
PrinceCharming.Imtoopracticalforthat.ThoseromancestoriesalwaysbotheredmebecauseInever
couldbelieveinloveatfirstsight.Peopleneedtogettoknoweachother,havethingsincommon,and
workatarelationship.Harrywasbeginningtonod.Heknewhisfriendwasnotpronetoflightsof
fancy,unlikehimself.Besides,itmightnotbesobad.Dracoiscertainlysmartenough,sothatIcan
haverealconversationswithhim,andLucius,too.Wedidalwayshavethesameclassesinschool,sowe
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havesomethingsincommon.Plus,IamprettysureIcanbeatDracoinaduelifIneedto.Getting
Luciuswilltakesomepractice,butIbetImanagethattooeventually.
HarrywasbeginningtosmileanditwasmakingHermionefeelbetterabouthersituation.Shereallydid
believethethingsshewastellingherfriend.
Makesureyougetthatinthemarriagecontract,Severus,thatHermioneisallowedtohextheFerretif
hegetsoutofline,Harrygrinned.Andmakesuresheisstillallowedtohangoutwithmewhenever
shewants.
OhHarry,Hermionesmiled,hereyesbeginningtowaterwithgratitudeforherfriendsacceptance.
Noonecouldeverkeepmeawayfromyou.
***
HermioneandSeverusdecidedtotaketheiruneatenmealstothestudysotheycouldgetstarted.Harry
wiselychosetowaittowakeRonuntilafterthepairplacedwardsandsilencingcharms,makingcertain
thatnoonecoulddisturbthemoreavesdropontheirconversation.
Iamveryoverwhelmedhere,Severus,Hermioneadmitted,althoughsheknewtheolderwizardwas
alreadyawareofherturbulentmentalstate.ShesippedonthehotchocolatethatKreacherbroughther,
whichhelpedhernerveseveninthesummertimeandoddlyenough,wentwellwiththesalmonpieshe
waseating.Canyoustartbygivingmeabasicprimeronpurebloodmarriages?
Ofcourse,Severussettledin.Thiswasclearlygoingtotakeawhile.Beingabachelor,my
knowledgeislargelyacademicandgainedfrombooksorobservation.Ihaveseveraltextsonetiquettein
thepurebloodaristocracythatIwouldbehappytolendyou.IamsuretheMalfoyshavemoreintheir
library.
AsLuciusmentioned,arrangedmarriagesaretraditional.Theyhavebeenusedforallthereasonsthe
Mugglearistocracyusedtoarrangemarriagestocreateorstrengthenalliances,toincreasepolitical
power,andformoney.Theonlyadditionalissueinthissocietyisthatmarriagesaresoughtwith
magicallypowerfulpeopletocreatepowerfuloffspring.Inthepastseveralgenerations,purebloodbirth
rateshavedeclinedandbeingpurebloodcertainlydoesnotequatetobeingpowerful.Therewastoo
muchinbreeding,ashappenedwiththeMugglearistocracy,andithasnotbeenhealthyforpurebloods.
Regardless,purebloodmarriagestendtobetraditionalandusesevendifferentbonds.Sevenisasacred
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numberinritualproceedings.AsyouknowfromArithmancy,ifusedproperlyinacalculation,sevens
andmultiplesofsevencanaddpower.Mostpeopletodayusethreeorfourmarriagebonds,butIam
suretheMalfoyswillincludeallseven.
Whichare?HermionewaslisteningraptlyandwasmildlyfrustratedthatSeverushadpausedhis
lecturetosiphiswine.
Patience,hescolded.ThesevenbondsareColere,tocherish,Conparis,partnership,Defensus,to
protect,Fidelitas,faithfulness,Honoris,honorandrespect,Sanguinis,familyandfinallyInfinitas,for
life.Thesesevenhavebeenusedforhundredsandhundredsofyears,probablythousands,buthavebeen
goingoutoffashioninpastfewgenerations.Manypeoplegettingmarriedthesedaystendnottoinclude
family,faithfulness,protection,orthelifelongcommitment.Thatwaytheydonothavetotrytohave
children,donothavetoprotecttheirspouse,donothavetostayfaithful,andthereisalwaystheoptionof
divorce.WhenyoutakethesevenbondsHermione,youaretakingawizardingoathtoabidebythose
sevenprinciples.Youwillnotbeabletobreakthatpromise.Thatiswhythereisnomentionoflove.
Youcannotforceapersontoloveanotherbyoath.
HowcanIbeforcedtocherishDraco?Hermioneasked,honestlyconcerned.
TheColerebondmeansthatyouwillcarefortheotherswellbeingandtreatthemasiftheyaredearto
you,Severusexplained.Hermionenodded.Thatseemeddoable.
Andthesamebondsareusedforbothbrideandgroom?Hermionewondered.SoifIhavetostay
faithful,sodoeshe?
Indeed,Severusnodded,sippinghiswine.Therecannotbeanyinfidelity.Thatactuallyleadsmetoa
fairlypersonalquestion.Haveyoutakenaloverinthepast?
Youmean,amIavirgin?Hermionefeltherselfblushingfromheadtotoe.Shecouldnotbelievethat
shewastalkingabouthersexlifewithherformerprofessor.Isthatrelevanttothecontract?
Iwouldnotaskunlessitwasrelevant,Severusanswered,lookedoffendedbyherquestion.Ifyou
wereuntouchedallinteractionswithyourintendedwouldrequireachaperoneuntilthewedding
day.
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Isthereaprizetheninvirginityorastigmaonwitcheswhohavelostit?
Notatall,Severusanswered.Thisisoneofthosecaseswherewizardingcultureisfairlydifferent
fromMuggles.Genderdoesnotequalpowerhere.Asyouknow,awitchmaybemuchstrongerthana
wizard,magically.Mugglewomenarenotoftenphysicallystrongerthantheirmalecounterpoints.
Wizardingsocietyhasmuchfewercomplicationswithsexuallytransmitteddiseasesorunwanted
pregnancybecauseofmagicalhealingandcontraceptivecharms.Sexislesslikelytohavenegative
consequences.Muggleswouldseeusasmuchmoresexuallypermissive.Premaritalsexisnot
uncommon,neitherissamesexrelationsorhavingmultiplepartners.Theonlyrealsocialrequirements
arethatallpartiesbeconsentingandofage.
WhydonttheyteachthisatHogwarts?Hermioneasked.Shehatedfeelingignorantonanysubject
andwasabithorrifiedthatshelackedthisbasicinformationonheradoptedculture.
SexeducationatHogwarts?Severussmirked.Iamsureyoucanhavethisinformationincludedinthe
WizardingCultureclassyournewtreatymandatesforMugglestudents.
Iwill,Hermionehuffed,glaringatherteacher.Imayevensuggestyouteachit!
Donotthreatenme,MissGranger,Severusgrowled.Hermionenoticedafleetinglookofpanicinhis
eyesthatmadehergrin.
Ifpeoplewithallkindsofsexualexperienceareaccepted,thanwhymandateachaperone?Hermione
asked,stilldisconcerted.
Tradition,Severusstatedofficiously.Gettingbacktothepoint,peoplethathavechosennotto
participateinsexualintercourseareidentifiedinthecourseofmarriagenegotiationinordertocontinue
torespecttheirwishes.Someuseabstinenceritualisticallyto,theoretically,purifytheirmagic.Thatis
bollocks,butsomepeoplestilltry.Themarriagecontractwouldincludestipulationforaritualized
deflowering.Justtoclarify,thechaperonewouldberequiredforthegroomifhewereavirginthereis
nogenderinequality.Iamawarethatyouhaveyettoanswertomypreviousquestion.
Idonotneedachaperone,Hermioneblushedlightlythistime,tryingtoappearmorecomfortablewith
thisconversation.ShewasanadultafterallandSeveruswasherpeernow,notherprofessor.Shedid
begintofidgetslightlyasheappraisedherinsilence,seemingtoweighthisnewinformation.Hedidnot
appearjudgmental,justspeculativeandsomewhatamused.Decidingtoendthesilenceforherself,
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Hermionewantedtomoveontoherothermainconcern.Sowhatdoesthelifeofanaristocraticwife
looklike?Whatwillmylifelooklike?
Thosearetwodifferentquestions,Severusreplied,continuingtosiponhiswine.Hermionewasirked
athiscalm.Ifshewasconstantlyfightingpanic,thenSeverusdidnothavearighttobesopeaceful.
Ignoringherglare,Severuscontinued.Womenraisedinthearistocracyknowtheirwholeliveswhat
willbeexpectedofthemanddonotquestionit.Thatdoesnotapplytoyou.
Youdidnotanswereitherofmyquestions!Hermionegroaned,aggravatedattheolderman.
Tellmewhatyouwantforyourself,Hermione,Severussaid,stillwiththatfrustratingcalm.Andthat
iswhatwewillnegotiateforinyourcontract.
Hermionesatbackinherchairwithherhotchocolate,contemplatingSeverusquestion.Whatdidshe
wantherlifetolooklike?
Well,shefinallysaid,Ineedtobeoccupied.Icantseemyselfbeingahousewife.Severusjust
noddedandsummonedaparchmenttonoteherwishes.Iwanttohavechildren,butIwantanequal
partinmakingdecisionsabouthowtheyareraised.Iwillretainthefinaldecisionregardingmyperson.
IamnotgoingtoletanyMalfoytellmehowImustdressorwearmyhair.Iwillassociatewith
whomeverIchooseandmyfriendswillalwaysbewelcomeinmyhome.Iwanttoknowwhatisgoing
onwiththeMalfoyfamilyImean,Idonotneedtoknowalltheminordetailsoftheirbusiness
workingsandwhatnot.However,iftheyeverdecidetoalignthemselveswithsomepsychopathagain,as
theydidwithVoldemort,ordosomethingelsethatwouldaffectmeandmyhypotheticalchildren,Iwant
advancednotice.IfAurorsaregoingtoshowupatmydoortoquestionordragoffmyhusband,Idonot
wanttobecaughtoffguard.IwouldbequitepeevedandthoseMalfoyswillhavewishedtheAurorshad
gottothemfirst.
Severussmirkedashisquillfinallystopped.Hermionecouldbeaforcetobereckonedwithwhen
displeased.AlloftheOrdermembers,includinghimself,hadwitnessedthatfirsthand.TheMalfoyshad
gotatasteofhertemperduringthesixweeknegotiations,butshereallyhadbeenonherbestbehavior.
Additionally,thesettingdidnotallowhertousehermagic,whichhadsavedtheMalfoysonnumerous
occasions.
Thosearethebasics.IcancompromiseonmostotherthingsIimagine,Hermioneconcluded.Do
youthinkIcangetallthosethings?
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Withmeasyourintercessor,Ibelieveyouwillhavethebestchance,Severussmirked.
IsthereanyissueImentionedthattheywillfightmeon?Hermioneasked.Hertermssoundedvery
basictoher,butshereallydidnotknowwhatwasexpectedofawifeinthearistocracy.
Theywillquibbleabouthowexactlyyouplantobeoccupiedasyousaid,Severusreported.Most
purebloodwitchesdonotseekemployment.Theysitonboardsforcharities,theysocializewitheach
other,theyplotandschemeagainsteachotherforthesakeoftheirownfamilies.Generally,theyseek
moremoneyandmorepowerthattheycanthenlordovertheirfriends.
Thatsoundshorrid!Hermioneexclaimed.
Thatiswhatpurebloodwivesdo,Severusshrugged.But,ifyourecall,Ialreadytoldyouthatdoes
notapplytoyou.Youarenotapurebloodwife.YouaregoingtobethefirstknownMuggleborninthe
aristocracy.Thatmeans,Hermione,yougettowriteyourownrules.TheMalfoyswillwantyoutotry
tofitinasbestasyoucan,beciviltotheirassociates.Theyknowyouarenotgoingtobecomeanother
personallofsudden.Theyknowwhattheyaregetting,well,forthemostpart.
Severusgaveafewmoreexamplesofhowpurebloodwitchesspenttheirtime,allofwhichsounded
depressingtoHermione.Therewasnothingpositiveinwhatshewashearinganditmadeherfeelvery
tired.Thedayhadtakenanemotionaltollontheyoungwitch.
Iamexhausted,Severus,Hermionesighed.AsmuchasIhatetosayit,Luciusisright.Weboth
needourrest.Oh!Ididhaveonelastquestion.Dracomentionedafewtimesthatitwouldbea
traditionalMalfoymarriage.Isthatdifferentfromatraditionalpurebloodmarriage?
Iwasnotsureifyoucaughtthat,Severussmirked.WhatIamabouttotellyouiswhatIhaveheard.
IamnotsureifallofitisfactorpartlymythpropagatedbytheMalfoysfortheirownbenefit,sotake
thiswiththeproverbialgrainofsalt.AsLuciusmentioned,Malfoysgravitatetowardstrong,powerful
women.TheysaythatweakerwitchesdonotdowellmarriedtoMalfoymen.Neitherpartyisusually
veryhappyintheunion,asMalfoysthriveonchallenge.Themarriagesdonotlastlong.Theaccepted
theoryisthatawitchwithlittlemagicisnotstrongenoughtocarryMalfoychildren,whoareactually
verypowerful.ThatpartIagreewiththeMalfoysalwaysseemtohaveanabundanceofnatural
magicalpower.ManyofthelesspowerfulMalfoywiveshavediedinchildbirth.Iftheysurvived,they
tendedtobeweakenedbythedrainontheirmagicalresourcesandwereunabletoproduceasecond
child.ManyMalfoywivesdiefairlyyoung,muchyoungerthanthetypicallifespanforwitches.
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Arethecausesofdeathnatural?Hermioneasked,suspiciousandalittlealarmed.Shecertainlydidnot
wishtomarryintoafamilyofwifemurderers.
Quitenatural,Severusassuredher.Ithasbeenwelldocumented.AsruthlessastheMalfoysare,they
taketheirvowsveryseriouslyandputfamilybeforeallelse.Whiletheyenjoybeingpowerful,some
Malfoysconsiderthistradeoffacurse.Theirpowermakesthemunlikelytofindatruelifemate,
anotherpersonwhoistheirmagicalequal.
IstilldontknowwhatatraditionalMalfoymarriageis,Hermionepointedout.
Iamgettingthere.Bepatient.Withoutthebackgroundinformation,itwillnotmakeasmuchsense,
Severusscoldedherlightly.DuetothisissuewithMalfoysbeingunabletoholdontowives,ithas
occurredseveraltimesintheirlineagethattheLordMalfoyandhisheirareallthatisleftofthe
immediatefamily.LuciusandDracoareinthatsituationnow.Ibelievetheydohavesomedistant
relatives,mostlyfromtheirmaternalsides,buttheyaretheonlyMalfoys.Itisquiteacelebratedeventin
purebloodcircleswhenthisoccurs,asmacabreasitsounds.Therearetwoeligible,marriageable
Malfoysofbreedingageavailablefortherestofthearistocracytotrytolatchontoviamarriagetoa
daughterorfemalerelative.Theyarequitepopularintheirsociety.IunderstandLuciushasbeengetting
offersforDracosincehisbirth.AndhehimselfwasapproachedtheverydayafterNarcissadied.
Thatishorrible!Hermionewasshocked.Shereallydidnotwanttohaveanythingtodowithagroup
ofpeoplethatwouldbehaveinthewaySeveruswasdescribing.
Thatisthearistocracy,Severusshruggeditoff.Althoughhedidabidebyhisvows,Luciushadno
depthoffeelingforhiswife.Shewasquitemad.ItseemstorunintheBlackfamilywomen,tovarying
degreesofcourse.IfcarryingandbirthingDraco,whichwasverydifficultforher,hadnotweakened
Narcissa,IimagineshecouldhaveturnedoutmuchlikeBellatrixintheend.That,however,isofftopic.
Asyoupointedout,youstilldonotknowwhatyouaregettingwithatraditionalMalfoymarriage.
Hermionenodded,leaningforwardinherseat.
Ifyoudidnotknowbefore,letmeinformyouthattheMalfoysareaspowerfulastheybragtobe.They
arelikelyinthetopfewpercentinthatregard.Theyreallydohaveadifficulttimefindingwitchesat,or
closeto,theirlevelofmagicalpower.Itishardforthemtofindatruematch.AsIsaid,thissituationof
twoeligibleMalfoyshasoccurredseveraltimesintheirlineage.Oneoptionisthatbothmenmarry.
Statisticsalonewoulddictatethatatleastoneofthem,usuallyboth,marryawitchlesspowerfulthan
himself.Whenthishasoccurred,itjustperpetuatedthecycle,orcurse,inthefamily.Theycanbreak
thecycle,however,whentheyfindaverypowerfulwitchwhoistheirmagicalequal.Inthepast,they
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havebeenunabletochoosewhichMalfoysheistomarrytheLordortheheirbecauseawitchthat
powerfulisrare.Therefore,thewitchisboundtobothinmarriage.Historically,theresultshavebeen
quitefavorableandencouragedfutureMalfoystoshareoneverypowerfulbride.ThetraditionalMalfoy
marriageisreportedlymuchmorehappy,harmonious,andproductivewhendonethisway.Theyalways
havemorechildrenaswell,powerfulchildren.Thereissomethingaboutthetriadicmarriagestructure
whenitincludesthreeequallypowerfulpeoplethatsomehowbalancesallthatstrongmagic.Traditional
Malfoymarriagesaresaidtobethemostblessed.
Hermionewasfrozen.SheknewhowshemustlooktoSeverus,hereyeswidenedwithshockandher
mouthhangingopen.Hermionecouldbarelymanagethesituationwhenshethoughtshehadtomarry
Draco,butnowshehadtomarrybothDracoandLucius!
ButbutHermionestammeredeloquently.Butthatsnotthatispolygamy!
Havingmorethanonehusbandispolyandryactually,Severuspointedoutdryly.Multiplemarriages,
whilenotthenorm,arecommonenoughinthewizardingworld.AsIsaidearlier,sexwithmultiple
partnersisnottabootherefore,aunionofmultiplepartnersisnoteither.Doesthisfactchangeanyof
thetermsyoumentionedbeforethatyouwantinyourmarriagecontract?
UmHermioneuttereddumbly.Idontknow.Icantthink,Severus.Idontthinkso.Imeanthe
thingsIlistedarestillwhatIwantinmylife.
Gotobed,Hermione,Severuskindlyencouragedafteramomentofsilence.Hetookthecoldcupof
cocoafromherandhelpedheroutofherseat.Iknowthisisalotforyou.Nevertheless,Luciuswas
rightyouneedyourrest.Youneedtoletyourmindrest,soyoucanadequatelyprocessthe
information.Youknowhowthosetwoareinnegotiationssoyoureallydoneedtobeonyourgame.
TakeoneofthecalmingdraughtsIgaveyoubeforethenegotiationsbegan.Youdostillhavethem?
Hermionenoddedathiswords.Hewasabsolutelyright.Herexperiencewithmenwaslimitedandwith
thesekindofmen,nonexistent.SheneededtobeatherbestandwascertainlygladtohaveSeverus.She
feltentirelyoutofherdepth.
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Author'sNotes:
Disclaimer:Imakenomoneyfromdoingthis.Iownnothing.
Thankstobunnyhopsforherhelp!
Nowontothemarriagenegotiations...
Chapter4
Hermionewokeearlierthanwasnecessary.SleephadonlycomeaftershetookSeverusadviceand
dranktheCalmingPotion.Afterabriefmomentofindecision,Hermionedressedinoneofherfavorite
sundresses.Itwasverylightweightandgoodforasummerday.Despitethethinfabric,thevintage
designprovidedagreatdealofcoverage,fromthevneckontopthathighlightedhercollarbonesdown
tothefull,flaredskirtthatstoppedjustbelowtheknee.Itwaswellfittedacrossthebustanddownher
torso.Hermioneenjoyedthesoftgreenhuesinthedress.Itwassummeryandflatteredhercomplexion.
Shepairedthedresswithcomfortableleathergladiatorsandals.Thesewereherregular,nonschool
clothes.Shedidnottendtowearrobesinherdaytodaylife.Hermionefiguredsheshouldbeherself,
Muggleclothingandall,sothoseMalfoysreallyknowwhattheyweregetting.Shebraidedherthick
curlsbacktokeepthemoutofherfaceandoffherneck,asshedidmosthotdays.Hermioneskipped
makeupalltogether,smoothingalightlotionwithsunscreenaftershewashedherfaceandapplyinga
pinktintedlipbalm,soshewouldnotchap.
Thekitchendownstairswasemptyduetotheearlyhour.Harrywouldgetupsometimemidmorning,
earlierifhehadmeetingsattheMinistry.RonhadnotwokenupbeforenoonsinceVoldemortdied.
Hermionesettomakingherselfsomecoffee.Mostdays,shepreferredtea,butacombinationofanearly
morning,stress,andabusydayrequiredcoffee.Halfanhourlater,Hermionepouredherselfathirdcup
andwasusingthequiettimetothink.
Howcanonewomanbemarriedtotwomen?Whatwouldthatlooklike?Wouldshehaveherown
roomorsharewithherhusbands?Hermionedidnothaveanytemplatestoworkoffhere.Shedidnot
knowanyoneinapluralrelationshipwhomshecouldask.Shewonderedifthereanybooksonthe
subject.Hermionescoffedatherself,ofcoursetherewerebooks!Therewerebooksabouteverything,
maybeevenhereintheBlackfamilylibraryatGrimmauldPlace.BeforeHermionecouldgoexplorethe
library,SeverussteppedthroughtheFloointhekitchen.
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Coffee,Severus?Hermioneoffered,gesturingtowardthewarmpotonthecounter.
Howmanycupshaveyouhad?Severusasked,pouringhimselfalargemug.
Thiswouldbethree.
Andyouhaveeatenwhat?
Nothingyet,Hermionemumbled.Imnothungry.
Kreacher,SeverusshoutedashesatdownacrossfromHermioneatthetable.Thegrumpyelfpopped
intothekitchen.Pancakes,sausage,andfruitplease,Kreacher.
KreachergruntedanacknowledgementtoSeverusrequestandgottowork.Hermionehadtoadmit,
despitetheoldcreaturesattitude,hewasunparalleledinthekitchen.Hewasunbelievablyquickandthe
foodwasdelicious.HermionewonderedhowmanyelveswereatMalfoyManor.Couldtheycookas
wellasKreacher?
StillprocessingIsee,Severussmirked,sippinghiscoffee.Hermionerealizedshewasstaringoffinto
space,thinking.
Wouldyoubeabletorecommendanybooksontriadicmarriagesorpluralrelationships?Hermione
asked.Shewasslightlyirritatedwhenhelaughedatherrequest.Sheknewherreputationasa
bookworm,butthiswasserious!
Ofcourse,Severusansweredwhenhewasthroughchuckling.Iwilllookintoit.Iamsurethe
Malfoylibrarycarriesbooksonthesubjectandyourintendedswouldbehappytolendyouwhateveryou
wish.Iwillcautionyouthoughthisisnotasubjectyoucanlearnbyreadingbooks.Thereisnoguide
forpersonalrelationships,allaredifferentandyouhavetofigureoutwhatfeelsrightforyouthrough
trialanderror.Whatworksforanotherpersonmaynotworkforyou.Hermionejustnodded.Shestill
wantedtoreadwhatotherpeoplehaddonethough.Shewassureitwouldhelpnormalizetheexperience
forher.Andremember,neitherLuciusnorDracohasdonethisbeforeeither.Youwillhaveto
navigatebeingmarriedtotwomen,twoMalfoysforthatmatter.Theywillhavetoworkouthowtoboth
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bemarriedtothesamewitch.
Thatdoesmakemefeelbetter,Hermionegenuinelysmiled.WhenKreacherputplatesoffoodonthe
tableamomentlater,shecouldactuallyfeelherappetiterising.Foodwoulddohergood.
AsHermionewascheckingherleathersatchelinthefronthall,makingsureshehadeverythingbefore
theyleft,Harrystumbleddownstairsinhispajamas.Hesmiledathisfrienddressedinherusual
clothing,ratherthanwizardingrobes.Hewasgladshewasbeingherselfthroughthisprocess.
Ijustwantedtowishyouluckbeforeyouheadoff,Harrygrinned,leaningintokisshisfriends
cheek.DontletthoseMalfoysgetawaywithanything!
Thanks,Harry,Hermionesmiled,tearingupslightly.Shefeltlikeshewasonanemotional
rollercoaster.Yoursupportmeansalottome.ThinkRonwillcomearoundsoon?
Eventually,Harrysighed,takingherhandsinhis.Maybenotsoon,buteventually.Thisishardfor
him,becausehehadideasaboutthetwoofyou.
Ronismyfriendandjustafriend,Harry,youknowthat,Hermionesighed.SheandHarryhad
discussedRonscrushonHermionemultipletimesandatlength.Theybothhopedhewouldmovepast
itsotheycouldallstaygoodfriends.TheonlyonethatseemedtothinksheandRonwouldmakeagood
matchwasRonandhismother.
Iknow,Mione.IhavetalkedtohimaboutitandIwilltalktohimagaintoday,Harryassuredher.
Wanttogoouttodinnertonight,thetwoofus,totalkaboutwhatishappening?
Soundslikeawonderfulplan,Hermioneagreed.Severusclearedhisthroat,alertinghertothetime.
ShehuggedherfriendandwalkedoutthedoorwithSeverussotheycouldApparate.
***
Forsomereason,theofficialnegotiationlocationlookedmoremenacingtoHermionethaniteverhad
before,evenifitwasinthesamenondescriptbuildingshehadbeenvisitingforweeks.Shepausedon
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thefrontsteps,tookadeepcleansingbreath,andstoodupslightlystraighter.
Ready?Severusquestioned,pausedbehindthediminutivewitch.
AsreadyasIlleverbe,Hermionereplied.
LuciusandDracoMalfoywerealreadyseatedatthenegotiationtable,intheirregularseats.Bothmen
weredressedindark,perfectlyhandtailored,lightweightsummerrobesthatlookedliketheycosta
fortune.Luciusseemedtofavoramoretraditionalcut,whileDracoswasasmodernasrobescould
look.TheyroseandstartedwalkingaroundthetablewhenHermioneandSeverusentered.
Youlookverynicetoday,Hermione,Luciussmiledasheapproachedher.Ashedidthenightbefore,
Luciustookherhandandgentlykissedit.ItseemedtoHermionethathismouthlingeredamoment
longerthanwasnecessary.Shewasabsorbedinwatchingtheolderwizard,soshewasslightlystartled
tofindDracoinherpersonalspace,immediatelynexttoher.
Fatherisright,Dracogrinned.Youlookdelicious,likeacooldrinkonahotday.
Ifyouareready,gentlemen,Severusinterrupted,rollinghiseyesjustslightly.Letusgetdownto
business.
Ofcourse,Luciusnodded.HeandDracoslowlywithdrew,backtotheirsideofthetable.Hermione
feltunreasonablywarmagainandwonderedifhercoolingcharmwasstartingtofailalready.Probably
not.Shedecidedtheprocesswouldgosmoothestiftheywouldremainontheothersideofthetable.
Iwantedtostartoutbysayingthatyesterday,whenIagreedtothismarriage,Ididnotknowthe
definitionofatraditionalMalfoymarriage,Hermionestarted.Sheglaredatthetwoblondsacrossthe
table,eyeingthemtoseeiftheyknewshehadmisunderstoodandexploitedthatfactinaverySlytherin
manner.Bythelooksontheirfaces,itappearedtheydid.
ItseemsSeverushasfilledyouin,Luciusrepliedcalmly.Hasthatchangedyourdecisiontoaccept
theActofGoodFaith?
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No,Hermionereportedafteralongpause.IkeepmywordwhenIgiveit.JustbeawarethatIdonot
takekindlytomanipulation.Itisimportantyoulearnthatnowsinceitseemsthethreeofuswillbe
togetherforawhile.AsnonSlytherinasitmaybe,Iadvisethatinthefutureyouapproachmedirectly
withyourrequestsanddonotattempttowithholdorobscureinformationfrommeforyourowngain.
Evenifyouaresuccessfulintheshortterm,itwillbedetrimentaltoyouintheend.BeassuredthatI
willfindout,eventuallyIalwaysdo.Iamnotawitchtobetrifledwith.Iwantedtobeclearonthis
issue,soyouknowexactlywhatyouhavesignedyourselvesupfor.
Severuslipstwitchedeversoslightlyatherspeech.TheMalfoyswantedastrongwitchandthey
certainlygotone.Hermionessteadygazestudiedtheirreactiontoherwords.BothDracoandLucius
nodded,appearingtohaveheardherwarning.Luciusalsoseemedabitproudofherspirit,whilethe
glintinDracoseyeindicatedheadmiredhersternlecture.Hermionewassureneithermanwould
actuallyheedher,althoughtheyshould,becauseshemeanteveryword.People,likeSeverus,whoknew
herbetterunderstoodthateverythingshesaidwasfactual.Hermionedidnotblufforposture.Shesaid
whatshemeantandalwaysdidwhatshesaidshewoulddo.AsnonSlytherinasitwouldbeforthe
Malfoystobestraightforwardwithher,itwouldbeequallynonSlytheriniftheyjustacceptedher
statementanddidnottesther.Theywouldlearn,intime.Neithermanwasstupidormasochisticinany
fashion,soitwouldbeintheirbestintereststoquicklylearnhowfartheycouldpushtheirbride.
So,howdoesthisprocesswork?Hermionequestionedaftertheyeachponderedheropeningstatement.
Asthepetitioners,wehavebroughtourproposedmarriagecontract,Dracoreplied.Hecastaquick
duplicatingspellandpassedcopiestoHermioneandSeverus.Sincethetreatynegotiationswere
finished,thebanonwandsandthewardsprohibitingwandlessmagicwereremovedfromtheroom.As
youwillsee,thecontractaddressestheengagementperiod,theweddingitself,andthenthemarriage.
Shallwestartwiththeengagementperiod?Wehaveproposeditbefivedaysinlength.
Hermionegasped.Fivedays?Theywantedtogetmarriedinfivedays.
Whatdoyouthink?SeverusaskedHermionecalmly.
Fivedaysisjustsosoon,Hermionefinishedfeebly.Arewizardingengagementsalwayssoshort?
Engagementscanlastfromdaystodecades,Luciusscoffed,wavinghishanddismissivelyather
question.DracoandIdidnotseeanyreasontowait.Assoonaswearemarried,thetreatywillbe
final.
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Noneedtokeepremindingmeofthetreaty,Lucius,Hermionehissed.Iamperfectlyawareofhow
thissituationcameaboutandIunderstandthatthefutureofourtreatyiscontingentonmymarryingthe
twoofyou.
Whatisyourobjectiontogettingmarriedinfivedays?Dracoreasoned.Hermionenoticedthesmall
lookthatDracogaveLucius.ShehopedthatsinceDracohadknownherforsevenyears,hewouldlet
hisfatherknowshedidnotrespondwelltoanyonedismissingherquestions.
AsIstated,fivedaysissoon,Hermionebegan.Iwouldnotbegintoknowhowtoplanaweddingin
suchashorttime.Iimaginewewilltalkmoreindetailwhenwegettotheweddingsectionofthe
contract,however,mylimitedexperiencewiththearistocracy,andwithMalfoys,wouldleadmeto
believetheeventwillnotbesmallorcasual.
No,itwillbeneithersmallnorcasual,Luciussmirked.Wecancountonitbeingtheexactopposite
ofthosetwothings.Money,however,getsthingsdoneasquicklyastheyneedtobedone.
Additionally,IfeelIwouldneedmoretimetopreparemyself,Hermionecontinued.ShesawDracos
questioninglookandelaborated.IdidnotthinkIwouldbegettingmarriedforyears,ifatall.Ihave
hadlessthantwentyfourhourstodealwiththischangeinplans.TheonlypeopleIhavetoldaboutthe
marriageareHarryandRon.Ofcourse,aftertheDailyProphetpublishesthetreatytodayeveryonewill
know.Nevertheless,Istillfeelitwouldbeappropriateformetositdownwithmyfriendsandloved
onesandpersonallyexplain.Iwillalsoneedtoinformmyparents.SincetheyareMugglesandplural
marriagesaretabooinMuggleculture,theywillneedtimetoprocesstheinformation.Lastly,Iwould
liketospendsometimewithmyfuturehusbandsinasocialsettingpriortoourwedding.Iamsureyou
bothwouldagreethatourpreviousinteractionshavenotexactlybeenconducivetobuildingapositive
relationship.Therefore,Iproposeamonthlongengagement.
Sevendays,Luciuscountered.BothHermioneandSeverusscoffed.
Threeweeks,Severusoffered.
Two,Dracoputin.
Done,Severusnodded.Theweddingwilltakeplaceintwoweekstime.AstodayisSaturday,itwill
beheldtheSaturdayafternext.Beforethattime,youwillspendtimetogetheronatleastfouroccasions
sothatHermionemaygetusedtoyou.Outofthefourdates,twowillbethethreeofyoutogether,one
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willbejustHermioneandLucius,andtheotherwillbejustHermioneandDraco.Thesefourwillbe
consideredtheminimumwiththeoptionforadditionaldatesifitisdesiredandtimeallows.
ThentheengagementpartywillbeheldattheManorinoneweek,nextSaturdayevening,Lucius
reported.Thatwillcertainlyqualifyasasocialengagement.Ifyoudonotobject,Hermione,oneofmy
assistantswillorganizetheeventwithyourdirection.Traditionally,LadyMalfoywouldorganizeparties
oreventsthattakeplaceattheManor,butyouwillnotbeLadyMalfoyfortwoweeks.Inadditionto
celebratingourupcomingnuptials,itcanbeatimetomeeteachothersfriendsandfamily.Willa
chaperoneberequiredfortheeventandtheseotherdates?
Hermionedoesnotrequireachaperone,Severuscasuallyrepliedashecontinuedtoreadoverthe
marriagecontract.Hermionedidherbestnottoblushandfeltsomewhatsuccessful.Weareallaware
thatyoudonot,Lucius,asthisisyoursecondmarriage.DoesDracorequireachaperone?
Idonot,Dracoreplied.HewaslookingoveratHermionespeculatively.Sheimaginedhewas
runningthroughallthemalesatHogwartstryingtofigureoutwhomshehadsleptwith.Hermionefound
herselfdoingquitethesamething.ItwasprobablythehorridPansyParkinsonoroneofthedisturbingly
thinGreengrasssisters.Shewassurprisedattheverysmalltwingeofjealousyshefeltandthenberated
herselfforbeingsilly.
Iwouldliketoaddastipulationthen,Luciusintonedinthatboredwayofhis.Hermionelearnedthat
tonewasafaadeheusedtohideemotions.Hiseyesalwaysgaveitaway.Nowtheywerepositively
blazing,withwhatfeelingHermionewasnotsure.Wasitpossessiveness?Youwillimmediatelycease
anysexualorromanticrelationshipscurrentlyunderway.Youwillbefaithfultousduringthe
engagementperiodaswellasinthemarriage.Itbeginsthismoment.Therewillbenolastgoodbyeor
finalfling.
Iwillonlyagreetothatstipulationifitisextendedtoincludebothofyouaswell,Hermionenarrowed
hereyesattheMalfoys.Whatwasgoodforthegoosewascertainlygoodforthegander.Didtheyhave
loversorwomentheysawregularly?Well,ifso,theydidnotanymore.Neithercouldbetoo
emotionallyattachedtoanotherwoman,becausetheyhadaskedhertogetmarried.Attachedornot,
Hermionewasnotabouttoletanythingcontinuewhileshewastheirfiance.Herpridewasimportantto
hershewasaGryffindorafterall.
Agreed,DracorepliedasLuciusnodded.
"Iwouldliketoinquireastoyourcurrentlivingsituation,"Luciusstated.Hermionethoughtshestillsaw
thatpossessiveglintinhiseyesagain,butfiguredshemustbemistaken.
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"Theninquire,"Severusrespondedinhisusualsnarkymanner.Luciusnarrowedhiseyesathisold
friend.
"WeunderstandyouarelivingattheOrderheadquarters.Isthatcorrect?"Dracoinjected.
"Yes,IcurrentlyliveatHarry'shouse,whichwastheOrderheadquartersatonetime,"Hermionereplied.
"Whoelselivesthere?"Dracocontinued.
"AtthemomentonlyHarry,Ron,andIlivethere,"Hermioneexplained."ButsinceitwastheOrder
headquarters,asyoumentioned,manyoftheOrdermembershavearoomtherethattheycanuseifthey
needto."
"Itisnotseemlyforourfiancetobelivingwithtwosinglemen,"Luciusinformedher.
"ThenIguessIwillbeunseemlyforthenexttwoweeks,"Hermioneretorted,hereyesnarrowed.There
wasnowayshewasgoingtomoveforthetwoweekspriortothewedding.
"AnalternatewouldbetomoveintoyourroomsatMalfoyManorearly,"Luciuscameback,clearly
irritatedwiththeyoungwitch.
"Right,"Hermionesnortedsarcastically,"Becausethatlooksproper.IshouldmoveoutofthehouseI
sharewithtwomenthatIamnothavingsexwithinordertomoveinwithtwomenImostcertainlywill
behavingasexwith?"
HermionewatchedLucius'eyesnarrow.Hewasobviouslynotpleasedwithherresponse.
"Iwillmoveinafterwearemarried,notbefore,"Hermionecontinued."IwillstaywhereIamthenext
twoweeksandenjoythecompanyofmyfriends,sinceIwillprobablynotseethemeverydayafterwe
aremarried.Youalreadyhavemyagreementtobefaithfultoyouduringourengagement,asIhave
yours.Thatwillhavetobeenoughforyou.Thisisagoodopportunity,LordMalfoy,foryoutostart
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learninghowtotrustme."
HermioneleveledherunwaveringstareatLuciusassheendedhersentence.Theysatforamoment
contemplatingeachother.
"ThismaybeagoodtimetoletyoubothknowthatIvaluecompromiseandIunderstandthat
relationshipstakework,"Hermionebrokethesilence."IwanttobeclearthatIwillmakemyown
decisionsandusemyownjudgment.Itisnotinmynaturetodefertoothers,sodonotexpectitto
happen.IbelieveIamareasonableperson,soIamwillingtoaskforandlistentoyourcounsel
particularlyonissueswhereIfeeluninformed."
"Iappreciatetheinformation,"Luciusconcededafteramoment.HermionelookedovertoDraco,who
wasnoddingthoughtfully.GivenwhatSeverushasexplainedaboutpurebloodwives,Hermionebelieved
theMalfoyswouldfindhertobequitedifferent.Shedidnotseetheharminlettingthemknowfromthe
beginningthatshewouldnotbelikethepurebloodwomentheywereusedto,eventhoughSeverushad
assuredhertherewouldbenosuchexpectation.
"Speakingoffeelinguninformed,"Severusstated,"wewouldlikeyoutoprovideHermionewithbooks
tohelpeducateheraboutnewaspectsofherlife.Theseshouldinclude,atminimum,booksabout
purebloodetiquetteandtriadicmarriages.Youmayincludeothersthatyoufeelarepertinent.Idoubt
Hermionewillturnawaybooks."
HermionefavoredSeveruswithaminorglareathisstatement.Hernonverbalreprimandwashalf
heartedthough,becausehewasnotwrong.Shewouldnotturnawayanybooks.
"Doyouhavesuchbookinyourlibrary?"Hermioneasked.
"Ofcourse,"Luciusreplied."Wewillbehappytogetthemtoyou.Infact,wecanbringthemtoyour
hometomorrow,andthentakeyououttolunch.
Thatsoundsniceactually,Hermioneconceded.
SinceyouhaveinvitedyourselftoseeHermioneshome,Severusdrawled,Iwouldliketoadda
comparablepointtotheengagementperiod.Inthenexttwoweeks,preferablythenextweek,Hermione
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shouldbegivenafulltourofMalfoyManorandabletoseeherlivingspace.Shewillbeallowedto
makeanydecorativechangesthatshedesiresand,withyourpermission,othermoresubstantivechanges
shefeelsarenecessary.
Agreed,Luciusnodded.HermionecancomeoverMondaymorningafterbreakfast.Touringthe
groundswilltakemostofthemorning.WecanhavelunchandthenseetheManor.
Wewouldlikeyoutospendthedaywithus,Dracoinformedher.ThenIcantakeyououtMonday
nightforouroneononedate,ifyouarewilling.
Hermionenodded.ShehadneverspentanytimealonewiththeMalfoys,eitherseparatelyortogether.
Shewouldhavetogetusedtotheidea.
Thatseemstocovertheengagement,Severusnoted.Allthreenodded.Shallwetakeatenminute
breakbeforewemoveontothewedding?
Again,allthreenodded.TheMalfoysstayedatthetable,butHermioneexcusedherselftogotothe
washroomandsplashsomewateronherface.
Backtoindex
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Author'sNotes:
Disclaimer:IamnotJKRowling,Idonotownthesecharacters.ButIsuredo
loveplayingwiththem!
Thankstobunnyhopsforthelineabouthowuncomfortablesexonthebeachcan
reallybe!
Chapter5
WehavewritteninthecontractthattheweddingwilltakeplaceatMalfoyManor,atdusk,inthe
gardens,Luciusreportedwhentheyallreconvened.Thetraditionalceremonywillbeused,including
allsevenbonds.ThetwoofuswillsimultaneouslybeboundtoHermionewhilesheisboundtoeachof
us.Itwilljustbethethreeofustherearenobridesmaidsorgroomsmenintraditionalceremonies.The
ceremonywillbeimmediatelyfollowedbyaballthatwillincludedinneranddancingintheManor
ballroom.
Weexpectedasmuch,Severusnodded.AsHermionehasnotwitnessedatraditionalmarriage
ceremonyweaskthatyouprovideheradetaileddescriptionoftheeventassoonaspossible,soshewill
knowwhatisexpected.
Ofcourse,Luciusagreed.Wearewillingtobesomewhatflexibleregardingdecoration,flowers,
music,andmenu.Ihavehiredsomeonetoarrangeeverythingforus.Wearedoingthisinashortperiod,
butIdonotwantanyofustohavetosacrificewhatwewant.Ifyouwish,Hermione,thethreeofuscan
meetwiththeplannertogetherMondayatteatimetodiscussourpreferencessinceyouwillalreadybeat
theManor.
Iwouldliketohaveinput,Hermioneagreed.Afterall,thiswillbemyonlywedding.Ialsoexpectto
includewhomeverIchoosetotheguestlist.
Agreed,Dracoreplied,grinning.Afterall,thiswillbeyouronlywedding.
Hermionerolledhereyesandchuckledathisusingherwords.
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Thecontractdoesnotnotewhoistakingfinancialresponsibilityfortheevent,Severuspointedout.
Yes,Luciusagreed.Traditionalcontractshaveastatementaboutthebridesfamilypayingforthe
wedding,whilethegroomsfundstheengagementparty.Weanticipatedpayingforallcosts.Iwilladd
thattothecontractsoitisclear.
Hermioneshruggedheracceptance.Shedidnothavealotofmoneyherselfanddidnotfeelaskingher
parentswouldbefruitful.Shefiguredthatherparentswouldnotbethrilledthattheireighteenyearold
daughterhadtogetmarried,wouldhavetwohusbands,andthatoneofherhusbandswastwentyyears
hersenior.Askingthemtopayforpartoftheweddingontopofthatwouldbetoomuch.
"Thedayafterthewedding,thatSunday,wewilltakeaninternationalPortkeyforatwoweek
honeymoon,"Dracoinformedherwithabitofaleer."Wefeelitnecessarytogetawaytoaprivate
location,awayfromthedemandsofourregularlives,inordertospendqualitytimetogether."
Fromhistoneandfacialexpression,Hermioneunderstoodqualitytimetomeannakedtime.Hermind
flashedonimagesofanakedDracoandthenshepicturedanakedLucius.Hermionewasnotsurehow
thatwasgoingtowork.Whatwouldhappenontheirweddingnight?Shedecidedahoneymoonaway
fromeveryoneelsewouldbehelpful.ThatwayshewouldhavesometimetoacclimatetobeingLady
Malfoywithoutherfriendsaskingpersonalquestionsortryingtonavigatethesharkinfestedwatersthat
werethearistocracy.
"Ahoneymoonsoundslikeagoodidea,"Hermionenodded."Areyougoingtotellmewhereweare
goingsoIcanpackappropriately"
"Ohno,Idon'tthinkso,"Luciussmirked."Wewanttosurpriseyou.Iwilltellyouthatitwillbequite
warm,closeabodyofwater,andveryprivate."
Hermionewonderedifitwouldbeoneofthosewhitebeacheswithclearbluewater.Shealsowondered
howprivateitwouldbe.Wouldtheyfrolicinthesurf?Asuddenimagepoppedintoherhead.She
waswrappedupwithanakedwizardwithMalfoyplatinumblondhair,thewavescrashingovertheir
entwinedbodies.Ofcourse,asusual,Hermionespracticalmindsteppedin.Sheimaginedallthose
littlegrainsofsandfindingtheirwayintoplacestheyshouldnotbe.Whilesexonthebeachseemed
exciting,shedecideditwasprobablynotverycomfortable.
Ontothebulkofthecontract,Severuscontinued,themarriageafterthewedding,lifeafterthe
honeymoon.Hermionehascomeupwithalistofdemands.Whilethewordingmaybenegotiable,the
generalcontentisnotandwearenotwillingtocompromisethecoreoftheseissues.Pleasereviewthem
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andthenwewilldiscuss.
Severuspassedoutalisttoeveryoneatthetable.Hermioneknewhehadtakennotesonwhatshewanted
whentheytalkedthenightbefore,butshehadnotseenthemdraftedascontractterms.Hermionewas
pleasedandfeltheappropriatelyconveyedherwishes.
Startingatthetop,Dracobegan.Malfoywiveshaveneverheldemploymentandwedonotwishthat
tostartnow.LadyMalfoyhasobligationstowardherfamilyandherstationthatwillnotleavetimefor
hertoalsohaveafulltimejob.
Asitsays,Hermioneresponded.Ineedtobeoccupied.Irequireintellectualstimulationand
challengesinlifeotherwise,Iwillnotbehappy.IdonotknowexactlywhatIwilldoatthispointIjust
knowIhavetodosomething.Thisisnonnegotiable.Iunderstandyouhavemoremoneythananyonein
theuniverse,soIwillnotrequireapaychecktosustainmyself.Imayoccupymyselfwithcharitywork
thatdoesnotpayIamnotsure.TheonlyconcessionIamwillingtomakeisthatIwilllistentoadvice
fromthetwoofyouregardinghowIspendmytimeifyoueverhaveconcernsthatourrelationshipormy
otherobligationsaresufferingduetomywork.
Luciusjustnodded,lookingatherknowingly.Hermionewassurehecaughtherwordingthatshewould
listentotheiradvice.Sheneveragreedtofollowit.Dracosnodwasmorehesitant.Heseemedpeeved
thathewouldnothaveherathisdisposalatalltimes.
Wehavenoissuewithyourhavingequaldecisionmakingregardingchildrearingoroveryourpersonal
dressandstyle,Luciuscontinued.Iwouldaskthatyoumakethesameconcessionhereaswellthough
andbewillingtolistentoouradvice.
Hermionenodded.Thatseemedreasonable.Afterall,shedidnotexactlyknowhowtodressforthe
societyfunctionsshewillbeexpectedtoattend.
Regardingyourfriendsandassociates,Dracobroughtup.Idonotwishforyoutospendallyourfree
timewiththem.Youwillhavetwohusbandstoattendto,whichismorethanmostwitches,andwedo
notwanttobesecondary.Additionally,Iamwellawarethatmanyofyourfriendsdonotlikeus.Idonot
wishtobesubjecttoverbalabuseorhexesinmyownhome.SoIwouldliketoaddacaveatthatyour
friendsareonlywelcomeinourhomeiftheycanrefrainfromthatsortofbehavior.
Agreed,Hermioneallowedafteramoment.Dracodidhaveapoint.Ifshewerereallymarryingthem,
shewoulddoherbesttoforgearealrelationship.Shemaynoteverfallmadlyinlovewiththem,butshe
wantedacaringandhappymarriage.Forthattohappen,shewouldneedtospendtimewiththem,not
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onlywithherfriends.ItwasnottoomuchforDracoandLuciustoaskthatsherefrainfrombringing
homeanyonethatwouldtrytoharmthem.HermionethoughtofRon.Heprobablywouldtrytohexor
duelthem.Hewouldneverwinaduelwitheitherofthem,buttheyshouldnotbeputinapositionto
defendthemselvesfromherfriends.
Wehavenoissuewithyourwantingtobeinvolvedinourlives,Luciuscontinued.Thatiswhat
marriageissupposedtoentailandIwouldamendyourtermtomakeitreciprocal.Wewanttobeaware
ofwhatishappeningwithyou.Additionally,Iwouldliketoincludeguidelinestohelpmakesurethis
happens.Ibelievethethreeofusshouldhavedinnerandspendtheeveningtogetheratleastthreetimes
perweek.Weshouldalsoplantospendtimetogetherforatleastfourhoursduringthedayevery
weekend.
Thatmakessense,Hermioneagreed.Iwantthecontracttobeclearthatthesearesuggested
minimums.Ifsomeemergencycircumstanceoccursthatmeanswedonotgetthreeeveningsoneweek,
therewouldbenopenalty.Weshouldendeavortomakeupthattimewitheachotherthough.
BothMalfoysnoddedinagreement.Hermionewasgladthattheyseemedtobeinvestinginthis
relationshipassheplannedtodo.
Thecontractalreadyincludesbasicinformation,Luciusshared.HermionewillbecomeLadyMalfoy,
resideatMalfoyManor,andhaveaccesstotheMalfoyfamilyvaults.Webothwishtohavechildrenand
haveindicatedthatnocontraceptionshouldbeused.
Thatisnotacceptable,Hermioneresponded.Idontwanttohavechildrenrightaway.Ispentsomeof
mychildhoodandallofmyadolescencefightingawar.SoIfeelalotolderthanmyeighteenyears.
Nevertheless,Iamstillyoung.Ianticipatethatthismarriagewillhaveitsupsanddown,especiallyatthe
beginning.IwanttimetogetusedtobeingmarriedtothetwoofyouandbeingLadyMalfoywithout
addinganewroleofmothertothelist.Iwillagreetoremovecontraceptionaftertwoyearsofmarriage.
Sixmonths,Luciuscountered.
Oneyear,Hermionecameback.Andthatismyfinaloffer.
Done,Luciusnodded.
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"Whileitmaybeoutofourhands,doyouhaveanideaofhowmanychildrenyoueachwant?"Hermione
asked.
"Iwouldlikeoneortwomore,"Luciusreported."IalreadyhaveDraco,butalittlegirlwouldbenice."
HermionenoticedthewayLucius'eyesshonewithwarmthashelookedatDraco.Thefatherandsonduo
hadalwaysseemedveryclose,butafterspendingmoretimewiththemduringthetreatynegotiations,
Hermionenoticedalotofaffectionbetweenthetwomen.Ofcourse,theywouldhavetobecloseand
loveeachothertoenterintothekindofmarriagetheyproposed.HermionenoticedthatDracoreturned
hisfather'swarmthandgrinnedattheideaofLuciuswithalittledaughter.
"MaybeitwasbecauseIwasanonlychildandIalwaysknewthefamilycursewouldmeanIwouldonly
everhaveonechild,"Dracobegan,"butpartofmehasalwaysenviedlargefamilies.I'veimagined
havingthreeormorechildren,butIdidn'tanticipateeverfindingawitchstrongenoughtosafelymake
thatdreamareality."
HermionewastouchedbyDraco'sstatement.WhenSeverustoldherabouttheMalfoyissueofkeeping
wives,shehadnotreallyconsideredwhatitwouldbeliketogrowupthinkingthatwasyourfuture.
Dracohadbelievedhewouldhavetochoosebetweenhavingawifeforalifetimeorhavingchildren.She
foundherselfreallyhopingshecouldgivehimwhathewanted.
"Thatisatleastfourchildrentotal,"Hermionetabulatedaloud.Sheimaginedwhatitwouldbeliketo
haveahousefullofplatinumblond,curlyheadedchildrenrunningaroundahouse.Hermionefound
herselfsmiling.She,likeDraco,wasanonlychildandhadenviedbigfamiliesthatwaswhysheenjoyed
stayingattheWeasleys."Ihavenoproblemwiththat.Evensixchildrentothreeadultsisnotabad
ratio."
LuciusandDracobothsmiledatHermione'smath.Hermionerealizedshehadnotreallyseeneither
Malfoysmilegenuinelymuchatalluntilrecently.Shelikedthoserealsmilesquiteabit.
"Ibelievethatcoversalltheissuesonthetable,unlessthereisanythingelse?"Severusinterjected.When
theyallshooktheirheads,hecontinued."Iwillredraftthemarriagecontractthisafternoon,includingthe
newinformationagreedupontoday,andowlyouallyourcopiesthisevening.Wheneachofyousigns
yourcopy,thesignaturewillautomaticallyappearontheothercopies.Onceallthreeofyousign,the
marriagecontractwillbebinding."
"Thankyouforallyourhelp,Severus,"Hermionesmiledgratefullyatthesnarkywizard.Aseveryone
stoodfromthetable,HermionespontaneouslygaveSeverusahug.Shereallydidnotknowwhatshe
wouldhavedonewithouthim.Heseemedtofreezeamomentatherembrace,butthenreturnedit
pattingherontheback.
"Itwasmypleasure,"Severusresponded."Iexpecttobewatchingthisspectacleofamarriagefor
decadestocome,somymotiveswerereallyquiteselfish.Ianticipatebeingthoroughlyentertained,
becauseIhighlydoubtthosetworeallyunderstandwhattheysignedonforwithawitchlikeyou."
Hermionewasabouttotakeoffense,butsawthelaughing,teasingexpressiononhisfacewhenshe
steppedbackfromthehug."Whiletheymayhonestlypreferverystrongwomen,neitheronehashadthe
experienceofactuallybeingintimatelyconnectedwithone.Althoughitaddsnothingtomyfuture
entertainment,Iwillmakeonerequestontheirbehalf,becauseIdontlikeenoughpeopletohavemany
friendsandthatsmallnumberincludestheMalfoys.AllIaskisthatyoutrynottohurtthemtoobadly
andletthemfeelliketheyarewinningeveryonceinawhile."
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SeverusturnedtoLuciusandDraco,whobothhadtheireyesnarrowed.Hermionewasnotsurewhat
theytookissuewith,Severusembracingheroraskinghertogoeasyonthem.
"Asforyoutwo,"Severusdrawled,"TrynottomakeHermionetooangry.Moreover,donot,Irepeatdo
notunderestimateher.Unfortunatelyforyou,thistinywitchhasmorecouragethanregularGryffindors,
issmarterthanmostRavenclaws,ismoreloyalthanyouraverageHufflepuff,andcanbetrickierthan
mostoftheSlytherinsIhaveknownandI'veknownalot.Thatmeanssheisalsoexceptionally
stubborn,frustrating,overlyemotional,andselfrighteous."
HermionegaveSeverusahalfheartedsmackonthearminresponsetohisassessmentofhercharacter.
Shedecidedthatshefounditflatteringoverall.Itwasnotasifherfaultshelistedwereuntrue.Allof
thosetraits,includingthenegativeones,wouldcomeinhandydealingwithherfuturehusbands.Then
Severusgaveashallowmockbowtoeveryoneandexitedtheroom.Hermionewasleftwithherfiancs,
forthefirsttime.
"Ah,"Dracogrinned,"aloneatlast."
"Wouldyouliketoaccompanyustolunch?"Luciusasked.
"Iwould,butIamafraidIcan't,"Hermionesighedasthetwomenapproachedher.Shecontinuedtofind
theircloseproximitydisconcerting.Whymusttheystirsuchastrongreactioninher?Shewouldneedto
keepherwitsaboutherunlessshewantedthosedomineeringMalfoystorunrightoverher.Maybeshe
woulddobetteriftheycameuptoheroneatatimeinsteadofintandem.Shedidregretnotbeingableto
gowiththem.Atense,difficultlunchwithherfuturehusbandswouldbepreferabletowhatshehad
planned."IwasnotexaggeratingwhenIsaidmyparentswillhaveahardtimedealingwiththis.They
wantedmetoleavewizardingsocietyalltogetherratherthanbecaughtupinasortofcivilwar.Of
course,Iwouldneverhavebeenabletodothat,buteverythinghasputastrainonourrelationship.Iwant
totellthemabouttheweddingtoday.Maybewithtwoweeksnotice,theycanfindtheirwayto
attending,eveniftheywillnotbehappy."
"Wouldyoulikeus,oroneofus,togowithyou?"Dracoasked.Hebeganrubbinghishandsupand
downherarms,whichHermionefoundquitesoothing.Helookedconcerned.Shefiguredthedread
showedclearlyonherface.Thatwasalwaysgoingtobeonefundamentaldifferencebetweenherand
them.Whiletheykepttheiremotionsandreactionswellmasked,Hermioneworehersrightoutforallto
seelikemostGryffindors.ShenoticedLuciushassidleduptoherandplacedoneofhishandsonthe
smallofherback.Hetoolookedworriedforher.Hermionefeltshecouldgetusedtohavingthesetwo
menactingcaringandprotective.Usuallyshehatedwhenthemeninherlifebecameprotectiveofher.It
wasasiftheydidnotfeelshecouldprotectherselfanditwasjustirritating.WhenDracoandLuciusdid
it,however,itjustseemedniceasiftheywantedtobethereincasesheneededthemratherthan
assumingshecouldnothandleherself.
"Idon'tthinkthatwillhelpatthemoment,"Hermioneresponded."Butthankyoufortheoffer.ItisbestI
gobymyselfatfirst.Iwouldliketogivethemachancetomeetyouboththoughbeforethewedding."
"Ofcourse,"Luciussoothed."Justletusknowwhenandwhereyouwantustobeanditwillbedone."
"Iappreciateit,"Hermionesmiled."Ishouldgo.Nosenseindrawingouttheinevitable."
"Amoment,"Dracospokeupashesteppedevenclosertoherandtightenedhisgriponherarmseverso
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slightly."Weareofficiallyengagedtobemarried.Iwantagesturetosealtheagreement."
HewasjustsocloseandHermionefeltslightlyhypnotizedbythosegreyblueeyes.Beforeshecould
thinkofwhathemeant,Dracohadclosedthedistancebetweenthem.Hislipstouchedherssoftlyandshe
gaveasoftgaspatthesuddennessofhismovement.Hetookadvantageofherpartedlipstogently
smoothhistongueoverthem.Hermione'slipspartedevenmoreandDracopulledhertighterintohis
embrace.Hefeltsogoodsowarmandsolid.Hermionegaveintothesensationofhiskissandkissed
himbackinstinctively.Therewasnoneoftheawkwardnessshehadexperiencedpreviouslywithfirst
kisses.Sheranherhandsuptohisshouldersandaroundtohisback.Finally,theypulledapart.Thekiss
seemedtohavegoneonforever.
HermionewasslightlydazedandhadforgottenLuciuswaspresentuntilDracogavehisfatherasidelong
glance.Hermioneflushedwithembarrassment.Beforeshehadachancetosayanything,Luciushad
pulledhertowardhimandwaskissingher.Again,shewassurprisedbythespeedandshegasped.She
hadbarelycaughtherbreathafterDraco'skissandwasequallyunpreparedforthisone.Luciuswas
magnificent.Hewasslightlymoreforceful,usedmorepressure.Whenhepressedhersnuglytohim,
Hermioneheardherselfmoansoftly.HiskissfeltconsumingandshedidnotmindatallwhenLucius'
handsliddowntoherreartopressherlowerbodyagainsthisaswell.Whenhesteppedbackfromher,
Hermionehadtoshakeherheadslightlytoclearit.Maybeshereallywasinoverherheadwiththese
two.
"Goodluck,Kitten,"Dracoranhisthumbdownhercheek."Letusknowifyouneedanything."
"Absolutely,"Luciusagreed.Hishandhadagainfounditswaytothesmallofherbackandwaslightly
rubbinghere."Otherwise,wewillseeyoutomorrowtotakeyououttolunch.Wewillbeoverabout
eleven."
Hermionejustnoddedatthetwoandlefttogovisitherparents.
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Author'sNotes:
Disclaimer:Asalways,Idonotownthesecharacters.Weallgettoplaywith
them!
Thankyoutobunnyhopsforherenthusiasmandterrificturnaroundtime!
Inthischapter,findoutwhatHarrythinks!
Chapter6
AboutsixhoursafterleavingtheMalfoys,HermionedraggedherselfintothefronthallofGrimmauld
Place.Sheploppeddownonthebenchthereandheavedamassivesigh.Tellingherparentsabouther
impendingmarriagewentaboutaswellassheexpected.Theywerenotatallpleasedwhenshetoldthem
thatshewasgettingmarried.Theybecameangrywhenshefurtherexplainedthatshewouldmarrytwo
men.TheangerturnedtofullonragewhensheinformedthemthatthetwomenweretheLuciusand
DracoMalfoyandthatthemarriagewasnecessarytofinalizethetreatyshehadbeenworkingon.
Theylashedoutatthemen,despitetheirabsence,callingDracoanopportunisticlittleprickandLuciusa
dirtyoldman.Theyevenletlooseonher,callingherfoolishandtellingherthatshewasthrowingher
lifeaway.Hermothertriedtoreasonwithher,sayingthatshewastooyoungtogetmarriedandthatshe
couldneverbehappyinaforcedmarriage.Herfatherjustdemandedthatsheleavethewizardingworld
alltogether,citingallthetimesshewashurtinthepastsevenyearsandstatingthatnoteenagegirl
shouldhavetofightinawar.Whendemandingdidnotwork,hemovedtobargaining,offeringtopayfor
Universityandsetherupwithherownflat.
Hermionestoodhergroundandletthemgetitoutoftheirsystem.Sheansweredanyquestionsthey
askedcalmlyandrationally,eveniftheyhadnotbeenaskedinthatmanner.Shedoubtedtheyheardhalf
ofherresponses,buttherewasnothingelsetodo.Eventually,theywouldcalmdownandacceptthe
situation.TheyalreadyknewshewouldnotabandonherfriendsandHermionebelievedtheydidtruly
admireherloyaltyandsteadfastness,evenwhentheyworriedforher.Theytriedtounderstandwhyshe
couldnotleavethewizardingworldandlivealifewithoutmagic,butthatwasdifficult.Theywere
perfectlyhappyasMugglesafterallandbelievedHermionecouldbeaswellifshejusttried.
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Hermionehadtriedtoexplainseveraltimesnowthatmagicwasinsideher,likeasortofelectricessence
inherbodythatshecouldfeel.Thisenergywaspartofherandalwayswouldbe.Shedescribedtimes
whenhermagicswelledandneededanoutlet,usuallyinveryemotionalsituations.Hermioneneededto
exercisehermagicoritwouldexerciseitselfandthatwaslikelytobeverydangerous.
SheevenrelayedwhatDumbledorehadtoldherduringherthirdyear,thatshehadmoreofthismagical
energythanmostotherwitchesorwizards.Hehadtoldherthatwizardingfolk'comeinto'theirmagical
powershortlyafterpubertyandshehadfullydevelopedhers.Levelsofmagiccanvaryfrompersonto
person,aswithanyothertraitlikeheight,somepeoplewereshortwhileotherswereverytall.Those
withmagicintheirgenestendtoknowaboutwheretheirmagicalpowerwillfall,becausechildren
tendedtotakeaftertheirparentsagain,likemostphysicaltraits.
SinceHermionecamefromMuggleparents,Dumbledoreexplainedthatnooneknewhowpowerfulshe
wouldbe.Hetoldherthatshewasoneofthemostpowerfulstudentsintheschool,ifnotthemost
powerful.Intermsofpurerawpower,shewasalsomorepowerfulthanmostofherprofessors.This
powerwashowHermionewasabletoperformjustaboutanyspellshesaw.Itwasalsohowshewasable
tosuccessfullybrewadifficultpotionlikePolyjuiceinhersecondyear.Itwaswhyshewasallowedthe
TimeTurnerthatyear.Notonlydidshehaveenoughpowertosafelyusesuchastrongmagicaltool,but
havingmoreclassesmeantshewouldlearnmoremagicalskillsshewouldneedtoexercisehermagic.
Itwasnotallgoodnewstobepowerful.Dumbledorerelatedthatthiswasaveryseriousthingbecause
shewouldreallyneedtoworkhardtoharnessherpowerandmakesuretohavealotofmagicaloutlets,
otherwisehermagicwouldgetdammedupandoverflowinanuncontrolledmanner.Helikeneditto
systematicallydrainingareservoirofwaterthatwouldotherwiseflood.Shewasencouragedtodothings
withmagic,asopposedtotheMugglewaysshelearnedgrowingup.ItwashardatfirstandHermione
feltshewasbeinglazy,butDumbledoreexplainedthatdoinglittlethingsmagicallylikepickingupher
roomorironingherclotheshelpedregulatehermagicandkeepitundercontrol.
Hermionestartedtoobserveherschoolmatesanddidnoticethatotherpeople'smagicbecamefatigued
afteralongdayofclasses,whilehersneverdid.Shedidseemtohaveanexcess.ComingfromaMuggle
backgroundthiswasallnewtoHermione,butDumbledorekindlylentherliteraturetoeducateherself.
Shewassurprisedtolearnthathermagicalenergywasliterallypartofherphysicalbodyandnotjustany
oldpart,avitalpart.Withouthermagic,Hermionewouldbephysicallyweaker,lesshealthy,andwould
lacktheenergytofunction.Whileherparentslistenedtoherexplanationaboutmagic,Hermionedidnot
thinktheyreallyunderstood.Shetriedtolikenittoavitalorgan.Takingawayhermagicwouldbelike
takingawayherkidneysorliver.
"Youlookbeat!WeretheMalfoysthatbad?"Harry'squestionbrokeHermioneoutofherreverie.She
realizedshemusthavebeensittingonthefronthallbenchforabouthalfanhour.
"TheMalfoys?Oh,no,"Hermionereplied,pullingherselfupoutofherseat."Themarriagenegotiations
wentprettysmoothlyactually.Wefinishedbeforelunch.Idecided,sinceitwasSaturday,Iwouldgosee
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myparentsandexplainthesituation.Ifiguredthemoretimetheyhavetocometotermswiththisthe
betterandtherewasnouseinputtingoffotherthanselfpreservation."
Harrynoddedsympathetically.Heknewherparentshadworriedforherovertheyearsanddidnotmuch
liketheworldinwhichtheirdaughterlived.HeandHermionehadhopedtheywouldcometobetter
termswiththemagicalworldoncepeacewasestablishedandshewasnotalwaysdealingwithone
dangeroussituationafteranother.
"Youwentalone?"Harryconfirmed.Hermionenodded.
"BothLuciusandDracoofferedtogowithme,eithertogetherorseparately,butIthoughtitbestI
explainedthesituationfirst.Itwasagoodthingtoo,becauseIdon'tthinkeitherofthemwouldhavebeen
abletotoleratethenamestheywouldhavebeencalled."
"Areyoustillupfordinner?"Harryasked,eyinghisfriendcritically.Hewasalwaystellinghertoslow
downandrestmore,thatshetooktoomuchon."Wecangiveitapasstonightifyouwantanddoit
anothertime."
"No,no.Iamstarving.Ididnotgettoactuallyeatmuchlunchatmyparents,"Hermioneshookher
head."Justgivemeaminutetocleanup.Idon'tthinkIcanhandleanydramaticsthough,soletsgo
someplacequietwherenooneknowsus,orwouldthinktofindus."
AfterHermionewashedupandchangedintoatshirtandshorts,sheandHarrytookoffforMuggle
London.Therewereafewlowkeyneighborhoodpubstheyknewof,andwouldgotosometimesfor
somepeaceandquiet.HermionemadeHarrychatabouthisdayandwhatwasgoingonwithhimasthey
traveled.SheknewthatoncetheysatdowntodinnershewouldhavetoexplaineverythingtoHarry.She
wonderedwhathewouldthinkaboutherpluralmarriage.Hermioneshookherselffromherthoughtsand
focusedbackonwhatHarrywassaying.
"Idon'tknow,"Harrysighed."EveryonekeepspushingtheideaofmestartingAurorTrainingwhenthe
academyreopensinafewmonths...Ron,Mrs.Weasley,Kingsley."
"Youdon'twanttobeanAuror,Harry,"Hermionestatedfirmly.Harryalwaysseemedtobemaking
otherpeoplehappy,meetingotherpeoplesexpectations.Hermioneassumeditwasbecausehehadsuch
ahorriblechildhood.However,hewasnotmakinghimselfhappyandthatwaswhatHermionecared
about.
Iknow,Harrygaveawrygrinasheheldthedoortothepubopen.Thereisjustsomuchpressure.It
seemslikeeveryoneissimultaneouslytellingmewhatIshouldbedoinganddrowninginanticipationto
seewhatIactuallydo.Itisveryconfusing.
YouknowIloveyou,right?Hermioneaskedastheyslidintoaquietboothatthebackofthepub.
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Harrynoddedandrolledhiseyesabit.Soknowmynextstatementisgivenwiththeutmostlovegrow
someballs,Harry!Voldemortisfinallydead!Youarefreefromstupidpropheciesandneverknowingif
youweregoingtobemurderedbysomepsychopath.YourlifebeforeHogwartswascrapandyourlife
atHogwartshasbeenintense,tosaytheleast.Iunderstandthatyouwereneverabletothinkabout
yourfutureinanyrealwaybefore,butyoucannow!Ialsounderstandthatitisscary.Youwentfrom
havingoneoption,onegoaltobeingabletochoosewhatevergoalsyouwantinlife!Donotletother
peopletakecontrolofyourlifeaseveryoneelsehasdoneinthepast.Youhavetoliveforyounow.Do
whatmakesyouhappy.Screweverybodyelse.
Tellmewhatyoureallythink,Harrylaughed.Hermioneknewshewasgettingriledup,butshefelt
stronglyaboutthisandHarryneededtohearit.Shehadstartedtonoticeheseemedabitlostandeasily
directedafewweeksago,butshewastoowrappedupwiththetreatynegotiationstotakethetimetotalk
tohimaboutit.
Theypausedbrieflywhenthewaitresscameby.Theybothorderedfishandchipswithlemonade.Pub
foodwascomfortingtosaytheleast.
Letsdoanexperiment,Hermioneproposedastheirdrinksweredelivered.Harryjustlooked
skeptical.Justtryit!Closeyoureyesandimagineyourselfintenyears.Youaretwentyeightyears
old.Whatkindoflifedoyouhave?
Idontknow,Hermione,Harrygroaned.
Justtry,youprat,shechidedherfriend.Italwaysmadehimsmilewhensheusedbadlanguage.
IthinkIwouldliketobemarried,Harrystartedhesitantly,hiseyesclosed.Iwouldlikeafamily,so
therearekidsrunningaround.Idliveinasunny,comfortablecottageinthecountry.Wewouldplay
outsidewiththekids,goonpicnics,andhavealittlebackyardQuidditchpitch.
Soundslovely,Hermionesmiled.Whatelse?
Well,IamnotreallysurewhatIwoulddoforaliving,Harryscruncheduphisface,hiseyesstill
closed.Ijustwanttohaveanormallifehaveajob,haveafamily.Idontwanttobeinaposition
thatattractsalotofattention.Idontwanttobefamous.IknowIalreadyamandIcantchangethat,
butIdontwanttospendtimearoundpeoplewhofawnovermeinanyway.Iwanttohavepeopleinmy
lifethatjustlikemeasHarry,nottheBoyWhoLivedortheSavioroftheWizardingWorld.IknowI
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wouldlikeajobthatwouldhelppeople,maybekidsthathavecrapchildhoodslikeIhad.Littlekids
dontcareifyouarefamous.
Youwouldbereallygoodatthat,Harry,Hermionesmiledgentlyasherfriendopenedhiseyes.I
thinkyoushouldspendsomemoretimefiguringouthowtoachievethatlife.Whenpeopleaskwhatyou
aredoingnexttellthemyouaretakingabreak,Merlinknowsyoudeserveone.Ifanyonegivesyoua
hardtimeandwontbackoff,yousendthemmyway.
Harrylaughed.HewasalwaysgladHermionehadhisback.Nooneintheirrightmindwantedtotangle
withHermione.Hedidnotdoubtshewouldquicklysetstraightanyonethatcontinuedtopressurehim.
Theirfoodarrivedandtheybothtuckedin.
HowistheGinnysituation?Hermioneaskedafterafewminutesofeating.Shereallywashungry
afterthedayshehad.
LikegoingtoAurorAcademy,Harrylaugheddryly.IthoughtImadeitprettyclearbeforewewent
horcruxhuntingthatarelationshipbetweenthetwoofuswouldjustnotwork.Thepastfewweekshave
confirmedthatforme,butthereisthatsamepressurefromGinny,Ron,andMrs.Weasley.Ginny
wantsmetogotoallthosepartiessupposedlyinmyhonor,togoouttobeseenbythepublic,andto
capitalizeonmyfame.
Andshewantstogowithyou,Hermionerolledhereyes.Ginnyhadsuchabadcaseofheroworship
forHarry,eversinceshewasalittlegirl,butshedidnotseemtotaketimetoreallygettoknowHarry.
ShewasoneoftheonesthatwantedtheHero,notHarry.Harryjustnoddedandcontinuedtoeat.So
putyourfootdown.TellGinnyyouneedtosortoutyourlifeandyouaregoingtodothatonyourown.
Tellhersheshouldgoaheadandmoveonwithherlife,becausethetwoofyouwillnotbehappening.
Yeah,Harryagreed.Soyouthinkyouvestalledenough?
Talkingaboutyourlifeisimportant,Harry,Hermionescolded.Noteverythingisaboutmeandthose
disturbinglyattractiveMalfoys.
Attractive,eh?Dracoisntmycupoftea,butsinceyouretheonethathastomarryhim,itisniceyou
dontfindhimphysicallyrepulsive,Harrystartedtotease.Sowhatsgoingtohappen?
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Ohsomuch,Hermioneslumped.Firstoff,IshouldsayIwasmistakenlastnightwhenIsaidIwas
goingtomarryDraco.AtraditionalMalfoymarriageisapluralmarriagebetweentwomaleMalfoys
andonewitch.
Merlinsballs!Harryexclaimed,hisjawdropping.YouhavetomarrybothLuciusandDraco?At
thesametime?
Apparentlypluralrelationshipsarenotuncommonortabooinwizardingculture,Hermioneexplained.
Youdontseeiteveryday,butithappensenoughthatpeopledonttendtopointandstare.Beingraised
inMugglecultureyouandIwouldntknowthat.
Howdoesthatevenwork?Wherewouldyousleep?Harrystartedtoask.Nevermind,yourfuture
sexlifeisntimportant,andImnotsureIreallywanttoknow.Whatdoyouthinkaboutthis?
Ihaventhadtoomuchofachancetoworryaboutthelogistics.Luciusisgoingtolendmeabookon
commonpracticesinpluralmarriages,Hermioneshared,pickingatthelastfewchipsonherplate.I
think,sofar,Iamokaywithit.IfIhavetogetmarried,theyarenttheworstchoiceintheworld.They
challengeme.Theyaresmart,cultured,andmagicallypowerful.
Dontforgetdisturbinglyattractive,Harryteased,grinning.Hermionejustrolledhereyesand
continued.
Iwanttohaveahappylife,ahappymarriageandIdontmindputtingintheeffort.Theyalsoseem
veryexcitedbythisunionandwantittobefulfillingforeveryone.Imean,Iamterrifiedofquiteafew
things,butIdontthinktheywouldevertrytohurtmeeitherphysicallyoremotionally.
Terrifiedofwhat?Harryasked.Hermionehatedwhenhewasperceptiveandblushedlightly.
YouknowIdonthavealotofexperience,Hermioneadmittedsoftly,lookingdownatherempty
plate.TheyarecertainlymoreworldlythanIam.AsImentioned,theyaredevilishlyattractive.You
knowwhatNarcissalookedlikenuttyasshemayhavebeen,shewasphysicallyperfect.Nodoubtthey
areusedtogorgeous,glamoroussexkittensandnowtheyarestuckwithlittle,plain,regular,onlyslept
withonemanme.HowcanIpossiblykeepthemsatisfied?
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Oh,Hermione,Harryshookhisheadathisfriend.Becauseyouaresobrilliant,sometimesIforget
howstupidyoucanbeaboutyourself.Hermionelookedupinindignation.Yougetsowrappedupin
otherthingsthatyoumissyourself.Itisclearyoudontthinkofyourselfassexy,butyouare!Noone
couldevercallyouplainorregular.Youaregorgeous.Youmaybesmallbutyouhaveadeliciouslittle
bodyandalwaysseemsonaturallybeautiful,notlikethoseotherwomenthatusetonsofmakeupor
glamourcharms.
Youarebiased,Hermioneblushed.
AstheonemanyousleptwithmaybeIam,Harrygrinned.Theirclosefriendshiphadturnedsexual
onafewoccasions,primarilywhenoneorbothofthemneededtheadditionalintimacyorcomfort.They
hadlosttheirvirginitytoeachothershortlyafterSiriuswaskilled.Eventhen,theytalkedaboutitand
knewtheirrelationshipwasnotoneofpassionorromance.Theyalwaysfeltsoclose,connectedand
physicalintimacyjustamplifiedthat.Itwasawaytogetcomfortwhennothingelseintheirliveswas
comfortableoreasy.TheyhadhadsexsporadicallytheonlynotableperiodofregularsexwasafterRon
hadabandonedthemontheirHorcruxhunt.Itwassuchadifficulttimeandiftheyhadnothadeach
other,theycertainlyneverwouldhavemadeit.Sexwasneveradefiningfeaturethough.Harrywould
alwaysbeherbestfriendwhomsheloved.
Maybeitisbecausewedidntgetamoretraditionaladolescence,Harrycontinued.Wewerealways
fightingsomegreatevil,andtryingtokeepourheadsabovewater,thatyoudidntreallygetthe
opportunitytoseeyourselfasothersdo.Okay,liketheYuleBallforexample!Howdidyoufeel?
Ifeelwonderful,radiant,Hermioneadmitted.IlikedhowViktortreatedmeasifIwerespecial.
Exactly,Harryexclaimed.Gettingdressedupandgoingtoaschooldanceisanormalteenage
activity.Ifwedhadotherdancesyouwouldhavereceivedplentyofinvitations.Hermionejustlooked
athimskeptically.Iamserious!Youdevelopedverynicelyovertheyearsandalltheboystook
notice.Ifyouwereashallowerperson,likeLavenderorPavarti,youprobablywouldhaveseenthe
hopefullookstheygaveyouorsawtheflirtingforwhatitwas.Butwhenyouwerenthelpingmeout,
youwereactuallyinvestedinlearning.ItdidnthelpthatyoualwayshadRonandmewithyou.Itmade
yousomewhatunapproachable.Justtrustme,Hermione.Youwerethesubjectofmanyhorny
schoolboysfantasies.
Idontknowifthatisflattering,Hermionescrunchedhernoseindisgust.
Takethetimetoreallylookatyourselfinthemirror,Harryencouraged.Trytoimagineyouare
seeinganothergirlandthinkaboutwhatyourimpressionofherlookswouldbe.Lastly,Ijustwantto
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pointoutthattheMalfoysarenotstuckwithyouasyousaid.Theypickedyou.Ifyouareright,and
theycouldhaveanywomantheywanted,theywouldanditturnsouttheydo,becausetheywantyou.
Thataloneshouldtellyousomethingaboutyourself.
Hermionecontemplatedwhatherfriendwassaying.Harrywouldomitorglossoverinformationto
spareherfeelings,buthewouldneveroutrightlietoher.Maybetheoppositesexdidfindherattractive.
DracoandLuciuscertainlyseemedtoenjoykissingherearlier.Shereflectedonthefactthattheypicked
her,butdoubtbegantocreepinthere.WhileHarrywasadamanttheymustwanther,hedidnotknow
thereason.Theydidcertainlywantherbecauseshewasanunusuallypowerfulwitch.Theymightbe
willingtotolerateaveragelooksandaminimalamountofsexualattractioninordertogetwhatthey
wanted,asuccessfullongtermmarriagewithmanypowerfulchildren.
Comeon,Harryurged,gettingupfromthetable.HethrewenoughMugglenotesdowntocovertheir
dinnerandleaveaveryhealthytip.Letsgogetsomeicecreamandwalkhome.Thenyoucanfillme
inonthosemarriagedetails.Iveneverheardofamarriagecontractbefore,butIguesstheyarepretty
commoninwizardingsociety.
Theywalkedtothelittleshoparoundthecorneranddiscussedthedetails.Harrygotstrawberrywhile
Hermionegotherusualchocolatecone.Shehadneverseenareasontobranchout,becausesheknew
whatsheliked.Nowshewasrethinkinghermindset.Shewouldbetryingallsortsofnewthingsinthe
nearfuture.Maybeitdidnothurttobemorespontaneous,moreadventurous.Shedecidedthatnext
timeshewouldtrysomethingnew,maybecoconutorrockyroad!
Harryseemedabitdismayedtheweddingwouldbesosoonbecausethatmeanthewouldnolongerbe
abletolivewithhisbestfriend.IfyoucountedGryffindortowertheyhadlivedtogethersincetheywere
eleven!Hermioneinsistedthathewouldalwaysbewelcomeinhernewhome,aslongashedidnot
verballyorphysicallyassaultherhusbands.Withawink,Harrypromisedtotryhisbest.Hewas
interestedtolearnaboutthevariousweddingbondsinvolvedintheritual.Therewasalotabout
purebloodcultureHarryneverknew,eventhoughhisfatherwasone.Hermionepromisedtolendhim
thebooksonpurebloodetiquettethatshewasgoingtobegetting.Sheknewhewantedtounderstand
moreabouthisfather,andwherehisfathercamefrom.
HarrywasinterestedinhearingallthemarriagetermslikehowHermionewishedtooccupyhertime,
thenumberofchildrentheytalkedabout,andtheallottedtimetheyhadplannedtospendtogether.He
agreedthatbothmenseemednotonlyinvestedingettingmarried,butalsogettingtoknoweachother
andmakingitahappymarriage.Hermionealsosharedthescheduleofthenexttwoweeksleadingup
theweddingandhoneymoon.
Asthetwofriendsambledhome,HermionesarmtuckedintoHarrys,theywonderedtogetheratthe
turnlifehadtaken.SheknewthatHarryhadnotgivenmuchhopetolivingthroughhisbattlewith
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Voldemortandherehewas,talkingaboutwhathewantedtodowiththerestofhislife.Hermionenever
wouldhaveimaginedinamillionyearsthatshewouldbemarryingbothLuciusandDracoMalfoy.
Harryhadtoagreethatonecameoutofnowhere,butitseemedpromising.
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Author'sNotes:
Disclaimer:IdonotownthisandhavenoaffiliationwithJKRowling.
Thanksagaintobunnyhops,whoknowsjusthowtotweakaphrasetomakeit
tonsbetter!
Inthischapter,shefinallygoesoutwiththosewonderfulMalfoys!
Chapter7
HermionewokelatethenextmorningandfoundherselfwithonlyanhourbeforetheMalfoysarrived.
Thepastseveralweekshadreallybeenexhausting.Shehadnotgotmuchofachancetorestafter
Voldemortdiedandbeforetheystartedthetreatynegotiations.Asshesatupinbed,hereyeswenttothe
parchmentonherdresser.WhensheandHarryreturnedhomelastnight,theyfoundRonintheliving
roomtryingtocatchalargeblackbird.
Whatsgoingon?Harryhadshoutedashedodgedthelargebirdsflappingwings.Itcameandlanded
onthetableclosesttoHermione.ShehadrecognizedSeverusraven,Poe,whoheoftenusedformore
personalcommunications.Poeneverwascaughtandhadneverletanyoneotherthantheintended
recipienttakehismissives.
Ron,Hermionescolded.HescarryingaletterformefromSeverus.Hewouldneverletanyoneelse
takeit.Idontknowwhyyoueventried.
RonhadgrumbledaboutbatlikeexProfessorsandtheirpsychoticbirds,whileHermionedetachedthe
parchment.SheapologizedfornothavinganytreatsandPoeallowedhertopetthebackofhisheadasa
substitute.Hermionehadthensaidgoodnighttoherfriends,kissingthembothonthecheek,andretired
toherroom.Shegavethemarriagecontractagoodreading,althoughshewassureSeveruswouldnot
haveallowedanypotentiallydetrimentalloopholes.Hermionedecidedtosleeponit,sinceitwassucha
lifechangingparchment.
Nowthatitwasmorning,Hermionerealizedthatshesleptmuchlongerthansheanticipated.Shedashed
intotheshowerandrushedthroughhermorningroutine.Hermionesilentlythankeddryingcharms,
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otherwiseherthickcurlyhairwouldtakeforevertodry.Shepulledherlocksupintoahighponytail.
Hermionepickedoutapairoftailoredorangesherbetcoloredshortsandanoffwhitelaceshortsleeved
stop.Shequicklyfilledherpinkandorangeclutchwithessentials:sunglasses,lipglosswithsunscreen,
wallet,wand,andmarriagecontract.Hermionepiledherpurseandshoesintoherarmsandhurried
downstairs.
Harrywassittingatthekitchentablewithhisteaandtoast,readingtheDailyProphetwhenhisfrazzled
friendcamein.
"LuciusandDracowillbehereinlessthanhalfanhour!"Hermioneexclaimed,throwingherthings
downonanemptychair."AndIhaven'tsignedthemarriagecontractyet."
HarrystoodupandsteeredHermionetoachair.
"Sit,"hecommanded.Harrypouredheracupoftea,addedalittlecream,andsetdownaplateof
butteredtoastinfrontofher.Hermionetookasipofherteaandsighedgratefully.
"So,whereisthecontract?"Harryasked.
"Inmybag,"Hermionesighed.HarryopenedthepurseandretrievedtheparchmentwhileHermione
nibbledhertoast.Shewatchedhimperusethecontract,impressedthathekepthisfacialexpressionso
neutralsheknewhewasnotentirelypleasedaboutherupcomingmarriage.Hermionenoticedthathe
didlookamusedonafewoccasionsandsheimaginedthathehadcomeacrosssomeofherterms.
"Iguessthisisasgoodasitgets,"Harrysaid,passingtheparchmentovertoher."Ifyouhavetomarry
theMalfoysImean."
Kreachersuddenlypoppedintothekitchen.
"MasterPotter,thewonderful,illustriousLordMalfoyandhisson,thelastsonoftheNobleHouseof
Black,areheretoseetheMissMuggleborn,"KreacherinformedHarry."ShallKreachershowthemost
excellentwizardsin?"
"Sure,"Harrysmiledatthegnarledoldelf."Goaheadandbringthemheretothekitchen."Kreacher
lookedscandalizedandbalkedatbringingthepurebloodwizardstothisveryinformalroom.Hewaited
forHarrytochangehismind,buthedidnot."Goahead,Kreacher."
"Can'tyougethimtocallmebynameasopposedtoMissMuggleborn?"Hermionesighedaftertheelf
reluctantlypoppedaway.
"ItwaseitherthatorMissMudblood,"Harrylaughed."IfyouwanttogobacktothatoneImsure
Kreacherwon'tmind."Hermionejustrolledhereyes.
"Don'tberidiculous,Harry,"Hermionechided,astheMalfoysenteredtheroom.
"Receivingguestsinthekitchensisprettyridiculous,"Dracodrawled.BothHarryandHermionestood.
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"Gentlemen,"Harrynoddedtothetwo.Theynoddedback."Sinceyouaremarryingmybestfriend,
whomIlovemorethananythingelseinthisworld,wemusttrytocometosomekindofunderstanding.
Hermioneismyfamilysoyoubothwillbecomefamilybymarriage,soIvedecidedtotreatyouthat
way.Familydoesnotstandonceremonyorfallbackonformality.Please,haveaseat.Hermionewasjust
finishinghertea.Wouldyoulikesome?"
BeforeeitherMalfoycouldanswer,Kreacherhadpoppedafullteaserviceontothetable,completewith
lightbreakfastpastriesandfruitthatneitherHarrynorHermionewereofferedwhentheysatdown.
"PleasecallonKreacher,myLords,ifyouarewantinganythingatall,"theoldelfbowedtotheblond
menbeforehedisappeared.
"Ioverslept,"Hermioneabruptlybrokethesilence.LuciusandDracowalkedtowardtheirfiance.
"Pleasedositandhelpyourselvestoanythingyouwant."
"Anythingwewant?"Luciusteasedashecameupnexttoher.Heleaneddownandgaveherasoftkiss
beforeseatinghimself.DracofollowedthekisswithoneofhisownthenusheredHermioneintoachair.
ShenoticedtheMalfoyshadchosentoseatthemselvesoneithersideofher.Harryalsoseemedtonotice
theirpossessivenessandchuckledtohimself,resuminghisseatacrossthetable.Everyonegotahotcup
ofteaandsatinsilenceforamoment,drinking.HarryhelpedhimselftothepastriesKreacherprovided.
Somehow,LuciusandDraco'schairsgravitatedtowardherown.SoonLucius'handwasrestingonher
barekneewhileDraco'sarmdrapedacrossthebackofherchair,grazinghershoulders.
"So,nothreatsPotter?"Dracofinallyasked,lookingatthedarkhairedwizardovertheedgeofhis
teacup.
"Notfromme,"Harryrepliedcasually,foldingthenewspaperclosed."ThiswasHermione'schoice.AsI
said,sheismybestfriend,myfamily.Isupportherinanythingshedoes.Thisisgoingtobedifficult
enoughonherwithoutmeaddingdramaticstotheproceedings."
TheMalfoysseemedtosurveyherfriendapprovingly.Hermionewonderediftheyknewwhatitwaslike
tohaveunconditionalloveandsupportfromanyonebesideseachother.
"Don'tgetmewrong,"Harrycontinuedcasually,"IfyouhurtherIwillfindawaytohurtyou.Hermione
isverywellabletofightherownbattles,butitwouldmakemefeelbetter."
"Noted,"Luciusnodded."Wewouldexpectnothingless."
"Sowhereareyouthreeofftotoday?"Harryaskedinafriendlyfashion.Hermionewassogladhewas
reallytryingtomoveforward.Therewasnowayshewasgivingupherfriend,soitwasimportanttoher
thathewouldbeabletobeinthesameroomasherhusbands.
"JustouttolunchinDiagonAlley,"Dracoreplied."Itisactuallyquiteniceoutsidetoday,notashotasit
hasbeenrecently,sowethoughtwe'dgotooneofthosecafeswithoutdoorseating."
"Butthatisso...public!"Hermionecried.
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"Ashamedofus,Kitten?"Dracoasked,ahardglintmakinghisgreyblueeyesglacial.
"What?No!"Hermionewasflustered.
"Shesworriedaboutthepress,"Harryexplained,hisbrowfurrowed."Hermionehasahardtimegoingto
DiagonAlleywithoutstrangerscominguptoher,wantingtothankherortryingtotouchher.Besidesthe
generalpopulation,photographersfollowherwherevershegoesanddocumenteverythingshedoes,buys
everypersonshestopsandtalkswith.I'msureyou'veseenthephotosintheDailyProphet."
"Wehave,"LuciusacknowledgedthenturnedtowardHermione."Youwillhavetotrustusonthis,Pet.
TheProphetranthetreatyyesterday,soeveryonealreadyknowsofourupcomingunion.Wehavethe
opportunitytotakecontrolofthesituation.Apublicappearancewillappeasethemassesanditwillbeon
ourterms.BelievemewhenIsaynoharmwillcometoyou.DracoorIwillbewithyoueverysecond
andweareprettygoodatintimidatingothers,orsoI'vebeentold."
"Idotrustyou,"Hermionesighed."Ijustdon'tknowwhypeoplecan'tleavemealone."
"Wewilltakecareofyou,Kitten,"Dracosoothed,rubbinghershoulders.
"Theseshouldmakeyoufeelbetter,"Luciussmiledashepulledastackofshrunkenbooksoutofa
hiddenpocketinhisrobe.HeenlargedthemandHermione'seyesdrankthemin,herhandseagerly
sortingthroughthem.Allthreemenintheroomlaughedatherreaction,butHermionedidnotcare.
"Easy,Pet,"Luciuschuckled."Youcanhavethebooksaslongasyouneedthem.Intwoweeksthey'llgo
backintheManorlibraryandyoucanreadthemwheneveryouwant."
"Kreacher,"Dracocalled.Almostbeforehecouldfinishtheelf'sname,hewaspresentandbowing
beforeDraco."Ofcourse,wewillbehappytoansweranyofyourquestions,Kitten,butyouhappento
havearesidentexpertonthepurebloodaristocracy."SeeingtheskepticallookonHermione'sface,Draco
continued."KreacherherehasfocusedentirelyonservingtheNobleHouseofBlackfor...Iwould
guess...twohundredyearsnow.Heknowseverything,fromtheexcruciatingminutiae,likehowmany
daysyouaresupposedtowaitbeforesendingathankyounoteforagift,allthewaytobiggerissuesat
playinthearistocracy."
"Ohthankyou,sonoftheNobleHouseofBlack,"KreacherlookedtearyeyedatDraco'swords.
"Kreacher,"Dracocontinued."MissGrangerherewillbethenewLadyMalfoyinlessthantwoweeks.
ShewillbemarryingLordMalfoyandme."
"MissMugglebornwillbecomeLadyMalfoy?"Kreacherwonderedaloud.HewasstaringatHermione
nowwiththismixofwonderanddisbelief."Thatisnotpossible."
"DoyoudoubtDraco?"Luciusaskedtheelfsternly.
"Oh,no!No,LordMalfoy!"Kreacherlookedaghast."Kreacherwouldneverdoubttheillustriousand
infallibleMalfoyfamily!Kreacherwillpunishhimselfmostharshly,myLord!"
Hermionegasped.Shereallyhatedthatsomanyelvesabusedthemselvesaspunishment.
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"No,Kreacher,"Luciusdrawled,bored."Youwillnotphysicallyharmyourself.Youwilltakethese
bookstoMissGranger'sroom.Youwillmakeyourselfinstantlyavailabletoherwhenevershesaysyour
nameinthenexttwoweeks.Youwillanswerallofherquestionshonestlyandfully,tellingher
everythingyouknowaboutthesubject.Yourpunishmentwillbethatyoumustshowherrespectand
assistherinlearningeverythingshewouldwanttoknowaboutbeingLadyMalfoy."
HermionethoughtshesawtheoldelfcringeasLuciusspoke,buthedidnothesitatetoscoopupallthe
booksandpopoutoftheroom.
"Ready?"DracoaskedHermione.
"Yes,"sherepliedabsently,thinkingabouthowoldandknowledgeableKreacherwas.Sheknewhouse
elflifespanswereseveraldecadeslongerthanwizardswere.Hereallymusthaveseensomuch.
Hermionewaswonderingifanyonehasthoughttocatalogtheoralhistorythathouseelvesmusthave.
"Mione,"Harrychuckled,wavingapileofparchmentintheair.
"Oh!"Hermioneblushed,"thecontract.Iwantedtosignitthismorning,butoversleptandhadntyet."
ThelooksonLuciusandDraco'sfacestoldherthattheyhadnoticedherlackofsignatureontheirown
copies,buthadnotwantedtobringituprightaway.Harryhandedhertheparchmentandpulledaself
inkingquillfromsomewhere.ShequicklyaddedhernamenexttoLucius'precisescriptandDraco's
oddlyslantedhandwriting.Whenshefinishedtheparchmentbrieflyglowed.Shrugging,Hermione
foldeditupandsliditbackintoherpursethatHarryalsohandedher.
"Whatthebloodyhell!?!?"anannoyedvoiceshoutedfromthedoorway.Clearly,Ronhadfinallywoken
up."Harry!ThereareMalfoyshere!HereatOrderHeadquarters!"
"Expelliarmus,"HermionesaidcalmlyasRondrewhiswandfromhisrobe."Really,Ron!Youknow
aboutthemarriage.Didyouthinkyouwerenevergoingtoseethem?Iamnotgivingupmyfriendsfor
thismarriage,nordotheyexpectmeto.Theyaremynewfamilyandtherewillbetimestheywill
associatewithmycurrentfriendsandfamily.Iamnotgoingtoaskyoutobecomeclosefriendswith
themanymorethanIexpectthatfromLuciusorDraco.Youhavedecide,Ronald,ifyoucareaboutme
enoughtotoleratethem."
Ron'smouthjustgapedashelookedaroundtheroom.HermionehandedHarryRon'swand,gatheredup
herpurseandshoes,andstartedforthedoor.
"Shallwe?"HermionepausedtoallowtheMalfoystofollow.
"Always,"Dracopurred,placinghishandonthesmallofherback.ShefeltLuciusofftoherotherside.
Hermionedecidedshereallylikeditwhentheyflankedherlikethis.
"Thankyouforyourhospitality,LordPotter,"LuciusnoddedformallytoHarry.Harryblushedslightlyat
hisformaltitle.Heknewhisfather'sfamilyhadtechnicallybeenpartofthepurebloodaristocracy.Asthe
lastPotter,itwasdowntohim,butHarrydidnotreallyunderstandwhatthatmeantanymorethan
Hermionedid.Theywouldhavetolearntogether.
"RememberwhatIsaidaboutformalities,LordMalfoy?"Harryteasedlightlyashewavedthemoff.
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Whenthetriogottothefronthallway,Hermionesatonthebenchtoputonhershoessotheycouldgo.
MuchtohersurpriseDracokneltdowninfrontofherandslidoneofthewedgeespadrillesonherfoot,
lacingitupherankleandcalfbeforetyingitinanicebow.Oncecompletehemovedontotheotherfoot.
Hermionedidnotknowwhattosay.Shedidnotthinkanyonehadhelpedherdresssinceshewassix
yearsold.Itkindoffeltnice.
"Nowyou'reready,"Dracosmiledashestood.
"Youlooklovelytoday,"Luciusalsosmiled,takingherarm.
***
TheysteppedoutthefrontdoorandApparatedtoDiagonAlley.Theywalkedbrisklytowardavery
upscalecafe,rightonacorneroftwomajorstreets.DracoandLuciuswalkedclosetoher,oneoneach
side.Onherleft,DracoheldherhandwhileLucius,ontheright,maintainedhishandonthesmallofher
backthewholeway.Thegestureseemedabitpossessive,butfeltverycomforting.Hermionetriedto
countthenumberofstaresanddoubletakesthethreeofthemreceivedastheywalked,butcouldnot
keeptrack.OnegoodthingwasthatnooneapproachedherasshewalkedwithtwoformerDeathEaters
atherside.ShecouldnotevenrememberthelasttimeshehadwalkedthroughDiagonAlleywithout
someonecominguptoher.Hermionefinallyspiedaphotographersnappingawayastheywalked,but
evenhekeptasafedistance.Itcertainlywaseasiertogetwhereyouweregoing,unimpededbythe
gratefulandwellwishingwizardingpopulace.Theygottothecafeinhalfthetimesheanticipated.
"Malfoy,partyofthree,"Luciusinformedthehostessinhissignaturedetachedmanner.Hermionenow
recognizedthistoneofvoiceandexpressionaspartofhispublicpersona.Shefeltasortofpridetobe
privytoother,moregenuine,sidesofLuciusMalfoy.Hermionealsonoticedhowthetall,verybusty
hostesswasleeringatherfuturehusbandsanddidnotcareforthatatall.Itfeltverydisrespectfultoher,
asthewomanwasignoringHermione'spresencedespitethefactthatLuciushadnottakenhishandoff
herbackandDracohadnotdroppedherhand.
"Isthereaproblem?"Hermioneaskedthewitchsharplysinceshewasnotshowingthemtotheirtable,in
favorofeyingthemen.Thatseemedtojoltthehostessfromwhateverfantasyshewascurrently
enjoying.
"Notatall,younglady,"thewitchrespondedtartly.ShewastryingtostareHermionedown,butclearly
didnotknowwhomshewasmessingwith.
"ThenIsuggestyoudoyourjobandshowustoourtable,"Hermioneintonedinaclearsteelyvoice."Or
isthatexceedinglysimpletasktoodifficultforyou?"
"Rightthisway,"thehostesssnapped,narrowinghereyesattheshorter(eveninherwedgesandalsthat
addedthreeinches),slightlyyoungerHermione.Thehostess,whoHermionenowdecidedwasquitethe
slag,putanexcessiveswayinherhipsassheledthegrouptotheirtableoutonthepatio.Itreallywasa
nicetablewithalargeumbrellaandinaverygood,shadedlocation.LuciusheldoutHermione'schairfor
herasshesatandtheslagwasplacingmenusdownonthetable.WhenshegottoDracosheleaneddown
fartherthanwasnecessary,givingtheyoungerMalfoyampleopportunitytolookdownthefrontofher
robes.HermionesmirkedwhenneitherhenorLuciusseemedtonotice.
"Please,letmeknowifIcandoanythingforyou,"slaghostesssaidinahuskytone,"anythingatall."
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"Ican'timaginewewillneedanythingfromyou,"Dracorespondedcoldly,notevenlookingatthe
womanashepickeduphismenu.Outofthecornerofhereye,Hermionesawherstiffenandretreatto
herstationinside.
Youknowyoudonthavetoworryaboutanyotherwitches,Luciusstatedcasually,notevenlooking
upfromhismenu.Hermioneflushedslightly.Herirritationwiththeslagwasclearlynoticeable,soshe
wasnotsurprisedthatthetwoveryperceptiveMalfoyssawit.
Imnotworriedaboutotherwitches,Hermionereportedabittartly.LuciusandDracojustpeeredat
herovertheirmenus,botharchinganeyebrowasiftheydidnotbelieveher.Shewonderedifthat
eyebrowthingwasgenetic.Imnot!Hermioneinsisted.Itmademeangrythatthatwitch,was
disrespectingmelikethat.ShewasblatantlyleeringatyoubothasifIwasnoteventhere.Youboth
attractattentionIunderstandthat.Iimagineyouhavehadandwillcontinuetoreceiveoffersfrom
witches.Regardlessofhoweitherofyourespondedtothosesortsofthingsinthepast,asofyesterday,I
trustthatallofferswillbedeclined.Fidelityisinourcontractandwillbeoneofthemarriagebonds.I
willnottolerate,however,anyofthosewitchesthinkingthatIwillsimplystandtherepassivelywhile
theyareobviouslyleeringortryingtogetwhatismine.Justthinkhowyouwouldfeelifsomewizard
propositionedmerightinfrontofyou.
Hermionesetaboutstudyinghermenuattheendofherlittlespeech.Inherperipheralvision,shedid
notebothmennoticeablybristledatthescenarioshedescribed.Anywizardthatdaredhitonherinfront
oftheMalfoyswouldbeinformorethanwhatHermionegavethatslaggyhostess,shewassurenotthat
thesituationwaslikelytooccur.Somehow,theyalsomanagedtopuffupslightlywithprideaswell
whenshehadcalledthemhers.Theyseemedtolikeitwhenshewaspossessiveofthemasmuchasthey
likedtobepossessiveofher.
Shortly,thewaitercameandtooktheirorders.Hermioneaskedforthecoldpastaandseafoodsaladwith
asideofsummergreens.Luciusorderedachilledtomatosoupfollowedbytheirfishspecialwhile
Dracogotspicygrilledchickenovergreens.Luciusorderedaveryexpensivebottleofwhitewinefor
thethreeofthemtoshare.
Hermionewasabitsurprisedthatshewashavingsuchanicetime.Shehadrealizedawhileagothatshe
borenohatredorillwilltowardeitherman.Theyhadcertainlyfrustratedhertothepointofhexing
duringthetreatynegotiations,butshehadappreciatedthechallenge.Theconversationactuallyflowed
quitenicely.Theyallseemedtorealizethatwhiletheyhadknowneachotherforsometime,theydidnot
reallyknoweachotheratall.TheMalfoysaskedaboutHermioneschildhoodandhowitfelttocome
intothewizardingworldhavingbeenraisedasaMuggle.Theyseemedgenuinelyinterestedinher
experiencesandthoughtsonthesubject.
Inturn,Hermioneaskedthemabouttheirpersonallives,liketheirhobbiesandinterests.Outsideoftheir
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involvementasDeathEaters,shereallyhadnocluehowtheyspenttheirtime.Shewassomewhat
shockedtolearnthatDracofiguredoutawaytogetMuggleradiostationsonhisWizardingWireless.It
turnedouthewasafanofU2,GreenDay,andtheBeastieBoys,butcouldnotstandtheSpiceGirls.It
seemedthatLuciushadquitethecollectionofMuggleliteraturestashedawayintheManor.Hetended
towardsocialcommentarybookslikeOrwells1984andAnimalFarm,AynRandsFountainhead,
BradburysFahrenheit451,andmostofKafkasworks.Hehadreportedthathehadtriedtoreadfantasy
andsciencefiction,buthisrealknowledgeoftheoftenwronglyportrayedcreaturesinfantasynovelsand
histotallackofknowledgeregardingtechnologykepthimfromenjoyingthosegenres.Luciusseemedto
reallyenjoyrunningtheMalfoyfamilybusinessinterests,whichwereextensive.Theyseemedtohavea
financialinterestinjustabouteverything.
Thetimepassedbyquicklyandbeforesheknewit,theywereorderingdessert.Luciusdeclinedany,but
thenmanagedtosneakafewbitesofHermioneslimesorbet.Dracogotchocolateicecream,which
Hermionehadtotaste.Itwasherfavoriteafterall.Hermionefoundherselflingeringatthetablethough
allthedisheswereclearedandthecheckpaid.
Ihadaverynicetime,Hermionemused.Thankyou.
Youresurprised?Dracoasked,archingthatbrow.
Alittle,Hermioneadmitted.Frankly,Iwasnotexpectingyoutwotobesoeasytotalktoorformeto
feelascomfortableasIdid.
Luciuschuckledatherbluntstatement.Gryffindorsdidtendtowardthestraightforward.
ImentionedbeforethatpluralrelationshipsarenotsomethingIamfamiliarwith,Hermionecontinued.
Istillhavealotofquestionsaboutlogisticsinthatarea.
NowDracowaschucklingathertoo.
Donotworryyourself,Pet,Luciussoothed,takingherhandinhisandkissingherpalm.Oneofthe
booksinyourroomisabouttriadicmarriagewhentwomembersarerelatedtoeachother.Feelfreeto
askusanyquestionsyouwish,althoughtheyareprobablybestkeptforamoreprivatesetting.
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Weunderstandthisisnewforyou,Dracoputin.Itisnewforustoo.ItsnotlikeFatherandIhave
madeahabitofsharingwitches.Wewillallhavetoworkonnavigatingthisrelationship.Wedont
expectyoutocomeintothismarriageknowingexactlywhattodo.Wedohavefaithinthisfamily
traditionthoughandreallybelievethiswillmakeushappy.
Thankyou,Hermioneresponded,touched.Theyreallydidseemtocareaboutherfeelingsandthatshe
wascomfortable.
TheyApparateddirectlyfromthecaftoGrimmauldPlace.Thetriopausedonthedoorstep.Hermione
feltabitawkwardnow,whichseemedsillyaftertheyhadhadsuchanice,easytimetogether.She
realizedthatshewashopingtheywouldbothkisshergoodbye,astheyhadyesterday,butshewasnot
sureshecouldsaythataloud.Shedidnothavetowaitlong.
Luciussteppedforwardandgentlybutfirmlygrippedherchininhislargehand.Hetiltedherfaceup
andleaneddowntokisshersolidlyonthelips.Likebefore,Hermionereactedstronglytohim.Shefelt
herselfgiveintotallytothesensationsofthemoment,thesoftwetnessofhismouthandtongueagainst
herstheheatofhishandsonherfaceandslidingdownherback.Whenhefinallysteppedback,she
feltoutofbreath.ShehadjustamomenttorecoverwhenDracoswoopedin.Hetookherhandsinhis
andguidedthemsoherarmsreacheduparoundhisneck.Heleanedintoheralreadysensitiveand
swollenlips,justgrazingthemlightlywithhis.
Youreallydolookgorgeoustoday,Dracomurmuredtoherashislipslightlypassedoverhers.
Thankyouforcomingoutwithus,forgivingusthischancetoreallybewithyou.
Hermionehadnotimetorespondtohissoftstatementsbecausehiskissesturnedmuchmoreintense.
Histonguepressedintoherandhishandspulledherhipsflushagainsthis.Again,Hermionelostherself
tothefeelingofhim.ShewonderedwhatitwasabouttheseMalfoymenthatsheseemedtoinstinctively
respondto,towant.Regardlessofthereason,shedid.Iftheyhadevenafractionofthesameresponse
toherasshehadtothem,theywouldhavepassionintheirmarriage.Hermionedefinitelyfeltsomeof
Dracosinterestinherpressedupagainstherlowerbelly.
AsDracodetachedhimselffromher,Hermionemadeanefforttofocusherself.Sheclearedherthroat
lightly.
Thankyoubothagainforalovelylunch,shemanaged.Iwillseeyoutomorrowmorningatthe
Manor?
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IveallowedyouaccessbyFloo,Luciusnodded.Comethroughwhenyouareready.Wellplanto
seeyouaroundtenunlesswehearotherwise.
HermionenoddedbackandwatchedthemApparateaway.Sheturnedandwentinside,takingseveral
deepcleansingbreathstogetherwitsabouther.Shewouldneedthem,asshehadpromisedHarryshe
wouldaccompanyhimtoSundaysupperattheBurrowthatevening.Somethingtoldherthattherowdy
Weasleyclanwouldhaveplentytosayabouthercurrentsituation.
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Author'sNotes:
Disclaimer:Idon'townthesecharacters.Ijustlikeplayingwiththem.
HerearetheWeasleys!
Chapter8
Hermioneswappedherlacetopforasturdywhitelinenshirt.Shealsotradedherwedgeheelsforflat
gladiatorsandalsandasmallcolorfulclutchforherlargebrownleathersatchelthatwouldholdabookor
two.HermionepickedouttheoneontriadicmarriagesthatLuciusmentionedandanotherthatseemedto
beabasictextonpurebloodetiquettetoputinherbag.
ShefoundHarrywaitingforherinthelibrarywithapileofbooksnexttohim.
"Luciusgotmethinking,"Harrysaidingreeting."IfiguredtheBlackfamilylibrarymusthavebookson
purebloodtraditionssincetheyweresofanatical,andIwasright!"
HermionelaughedasHarrygesturedtothestackofbooksonthetableinfrontofhimandtheoneopen
inhislap.Shelikedseeinghimsoenthusiasticaboutsomething.
"Idon'tknowwhyIdidn'tthinkofitbefore!Harrysmiled.Ifoundsomeprettygoodstuffhereabout
thearistocracy.TheBlacksseemedtohavebeenquiteobsessedwiththeothermembersofthe
aristocracyandtryingtomoveaheadinthatsociety.Wallberga'saunt,Cassiopeia,wrotedetailed
accountsofeverypurebloodfamilysortoflikeapurebloodencyclopedia.Ofcourse,sheliberally
includedherownpersonalopinions.Don'tshowRonthebitabouttheWeasleys.Itisnotatallflattering
andsheadvisesthateveryoneconnectedwiththeBlackfamilyshunthem.Althoughtheyare
purebloods,theyhaveneverbeenpartofthearistocracyandtheBlacksdescribethemas'common'.She
notedthatthePottersweretolerablehersisteractuallymarriedaPotterbutalsosaidthattheywill
neveradvancetotheupperechelonsofsociety,becausetheyinsistedononlyassociatingwithpeople
theyliked,even'unacceptablehalfbloods'."
"Soundsjustlikeyou,"Hermionegrinned,sittingdownnexttoherfriendonthecouch."Betteradd
Mugglebornstothatlist."
"Cassiopeiawrotethisabouttwogenerationsago,soI'mnotsureifitstillreflectsattitudesofpurebloods
today,"Harrycontinued."Butifitdoes,youhavegotyourselftheGoldenSnitchofallpossible
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aristocraticaccomplishments.CassiopeiadescribestheMalfoysasoneof,ifnotthe,mostprominent
family.Sheinstructsotherstoembraceanythingtheydoandfindanypossiblewaytoalignwiththem.
ShesaysthateverywitchbornintotheBlackfamilyshouldstrivetomarryaMalfoy,withtheultimate
goalbeinga'traditional'Malfoypluralmarriage.AccordingtoCassiopeia,awitchshoulddoanything
withinherpowertomakethishappenincluding,lie,cheat,steal,kill.NoBlackwomanhadbeenable
toachieveitinrecordedhistory,whichCassiopeiawasquiteenragedaboutreally.Apparently,witches
chosenforpluralMalfoymarriagesareknowntobeexceptionallypowerful.Thisdoesmakemeworry
foryou."
"Forme?"Hermioneaskedsurprised."Fromthis,itsoundslikeI'vewonthepurebloodlotterywiththis
marriage."
"Didyounothearthepieceaboutwitcheslying,cheating,stealing,andkillingtobewhereyouare?"
Harryreallydidlookconcerned."Iamkindofgladtheweddingwillbesoon.Itislesstimeforsome
crazywitchtotrytotakeyourplace.Iknowyouwillnotagreetoanescortforthenexttwoweeks,but
promisemeyouwillbecareful.Justtrytotakesomeonewithyouwhenyougooutifyoucan."
Hermionenarrowedhereyessomewhat.Shehatedwhenpeopleimpliedshewashelpless.Shewasa
powerfulwitch!Hermionecalmeddownsomewhatwhenshesawthegenuineworryinhiseyes.
Neitheroneofthemreallyknewhowthesepurebloodsfunction,butfromwhattheylearnedsofar,they
seemedruthless.Hermioneeventuallynoddedandsighed.ShecoulddothatforHarry.Ifsheneededto
waitanhourtorunerrands,sothatoneofherfriendscouldgowithher,anditwouldgiveHarrypieceof
mind,thenshecoulddothat.
"Letsputthisstuffawayforanothertime,"Hermionestoodup."IsRonreadytogoovertothe
Burrow?"
"Oh,healreadyleft,"Harryreported,joiningHermioneattheFloo."FredandGeorgehadafewnew
productstheywantedtotest,soRonwentoverearly."
Hermionerolledhereyes.Ronwouldneverlearn.Lasttimehe'tested'anewproducthishairwaslime
greenforseveraldays.HermionetookHarry'shandandtheysteppedintotheFloo,tossedahandfulof
Floopowder,andHarryshoutedtheirdestination.
***
ImmediatelysteppingintotheBurrowlivingroom,HermionehadtoduckanerrantWeasleyWhizBang.
Shehadtolaugh.SomethingsdidnotchangeandHermionethoughtthatwasjustgreatconsidering
everythingthathadhappened.
Thenolongeridenticaltwinsrushedintotheroom,whethertheywerelookingfortheirtoyorfleeing
MollyWeasley'swrathHermionewasnotsure.TheyskiddedtoahaltinfrontofHermioneandHarry.
TheywerenoweasytotellapartduetoGeorge'smissingleftearandthelargescarthatrandownFred's
face,fromhisforeheaddown,crossingwherehisrighteyeusedtobeoverhismouthanddisappearing
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downunderhisshirt.Itwasadisastrouswound,verynearlyfatal.Luckily,HermioneandFleurhad
beenabletointervenetostoptheprogressofthecursethatwascuttinghimopen,fielddressthewound,
andplacehiminastasisstrongenoughtolastuntilhemadeittoSt.Mungo's.Fleurreallywasawonder
withhealingspells,althoughshehadinsisteditwouldnothavedoneanygoodwithoutHermione's
exceptionallydurablestasisspell.Thetwinshadpledgedtonametheirfirstborndaughtersafterthepair
ofwitches.Fredhadrespondedtohisdisfigurementwithhisusualgoodhumor,justasGeorgehadwhen
hehadlosthisear.Thetwinswerenowproducingalineofmagicaleyes,ears,andotherprostheticbody
partswithinterestingandsurprisingfeatures.Unfortunately,therewasalargermarketforthoseitems
sincethewarended,butthetwins'approachwassoplayfulandmatteroffactthatitwasnotasmacabre
asitfirstsounded.
"Whyifitisn'tOurSaviorLordPotterandtheillustriousLadyMalfoy,"GeorgeteasedasheandFred
boweddeeplybeforethem.Hermionejustchuckledandsmackedthemontheirshoulders.
"Getup,youidiots,"Hermionelaughed,pleasedthattheystilljokedandteasedherastheyalwayshad.
Shethoughtofthetwinsastheannoyingolderbrothersshehadneverhad,anddidnotthinkshecould
bearitiftheytreatedherdifferentbecauseofwhoshemarried.
"Whereiseverybody?"Harryasked,chucklingatthetwins.
"OutsidehavingaquickQuidditchgamebeforedinner,"Fredreplied.
"Wecontributedafewfireworkstothegameandhavebeenlabeledirresponsible,"Georgewinked.
"Goodthingyou'rehere,'Mione.Wehaveanideaforanewprostheticearwithacharmthattranslates
languagesforthewearer,butwearehavingtroubleandcouldusesomehelp.Rightnowitonly
translatesswearwords."
HarrytookthatcuetogojointheQuidditchgameinprogresswhileHermionegotengrossedinthe
complicatedspellworkthetwinshadworkedoutfortheirnewproduct.Hermionehadtoadmitthat,
whileofteninfantile,themagicthatwentintotheWWWproductswasveryadvanced.
"Oh,Hermione!"MollyWeasleyexclaimedatseeingthepetitewitchhunchedoverparchmentsinthe
livingroomwithhertwinsons."Ihadn'trealizedyouwerehere."
"Yes,Mrs.Weasley,IcamewithHarry,"Hermionenodded.Shewastroubledtoseetheolderwitch
stiffenupandsurveyHermionewithsomesuspicion.Theyhadneverreallygotonwell,largelyowing
tothefactthattheywereverydifferentwitches.ThatandMrs.Weasleyalwaysseemedtobewaryof
thebright,powerfulyoungwitchandappearedconstantlypreparedtothinktheworstofher."Iwasjust
discussingoneofthenewproductsFredandGeorgehopetoputoutsoon.Wewerejustwrappingup
thoughifyouneedanyhelpwithsupper."
"Youjustrestyourself,"Mollyrepliedsomewhatcoldly."Fred,Georgeyoutwogosetuptheoutdoor
table.Wehavesuchacrowdthiseveninganditisquiteniceout."
"IthinkI'lljustgrabadrinkbeforeIgooutside,"Hermioneshrugged,followingMollyintothekitchen.
Shewasabittroubledbytheolderwitch'sattitude,butnotoverlyso,aslongasshedidnotruboffon
herchildren.
"So,howarethoseMalfoys?"Mollyaskedsharplywhentheywerealone.
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"IsawthemforlunchtodayandwhenIleftthemtheywerewell,"Hermionerepliedcalmly,getting
herselfaglassandfillingitfromthepitcherofjuiceintherefrigerator.
"You'vealwaysthoughtsowellofyourself,"Mollycontinued,obviouslyirritatedthatHermionewasnot
shownanyemotiontoherquestion."Idon'tknowwhatmakesyouthinkaMugglebornwitchsuchas
yourselfcanhandletwoMalfoys.Youcouldhavehadanice,normalrelationshipwithRonald,but
you'vemadeyourbedandnowyoumustlayinit,yousillytwit."
"Yes,Ihave,"Hermionerespondedcoolly,meetingMolly'sangrygazewithherownsteadyone."But
withtwohusbandssuchasthosetwo,IexpectIwon'tbelyingaloneinbedmuchatall."
Hermionewalkedoutofthekitchen,leavingasputteringMollyWeasleybehind.Sheknewitwas
childishtobaitthewoman,butcouldnothelpit.Shehadnotbeenexpectingsupportfromthematronly
witch,butshewouldnotstandforbeingscoldedlikeachild.Moreover,pointingoutthatHermionewas
aMugglebornseemedunnecessary.ShehadsuspectedthatMrs.Weasley'spersonalbeliefsabout
magicalbloodsupremacywereabitclosertothoseoftheDeathEaterspurebloodsthantotheotherso
called'bloodtraitorpurebloods.Allthechildrenhadbeennotsogentlysteeredawayfromdating
Muggleorns,orMerlinforbid,actualMuggles.TheWeasleymatriarchappearedtohavemadean
exceptionforRon,planningtopairhimwithHermione,butHermionesuspectedthathernotorietyhad
barelymanagedtoeclipseherunfortunateparentage.
Hermionehadnotexpectedunconditionalsupportfromthiscrowdandknewwhatshewasgettinginto
bycoming.RonandMollywerefirmlyinthe'notpleasedwithHermione'camp,butshehadFredand
GeorgestillonteamHermione.TheywereworthseveralMollysasfarasshewasconcerned.
HermioneknewArthurwouldalwaysberespectfultowardherandwouldneverdosomethingasoutof
characterastalkbadlybehindherback,butMollyruledoverArthur,sohewouldneversayanythingin
Hermione'sdefense.Thatwasfine.Afterall,Arthur'srelationshipwithhiswifewascertainlymore
importantthanstickingupforafriendofhischildren.SoArthurwouldheadupthe'neutralabout
Hermione'group,whereshesuspectedBillwouldjoinhim.SheandCharliealwaysgotonwell,buthe
livedinRomania,sotendednottogetinvolved.
HermionesomewhatdreadedcomingfacetofacewithPercy.Althoughhereconnectedwiththefamily
andsawtheerrorofhisways,hewasstillanobsequiouslittlepratthatfawnedoverpowerfulpeople.He
wouldjumpon'teamHermione'justtotrytogetclosertopeopleliketheMalfoys.Hermioneshiveredin
disgustinanticipationoftheupcomingarsekissing.Hopefully,shewouldfindawaytoavoidPercy.
HermionehopedGinnywouldapproachthesituationwithtactandmaturity,butdidnotthinkthatwas
likely.Ginnywasjustsoyoung,sheltered,andusedtogettingherway.Ifthesituationdidnotaffect
Ginny,thenshelikelywouldnotbotherwithit.But,likeMolly,Ginnyhadalwaysbeenwaryof
Hermione.ShealwaysresentedHermione'scloserelationshipwithHarrybecauseofhercrush,andshe
absolutelyhatedwhenHermionegotmoreattention.
"Comeon,'Mione,"Fredshouted."Giveusahandsettingthistable.OrisLadyMalfoyabovesuch
menialtasks?"
TheteasingjoltedHermionefromherreflection.Sherealizedshemusthavebeenstandingtherethinking
foralongmoment.
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"Ofcourse,Fred,"HermionetriedtomimicLucius'imperioustoneasshewenttostandnexttoGeorge
andbeganlevitatingplatesfromhishandsontothetable."Ishallhenceforthbewaitedonhandandfoot
bygrovelingservantswhosesolepurposeinlifeistoseetomyeverywhim."
"Herecomesonenow,"Georgemockwhispered.HermioneturnedtoseePercyheadingthelargegroup
comingtothetable.TheyhadallbeendowninthemeadoweitherplayingorwatchingQuidditchpitch.
PercyseemedtobeoutpacingalltheothersandwasmakingabeelineforHermione.Shecouldnothelp
butgroanwhileGeorgechuckled.
"Hermione!"Percyexclaimedashereachedher.Hedidneedtopauseandleanoverabitthough,ashe
wasquitewinded.Therestofthegroupmanagedtocatchupinthemeantimeandbeginseating
themselvesatthetable.Mollywasrightitwasalargegroup.AlltheWeasleys(minusCharlie)plus
RemuscarryinglittleTeddyLupin,LeeJordan,andLunaLovegoodstartedsnaggingseats.Somehow,
likelyduetoPercy'spoorphysicalshape,HarrymanagedtositdownnexttoHermioneandPercyended
uponechairover.
"IhopeIhavethepleasureofbeingthefirstheretosaycongratulations,Hermione!"Percyfinallysaid
loudly,leaningoverHarry.Apparently,hehadcaughthisbreath."AmarriagetotwoMalfoysisquite
thecoup."
"What!?"Ronyelledfromacrossthattable.Allheseemedtobedoinglatelywasmakingloud,
incredulousexclamations."YouaremarryingtwoMalfoys?IthoughtyouweremarryingDraco!"
"DadsaidtheyaskedforatraditionalMalfoymarriage,"Billcutin,rollinghiseyesathisyoungest
brother."Thatmeansitisapluralmarriage,Ron."
"Thatissick!"Ron'sfaceturnedsour.
"Now,Ron,"Arthurchidedlightly."Youknowtriadsaren'tthatunusual.YoursecondcousinElspeth
marriedthosetwinbrothers."
"Butthey'refatherandson!"Roncontinued,stilllookeddisgusted."Hermioneisgoingtohaveto...be
withthemboth.That'sjustgross!"
"Idon'tknowwhatkindofsexyou'vebeenhaving,Ronald,"Fredlaughed,"butyouaredoingitwrongif
itisgross."
MoreofthecrowdatthetablewasgigglingwhileRon'sfaceturnedred.
"Fred!"Mollyscoldedassheapproachedthetable,plattersandbowlsoffoodfloatingabitprecariously
infrontofher."Thatisnotappropriatesuppertalk."
"IknowmymarryingLuciusandDracoMalfoyisunexpected,"Hermionestatedasthefoodsetdownon
thetable."Believeme,Iwasjustasshocked.However,itishappening,theSaturdayafternextinfact.
Thetreatyistooimportantandthiswastheircondition,asIamsureyouhavereadintheDailyProphet.
Iunderstandifthisisalltoomuchforsomeofyou,butifanyonewishestotalktomeaboutitoraskany
questionsletmeknow.MarryingtheMalfoysdoesnotchangemeinanyway.Iamstillthesame
Hermioneyouhaveallknownforages."
Hermionesawseveralreassuringnods,someshrugs,andafewglaresatherlittlespeech.Remusjust
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lookedsad.LosingTonksinthewarhadbeenveryhardonhimandhewasstillgrieving.Hermionedid
notknowwhathewouldhavedoneifhehadnothadTeddytokeephimgrounded.SheknewHarry
wenttoseethemalottolendahandhewasTeddy'sgodfatherafterall.ShewonderedifRemusmight
wanttomovewithTeddyintoGrimmauldPlace.HejustmightifshetoldRemusthatHarryneededthe
companyonceshewasoffatMalfoyManor.SheresolvedtoruntheideabyHarrylater.
Conversationflowedloudlyandchaoticallythroughoutdinner.ThefocuswascertainlynotonHermione
orherupcomingmarriage.Otherpeoplehadtheirownissuesandlivesafterall.Shefieldedafew
questionssuchaswhereshewouldlive,ifshewouldgetajob,ifshewouldhaveaccesstothevaults.
FredandGeorgeencouragedhertoinvestsomeofhernewfoundwealthintheirbusiness.Ginnywanted
tobeabridesmaidanddidnotlookpleasedthatitwasnotpossibleduethenatureoftheceremony.Luna
wascuriousaboutwhereshewouldhoneymoonandiftheManorhadbeensearchedforwrackspurts.
HermionehadlongagostoppedtryingtoarguewithLunaandjustassuredherthattheMalfoyswere
stringentaboutpestcontrol,towhichLunanoddedhappily.
HermionewashappytohearHarryfirmlytellRonandallthoselisteningthathehaddefinitely
decidednottobecomeanAuror.Hewentontosayhedidnotknowwhathewasgoingtodoandthathe
deservedabreaktojustgetusedtolifewithoutVoldemort.Shegavehislegasupportivesqueezeunder
thetable.HesurprisedHermioneabitwhenheannouncedhisplantogotravelingaboutforawhile
startingthesamedayshewassettoleaveforherhoneymoon.Itmadesensethough.Hewasnotas
recognizedoutsideofWizardingBritainandhadalwayswantedtoseeotherplaces,othercultures.Ginny
andRonbothjuststaredatHarryindisbelief.
"Thatsoundslikeawonderfulidea,"Remusfinallybrokethesilenceinthatsoft,steadyvoiceofhis.
"Youshouldseetheworld,beyoungforonceinyourlife."
"Ifwegiveyoualistofexoticitems,wouldyoubewillingtokeepyoureyeoutforthem?"Fred
questionedHarry.Hermionedidnotevenwanttoknowwhatwasonthatlist.Ifitwereentirelylegal,
thetwinscouldjusthaveitimported,soitwasprobablybestnottoask,thoughshewouldwarnHarry.
Soontheconversationwasbuzzingagainlikenormal.LunainformedHarrysheandherfatherwere
returningtoSwedeninAugustforasecondexpeditiontolookforthoseCrumpleHornedSnorkacks.
SheinvitedhimtojointhematanypointifhiswanderingtookhimtowardScandinavia.Arthurinsisted
thatHarrystopinRomaniatoseeCharlieandBillofferedtoprovideseveralpointsofcontactinEgyptin
hewishedtogothatway.HermionewasquiteproudofHarryandtoldhimso.
***
Afterdessert,HarryandHermioneheadedhome.RonhadelectedtostayattheBurrow.Harry
suspectedthathewasangrybecauseHarrywouldnotgowithhimintotheAurortrainingprogram.
HermioneassuredhimthatRonwouldgetoverit.SheknewHarryvaluedhisfriendship,asdidshe.
Ronwasjustsohotheadedsometimesandwouldcomearoundwhenhecooledoff.
HarryreallylikedHermione'sideaaboutinvitingRemusandTeddytostay.Theywerestayingwith
Tonks'mother.AndromedawasgreatabouthelpingoutwithTeddy,butHarrycouldtellRemuswanted
tomoveon.WithHarrygoingofftotraveltheworldindefinitely,RemuscouldcareforGrimmauld
PlaceandpossiblyoverseesomeoftheimprovementsthatHarryhadwantedtomake.Hermioneagreed
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thatRemuswouldbemorelikelytomoveinifitwouldbehelpfultoHarry,andnotcharity.Shedid
suggestthatKreachermovewithhertoMalfoyManor,ratherthanstayatGrimmauldPlace.Sheknew
theoldelfwouldhaveissuestakingdirectionfromawerewolf,andanyrenovationswouldbevery
disturbingtohim.
"Ohthankyou,MissMuggleborn!"Kreacherexclaimed,takingHarryandHermionebysurprise.
Apparently,hehadtakenLucius'commandtoassistHermionewhenevershecalledhisnamequite
literally,becausehecamewhenshesaidhisnameinconversation."KreacherisinalargedebttoMiss
Muggleborn,soonLadyMalfoy,soonwifeofthelastsonoftheNobleHouseofBlack!"
Hewasbowingasquicklyashisoldbodywouldallow.
"Yourewelcome,Kreacher,"Hermionesaid,hopingtostophimfrombowing.Hedidnotstop."Stop
bowing."Thatdidit.
"Kreacher,"Harryinterjected,"Inthenexttwoweeks,Iwouldlikeyoutohelpmefindanewelffor
GrimmauldPlacesinceyouaremovingontobiggerandbetterthings.ThishouseistoobigforRemus
totakecareofbyhimself,ifheagreestocome.Thenewelfmustbehardworkingandabletocookand
clean.Iwouldpreferanelfwithchildcareexperiencealso,sotheycanhelpwithTeddy.Theelfmustbe
willingtoworkforawerewolf.Idonotcarewhethertheelfwantstobepaidorhasclothes."
Kreachergruntedhisacknowledgementattheorderandpoppedaway.
HermionehelpedHarrydrafthislettertoRemusthateveningandthenwentuptoherroom.Tomorrow
shewasspendingthedayatMalfoyManor.Herpreviousexperiencewiththemansionwasduring
wartimeandnotpleasant.Shehopedtoreplacetheold,badmemorieswithsomenew,goodones.
Inthemeantime,shehadsomereadingtodo.Hermioneatleastwantedtolookthroughthetwobooks
shehadstowedinherbagearlier.Sheendedupthoroughlyskimmingbothbeforeshefellasleep.She
hadaskedKreacherafewquestionsaboutwhatshehadreadintheetiquettebookwhenhecametobring
herabedtimecupofcocoa.Hewasactuallyverypoliteandknowledgeable.Thecocoatastedbetter,
too.Hermionewasbrimmingwithquestionsafterreadingabouttriadicmarriages,butshecouldnotbear
toaskKreachersomethingsopersonal.ShedidfindoutthattherewasatriadlongagointheBlack
familytree,priortoPhineas.AllKreachercouldsaywasthatthethreedidseemveryhappy.
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Author'sNotes:
Disclaimer:Idon'townanything,exceptmycharmingdisposition.
Thankstobunnyhops!
HermionegoestotheManor...
Chapter9
Hermionewokeataquartertonineinthemorning.Sheleisurelyshoweredanddressedcasuallyin
croppedtwillanklelengthbluetrousers,alightweightplaidbuttondownshirt,andverycomfortablered
flats.HermionefiguredthatshewoulddresstocomfortablyhikearoundtheManorgroundsandto
explorearoundthehouse.Shebraidedherhairbacktokeepitoutoftheway.
Likeyesterday,Harrybeatherdowntothekitchen.WhenHermioneenteredtoday,however,Kreacher
immediatelypoppedupandsetafreshpotofteainfrontofher,alongwithatrayoffruitandpastries
likethosehehadmadefortheMalfoysthedaybefore.
"PleasebelettingKreacherknowifyouarewantinganythingdifferentormoreMissMuggleborntobe
marriedtoLordMalfoyandtothelastsonoftheNobleHouseofBlack,"Kreacherbowedbefore
poppingaway.HarrylaughedaloudwhileHermionesighedandrolledhereyes.Maybeshewouldprefer
MissMudbloodtothatlongtitle.Atleastshehadanicebreakfast.
"TodayisMalfoyManordayandthendatenightwithDracoright?"Harryasked,helpinghimselftothe
newfoodonthetable.
"Right,"Hermioneaffirmedasshetookasipofhertea.
"Youandyourfiancsmadethepaper,"Harrysmiled,slidinghiscopyoftheDailyProphetacrossto
Hermionewiththepagealreadyfoldedovertothephotos.Hermionesighedasshelookedoverthe
movingphotosofthemwalkingthroughDiagonAlleyandthensittingoutsidehavinglunchtogether.
ShelookedtenseastheywalkedandtheMalfoysappearedsomewhatmenacingastheyflankedher.No
wondernooneapproachedthem.Theyalllookedmuchmorerelaxedoverlunch.Inoneofthephotos,
HermionewasthrowingherheadbacklaughingwhileLuciussmiledatherandDraco,oneofthose
rarelyseengenuinesmilesonLucius'face.DracohadhishandonHermione'sandwasgrinninghappily.
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"Youguysactuallylookhappyinthatlastone,"Harrycommented,peeringathisfriend."IfIdidn'tknow
better,Iwouldthinkyouwerearealcouplethathadcometogethernaturally."
"ItfeelseasiertobearoundthemthanIthoughtitwould,"Hermioneadmitted,withabitofablush.
"Andyouareattractedtothemboth,"Harrystatedwithabitofagrin.Hermionejustnoddedand
continuedtosiphertea."Plantoshagthemsoon?"
"HarryJamesPotter!"Hermioneexclaimed,sloshingteaoutofhercupinsurprise.
"Ohcomeon,'Mione,"Harrychuckled."You'velikedthemmorethanyou'dcaretoadmitforweeks
now.I'veseenhowyoutalkedaboutthemduringthatnegotiationprocess.Youlikedthattheyargued
withyouandchallengedyouintellectually,keptyouonyourtoes.YouhavetoadmitneitherRonnorI
haveeverhadanyhopeofoutsmartingyouandatthispointwecertainlyknowbetterthantotry."
"Youaresmart,Harry!"Hermioneprotestedhisslightlyselfdeprecatingstatement.
"Iknow,"Harrysmiled,"Butyouaresmarter.Idon'tmind.Itdoesn'tmeanthatImdumb.Youare
smarterthanmostpeople.Don'tchangethesubject.YouhaveadmiredtheMalfoyssinceyou'vebeen
abletoworkwiththemratherthanfightthem.Sincetheyproposedmarriage,youhavepermissionto
extendyourintellectualadmirationtoincludeasexualcomponent.Don'ttellmeyouhaven'tthought
aboutit.IamjustcuriousandwanttomakesureyouknowIamheretotalktoaboutitifyouneedto.I
knowyouwouldbethereformeifIwasseeingsomeone."
"Yeah,"Hermionesighed."It'stimeslikethesethatIwishIhadaclosefemalefriend.Notthatyouaren't
thebestfriendintheworld!"
"Iunderstand,'Mione,"Harrysoothed."WhenIhavesomeguyissueIcanalwaysgotoRon.Iamsorry
youhaven'thadthat.It'snottoolate!Asoddasshecanbesometimes,Lunaisreallyagreatperson.She
wouldkeepafriend'sconfidencesandofferheradvicewhenasked,evenifpartofwhatshesaidhadto
dowithwrackspurtsorsomething.Sheisreallysmart,beingaRavenclawandall,andtendstothink
outsidethebox."
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"MaybeI'llinvitehertoteaortogodressshopping,"Hermionenoddedthoughtfully.Shereallydidlike
Lunaandthegirl'slaidbackdreamycharacterwasanicecontrasttoHermione'sactionoriented,goal
directedself."Andtoansweryourquestion,therewillbenoshagginguntilthewedding.Therehave
beenafewvery...intensekissesthatIfeelshowasolidphysicalconnectionwithbothofthem.Iexpect
theremaybemorethankissesasIspendmoretimewiththeminthenexttwoweeks.Itishardto
describe,becausetheymakeitsoIcan'tthinkstraightinthosephysicalmoments."
"Thatmaybeexactlywhatyouneed,"Harrysmiled.Healwaystoldherthatsheneededtogetoutofher
headandstopoverthinkingthings.
Yeah,Iknow.Hermioneslumpedabit.ItsjustthatImworriedabitaboutlosingcontrol.WhatifI
amtheonlyone?Whatiftheyareabletokeepacoolhead?Whatdoesthatdotothepowerinthe
relationshipifIcantkeepoffthem,buttheycanmanageitjustfine?
Idontknowanythingaboutsexualpolitics,Harryrepliedseriously.Ipersonallythinkyouare
wrong.Thewaytheylookedatyouyesterdayseemedferal.Thisisoneofthosesubjectsbettersuited
toagirlfriend.Ibetthosearistocraticwomenwouldknowalotaboutthistopic!Whoknows,maybe
oneofthosepurebloodwomencanbeafrienddowntheline."
"Notlikely,"Hermionesnorted."YouwantmetohangoutandgirltalkwithPansyParkinsonor
MillicentBulstrode?Besides,didn'twejustreadyesterdaythatthesewomenwouldhateme?"
"MakesureyouaskLuciusandDracoaboutthattoday,"Harrypointedathersternly."Iwanttheir
opiniononanysafetyissues.AndIwantyoutolistentothem.Theydoknowmoreabouthowthose
aristocratictypesoperatethanwedo."
"IneverthoughtI'dseethatdaywhenmyfriendwoulddemandIlistentotheMalfoysanddowhatthey
say,"Hermioneteased,gettingupfromthetable.ShewentovertoHarryandkissedhisforehead.
"Speakingofwhich,IbetterFlooover.Itisabouttennow.Idon'tknowhowlongI'llbe,sodon'twait
up.I'lldefinitelyseeyoutomorrow,we'llhangout.IamgoingtohaveLuciusenabletheFloo,soyou
canatleastFloocallovertotheManorincaseyouneedtogetaholdofme.Haveagoodday!"
HarryjustwavedheroffasshewentovertotheGrimmauldPlaceFloointhekitchenandshoutedher
destination.
***
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Amomentlater,Hermionewasstumblingintoaverynicelyappointedroom.Dracoappearedtobe
pacingthecarpetinfrontoftheFlooandLuciuswassittingonthecouch,sippinghistea.Theonly
indicationthatLuciuswasimpatient,likeDraco,wasthatoneofhislegswasbouncingabsently.
Finally!Dracoexclaimed,stridingovertoHermioneandpullingheroffthegroundintoahug.
Putherdown,Draco,Luciusscoffed.
Itisonlyjusttenoclock!Hermionenoted.
Iknow,Dracoreplied,Butthereisalottodotoday,alottoshowyou.
DracoisabitnervoushavingyouhereattheManor,LuciusexplainedandDracogloweredathis
father.Webothreallyhopeyoulikeit,butweunderstandthattheonlytimeyouvebeenherebefore
washorribleforyou.BelievemewhenIsaythatitwashorribleforusaswell.
Itwashorrible,Hermioneacknowledgedsoberly.ThememoryoftheCrucioBellatrixusedonher
madehershiverformoment.Draconoticedandbeganrubbingherarmslightly.ButIcametoday
readytoreplaceoldmemorieswithnewones.
Ifithelps,Dracosupplied,weareintheprocessofcompletelyrenovatingeveryroomintheManor
thatholdsaterriblememoryfromVoldemortsstayhere.IstillcantbelieveMotherinvitedthatlunatic
here.
Draco,Luciussoothed,pattingDracosarm.Wevegoneoverthis.Narcissawastroubled,butshe
didloveyou.Shejustdidnotalwaysgoaboutthingsinthebestorsanestmanner.
Hermionefeltabitthevoyeur,observingthismomentbetweenfatherandson.Shepushedbackthe
awkwardfeelingthough.Thesemenwouldbeherhusbands,andsheshouldtrytounderstandtheir
relationship,theirdynamic.Shealsotookthetimetoprocesswhattheywerewearing.Shehadnever
seenthemoutofrobesbefore,exceptDracoinhisschoolandQuidditchuniforms.Regardless,shehad
neverseenthemincasualclothingbefore.Dracohadondarkwashfittedbluejeansthatlooked
suspiciouslyMuggle.Hehadpairedthedenimwithasoftlookingsagegreentshirtandwhatlooked
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likeAdidassneakers.Luciuswaswearinglooselytailoredkhakitrousersandanuntuckedwhitelinen
shirt.Hisfootwearwasmuchmorewizardlikeandappearedtobethin,browndragonhidewalking
boots.
Iknow,Father.Youdidthebestyoucould,DracoassuredLucius,beforeturningtoHermione.We
arenotalwayssomaudlin,buttherearesomeissueswehavenothadtimetoreallydealwith,because
otherthingskeepcomingup.Enoughofthatthough!Wereallydohavealottosee!
Tinky,wearereadytogo,Luciusstatedaloud.Amomentlater,anelfappearedwithabagshehanded
toLucius.TheelfbeamedupatLuciusadoringlyandwasdressedinaveryclean,neatpillowcasethat
hadtheMalfoyfamilycrestonthefront.Thankyou.Tinky,thisisMissGranger.Shewillbethenew
LadyMalfoysoonandwillbecomingbythehousefrequentlybeforethewedding.Iamassigningyou
toassistherwithanythingsheneedswhilesheishere.Ifsheispleasedwithyou,youmaycontinueto
assistherwhenshemovesin.
ThelittleelflookedsosweetandHermionecouldswearshesawTinkytrembleslightlywhileshesnuck
glancesatHermionerightbeforeshenoddedandpoppedaway.
Shelookssoclean!DobbywasalwayssoHermionetrailedoffonherown,realizingshespoke
withoutreallythinking.ShelookedupattheMalfoys,unsureofwhatshewouldseeandwasmetwith
verytight,guardedexpressions.
Malfoyshavealwaystreatedtheirservantswell,Dracosaidinaclippedvoice.Ourelvesarehappy
andgratefultobehere.
Unfortunately,Luciusinserted,careanddirectionofthehouseelvestraditionallyfallstotheLadyof
theManor.TheBlackfamilyhadsomebizarreandbarbaricideasregardinghouseelvesingeneral.
NarcissathoughtitbesttoimplementthoseideashereaftershebecameLadyMalfoy.Shefeltitwas
unnaturaltoseehappyhouseelvesandinsistedthathermethodswerenecessary,sotheywouldknow
theirplace.SeveralofthemhaddifficultydealingwithNarcissasneglectfulandabusivemanner.
Dobbyhadaveryhardtime.Hehadbeenwiththefamilyforsolongbeforeandhadbeensohappy.
Frankly,itwasabattlethatIdidnothavetheenergytofight.
Ididnotmeantooffend,Hermioneofferedinwhatshehopedwasaconciliatorytone.Isawthe
headsoftheBlackfamilyelvesstuffedandmountedonthewallsatGrimmauldPlaceyearsago,soIdo
knowwhatyouaretalkingabout.IdidnotknowanywizardingfamilieswithelvesandIdonotknow
thenorm.Icanonlyassumethiswillbethefirstofmanymisunderstandingsbetweenthethreeofus,
giventhatwedontknoweachotherverywelloreachothersculture.Wecananticipatesituationswhen
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wewillmanagetoinadvertentlyoffendeachother.Pleaseknowthatitwillneverbemyintentionto
causeoffenseorhurtyourfeelings.Whenthesituationisreversed,Iwillexpectthesameistrueonyour
end.Ihopethataswelearnmoreabouteachothertheseinstanceswillbecomefewer.
LuciusandDraconodded.Thesubjectofhouseelvesappearedtobeasoreone,althoughshehadnot
known.
IunderstandfromDracothatyoustartedacampaigntofreehouseelvesandtopromotetheirwelfare,
Luciuschuckled.Icanimaginethatwashardforyouwhenyourealizedtheydidnotwantwhatyou
perceivedasfreedom.Hermionejustnodded,browsfurrowed.Shestilldidnotunderstandit!What
youmaynothaveknownisthatthewizardelfrelationshiphasthepotentialtobeveryreciprocal.Elves
clearlydothebulkofworkinwizardinghouseholdstheyhavemadethemselvesindispensibleinmany
homesandbusinesses.Elfmagicisdifferentfromours.Itismoreelemental,whichcanbevery
powerfulbutitcanalsobemoreunstable.Iamnotsurehow,butwhenyoujuxtaposeelfmagicwith
wizardmagic,theenergyofourmagicstabilizestheirs.Ittakesaverystrong,olderelftomanageonhis
orherownwithoutsomeproximitytowitchesandwizards.Iftherewerenobenefitforthem,why
wouldtheyhaveadoptedthislifestyle?Itservesanimportantpurpose.Withoutbalanced,stablemagic,
elvesdonotliveaslong,tendtosufferfromformsofmentalillness,andhaveahardertimeprocreating.
SinceMalfoystendtohaveverystrongmagic,wecanmaintainmanyhealthyelvesandtheyseemto
valueworkinghere.AfterNarcissadied,Dracoofferedthemtheirfreedominasreparationforhowthey
weretreated.Theyalldeclined.Heofferedthempayment,buttheydeclinedthataswell.Elvesjustdo
nothaveauseformoney.Weinsistedthattheyeachgetadayoffeachweek,whichtheyinitiallytried
todeclineaswell.Wehadtoensurethemthatwewerenottryingtogetridofthemandtoldthemthatit
wastheonlythingtheycoulddotomakeushappy.
Ithasbeengoingfairlywell,Dracojoinedin,havingseemedtocalmdown.Atfirsttheyjustsatand
staredattheother,workingelveswhentheyhadadayoff.SoIhadtoexplainabouthobbiesandnon
workactivity.Initially,theydidnotseethepoint,butnowmostofthemcanidentifyatleastonething
theyliketodowiththeirsparetime.
ThatmustbewhyKreacherhasimprovedsomuchsincepeoplehavestartedstayingatGrimmauld
Placeconsistently,Hermionerealized.Hewasquiteanutterwhenwefirstcameacrosshim,buthe
hadbeenaloneforalongtime,withnoonebutWallbergasportraitforcompany.Thatremindsme.I
sortofinvitedKreachertocomeherewithmewhenImovein.IamsorryIdidnotconsultwithyou
first.
Pet,thiswillbeyourhome,Luciuschidedgently.Wewantyoutobringwhatever,orwhomever,you
wish.
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Well,withinreason,Dracosnorted.PottercankeeplivinginhisownhouseIthink.Letsbeoff!
WewillApparatefromheretothefrontdoorandstartthere.IwillSidealongyou.Onlyimmediate
familycanApparatewithintheManor,soyouwontbeableuntiltheSaturdayafternext.
***
Withawink,DracoencircledHermioneswaistwithhisarmsandshefeltthetugofApparition.She
openedhereyestoseelushgreen,wellmanicuredwalkwaythatleduptothefrontdoorofMalfoy
Manor.Everythinglookedsomuchhealthierthanwhenshehadseenitlast.
TheysetoffwalkingawayfromtheManor.DracoexplainedthattheywouldcircletheManorinorderto
showhersomehighlightsabouttheproperty,butthatitwastoolargeforthemtoseeeverythingthat
morning.Theywouldonlywalkforabouttwohoursanditwouldtakedaystoreallyexploreallthe
property.
"TherearelayersofwardssurroundingtheManorandtheproperty,"Dracoinformedher,gesturing
aroundhim.HeseemedproudtotalkabouttheManorandLuciuslethimtakethelead,strollingnextto
Hermioneandholdingherhand."Therearewardstokeepspecificpeopleandcertainkindsofmagicout
ofthehouse.Forexample,owlscarryinganythingcursedortaintedareautomaticallysenttoalocal
Aurorofficeinthenearbyvillage.WearecomingupontheantiApparitionwardsnow."
"Iknow,Icanfeelthem.IcansensetheantiApparitionpart,butthereismoreaswell.Itfeelslikethere
arealarmandbarrierwardswovenintotheantiApparition,"Hermionereplied.Shewascuriousabout
thecomplexsecuritywards,likehowtheywereconstructedandhowtheywerelayeredformaximum
effectiveness.Shewasgoodwithwards,havingpracticedextensivelyduringtheHorcruxhunttime."I
betitwouldtakemeawhiletodismantlethemifIevertried.Sometimedoyouthinkyoucandiagram
outthewardsforme?"
"Youcanfeelthewardsalready?"Luciusasked,stoppingtheirwalk,hiseyebrowraised.
"Ofcourse."Hermionewasconfused."Everyonecanfeelwards."
"Yesandno,"Luciusresponded."Everyonecanfeelwardsastheypassthroughthem,butnotmany
peoplecanfeelthemuntiltheyareindirectcontactwiththeward.Eventhen,itisanexceptionalskillto
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beabletoidentifythekindsofwardsandhowtheyareconstructedwithoutusingadetectionorrevealing
charm.Youtrulyareapowerfulwitch."
BothMalfoyswerelookingabitpredatoryandlustfulallofasudden.Dracohadevenstoppedhis
commentarytolookatherhungrily.Hermioneconsideredthesituation.Maybeshecouldhaveherown
sexualpowertobalanceouttheupperhandtheyseemedtohavewithherphysically,makingherweak
kneedandmuddledwiththeirkisses.Theyseemedtoreallygetwoundupwhentheythoughtofher
strength,soshewonderedwhatadisplayofmagicalpowerwoulddoforthem.Hermionestowedthe
thoughtawayforconsiderationandlaterexperimentation.
"Thedaysisnotgettinganyyounger,gentlemen,"Hermionesmirked,breakingtheirsilence.Shebegan
walkingagain,tuggingLuciusalong.
TheMalfoymenresumedtheirwalk,reluctantlyatfirst.Draco,however,wentbacktohisenthusiastic
tourguiderole.TheyturnedoffthemaingravelwalkwayshortlyafterpassingtheApparitionwardsand
startedonawornfootpaththatsnakedthroughtheforestsurroundingtheManor.Dracosharedthatthe
Malfoypropertyincludedmostoftheforestandcontinuedawayfromthehouseforatleastten
kilometersineachdirection,muchfurtherontherearofthehouse.ThebagTinkygaveLuciushad
severalbottlesofwaterandfruittosnackonastheywalked.
HermioneverymuchenjoyedthetourastheycircledtheManor,whichneverdidlooksmall,evenata
distance.Theforestwaslovely,greenandshadywithawindingstreamandinvitinglookingglens.There
werestretchesofmeadowandHermionepickedwildflowersastheywalked.Aminorstasischarmkept
themfromwiltingfromheatandlackofwaterastheywenton.DracoandLuciustookturnstellingher
aboutthegrounds.Themoremanicured,plannedgardenswererightupnexttothehouseandwereoften
usedforentertaining.TherewasasubstantialwalledvegetablegardenthatLuciuscalledakitchen
gardenanditwasnoteasilyvisiblefromthehouse.Hermionelearneditwasgauchetobeableto
witnessfarmingorothermanuallaborfromonesManor,andblatantlyrolledhereyesattheabsurdity.
TheelveswereabletogrowalmostalloftheproducefortheManorinthosegardens.
Asmallgreenhousewassituatednotfarfromthekitchengardens.Hermionewassomewhatsurprisedto
learnthatthegreenhousewasprimarilyLucius'domain.Heapparentlyexcelledatherbologyand
cultivatedveryrare,sometimesdangerous,plantsinhisgreenhouseasahobby.Hegrewseveralvery
fragilespeciesforSeverus,astheywereimportantpotioningredientsthatworkedbestifgrownacertain
way.
Pastthegreenhouseandgardens,asmallroadledtoagoodsizedlakeontheMalfoyproperty.Alittle
boathouseheldafewrowboats,severalflotationdevicesforswimming,andanarrayoffishing
equipment.Theelvesprimarilyusedtheboatsandfishingequipment,catchingfishforthekitchen.
NeitherDraconorLuciusenjoyedthosethings,buttheydidliketoswiminthesummer.WhileDraco
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describedthefeaturesofthelakedepth,marinelife,swampareaononeside,afewgoodbeaches,the
smallrockyareathatincludedacaveHermionetookanillicitmomenttopicturethembothintheir
swimtrunks.Shefeltherselfheatupslightlyandwishedshehadbroughtherbathingsuitsoshecould
takeadipandcooloff.Whensherelayedherwishaloud,itwastheMalfoysturntopictureherin
swimwearandtheylookedherupanddownwithmatchingmischievouslooks.
Hermionechangedthesubjectbyaskingabouttheothersideofthelake.Luciusexplainedthat,likethe
Manorhouseitself,theentirepropertywasheavilywardedprimarilyagainstMuggles.Thewards
aimedtomakeMugglesnotnoticetheareaand,iftheydid,thewardswouldcompelthemtoleave
immediatelyandnotrecallanythingaboutthelakeorforesttheymayhaveglimpsed.Thesewardswere
exceptionallydurableandeachgenerationstrengthenedthem.Asaresult,manygenerationsagoa
relativelysmallwizardingvillagehadsetupalongtheedgeoftheMalfoywardsonthefarsideofthe
lake.ThevillagewasabletoutilizetheMalfoywardstohelpshielditfromMuggles,onlyhavingto
erecttheirownlesspowerfulwardsontheothersideofthevillage.TheyofferedtotakeHermionetothe
villageanotherdayifshewished,althoughtheywarneditwassmallandtherewasnotalottoseeordo.
Beyondthelakewereseveralbuildingstohouseandcareformagicalcreatures.TheMalfoyshadseveral
Thestralsfortheircarriage.Hermionehadnoideawhytheyneededacarriage,butrefrainedfromasking.
Theelvesalsokeptalargeflockofchickens,whichproducedbotheggsandpoultryfortheManor.It
turnedoutDracohadanaffinityformagicalcreatures,whichmadeHermionelaughaloud.Sherecalled
tohimandLuciushowpoorlyDracoseemedtodoinHagrid'sclassandthathedidnotseemtoknow
muchaboutmagicalcreatureswhenhemetBuckbeak.Dracodefendedhimself,askinghowmany
thirteenyearoldboysshowgoodjudgmentandmaturitywhenshowingofffortheirfriends.Heand
Luciusalsoconcededthatneitherwasafanofthegoodnaturedhalfgianteither.Theythoughthiman
adequategroundskeeper,butwantedaHogwartsprofessortohavemoreacademiccredentials.Hermione
shruggedanddisagreed,statingthatshelearnedalotfromHagridandthatsometimesrealworld
experiencecombinedwithgenuinepassionoutweighsmoreimpressivecredentials.Therefore,they
agreedtodisagree.
Dracoinsistedtheygoinsidethebarns,wantingtoshowoffhisanimals.ShesawtheThestrals,with
theirdark,skeletalreptilianbeauty.Hermionegaspedatthesightoftwoothervarietiesofwinged
horses.HermionehadonlyeverseenThestralsandMadameMaximesgiantAbraxanthatpulledher
carriage.Here,however,wereAethonanandGranianthatHermionehadonlyreadabout.Asidefrom
thewings,theylookedmorelikeregularhorses,unlikethereptilianThestralsandhugeAbraxan.There
wasapairofAethonan,oneverylightbrownandtheotherclosertoachocolatecolor.Therewasonly
oneGranian,whowassuchalightgreyitlookedsilver.TheGranianwasabitsmallerandslimmer.
Hermionehadheardtheywerethefastestwingedhorses.DracowalkeduptothemandtheGranian
begannuzzlinghim.HeurgedHermionetoapproach,whichshedidtentatively.
ThisladyhereisFreya,DracopettheGranian.Ijustgothernotlongago.ThosetwoAethonanare
MerlinandthenCirce.FathergavethemtomeforChristmasinfourthyear.
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Theyaresobeautiful,Hermionesighed,pettingthelighterbrownCirce.
Icantakeyouridingifyoulike,Dracooffered,beaming.Heclearlyhadbothaffectionandpridefor
thesecreatures.Theyseemedtorespondverywelltohimalso.DracosbrowfurrowedwhenHermione
blanchedathisinvitation.
Imnotaverygoodflier.Imafraidoffalling,Hermioneadmitted.CirceheadbuttedHermiones
shoulder,seeminglyoffendedbyherstatement.
Circewouldneverletyoufall,Dracosoothed.Thinkaboutit,wecouldstartoffslowandjuststayon
theproperty.
HermionejustnoddedasshecontinuedtopetCirce.Theygaveallthehorsestreatsofapples.Draco
explainedthatawizardfromthevillageworkedastheirgamekeeper.Hefed,exercised,andgenerally
caredforalltheanimalsattheManor.Theyusedtohaveotheranimals,butwithallthechaosinthepast
severalyears,theyfoundotherhomesforthem.Aftersayinggoodbyetothehorses,theylefttheanimals
andmadetheirwaybacktothehouseforlunch.
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Author'sNotes:
Disclaimer:IdonotownHarryPotter.IfIdid,Iwouldbetypingthisfrommy
privateislandsurroundedbyaharemofMalfoylookalikesfanningmewith
palmfronds.
Thankyoutobunnyhopsforheramazingturnaroundtime!
Now,HermioneandtheMalfoyshaveadiscussion....
Chapter10
Insteadofgoinginsideforlunch,LuciusandDracoledHermionetoaveryprettygardenfullof
bloomingflowers.Therewasalargewhitegazebocoveredinclimbingplantsinbloomandunderneath
wasatablesetforthreeforlunch.
Severalhouseelvessettheirlunchoutanddisappeared.Therewaswaterandwine,bothcharmedtostay
coldintheheat.Thefarewaslightandincludedsummergreens,chickensalad,fruit,andcheeses.
Everythinglookedsoelegantonthedelicatechina.AllthefoodwasrecognizabletoHermione,but
fancythingswereaddedtomakeitmorespectacular.Forexample,thegreensaladattheManor
containedseveralkindsofrarelyseengreens,herbs,andalightcitrusydressingthattastedlikeithada
bitofchampagneinit.
Theywereallhungryfromtheirmorningexerciseonthegroundsandstartedhelpingthemselves.Both
LuciusandDracoseemedabitanxioustogetHermionesfeedbacksofar.
Thisisamazing,Hermionetoldthemhonestly.Thegroundsaregorgeous,andthereissomuchto
see!Icouldprobablyexplorethemforagesandstillfindnewthings.
Thereisafairlygoodmapofthepropertyinthelibraryifyoueverwanttoseeit,Dracooffered.
Hermionenoddedandsmiled.ShewastouchedthattheywantedhertoapproveoftheManor.Theydid
nothavetocareiftheirwifelikedhernewhome,butHermionelikedthattheydid.
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SoIreadoneofthebooksontriadicmarriage,Hermionereportedbetweenbitesofherfood.Lucius
mentionedthatdiscussionsaboutlogisticsshouldbedoneinprivate,andthisseemsprivateenough.
Verymuchso,Pet,Luciusnodded.Howwouldyouliketobegin?
Well,Hermionestarted,Ipaidparticularattentiontotriadsthatincludetworelatives.Ofcourse,the
triadsmadeupofthreenonrelatedpeopletendtobesexualbetweenallpartiessothelogisticsare
different.Thethreewouldthenmostlikelyshareonebedroom.Iknowthethreeofuscanspendtime
togetherandgetalongfine.ThesexualaspectofourrelationshipistheareawhereIneedmore
clarification.Forinstance,doIgetmyownroom?Willtherebeabedroomschedule?
DracoandIhavealreadydiscussedhavingsexwithyou,Luciusexplained.Hermioneblushedabitat
hearinghimsayitsobaldly,butthatiswhatthesituationneeded.Therewasnouseinhiding.Iwant
youtoconsidertheplanDracoandItalkedaboutadraft.Ifthereisanypartofitthatyouarenotsureof,
wecandiscusshowtochangeit.Giventhatwearefatherandson,wewantedtosortoutwherewestood
andwhatwewerecomfortablewith.
Thatsoundsliketheplacetostartthen,Hermionestatedabitexasperated.Iftheyalreadyworkedout
ideasofhowthesexualrelationshipwouldworkthenthatwouldbetheobviousstartingpoint.Sofill
mein,generally,onwhatyoutwohavediscussedsofar.
Traditionallyinthearistocracy,mostspousesmaintaintheirownbedroomsandthatseemslikeitwould
workbestinthiscase.Wewouldliketoconnectourthreebedroomswithyoursinthemiddle,foreasy
access,Luciusexplained.Hermionenodded,thatmadesensetoher.Regardingphysicalintimacy,as
youmayhavenoticed,IhavenoproblemkissingandtouchingyouinfrontofDracoandviceversa.We
decidedthatitwasunreasonabletothinkwewouldnotseeyouwiththeotherinsomestageofsexual
activity.Thatiswhatmarriedpeopledo.Idonotwanttohavetowaittokissyouortouchyouuntilwe
arealone.
YouvealsonoticedthatFatherandIareveryclose,Dracocontinued.Ilovehimandwanthimtobe
happyhefeelsthesameforme.Whenweimaginedseeingtheotherwithyou,itdidnotstirupany
unpleasantfeelingslikejealouslyorupset.Wehavehadafewchancestoexperimentwithyouinreal
lifeandsofar,itisturningouthowwethoughtitmight.Itdoesnotbothermeintheleasttoseeyou
withFather.Iseeabeautiful,sexywitchIwanttobewithenjoyingtheattentionsofapersonIcare
aboutverymuch.Infact,itisratherexcitingtowatchyou.
DracosexplanationhadturnedintoaleerandHermionewassurethatwasblushingagain.
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Doesitbotheryoutohaveusbothkissingyouatthesametime?Luciusaskedtheyoungwitch.
Ihavebeenperfectlycomfortablewithwhatwehavedonesofar,Hermionereported.Willitstaythe
sameaswegofurther?
Weexpectthatitwill,Luciusreplied.Forthisrelationshiptowork,wehavetoendeavortobehonest
witheachotherandcommunicatefreely.Ifsomethingdoeshappen,ormayhappen,andsomeonefeels
hesitanttheyshouldfeelfreetotelltheotherswithoutfearofjudgment.DracoandIbelievethatwe
willnothaveanyissueswatchingtheotherdoanythingwithyou,fromkissingtosex.AsDraco
mentioned,itisarousingtoseeyouinthatcontextlettingyourselfgo.IfthemoodstrikesandIwant
youhaveyoubentovermydeskinmystudy,IdontwanttohavetoworryaboutDracowalkingin.
Hermioneimaginedthatscenarioquitevividlyforamomentanditwentonherlistofthingstodointhe
future.Shehadtoshakeherselfoutofthedaydreamandreorientherself.Bothmenweregrinning,
knowingwhatshehadbeenthinkingabout.
Sohavingsexwitheachother,infrontofeachotherisnotproblematic,Hermionerecapped.What
aboutsimultaneously?
Haveyoumuchexperiencewithmultiplepartnersatonce,Pet?Luciuspurred.
Idonot,Hermionestated,liftingherchinabitdefiantly.Sheknewshewaslikelytheleast
experiencedonethere,byalot,butfoundshedidnotlikehavingthathighlighted.Severusexplained
thatthewizardingworldismuchmoresexuallypermissivethanwhatIwasusedtogrowingupasa
Muggle.
Didhenow?Luciusaskedthroughgrittedteeth.JusthowcloseareyouandSeverusthatheneedsto
assureyouitisfinetobesexuallypermissive?
HermioneraisedabrowandsurveyedtheolderMalfoy.Itwasnotatotallyunreasonableassumptionto
make,thatsheandSeverushadasexualrelationship.Ronhadmadethesameoneafterall.Theywere
friendsanddidspendalotoftimetogether.Ofcourse,thattimewasspentworkingonprojectsandthe
stimulationwaspurelyintellectual,notphysical.
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Severusisadearfriendofmine,Hermionerespondedcoolly.Heisalsoaclosefriendofyours.Are
youaskingmeifIvehadasexualrelationshipwithSeverus?
Yes,Luciusstated,hisjawfirmlyclenchedatthispoint.Hermionewonderedifhewasjealous.He
didinsistthatsheimmediatelyterminateanysexualrelationshipsintheengagementsectionofthe
marriagecontract.Clearly,hedidnotwantherbeingwithothermen.
IwilladmitthatIdontknowhowIwanttoproceed,Hermioneexplained.Luciuswasdefinitely
losinghistrademarkcoolandaloofness.
YoudontknowifyouvehadsexwithSeverus?Dracoteased.Ifyoucantrecall,itcouldnothave
beenthatgood.
OfcourseIknowthatanswertoLuciusquestion,Hermionerolledhereyes.WhatIamwondering
aboutisreciprocation.AmIexpectedtorevealallofmypastsexualpartners?AndifIdoso,willyou
bothdothesame?Moreover,doIreallywanttoknowaboutallofyourpastsexualpartners?
Hermionewasbeingveryhonest.Itwasabadhabitofhers.Partofherdidnotwantthemtoknowshe
hadonlybeenwithoneman,andthatthatonemandidnothavepassionordesireforher.Hermionewas
notsurewhatthatsaidabouther.Shewasstillquiteyoungand,untilveryrecently,hadbeen
preoccupiedwithfightingawarnotwithdating.Nevertheless,shewonderediftheywouldthinkher
lessdesirableornotcapableofpassion.
Hermionealsohonestlydidnotknowifshewantedtoknowaboutherhusbandspasts.Shewassure
thatshewouldgetconfirmationthattheybothhadactive,kinkysexlivesuntilafewdaysago.Muchof
LuciusadultlifewasspentwithNarcissa,butHermionewassuretherewereplentyofwitcheswillingto
warmhisbedbeforeandaftertheformerLadyMalfoy.Dracohadalwaysseemedquitepopularin
school.Inhiscase,shewouldprobablyknowthewitcheshehadbeenwith.DidHermionewantnames
andfacestoaddtoherimagination?Eventhoughtheyhadonlybeenherwizardsforabouttwodays,
shefoundtheideaofthemwithotherwitchesextremelydistasteful.Shewonderedifsheshouldcut
Luciussomeslack,becauseheseemedtofeelthesamewaythinkingaboutherwithanotherwizard.
Hermionewassureshelookedconfusedandalittlelost.
Isee,Luciusbrokethesilence.Heseemedtohavecalmeddown,possiblyinresponsetoHermiones
honestconfusion.Shewasnottryingtomanipulatethesituationshejustdidnotknowwhattodo.
Youwanttosetsomegroundrules.
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Hermionenodded.LuciuslookedthoughtfulandDracowasjustwatchingthetwoofthem.
Icansaythat,formypart,Idowanttoknowwhoyouhavebeenwith,Dracoreported.AndIdonot
mindsharingmyhistoryifyouwishtoknowit,butitseemsyouareunsureifyoudo.Ithinkthereason
Idontmindsharing,isthatthereisnodoubtinmymindthatyouaremyfutureandyouaremyonly,
fromthispointon.Withthatperspective,anyotherwitchesfromthepastjustfeelsoimmaterial.
Lucius,yousaidearlierthatwehavetocommunicatewitheachotherhonestlyifthisisgoingtowork,
Hermionespokeup.Again,shedidnotknowhowtoproceedwithoutbeingtotallyhonest.Thatseemed
abitunfairtoher,becauseshedoubtedthetwoSlytherinswouldhavethesametrouble.Ihavetoadmit
thatIhaveseveralideasinmyheadthatmakemenothappy.Now,itmaynotbereasonablethingsto
beupsetabout,butitisthecase.
Suchas?Luciusencouraged.
Iimaginethatthetwoofyouhavehadveryactiveandadventuroussexlives,Hermionestated.Ialso
imaginethatyoubothhavehadmanypartners,manyofwhomwereveryskilled.Thethingthatbothers
meisthatIwouldpaleincomparisonandyouwillnotbesatisfied.Theideathatyouhavehadtoenda
relationship,forthesakeofthismarriage,isalsotroublingtomebecauseyouwouldbethinkingabout
thatotherperson.Idonotknowhowyoursocietyworks,butitseemscutthroatinmanyways.It
bothersmethatIwillbesentouttosocializewithpurebloodwomenwhoaremyhusbandsformer
paramours.Idontlikesomeoneelsehavingthatadvantageoverme.Thataboutsumsitup.
DracoandLuciusbothlookedconcernedandthoughtful.
Oh,Kitten,Dracobrokethesilence.Hermionewasnotsureshelikedhistoneasitcouldborderon
pityingifshewantedtotakeitthatway.BelievemewhenIsay,wehavegivenupnothingtobewith
you.WhenIsaidotherwomenwereimmaterial,Imeantit.IwouldtradeeverywitchIhaveeverbeen
withforyou,inaheartbeat.Ihavewantedyouforyearsnow,eventhoughIwasnotsupposedto.
DuringthatYuleballfourthyear,everybodynoticedhowgorgeousyouwere,meincluded.Mycrush
developedfromthere,despitethefactthatIknewwecouldnotbetogether.Icouldnthelpityouareso
damnsexy,smart,andstrong.Itismuchmorelikelythat,inthepast,Ihavebeenwithawitchand
imaginedshewasyou.Itwouldnevergotheotherway.Thistreatygaveusagoldenopportunitythat
weexploitedtohaveyou.
Itisimportantthatyouunderstandthis,Pet,Luciusspokeup.NeitherDraconormyselfwouldever
thinkofanotherwitchsexuallynowthatwehaveyouinourlives.Honestly,IdonotthinkIevencould
ifItried.WhenItrytoimaginemyselfwithawitch,sheisyou.Youarewhowewant.
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Sincewearebeinghonestaboutourinsecurities,Luciuscontinued,ImayaswelladmitIdonotlike
theideaofyouwithanotherwizardasIamsureyouhavenoticed.Iampossessivebynature,butthe
feelingmultiplieswhenitcomestoyou.Iammucholderthanyouare.IknowthatIamstillyoungby
wizardingstandards,butyoudonotcomefromthisculturewhereseveraldecadesarenotthatimportant.
So,Iimaginesometimesthatyouwilllookatmeandseeanoldman.Thismakesmeworryaboutlosing
you,evenifitisnotrational,andmyurgeistoholdontoyoueventighterandneverletotherwizards
nearyou.
Oh,Lucius,Hermionesighed.NowsheunderstoodDracostone.Itwasnotpity.Itwasmorelike,
howcouldyouthinksomethingsoridiculous?IknowhowoldyouareandIhonestlydonotthink
aboutit.Peoplethatshallremainnameless,havepointedouttome,rathercrudely,thatyouareDracos
fatherandoldenoughtobemyfatherbutIdontthinkaboutitbecauseitdoesnotfeelstrange.Harry
wiselyobservedtomethismorningthatIhaveclearlybeenattractedtoyoubothforsometimenow,and
hewasnotwrong.Iamnotinterestedinotherwizards.Ialreadyhavetwo!
DracoandLuciuslaughedatthatlastpart.Theyappreciatedherlighteningthemoodabit.
Youmakeagoodpoint,Pet,aboutoursocietybeingcutthroat,Luciusnodded.Theotherwomenwill
trytotestyou,Iamsure.ThereareafewwithwhomIhavehadsomedallianceatsomepointandthe
sameistrueforDraco.Idonotwantthemtobeabletoblindsideyouwiththatinformation.SoIhavea
proposal.Wedonotneedtoprovidealistofallourpastsexualpartners.Ithinkitwouldbefairand
prudent,however,toinformeachotheraboutanypastpartnersthatarecurrentlyormaybeinvolvedin
ourlives.Thatwaynoonewillhavetheadvantageofinformationoveranyofus.
Thatsoundsreasonable,Hermionenodded.Shereallydidnotwanttojumpintothearistocracyshark
tankillinformed.
GettingbacktheSeverusquestionthen,Luciussaidsmoothly,helpinghimselftomorefood.Their
conversationhadeffectivelydistractedthemfromtheirlunch.Hewouldqualifyassomeonewhoisstill
inourlives,especiallysincewearesuchclosefriends.
Yes,heis,Hermionenodded.Andno,IhaveneverhadasexualrelationshipwithSeverus.Imay
havehadabitofacrushinfifthyear,butitwasatypicalschoolgirlcrushandfadedafterashorttime.
Dracolaughedathercrush,butHermionedidnotmind.Severuswasnotunattractive,eventhoughhis
attitudeusuallymadepeopleseehimthatway.Hehadsexyhands,withthoselongtaperedfingers,and
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hisvoicewasveryappealingtowitcheseverywhere.Luciusjustnodded.
Whataboutyoutwo?Hermioneasked.Dideitherofyousleepwithanyoneinmysocialcircle?
IhadathreesomewithKingsleybackinschool,Luciusreported,appearingthoughtful.ButIdidnot
actuallyhavesexwithhim,hewasjustthere.SamethinghappenedwithSeverus.Idonotknowwhere
thewitchesfromthoseexperiencesarenow.IthinkonemovedtotheAmericas.
YouhangoutwiththegirlWeasleystillright?Dracoasked.Hermionesmouthgapedopen.
YousleptwithGinny!?!Hermioneshrieked.Shefelttheurgetohexsomething.Hermionefelther
magicstarttocrackleunderherskin.
Merlinno!Dracoexclaimed.Calmdown,Kitten.Although,youdolooksexywhenyougetworked
up.IwouldneverhavesexwithaWeasley!Shedidpropositionmethough,sixthyear.Shewasquite
adamantandwouldnottakeahint,soIhadtobeverybluntwithher.Ialreadyhadalotonmyplate,
tryingtonotkillDumbledore,whilenotbeingkilledbyVoldemortmyself.Itwasverymuchlikethe
comeonsIgetfrommostpurebloodgirlstryingtosnagthemselvesaMalfoy.Igottheimpressionher
motherencouragedit,andfilledthegirlsheadwithwhatgettingaMalfoycouldgether.
Ugh,Hermionemadeadisgustedface.
ThatswhatIsaid,Luciuschuckled.
MollyWeasleyjustirritatesmetonoendsometimes,Hermioneadmitted.Shesaysonethingthen
doesanother.Sheisnottrustworthy.Thatjustmakesmesad,becauseIreallydolovesomeofher
children.Ginnyisspoiledandexpectstogetwhatevershewants,regardlessifsheearneditordeserves
it.Ihadhopedshewouldgrowoutofit,butwithMollysinfluence,Idontseethathappening.Shehas
hersightssetonHarry.Shewantstoberichandfamous.
Youhaventmentionedifyouhaveasexualhistorywithanyoneweassociatewith,Dracopointedout.
YourfriendBlaisehashitonmecountlesstimes,Hermionelaughed,whileDracoandLuciusjoined
her.BlaiseZabinihitoneverybody.Hewassuccessfulveryoften,beingthatheisabeautifulman.
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Thereissomeoneyouknowandwillhavemorecontactwithinthefuture.IvesleptwithHarry.
HarryismybestfriendandIlovehim,Hermionecontinued.TheMalfoyslookedliketheywerenot
surehowtotakeherinformation.IammostdefinitelynotinlovewithHarry,norishewithme.We
alwaysknewwewouldnothavearomanticrelationship.Thetimeswehavehadsex,whichhavenot
beenlot,werenottheresultofpassionorsexualdesire.Itwasawayforustofindcomfort,tobecloser
toeachotherandnotfeelsoalone.ThefirsttimeithappenedwasshortlyafterSiriusBlackwaskilled.It
wasahardtimeforusandIdontregretanypartofit.Ihavenointentionofeverresuminganysortof
sexualrelationshipwithhimandthesamegoesforhim."
Hermionepausedtoassesstheirreaction.Shehopedtheyunderstoodtherewasnowayshewouldever
giveupherfriendshipwithHarryitjustwasnotpossible.Sexwasnotcentraltotheirrelationshipatall
andshewantedtheMalfoystoknowthat.Theyremainedthoughtfulanddidnotsayanything.
"Harryisactuallyverysupportiveofmyrelationshipwithyoutwo.Hethinksthiscouldbeagoodmatch
forme,"Hermionesaidafterseveralmoments."Heaskedmethismorningwhenwewouldstart
shagging.
"Goodquestion,"Dracogrinned,leering.Luciusjustchuckledandresumedeating."Andwhatdidyou
tellPotter?"
"Itoldhimthattherewouldbenoshagginguntilafterthewedding,"Hermionereturned.Shecouldnot
helpbutgiggleatthefleetingcrestfallenlookcrossedDraco'sfaceforamomentbeforehisexpression
becamestoic.Luciusjustnoddedwithalookofresigneddisappointment."Ialsotoldhimtherehadonly
beenkissingsofar,butthattherewouldprobablybeotherthingsthatwillhappenbeforethewedding."
"Otherthings,huh?"Dracolookedabitbrighteratthat.
"Ofcourse,"Hermionesighed.Sometimesshefeltshehadtoexplaineverythingtopeople."Whilewe
haveknowneachotherforyears,ithasgenerallynotbeenapositiveassociation,sorushingintosex
wouldbefoolish.Wearetakingthisalreadyshorttwoweekengagementtogettoknoweachother.The
physicalaspectofourrelationshipjustbegantwodaysago.Maybeotherwitchescanjumpintosexwith
someonetheydon'tknow,butIamnotlikethat.Ourweddingnightisinlessthantwoweeks,andIhope
thatIamphysicallycomfortableenoughwithyoubothbythattime.Inordertomakethathappen,we
willhavetoincreaseourphysicalinteractionsfromholdinghandsandkissingtomore...indepth
activities.YouhavemoreexperiencewiththiskindofthingthanIdo,andmaybeyouwilldisagree.I
dontfeelthatgoingfromkissingtosexmakessense,thereshouldbeotherthingsinbetween."
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"Ilookforwardtothoseotherthings,"Luciussmiledather,raisinghisglass.
Backtoindex
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Author'sNotes:
Disclaimer:Iownnothing!Ijustlovethem.
Thanks:tobunnyhopsforhersupport&forallthewonderfulfeedback
Thanks:toallthosethatwrotereviews!Youareallsonice.Itrytorespondto
questions!
Inthischapter...theinsideoftheManor!
Chapter11
Thetriofinishedtheirlunchwithlightconversation.Theyallseemedtobemullingoverandprocessing
thethingstheyhaddiscussed.Thereweremanychanges,alotofnewthingstofitintotheirlives.They
walkedtogetheraroundthehousebecauseLuciuswantedtostartthetouroftheManoratthefrontdoor.
Hermionefeltthatseemedlogical.
MalfoyManorwasasgrandasHermioneimagineditwouldbe.Itwasoneofthosefantastic,elegant
Englishmanorhouses,liketheonesthatHermionehadseenontelevisionasgirl.Sheandhermother
usedtowatchBBCfilmssetintheRegencyandVictorianeras.ItevokedmemoriesofPemberleyfrom
Pride&Prejudice.Theentrywaywasenormousandintimidatingwithits'largechandelier,complicated
tilework,andsweepingstaircasesinthedistance.Luciuswasclearlyproudofthehomehisfamilybuilt.
Thereweresomanyrooms,Hermionelostcount.Offthemainhallwayweresittingrooms,drawing
rooms,andsomethingcalledamorningroom.Therewasaroomlabeledthegentlemen'slounge,witha
billiardtable,darts,bar,andrichlookingdarkbrownleatherseating.Someroomswereinvariousstages
ofredecoration,asLuciusandDracohadpreviouslymentioned.
Theywerealldonetastefully.Someroomsseemedmoreformalthanothers,whichHermione
appreciated.Sheknewtheywouldhaveoccasionsforformality,butdidnotwanttohavetoliveina
formal,stuffyplaceallthetime.OneofthesittingroomslookedsoperfectanddelicatethatHermione
couldnotimagineherselfintherewithoutfearingshewouldscuffsomething.Themorningroomwas
quitenicewithitscomfortablelookingfurniture,butteryellowwalls,andlargewindowsoverlookingthe
gardensontheeastsideofthehouse.Luciusexplainedthatitwasamorningroom,becauseithad
wonderfullightinthemornings.Hermionecouldseeherselfsittinginthere,readingorchattingwitha
friendorherhusbands.
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Theyeventuallycametoalargedrawingroomthatwastotallyempty,withnothingbutnewlookingbare
whitewallsandawoodenfloor.DracoandLuciusjuststoodinthedoorway,lookingather.Itwasthen
thatHermionerealizedthatthiswasthatdrawingroom,whereshehadbledonthecarpetandendured
theCruciatusCurse.Hermioneslowlysteppedinside,breathingdeeplyandlookingaround.Therewas
literallynothingtherebutwalls,floor,andnakedwindows.Thechandelierwasgoneandnolighting
fixturehadreplacedit.Hermioneshiveredalittleatthehollow,emptiedroom.
"IfIdidn'tknowwhatthisroomwas,Idon'tthinkIwouldeverrecognizeit,"shemurmured.Dracoand
Luciusheardherjustfinehowever,andwalkedintotheroom."Thereisnothingleftfrombefore."
"Thatwasourgoal,"Dracosaidsoftly.
"IwantedtoblasttheroomfromtheManor,"Luciussaidsomewhatdarkly,"butthehousewouldnot
allowit.WhathappenedtoyouwasoneofmanythingsthatoccurredinthisroomthatIneverwishto
remember.ItwasVoldemort'schosenroom,wherehewouldspendhistimereceivevisitors,directhis
followers,doleoutpunishmentsashewished."
HermionewalkedovertoLucius,andrubbedhisbackinwhatshehopedwasasoothingway.Shewas
beginningtounderstandhowharditwasonthemtohavelivedunderVoldemort'sthumb,athiswhim.
Sheimaginedtheybothhadreceivedsome'punishment'intheroomaswell.TheideamadeHermione
shiveragain.Whattheyhadinitiallysignedupforturnedintoanightmare.Itcertainlywasahardwayto
learnalessonandHermionedidnotfeelanyonedeservedthatkindoftorture.
Hermionelookedaroundtheroomagain.Itwassobare,thewallsandfloorsechoingwiththeirslight
movements.Itwasliterallyjustashellofwhatithadoncebeen,muchlikesomeofthepeoplethatlived
throughVoldemortsterror.Hermionewasthankfulthatshehadmadeitthroughthewarwithonlysome
emotionaldamage.
"Whatwillthisroombe?"shefinallyasked.
"Wehavenotbeenabletodecide,"Dracoreported."Removingtheroomwastheplanwelikedbest,but
itisnotpossible.Maybestorage?"
"Hmmm,"Hermionelookedaroundthoughtfully."Ihaveanidea."
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"What'sthat,Pet?"LuciusaskedlookinglesshauntedandmorehimselfasHermionekeptrubbinghis
back.
"Asyouarewellaware,youaregettingaMugglebornwife,"Hermionegrinnedmischievously."Idon't
thinkyoureallyknowwhatthatmeans.We'vetalkedaboutissuesIhavehadacclimatingtowizarding
culture,gapsinmyknowledgebasedontheseculturedifferences.Youbothhavebeenmorethan
generoussofarinprovidingmeinformation,notonlyonwizardingculture,butalsoontherulesofthe
wizardingaristocracy.Neitherofyou,however,askedaboutMugglecultureorsaidyouwanttolearn
moreaboutit."
LuciusandDracolookedatinybutembarrassed,butsomeonewhodidnotknowthemwellwouldnot
havebeenabletotell.Hermionehadmadeanefforttolearnthenuancesandmeaningsoftheir
expressionsduringthoseweeksoftreatynegotiations,soshecoulduseittoheradvantage.Theculture
exchangehadbeenonesidedsofar.Theyexpectedhertofitintotheirculture,learnthenormsandrules,
butneitherofthemseemedtoanticipateshewouldexpectreciprocation.
"Idon'tblameyou,"Hermioneassuredthem,smiling."Ithasonlybeenafewdays.Astimegoeson,I
fullyexpectyoubothtoaccompanymetotheMuggleworld.Whetheryoulikeitornot,Iexpectyouto
try.WewillgotoMuggleLondontoshop,eat,tourmuseumsthatsortofthing.Wewillgoandvisit
myparentsandyouwillmeetmyMugglerelatives,soyouwillhavetotrytoblendin.Bothofyouhave
foundthingsaboutMugglecultureyoudolikemusicandbookssofar.YoumightenjoyotherMuggle
things.IsaythisallbecausemyideaforthisroomistomakeitmyMugglelounge."
"Whatisthat?"Luciusasked.TheywerebothsmilingandHermioneexpectedthey,likeher,enjoyedthe
ironyofchangingVoldemort'sfavoriteroomintoaroomforMuggles.
"Mugglesdonothavemagictodothingsandmakelifeeasierforthem,sotheycompensatewith
technology,"Hermioneexplained.ThiswasbasicinformationtheyshouldhavelearnedinMuggle
StudiesatHogwarts,butnoMalfoywouldhaveevertakenthatelective."InsteadofApparating,theyuse
cars,trains,andairplanestogetaround.SinceIhavemagic,therearealotofMuggleappliancesand
toolsthatInolongerneedbutthereareMugglethingsImiss.Muggletechnologyiswonderfulfor
entertainment,education,andcommunication.Icantakethisroomandputinatelevision,stereosystem,
andacomputer.Thenwecanwatchtelly,haveamovienightsometimes,andyoucanseethewonder
thatistheinternet!"
Hermionereallywasexcitedaboutthisprospect.Shewasnowlookingaroundtheinfamousroomwith
gleefulanticipationthatseemedinfectious,becausebothMalfoyslookedexcitedtoo.Hermionewassure
theycouldnotpictureitasshecould,buttheywouldsee.
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"TheproblemIhaverunacrossisthatMuggletechnologyisverysensitivetomagicalenergy.Iburned
throughthreecdplayersbeforeIfiguredouttheproblem,"Hermioneexplained.DracoandLucius
nodded,eventhoughtheyprobablydidnotknowwhatacdplayerwas."Ihavefiguredoutaseriesof
charmstoadaptmagicalenergysufficientlytopowerMuggleappliances,butiftheygetexposedtotoo
muchmagictheyoverloadandexplode.SoIhavetowardtheMugglemachinesinsuchawaythat
protectsthecomplexpiecesfromtoomuchmagicwhilestillallowinginenoughenergytorunthem.I
canalsowardtheroom,tokeepsomeofthehousesmagicalpropertiesawayfromtheMugglegadgets."
"Thatsoundlikeaperfectuseofthisroom,"Luciusagreed."Itwillbeallyourstodowithasyouplease,
becausewedon'tknowhowtomakearoomfora...telly,orwhateveryoucalledit.Tellysoundslikean
elfname.Purchaseanythingyouwish.Iunderstandthegoblinshavedevelopedsomecardonecantake
withthemintotheMuggleworld.YouhandittotheMuggles,theyacceptitaspaymentforgoodsor
services,andthentheMugglesreturnthecard.Thegoblinsthentakethemoneyfromyourvaulttocover
thetransaction.Iwillhaveoneofthosecardsdeliveredtoyou."
"Thankyou,Lucius,"Hermionegiggled.Helookedabitaffrontedbyherlaughter."Thegoblinshave
madeanequivalentofaMugglecreditcard.Iamveryfamiliarwiththem.Itishowmanypeople
purchaseitemsinMuggleculture.Theycanusethecardinsteadofcarryingaroundmoney,likehow
youcantapyourwandinsteadofhavingtocarrybagsofGalleons.Youknow,asabusinessman,you
mayfindMugglefinancialpracticesinteresting.Mugglesdocomeupwithsomegoodideas."
Theymovedawayfromthedrawingroominmuchbetterspiritsthanwhentheyfirstentered.The
MalfoyswentontheshowHermionetherestofthegroundfloor,whichwasexpansive.Shesawthe
hugeformaldiningroom,familydiningroom,largekitchens,grandballroom,musicroom,and
conservatory.Sheverymuchlikedalltheplantsintheconservatory,whichhadaconnectedaviarywhere
thefamilyowlslived.
***
Walkingupthewindingstaircasetothesecondfloor,Luciusexplainedthatthehousewouldnotallow
anyguestsupstairsunlessafamilymembergavethempermission.Luciusopenedasetofdoubledoors
onthesecondfloorandHermione'smouthdroppedopen.ShewasfinallyatthethresholdoftheMalfoy
familylibrary.Itwasaweinspiring.
Hermionetookafewtentativestepsintotheroomandlookedaroundherinwonder.Itwashuge.There
maybeasmanybooksasintheHogwartslibraryandHermionewouldventuretoguessthatithoused
more'dark'booksthanthewholeHogwartsRestrictedSection.Thelibrarywasveryopenandspannedat
leasttwofloors,maybemore.Shelvesfilledwithbookslinedallavailablewallspace,goingfromfloorto
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ceilingatleasttwelvefeethigh.Handyladdersweredottedaroundthewalls,toletpeoplereachthe
uppershelves.Therewerenowindowstotakeuppreciouswall,orbook,space.Thelibrarywasbrightas
day,despitethelackofwindows,becausetheentireceilingconsistedofaclearglassdome.Theonly
breakinbookshelveswasalargefireplaceandtwodoors.Acomfortablelookingleathercouchand
overstuffedchairswithsidetableswerecentrallylocatedintheroom.Therewasalsoalargeovaltable
surroundedbychairsthatwouldallowagrouptoworktogetheronaproject.Awidespiralstaircaseon
thefarsideoftheroomledtothenextlevel,abalconyarealinedwithmoreverytallshelvesfilledwith
books.Shespiedalittlecushionedalcoveupstairsthatlookedperfectforcurlinguptoread.Hermione
thoughtshehaddiedandgonetoheaven.
"Itoldyouweshouldhavelefthisroomforlast,"HermioneheardDracosaytoLucius.Sherealizedshe
hadbeenstandingandgawkingforquiteawhile.
"Iloveit,"shefinallybreathed,stillnottakinghereyesawayfromallthebooks."AndIactuallygetto
usethislibrarywheneverIwant?"
"Wheneveryouwant,Pet,"Luciusaffirmed,smilingandtakingherhand."Theshelveshaveexpanding
charmsonthemthataddshelvesontopwhenmorebooksareadded.Soafteryouhavereadallofthese,
feelfreetoaddyourownbooks.Whydon'twekeepgoingandyoucanreturntoexploreanytimeyou
want?Comeseewhatisthroughthesedoors."
LuciustuggedaresistantHermioneabit,leadinghertowardthedoortotheleftofthefireplace.She
sighedandlookedbackwistfullyatallthebooks.Hermioneremindedherselfthatshewouldliveherein
lessthantwoweeks.Shegrinnedthinkingabouthavingaccesstothismagnificentlibrarywhenevershe
wanted,fortherestofherlife.
Youknow,ifyouhadnthadtheActofGoodFaithtoinducemeintomarriage,youjustcouldhave
shownmethislibraryandIwouldnthavebeenabletosayno,Hermioneteased.
Alwaysthebookworm,Dracolaughed.
LuciusopenedthedoorhehadbeenleadinghertoandHermionefoundherselfintheoneroomshehad
alreadyseen!ThiswasLuciusstudythatshearrivedinviaFlooearlierthatday.Itwasaverylarge
roomanduponcloserinspection,shesawthattherewasasecondworkspaceforDraco.Itwasthenthat
HermionerememberedwhatshehadtoldHarrythatmorning.SheaskedLuciustosetuptheFloo,so
thatHarrycouldatleastfirecallher,sincethatwassomuchfasterthansendingmessagesbyowl.
Luciusnodded.HewentontoexplainthatthisFloowasforfamily.AllotherpeopleauthorizedtoFloo
intotheManor,whichwereonlyahandfulofpeople,cameindownstairsinoneofthedrawingrooms.
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LuciussaidhewouldaddHarrytothatshortlist,sohecouldbothcallandFlooover.Hermionewasso
gladthathewasacceptingofherfriendshipwithHarryshegaveLuciusabighug,duringwhichhegave
herrearendahealthysqueeze.
Theyleftthestudyandheadedfortheotherdoorinthelibrary,ontheothersideofthefireplace.
Hermionepausedtoimagineherselflyingonthecarpetinfrontofthefirereadinginwintertime.She
pulledoutofthedaydreamasLuciusopenedtheotherdoor,revealingasecondstudy.Thisonewasvery
muchlikeLuciusbutlighterandmorefeminine.Itmanagedtolookprettyandfunctionalatthesame
time.Itwouldbealovelyplacetowork.
WasthisNarcissasstudy?Hermioneasked,lookingaround.Thesmallfireplacelookedlikewhite
marbleandrosequartz.Thewallswerecoveredinacreamwallpaperwithverycomplicatedsilver
floral,scrollingpaisleysortofpattern.
Whywouldyouthinkthat?Dracosnorted.Motherdidnotwork,whywouldsheneedastudy?
Itlookslikealadysstudy,Hermioneshrugged.
Itisyourstudy,Pet,Luciussaidsoftly.Imadeitforyou.
Youdidthisforme?Hermionewondered,lookingaroundagain.Theroomwasbrightandhadafun
mixofvintageandmodernlookingitems.Alargecreamcoloredwoodendeskwasatthefarsideofthe
room,surroundedbylargewindowwithsheerblushcoloredcurtains.Abrighttealvaseheldalarge
bouquetofpinkpeonies.Acrossfromthedeskweretotwoarmlesschairswithatealfloralpattern.
Therewasasmalltablewithfourchairstoonesideoftheroom.Cabinets,shelves,andcubbieswrapped
aroundtheroomaswell,makingalotofspaceforprojects.
Weknowthatyouhavenotquitefiguredoutwhatyouwanttodowithyourself,howyouwantto
occupyyourself,Luciusexplained.IhaveanofficebuildingoffDiagonAlley,butdoalotofmywork
hereinmystudy.Ithoughtyoumightlikethesameoption.Sowhenyoudecidewhatyouwanttodo,
youhaveaspacetodoitin.Ipickedoutthefurniture,wallpaperwhatnot.Ifyoudontlikeit,wecan
alwayschangeit.
HermioneseyeswateredabitandshethrewherselfatLuciusforanotherhug,knockingthewindoutof
himslightly.Itreallymeantalottoherthathemadetheefforttochoosethesethingsforher,tomake
herhappy.Moreimportantly,hegavehersomethingsimilartowhathehadforhimself.Hermionetook
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itasasignthathesawherasanequal,apartner.
Itisperfect,shesaidlookingupatLucius.Iwouldntchangeathing.
Luciusbeamedproudlyandleaneddowntokissherlightlyonthelips.
Hermionehatedtoleaveherbeautifulspaceattachedtothatphenomenallibrary,buttherewasmore
Manortosee.Therewasaverylongindoorduelingareaacrossthehallfromthelibrary.Pastthe
duelingroomwasamodestlysized,wellequippedpotionslaboratory.NeitherDraconorLuciusbrewed
often,butitwasnicetohaveonhand.
ThereweretenbedroomsuitesintheManor.Thefirstsevensuiteswereforguests,leavingthethreeat
theendofthehallforherself,LuciusandDraco.ThedoortoHermionesroomwasattheendofthehall,
flankedbydoorstoherhusbandsrooms.Luciuswouldbeonherleft,Dracoonherright.
Hermioneshandwenttothehandle,butDracoreachedoutandstoppedher.
Themarriagecontractsaysyoucandecorateyourroomhoweveryouplease,Dracosaid.Iwantedto
dosomethingforyouandtimeisshort,soIstarteddecoratingitmyself.Ifyoudontlikeit,itcanbe
changedrightaway.Iwontbeoffended.
HermionereachedupandcuppedDracosfaceinherhand.Shecouldseeaglintofnervousnessonhis
face,soshesmiledathimreassuringly.Atworst,herroomwouldbedoneinallSlytheringreen,silver,
withlotsofcoldmetalandstone.AswiththestudyLuciusdesigned,Hermionewastouchedthathe
caredtodosomethingforher.Itwasthethoughtthatcounted.
Openingthedoor,Hermionewasthrilled.LikeLucius,Dracohadgivenheramixoftraditionallooking
andmodernpieces.Thefloorwasadarkespressowood,butwasmostlycoveredwithalargeivoryplush
rug.Thewallswerelightlavenderandheavylookingdrapesdressedupthemanywindowsintheroom.
Thedrapeswereadeepplumvelvetlookingfabriconthelowerthird,whiletheuppertwothirdsofthe
curtainwereagreylavenderthatcoordinatednicelywiththewalls.Hermionenoticedtwocloseddoors,
onetoherleftbeforethebedandtheotherontherightbeforethesittingarea.Thosewouldleadtoher
husbandsbedrooms.
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Anextremelylargefourposterbedmadeofdarkwooddominatedthespaceontheleftoftheroom.The
bedlookedlikeitcouldeasilysleepthreeandHermionecoloredabitatthethought.Itwasmadeupwith
sheets,blankets,andpillowsinamixofivoryandshadesofpurple.Shespiedtwobedsidetablesinthe
samedarkwood.Ontherightsideoftheroomwasasittingareawithtwopurplearmchairsandalow
roundtable,currentlyholdingalargecrystalfilledwithpink,blue,andlavenderhydrangea.Pastthat,
thereweresomelowshelvesthatwereallemptyfornow.Frenchdoorsledouttoabalconyarea.
"Thisisbeautiful,Draco,"Hermionesmiled,pullingtheyoungerMalfoyintoahug."Iloveit."
"Itriedtoleavealotofspaceforotherthingsyouwantedtoadd,justputtinginthebasics,"Draco
explained.Hermionenodded.Nowtheroomwaslikealuxurioushotelroom,charmingandcomfortable,
butabitimpersonal.Shewouldaddherpictures,mementos,andthingsfromherhome."Thereismore."
Hermionewalkedforward,pastthefurnituretothearchwayonthefarsideoftheroom.Throughthearch
wasalargedressingroom.Thewallswerelinedwithglassfrontedcabinetsforhangingclothes,shelving
units,andcountertopsallinivorypaintedwood.Hermionecouldnotimagineeverhavingenough
clothestofillthisgiantroom.Thestoragespacewasbrokenupbyonefloortoceilingmirrorandadoor,
buttherewerenowindows.Hermionelookedupandsawthat,likethelibrary,herclosethadadomed
glassceilingalthoughitwasmuchsmallerthantheoneinthelibrary.Theonlyfurnitureintheroom
wasajadegreenleatherhighbackedloveseatandawoodenivoryvanity.Theseatforthevanitywasa
footstoolinthesamejadegreenleatherastheloveseat.
ThedoorwayinthedressingroomledHermionetoherbathroom.Again,herjawdropped.Thatseemed
tobehappeningalotasshetouredtheManor.Shecouldnotbelievethatthiswashowshewasgoingto
live.Thedecadencewasnotsomethingshewasusedto.Herbathroomlookedlikesomethingfroman
expensivespa.Itwasopen,spacious,andgleamingwithivory,teal,andjademosaicglasstilesonthe
walls.Thefloorwasanivorymarblewithblueandgreenveins.Therewasanenormoussunkenbathtub
thatremindedHermioneverymuchoftheoneintheprefect'sbathroomatHogwarts.Aseparateenclosed
showerareawasalsoverylarge.Therewasevenamarblebenchintheshower.Inadditiontothesink
andtoiletseenineverybathroom,thisonehaditsownlinencupboardandotherfurniture.Therewasa
benchandshelvingunitmadeofteak.Oneofthedeepwindowsillshousedacollectionofpottedplants,
allwithsomemedicinalvalue.Sheimmediatelyrecognizedaloevera,witchhazel,milkthistle,and
lavender.
"Thisisalltoomuch,"Hermionefinallystated.Shefeltoverwhelmedthattheyhadmadetheseroomsfor
herthestudy,thebedroom,thedressingroom,thebathroom.Everythingwaselegantandbeautiful.
Hermionehadacomfortable,uppermiddleclassbackground,andshefeltabitoutofplace."Itislikea
dreamhouseandIamnotusedtolivinglikethis,itfeelsunrealwitheverythingbeingso...much."
"OurLadyMalfoyshouldhaveherdreamhouse,"Dracostated.Hermionewasnotsureheunderstood
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whereshewascomingfrom."Wejustwantyoutobehappy."
"DracoandIgrewuplikethis,"Luciusputin."Inthepast,Malfoysmayhavehadtomakesacrifices
regardingchoosingspousesandhavingtodowhatisexpectedofourstation,butwealsotakeforgranted
havinganymaterialpossessionwewish.Wehavealwayshadthemeanstomakeoursurroundings
exactlythewaywewantthem.Iunderstandotherpeoplesacrificequalityandaestheticsforcost,butthat
isnotsomethingwehaveexperiencewith.Wewanttogiveyouthatbecause,asDracosaid,wewantyou
tobehappyherewithus.
"Weknowyouhavelittlechoiceinacceptingthismarriage,"Luciuswenton,"and,tobefrank,Ican't
apologizefortakingawayyourchoice,becausewewoulddowhateverittakestohaveyou.Malfoystend
tobeselfishandweareusedtogettingourway.Wedocareaboutyourfeelingsandverymuch
appreciatethatyouarewillingtomakethebestofthismarriage.Evenifyouwereangrywithusfor
puttingyouinthisposition,wewouldproceedandhopethatovertime,wecouldhelptheangerdiminish
andyoucouldbehappywithus.Doingthingsforyou,likegivingyoueverypossibleluxury,isawayto
makeupfortakingawayyourchoice."
Hermionenodded.Sheunderstoodwhathewastalkingabout.Shecouldhaverailedagainstthismarriage
andtreatedtheMalfoyswithangeranddisdain,butwhatwouldthathaveaccomplished?Shewouldhave
beenmiserable.Hermionehonestlylikedthingsaboutthemandtheyhadsometraitssheadmired,soshe
decidedtomakethebestofthesituationandstriveforamarriagethatwouldmakeherhappy.
"Ifwearegoingtohaveintenseconversationsinthebathroom,can'tweatleastgetinthebathtubtohave
them?"Dracobrokethesilence.Hermionejustlaughed.
Asmuchasabathwouldbewonderfulafterallthewalkingwevedone,HermioneteasedtheMalfoys,
IsntheremoreManortosee?
Notreally,Luciusreplied,lookingHermioneupanddown.Thereareroomsupstairs,butthoseare
storageandtheelvesquarters.Theelvesagreedtomoveoutofthecupboardsandsmallspacesinthe
kitchenarea.Nowtheyshareseveralroomsthathadbeenunused.Theonlyotherareaisthedungeons,
butthosearenotinhabitableatthemoment,duetomassiverenovations.Whendone,therewillbewine
cellarandanumberofstorageareas.AsmuchasIwishitwerenotthecase,wedonothavetimetotake
abathtogether.Theweddingcoordinatorshouldbehereinabouttenminutes.
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Author'sNotes:
Disclaimer:Iownnothing,justmywinsomesmile!
Thankstobunnyhopsformakingeverythingbetter!
Inthischapter...Hermionegetsangry.
Chapter12
Luciusledthetriobackdownstairstothegroundfloorandsummonedanelf,orderingteainthe
conservatorywhentheyreturnedinside.DracosmiledandstartedleadingHermionebythehandthrough
theexpansiveballroomandoutsidetooneofthegardens.Therewereflowerbedsfilledtothebrimwith
color,however,mostofthespacewasalarge,manicuredverdantlawn.Hermionehadanurgetotake
offhershoesandrunbarefootthroughthethickgrass.
Thisiswhereweareplanningtosetuptheceremony,Luciusstated,comingupbehindHermioneand
loopinghisarmsaroundherwaist.
Wewouldsetuptheseatinghereonthegrass,Dracogesturedwithhisfreehand,astheotherstillheld
Hermiones.Wewillcreatethearchwaydownthislanefortheritual.Thearchshapehelpstoground
themagicrequiredforthebonding.Youwillwalktowardusdownthislane.
Hermionelookedaround,tryingtopicturewhatDracodescribed.
PleasebeforgivingTinkytheinterruption,thelittleelfpoppedafewfeetawayfromthem.The
ladiestomaketheweddinghasarrivedandiswalkingtowardtheManor.
Thankyou,Tinky,Luciusnodded.Youmayinterceptthemandbringthemhere.
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Almostinstantaneously,Tinkypoppedbackwithtwowitchesintow.Oneofthewitcheswasolder,
aroundProfessorMcGonagallsagewhiletheotherlookedonlyafewyearsolderthanHermione.
MadameSelwyn,Luciusgreetedtheolderwitchwithanod.YouknowDraco.Thisisourfiance,
MissHermioneGranger.
Charmed,thewitchnoddedinreturn.ShelookeddownatHermionecritically,studyingtheyoung
witch.HermionewassureshedetectedatouchofdisdainandreturnedthesevereMme.Selwynsstare
withoneofherown.Afteramoment,Hermionethoughtshesawtheolderwitchsthinlipstwitch
slightlyinamusement.IamAdrastreiaSelwyn.ThisisYoanaYaxley.Shewillbeassistingme.
Hermioneturnedtotheyoungerwitch,anddidnotatallappreciatewhatshesaw.ThenameYaxley
alreadypredisposedhertodisliketheotherwitchbutthatfeelingwascementedwhenshesawYoana
lookingDracoupanddown,inaverypredatoryfashion.Theyoungwitchwasevenslowlyedging
towardhim,andHermionefelthermagicstarttohumabitmorethanusual.Hermionewonderedifthe
twokneweachotherorhadbeeninvolved.ShequirkedherbrowatDraco,wholookedpuzzledbyher
silentquestion.HermionenoddedherheadtowardtheinappropriateYoanawithaquizzicalexpression.
Dracothenseemedtorealizewhatshewasasking,ashisbrowunfurrowedinunderstanding.Hethen
shookhishead,respondinginthenegative.
MissYaxley,Hermionestatedsternly,Whenyouaredoneoglingmyfianc,Iwouldbehappyto
makeyouracquaintance.
ThisseemedtosnaptheyoungwitchfromherDracoappreciation,andearnedtheassistantaverystern
reprovingglarefromheremployer.
Iapologize,MissGranger,Yoanasaidcoldly.ThedisdainfortheMugglebornwitchwasclearonher
face.Iampleasedtomeetyou.
Hopefully,youareabetterweddingplannerthanyouareatlying,Hermionesnorted.Shehadalways
beenonetospeakhermind,andshedidnotplantobreakthathabitanytimesoon.
Iseeyouhavefoundthestrongwitchyouwerelookingfor,LordMalfoy,Mme.Selwynstated,
seemingtonodwithapproval.
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Wehave,Adrastreia,Luciussmiled,squeezingHermioneabittighter.Wereallyhave.
MissYaxley,thatmeansyoubetterwatchyourself,Mme.Selwyntoldherassistantwithabored
indifference.MissGrangerlikelyhasthepower,andIwoulddaresaywillingness,tohexyouinany
numberofunpleasantwaysifyouoverstepyourbounds.
IamnotfrightenedofanupstartMudblood,Yoanasneered.Youhavenobusinesstryingtoforce
herselfintothepurebloodaristocracy,whereyoudonotbelong.TheMalfoysshouldbemarryinga
purebloodwitch.
Likeyouperhaps?Hermioneasked,hereyesblazingwithanger.Shecouldfeelhermagicstartingto
swellinresponsetoherfeelings.
Yes,Yoanaansweredhaughtily.Iwouldbebetterforbothofthem.Iamtheirequal.Theyshould
marrymeandIshouldbethefutureLadyMalfoy,notyou.
Yourenotmyequal,Hermioneintonedcoldly.Shedidnotrespondkindlytoanywitchthinkingshe
couldtakeHermioneswizards.MaybeLuciusterritorialitywasrubbingoffonher.Ontheotherhand,
maybeshejustcouldnotstandsnottybitchesthatdidntknowwhentoshutup.
BeforeYoanacouldreachforherwand,Hermioneswandwasraisedandshehadfiredoffherfirst
curse.
Confuto,Hermionestatedclearly.Theotherwitchseyeswidenedasshefoundhermouthsealed
shut.Onlyamuffledshriekwasheard.Hermioneseriouslydoubtedtheotherwitchhadmastered
nonverbalspells,soYoanahadnodefense.Shewasbeginningtolookabitfrightened.Thatwasfor
yournastylanguage.Itwillwearoffsometimeinthenexttwentyfourhours.Youshouldreadthatnew
treatywehavemorecarefully.UsingtermslikeMudbloodisclassifiedasincitinghatredandcouldbe
punishablebylaw.
WhenHermioneraisedherwandagain,YoanalookedfranticallyovertoMme.Selwynandthenoverto
theMalfoys.Hermioneassumedshewasseekingassistance,butshehadthewrongcrowd.Hermione
hadjustmetMme.Selwyn,butsheassumedtheolderwitchfeltshehaddoneherdutybywarning
Yoana,andwouldnotputherselfoutinanyway.
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Defloccatus,Hermionesaid,narrowinghereyes.Theotherwitchstoodstillforamoment,unclear
aboutwhathappened,untilalightbreezeblew.Yoanashandsimmediatelywenttoherhead,nowbald
whenamomentbeforewavyauburnlockshadbeentwistedupontoabun.Thatwasforchallenging
meforwhatismine.YourstatementearlierconstitutedachallengetomystationastheMalfoyfiance
andfutureLadyMalfoy.
YoanafrozeforamomentatHermioneslastphrase.Readingthatpurebloodetiquettebook,Hermione
founditfascinatingthatamember,orperspectivemember,ofthearistocracycouldchallengethestation
ofanother.Inmakingthechallenge,thechallengerbasicallysaystheyarewillingtodueltothedeath.If
thechallengerwins,theygetthespoilsofthetitle.Whileitwasnotusedtochallengemarriage
contracts,YoanastatingsheshouldbethefutureLadyMalfoyinfrontofthatpersontechnicallymetthe
criteriaforachallenge.Theywereeasytomake,butpurebloodsraisedwiththeserulesknewhowto
watchtheirlanguage,usually.
Sinceyouareclearlyoutofyourdepth,theonlythingyouwilllosetodayisyourhair,Hermione
continued.Itwouldbewithinherrightstokillanyonewhochallengesherstationnotthatshewould,
butYoanadidnotknowthat.Iveaddedalittlesomethingextratothebaldnessspellthatprohibits
youfromusingmagictoregrowyourhairortohideyourhead.Thiswayyouwillfeelthepunishment
andyoucanbewalkingremindertootherpurebloodbitchesthatthinktheycantriflewithme.
Tinky!Dracocalledthelittleelf,whoarrivedimmediately.TakeMissYaxleytotheFloointhe
drawingroomandseeherout.Sheisnolongerwelcome.Youwillhavetoshoutherdestinationforher,
becauseshecannotspeak.
Inamoment,YoanaYaxleywasgone.
Iamsorryforanyinconvenience,MadameSelwyn,Hermioneturnedtotheolderwitch.
MissYaxleywasagoodassistant,Mme.Selwynsighedabitdramatically.Shehadnooriginalityor
creativity,butshefollowedordersprecisely.Ohwell,nomatter.Ihaveotherassistantswhocanwork
onthiswedding.Aweddingthissizeandinsuchshorttime,Iwillnotbeabletodoalone.Fiona
Macmillanisareliablegirlwithsomecommonsense.
LetusshowyouwhatDracoandIpicturedsofarfortheceremony,LuciusofferedMme.Selwynhis
armandbeganstrollingdownthewhitegravellane,tellingherwhatDracohadbeendescribingto
Hermionerightbeforetheyarrived.
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Thatwaswonderful,DracosmiledashepulledHermionetohim.Youweremagnificent.Iamso
turnedonrightnow.
Ididntdoittolightyourfire,Draco,Hermionechidedlightlyassheleanedintohismuchlarger
frame.Dracopressedhishipsforwardslightlyandshecouldfeelhowturnedonhewas.Thebulge
seemedquitelarge,evenunderseverallayersoffabric.Hermionethoughtofseeingandtouching
exactlywhatwaspressingagainstherandfeltherselfgrowdamp.
Youaresosexy,Dracomurmuredashebentdowntocaptureherlipsinhis.Hiskisswasdemanding
andpassionate.HermionefeltherselfmeltingintotheyoungerMalfoy,herhandsreachingtogriphis
backmusclestokeepherselfsteady.OneofDracoshandsmoveddowntoherrearandhetriedtopress
herhipsintohimeventhoughtheywerealreadyascloseaspossible.Hisotherhandwassnakingupher
shirt,rubbingupherribsandtoyingwiththeedgeofherbra.Hermionefeltrationalthoughtslipping
away,intoxicatedbyDraco.
ThesoundofathroatclearingdideventuallyregisterandHermionepulledbackfromDraco,whowas
reluctanttolethergo.
AdrastreiaandIareheadinginsidethroughtheballroom,Luciusreported.Hiseyesweredancingwith
lustandamusement.Teashouldbereadyintheconservatory.Doaccompanyus.
HermionebegandisentanglingherselffromDraco,smoothinghershirtdownandblushingabit.She
triedtostoptheblushing.Hermionelogicallyknewtherewasnothingwrongwithkissingherfianc
eventhoughtheyweredoingmorethanjustkissing.Shehadneverreallybeeninanadultromantic
relationshipthough,sowasnewtothingslikepublicdisplayofaffection.Dracotuckedherhandintothe
crookofhisarmandthepairfollowedLuciusandMme.SelwynintotheManor.
***
"Aftertheceremony,ourguestsmaycomeintotheballroomforhorsd'oeuvresanddrinks,whileweset
upthereceivinglineatthisendoftheroom,"Luciusexplained,gesturingasthegroupwalkedslowly
throughtheroom.
Mme.Selwyn'sshrewdeyessurveyedtheareawithasortofruthlessprecision.Hermionepicturedthe
severeolderwomanasamilitarygeneraldoingreconnaissanceandgiggledsoftlytoherself.Those
Malfoys,evervigilanttohermood,turnedtoseewhatshefoundfunny.
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"Don'tmindme,"Hermionegiggled."Itsjust,thewayMadameSelwynwaslookingaroundhadme
imaginingherasgeneralpreparingforaninvasion,nodisrespectintended."
"Nonetaken,girl,"Mme.Selwynnoddedregally."Youarenotwrong.Planningandorganizinga
weddingisverymuchlikegoingintobattle,especiallythiswedding.AtraditionalMalfoyweddingisa
sentineleventinthepurebloodnobility.Itmustgoperfectly,andIwillmakethathappen."
"Afterthereceivinglineisdone,"Luciuscontinued,smiling,"dinnerwillbeheldintheformaldining
room.Whileitislarge,sometemporaryexpansioncharmsmaybenecessarytofitourguests
comfortably."
"Thatroomishuge!"Hermioneblurtedout."Exactlyhowmanypeopleareyouexpecting?"
"Oursideoftheguestlistisjustoverthreehundred,"Dracoreported."Wewillneedyourguestlisttoget
thetotalcount.Iexpecttherewillbesomeoverlap,likeKingsleyandSeverus,butprobablynottoo
much."
Hermionepaledabit.Thiswouldbehuge.Shewasnotsuresheevenknewthreehundredpeople.
Clearly,theywereinvitinganyoneintheirlives,notjustfriendsorevenpeopletheyliked.Shewas
certainthatevenbetweenthetwoofthem,LuciusandDracodidnotlikeoverthreehundredpeople.
Theybarelytoleratedafewdozenpeople,andreallyseemedfondofhalfthat.
Hermionedidsomequickcalculationsinherhead.IfsheaddedupeveryonefromtheOrderofthe
Phoenix,Orderallies,DumbledoresArmy,Hogwartsstaff,theWeasleyFamily,herparents,andher
fewfriendsthatarentalreadyaccountedforbyoneofthosepreviouscategoriesshewouldhaveless
thanahundredforherlist.Ifsheallowedeveryonetobringaguestthough,thatwouldincreaseherlist.
ThenHermionerealizedthatmostofthepeopleonherguestlistwouldlikelypickadatethatwasalsoon
herguestlist,soshesighed.
WellIcertainlydonothavethreehundred,Hermionereported.Iwillwriteupaguestlist,butIdoubt
itwillbemorethanninetyorahundred.
Providemewithyourlisttomorrow,Mme.Selwyninstructed.IwillcombineitwiththeMalfoylist
andhaveMissMacmillansendoutinvitationsthenextday.Doyouwishtoallowyourunmarriedguests
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tobringadate?
ItseemslikeallofWizardingBritainisalreadyinvited,Hermioneshrugged.Sotheymayaswell
bringdates.Itismorethanlikelythattheirdatewillalreadybeinvitedanyway.
Thegroupfinallymadeittotheconservatory,whereamuchneededteawaswaitingforthem.Everyone
sat,andagain,HermionefoundherselfwedgedbetweenLuciusandDracowhileMme.Selwyngother
ownchair.Hermionesatbackandrelaxed,enjoyingthedelicateteaprovidedbytheelves.Thetalk
turnedimmediatelytoweddingdcor.Mme.Selwynproducedaselfwritingquillandparchmentthat
hovereddiscreetlyatherelbow,takingnotesastheytalked.
LuciusandDracoseemedtoprefergreenandsilver,liketheSlytherinstheywere.AsmuchasHermione
lovedherGryffindorcolors,themixofredandgreenwasunappealingtoheroutsideofChristmas.The
groupgenerallyagreedthatredandgreenwasnotagoodsummerweddingcombination.Hermione
suggestedtheyfocusonsilverandgoldinstead,whichbothLuciusandDracoliked.Mme.Selwyn
approvedofsilver,gold,andivoryastheweddingcolors.
Mme.Selwynthenforcedthemeachtoboildowntheiridealweddinginafewphrases.Luciuswanted
traditional,elegant,andquality.Dracoexpressedadesireforsomethingalittlesurprising,extravagant,
andfun.Hermionesmirkedatlipsabitathowwelltheirweddingdescriptionsfitthemselves.Hermione
wantedittobewarm,picturedlotsoflightsandflowers,andwantedtohaveagoodtime.
ItturnedoutthatwizardingandMuggleweddingshadafairamountincommon.Theceremonywould
startintheevening,followedbythereceivingline.Duringthereceivingline,guestswouldhavehors
doeuvreanddrinkswhileastringquartetplayed,allowingforminglingandconversation.Then
everyonewouldadjourntothediningroom,whichwouldbesetwithroundtablesthatseattwelve
necessitatingaboutfortytables.Afterdinner,theballroomwouldbereopenedandtherewouldbe
dancing.
Luciusinsistedonatraditionalfulldinner,whichwouldhavetencourses.Hermionetheninsistedthat
someofthesecoursesintegrateMugglefoodandthatthepuddingcoursebereplacedwithwedding
cake.Dracodidnotcarewhattheyateaslongasittastedgood.Mme.Selwynknewahalfbloodchef
thatwasfamiliarwithMugglefood.Sheofferedtohaveamenuforthemtoapproveinoneweekstime.
Dracodidhavestrongopinionsabouttheafterdinnerdancing,asdidLucius.Itwasfinallyagreedto
begintheeveningwithmoretraditional,classicalmusicalfareasLuciuswanted.Afteraboutanhour,
thebandwouldchangetoonethatcouldplaymorecurrent,popularwizardingmusic,aswellasthe
occasionalMugglesong.
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Hermione,everthepragmatist,wonderedaboutsecurity.Afewmonthsago,manyoftheirguestswere
onoppositesidesofawar.Itwouldbeinpoortasteforthemtorequireguestsgiveuptheirwands,but
Mme.Selwynhadexperiencewithsecurity.Theinvitationswouldbecharmedtoserveasidentification
foreachguest,andtheywouldnotbeabletoenterwithoutit.ThingslikeGlamoursorPolyjuicewould
notbeabletotricktheinvitationcharm,soanimposterwouldbestoppedatthewards.Theexisting
wardsalreadykeptoutpeoplewithcursedordangerousobjects,eveniftheyhadaninvitation.Extra
wardswouldbeerectedthatwouldnotallowgueststoperformcursesorhexesandwould,infact,
dampenallguestsabilitytousemagic.
Mme.Selwynwrappeduptheirmeeting,statingshehadalotofworktodo.Inthecomingfewdays,she
wouldhireafleetofdecorators,achef,severalphotographers,atleastthreemusicalgroups,andsecurity
personnel.SheinformedHermionethatshewouldbeatherhomeWednesdaywithadressmaker,and
thatshewouldowltheexacttime.TinkywassummonedtoshowMme.Selwynout.
Ilikeher,Hermionesmiled.Sheissonononsense.
Sheisalsowellrespectedandhasbeendoingthisfordecades,Luciussaid,leaningbackonthecouch.
***
Allthreeofthemweresomewhatsprawledout,havinghadaverybusyday.Luciustuggedat
Hermionestorso,sothatshewasmorelayingacrossthecouchratherthansittingonit.Shesoonhad
herheadinLuciuslap,whileherlegsrestedacrossDraco.Luciusbeganunbraidingherhairand
combinghisfingersthroughitwhileDracounlacedhershoes,droppingthemonthefloor.Theyjustsat
insilenceforawhile,resting.
ThattalkaboutsecurityremindedmeofsomethingIpromisedHarry,Hermionefinallysaid,feeling
quiterelaxed.Heisconcernedformysafety.
Yoursafety?Dracobecamemorealert.Surelyhedoesnotthinkwewouldharmyou!
Ohno,nothinglikethat,Hermionesoothed.ShereachedoutandtookoneofDracoshandsinhers.
HefoundajournalbyCassiopeiaBlack.Shehadwrittenacatalogofsortsaboutthepureblood
aristocracyduringherlifetime.CassiopeiawrotethataMalfoypluralmarriageshouldbeeveryupper
classwitchsprimarygoalinlife.ThatiftheopportunitytomarrytwoMalfoyseverarisesthenawitch
shouldlie,cheat,steal,andkilltobecomethatbride.Naturally,Harrybegantoworrythatsomecrazy
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witchwouldtrytotakemeoutofthepicture.Hemademepromisenottogoanywherebymyselfuntil
afterthewedding.
ThatwassmartofPotter,Draconodded.Heisnotentirelywrongtobeconcerned.Many,ifnotthe
majority,ofwitchesinoursocialcirclewilltakeissuewithyou.BeingMugglebornwillofcourseset
youapart,butregardlessofyourbirth,therewouldbejealousyandattemptstoundermineour
relationshipbeforethepermanentbondsareset.Themarriagecontractisinplaceandmostpeople
wouldnotdoanythingtopurposelydisruptthat.Thebiggestproblemsyourunintowilllikelybewith
someonelikethatMissYaxley,astupidwitchwhocantcontrolhermouth.Whileweareconfidentthat
youcanhandleanywitchthatcomesyourway,asyousowonderfullydidtoday,itcanthurttotake
someonewithyouwhenyougoplaces.Youneverknowwhensomeonewilltrytogetyouwhileyour
backisturned,soitwouldbesafer.
Itmaysoundparanoid,Luciussaidsomewhatsternly,butdonotacceptanythingfrompeopleyou
dontknowverywell.Donottakepackages,food,beveragesanything.Itwouldsmarttousea
Revealingcharmonallyourincomingpostaswell.SinceNarcissadied,wehavebeenapproached,both
separatelyandtogether,bywitcheswantingtomarryus.Wehavenotentertainedthesewitchesinany
way,butafewhavetriedmoreunderhandedtactics,liketryingtosliponeofusAmortentia.
Hermionegasped.Thatlovepotionwaspowerfulandcouldeasilytakeoneofherfiancsawayfrom
her,makinghimthinkhimselfinlovewithsomeoneelse.
Dontworry,Dracosoothed,rubbingHermionesfeet.Wehavebothbeeninoculatedagainstthat
andotherlesspowerfullovepotions.AllMalfoymenare.Onlysomeonewhoknowsourinoculation
andhasthepowertocreatenewpotionscouldpossiblybrewonethatstandsachanceofaffectingus.
TheonlylivingPotionMasterwiththatinformationandskillisSeverus.
ThatdidmakeherfeelbetterandHermionerelaxedagain.ItseemslikeHarrywasright,shereally
wouldhavetowatchherbackuntilthemarriageceremonywascompleted.
Backtoindex
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Author'sNotes:
Disclaimer!IamnotJKRowlingandIdonotownthesecharacters!
Thankstobunnyhopsforherassistance!
Iamgoingonvacationandwillnothaveanyinternetaccess,sothepostingwill
beonpauseforaweek.Tomakeituptofolks,inthischaptertherewillbe
smut!
Chapter13
Whattimeisourdate?HermionelazilyaskedDraco.Hereyeswereclosed,andshewasenjoying
Luciuscombinghislongelegantfingersthroughherhair.Itwasmakinghersleepy.
Wheneveryouwant,Kitten,Dracoresponded,justaslazilyfromtheotherendofthecouch.
Areyougoingtotellmewhatwearedoing,soIknowwhattowear?Hermioneasked.
Ithoughtwedjustgoouttothepub,becasualsinceitisourfirstdateafterall,Dracosmirked.You
canwearwhatyouhaveon.
No,Hermionemadeaface.Ifeelabitgrungyfromwalkingaroundallday.Idliketogohomeand
refreshabit.
Noproblem,Dracoresponded,runninghisfingerslightlyupanddownherlegsthatwerestilldraped
overhislap.YouFloobacktoGrimmauldPlaceandIwillApparateoveratseventocollectyou.Sound
good?
Perfect,Hermionesighed.NowifIonlyhadtheenergytogetup.
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Letmehelpyou,Luciuschuckled.IwillwalkyoutotheFloo.
LuciuspulledHermioneupfromthecouch,andthenpulledherflushagainsthisbody.Heranhishands
upandhersides,fromherhipstothetopofherribcage.Luciuswrappedhisarmsecurelyaround
HermioneswaistandwalkedhertotheFloo.
Didyouenjoyyourselftoday?Luciusasked,overlycasually.
Hmm,Hermionemused,equallyascasual.SheknewLuciuswasfishingforinformation.Shealso
knewshehadfrequentlyexpressedthatshelikedtheManorthroughouttheday.Itisacceptable.
Canyouseeyourselfhere,withus?hefinallyaskedmoredirectly.
Itishard,Hermioneadmitted.Notbecauseitisntwonderfulandbeautifulandnotbecauseyouand
Dracohavenotgoneaboveandbeyond.Itishardtoimaginemyselfhere,becausethisplaceisnotthe
kindofhomeIamusedto.TheManorstillseemslikeavacationlocation,awonderfulplacetovisit,not
whereregularpeoplelive.
Youarentregularpeople,Pet,Luciussmiled.Hermionenoticedtheywerealreadyatthedownstairs
Floo.Youareextraordinary.Iknowyouhavefeltoverwhelmedthepastfewdays.Youarehandling
everythingwithpoiseandgrace.DracoandIareheretohelp.
Iknow,Hermionesighed,leaningintoLuciusandrestinghercheekonhischest.Shecouldhearhis
heartbeat.Hewasjustsosolid,sosteady.LuciusMalfoywassomeoneyoucouldcounton.Ifhesaid
hewouldtakecareofsomething,Hermionewassureitwouldbetakencareofshemightnotwantto
knowhow,butitwouldbedone.
Whatareyoudoingtomorrow?Luciusmurmured,brushingtheloosetendrilsawayfromherface.He
seemedtobefondoftouchingherhair.
Finishingmyguestlist,spendingtimewithHarry,doingsomeshopping,tryingtorelaxsome,
Hermionelisted.
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Scheduleusinforanerrandlatemorning,beforelunch?Luciusrequested.Wehavetogetoverto
GringottsandhaveyouregisteredontheMalfoyfamilyvaults.Youwillneedtobuyadressforthe
engagementparty,aswellasotherthingsIamsure.
HermionelookedupatLucius,herbrowfurrowed.
Iamnotintendingtooffendorinsultyourcurrentclothing,Luciuscontinued."Iamassumingthebulk
ofyourwardrobeconsistsofverycasualclothingyouworewhileontherunorinbattle,thatandschool
robes.Youwillhaveawiderarrayofeventstoattenddateswithyourfiancsandlateryourhusbands,
socialoccasions,charityevents,professionalmeetingsonceyoudecideonaprofession.Mygoalisthat
youfeelpreparedforanyoccasion."
Hermionenodded.Shewouldhaveadifferentschedulenowthatshewasoutofschoolandnotfightinga
war.Sheimaginedthathappenedtoeveryyoungadult.Everyonehadtogetnewclothesdateclothes,
interviewclothes,workclothes.
"Iknowyouwanttospendtimewithyourfriendstomorrow,sowewon'ttakemorethananhour,"
Luciuscontinued."Ifyouwouldpermitme,Iwouldliketotakeyououttheeveningafternext."
"Thatwouldbelovely,"Hermionesmiled."Whatwillwebedoing?"
"Dinnerandaconcert,"Luciusanswered."Youwillneedagown,ifyoudon'talreadyhaveone."
TheonlygownsheownedwasfromtheYuleballfourthyear.Hermioneagainwishedshehadmore
femalefriends,asHarryprobablydidnotwanttolookatgowns.Shesighed.
"Notinterestedinaconcert?"Luciusasked,browsfurrowedslightly.
"It'snotthat,"Hermionereported."SometimesIwishIhadfemalefriendstodothingswith,likeshopfor
dresses."
"Iknowyoumightnotbelieveme,buttherearesomewitchesinourcircleyoumaygetalongwith,"
Luciustoldher.Hermionejustlookedskeptical."NotallofthemwillbelikethatYaxleychit.That
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wholefamilyhasaseriouslackofproperdecorum,whichyouhandledwonderfullybytheway.Draco
wasrightyouareunbearablysexywhenyoushowyourstrength."
Hermionelookeddown,blushingslightly.SherealizedthatLuciushadslowlybeenbackingherupwhile
hewastalking.HerbackwastothewallrightnexttotheFloo.Beforesheknewit,Lucius'mouthwason
hers.Histonguecaressedherandthenhenippedatherlowerlip.Hewassodemanding,sopassionate.
Shefeltherselfgetwetathisdominanceandrubbedherthighstogether,lookingforsomefriction.
"I'vewantedtodothatallthroughtea,"Luciusgrowled,"allafternoonreally.Ican'twaittohaveallthe
timeintheworldwithyou."
HermioneliftedherlegandbroughtituptoLucius'waist.Hegrabbedherrearandusedhisfreehandto
hoistherotherleg,lettingHermionelockheranklesatthesmallofhisback.Luciuspressedhimselfinto
hercore.Hefeltmassiveandhard,makingHermionegaspsoftly.
"Whatwouldyoudo?"Hermioneaskedbreathlessly,"Withallthetimeintheworld?"
"Iwouldhaveyounaked,"Luciuspurredintoherear,"not...a...single...stitch."
Luciusgroundhimselfintoherwitheveryword,rubbingdeliciouslyagainsthercliteachtime.His
mouthwenttoHermione'sneckandbegannuzzling,thennippingandsucking.SoonHermionewas
pantingandpushingherselfbackintohim.
"Iwouldkeepyounaked,"Luciuscontinuedhuskily,slowlybetweenbitestoherneck,grindingagainst
her."Iwouldbeinyou,onyou,alloveryouwithmyhands,mymouth,mycock."
Allofasudden,Hermionefeltanorgasmcrashintohertheresultofthefrictionandthedirtywords
Luciuswassteadilymurmuringintoherskin.Itsurprisedher.Shehadcertainlynevercomefromdry
humpingupagainstawallbefore.HermionefloatedbacktorealityafteramomenttofindLucius
slumpedslightlyagainsther,panting.
"Youmakemelosemyself,witch,"Luciusfinallysaidhoarsely."Watchingyoucomelikethatpushed
meovertheedge.Ihavenotcomeinmypantssincefourthyear.Youarealwaysbeautiful,Pet,butyou
areabsolutelygloriouswhenyoucome."
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Hermioneblushedshecouldnothelpit.Shehadjustdryhumpedoneofherfiancsinadrawingroom.
Also,shewasnotusedtothatkindofbaldsextalk.SheandHarrycertainlydidnotdiscussthingslike
that.Noonehadevercommentedonhowshelookedinthethroesofpassion.Andnoonehadevercalled
herglorious.
"Thankyou,Iguess,"Hermionesaid."Iamnotsurewhattosaynow."
"Sayyou'llmissmeuntilweseeeachothertomorrow,"Luciuspressedhisforeheadagainsthers.His
longplatinumhaircreatedalittlecurtainaroundthem."SayyouareexcitedforourdateWednesday
night."
"Iwill,"Hermionegrinned,"andIam."
SheunlockedheranklesandLuciussetheronherfeet.Hermionewasarumpledmess,butshejust
shrugged.Shehadplannedonshoweringandchanginganyway.
"Thankyou,mylovelywitch,"Luciussaidseriously,"forspendingthedaywithus,forbeing...well,
you."
"Mypleasure,"HermionewinkedasshesteppedintotheFloo."I'llseeyoutomorrow."
***
HermionestumbledintotheGrimmauldPlacekitchentofinditempty.Shewasglad,asshefeltalittle
fuzzyfromherencounterwithLucius,alsoverymessy.Hermionemadeherwayuptoherroom,pausing
whensheheardhernamecalledfromthelibrary.
"Thatyou,'Mione?"Harrycalled.
"Yeah,"Hermionecalledback.Shestuckherheadinthedoorway,butdidnotgoinside."Oh!Hi
Remus!Iwasjustonmywayforaquickshowerandchange.Iamallgrubbyfromrunningaroundthat
Manorallday.I'llbebackinajiff.Don'tgoanywhere!"
"That'snotallshedid,"HermioneheardRemusmuttertoHarryasshejoggedupthestairs.Hermione
forgotaboutthosewerewolfsenses!ItmustbeclosetothefullmoonifRemuscouldsmellherarousal
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allthewayacrosstheroom.Well,herfriendsshouldbehappythatshewasattractedtoherhusbands.
Hermioneranthroughaquickshower.Sheusedherwandtoshaveherlegsandunderherarms.Shehad
beenexperimentingwiththeTondeospellinthelastfewmonthstoridherselfofbodyhair,particularly
betweenherlegs.Shehadstartedwithaclassic'landingstrip,'butthenexperimentedwithothershapes
aheart,adiamond,andastar.Atthemoment,shehadalightningbolt.Harrythoughtitwashilarious.
HermionefiguredsheshouldprobablystopchangingherclothesinfrontofHarryorgoingintothe
bathroomtotalktohimwhilehewasintheshower.Itwasnotsexualtheyreallydidnothavethatkind
ofpassionforeachother.Theywerejustverycomfortablewitheachotherandfiguredtheyhadseenit
allalready,butHermionedoubtedtheMalfoyswouldapprove.
Hermionepulledonapurpleshortsleevedshirtdressandherfavoritegladiatorsandals.Shetransferred
heressentialsintoherbrownleatherclutchpurseandgrabbedanoldpaisleywrapincasethenight
turnedcooler.
HermionemadeherwaydowntothelibrarytochatwithHarryandRemuswhileshewaitedforDraco.
Shefoundthemlounging,lookingrelaxedandsippingonfirewhisky.
"Goodnews,'Mione!"Harrysaid,raisinghisglass."RemushasagreedtomoveinnextMonday."
"OhRemus,thatiswonderful!"Hermioneexclaimed,goingovertohugthewolfashesatonthecouch.
"Iamsoglad."
"Iknowyouaren'tleavinguntilSaturdayafterthisonecoming,"Remuslookedabitapologetic,"but
Andromedaisplanningonstartingsomerenovationsnextweek,sothisreallyisgoodtime."
"Youcouldmoveintonightifyouwanted,"Hermionewavedherhand."IlovehavingyouandTeddy
around."
"Sooooo,"Harryteasedhisfriend,hisbrowsgoingupanddown."Howwerethey?"
"Don'tbecrude,Harry,"Hermioneadmonished,rollinghereyesandsmilingathisinsinuation."Ihada
nicetimetoday.ThegroundsandtheManorarejustsolovelylikeadream.Luciusorganizedastudyfor
meoffthelibrary,rightnexttohis,andDracodecoratedmybedroom.Theydidawonderfuljob,anda
bigpartofmedoesnotbelievethatIreallygetallofthiswhenotherpeoplehavesolittle."
"Enjoyyourself,Hermione,"Remusgentlyreprimanded,smilingweakly."Merlinknowsthereisnolove
lostbetweentheMalfoysandmyself,butiftheycanmakeyouhappythentheymustbealright.Besides,
ifanyonedeservestoliveinadreamhouse,itisyou,'Mione."
"Thankyou,Remus,"HermioneleanedtoputherarmaroundherformerProfessor."Thatmeansalotto
me."
"Isn'ttonightdatenightwithDraco?"Harryasked,sippinghisdrink.
"He'llbehereshortly,"Hermioneconfirmed."IknowIsaidwewouldspendthedaytogethertomorrow,
Harry,andwestillcan,butdoyoumindifwedoalittleshoppingintheafternoon?TheMalfoysare
takingmetoGringottsaroundelevenandthenIneedtobuysomethingsafterthat.Wecouldgoto
Harrodsforlunch,onme,andgetmyshoppingoutoftheway."
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"Ofcourse,"Harrynodded."IthinkI'llneedafewtravelitems,whatwithmyplanningtogorunning
aroundtheworldandwhatnot."
Hermionebeamed.ShelovedspendingtimewithHarry,justhavingfun.Theyhadneverhadenoughof
that,alwaysbeingontherunorworkingoutsomeproblemoranother.
"KreacherisecstatictopresentthelastsonoftheNobleHouseofBlack,"theoldelfshoutedimperiously
fromthedoorwaytothelibrary.Behindhim,Dracowassurveyingthescene.Harrywasinanarmchair,
whileHermioneandRemussatonthesofa.Herarmwasaroundhisthinwaist,whilehisrestedacross
herdelicateshoulders.HermionerolledhereyesatKreacher'sannouncementstyleandstooduptogreet
Draco.Helookedsodifferentoutofhisschoolrobesortheformalrobesheworeduringtreaty
negotiations.Thateveningheworeverydarkwashbluejeansandatailoreddressshirtinaslategrey,
untucked.
"Potter,Lupin,"Draconoddedcoollytotheotherwizardsintheroom.ThenhegaveHermioneagenuine
smile."Ready,Kitten?"
"Yeah,"Hermionenodded."Don'twaitup,HarryI'llseeyouinthemorning.Remus,Iwillseeyousoon
Iamsure."
HermionegavebothwizardsakissonthecheekthenwenttotakeDraco'sofferedarm.Helookedabit
putoutatherkissingherfriends.Well,Hermionethoughtthatwasjusttoobad.Shewasnotgoingto
changethewayshehadalwaysdonethings.ShehadseenthosepurebloodwitchesatHogwartskisstheir
friendsthesameway,soitwasnotaculturalissuejustDracobeingjealous.
"Sowhereareweheaded?"Hermioneaskedastheygottothefronthall.Dracopulledhertohimand
kissedhersoundly,possessivelyonthelips.Hisarmswrappedaroundherandheldhertightlytohim.
Hislipsandtonguemadeherforgetwheretheyweregoing.
"Feelbetter?"sheasked,shakingoffthedruggingaffectofhiskissesafterDracosteppedback.
"Much,"Dracosmirked."MaybeonedayI'llbecomealesspossessiveperson,buttodayisnotthatday."
ThecouplewalkedoutsideandDracoApparatedthemtoasmallwizardingvillageHermionehadnever
beentobefore.Thenameofthepub,theLion&theSerpent,madeHermionelaughaloud.
"Ithoughtyou'dlikethat,"Dracogrinnedescortingherinside.ItremindedherabitoftheThree
Broomsticks,butslightlymoremodernlooking.HermionespiedaMugglelookingjukeboxatoneendof
thebar.Dracoledherovertoanemptyboothtowardstheback.Itlookedprivateenough,butstillgave
themaviewofthepub.
"Thisplacetendstobeprettyquiet,that'swhyIcomehere,"Dracoexplained."Ifpeoplerecognizeme,
theykeepittothemselves."
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Aportlywaitertooktheirorderswithoutafuss.DracogotaleandaShepherdsPie,whileHermione
triedaciderandroastedchicken.Theychattedidlyforawhileabouttheirdayoverdrinksuntilthefood
came.
"SoyouandPotter,huh?"Dracosaidashedugintohisfood.
"Whatdoyouwanttoknow,Draco?"Hermionecuttothechase,asshespearedsomecarrots.
"Washeyourfirst?"
"Hewas,"Hermionenodded."Yours?"
"PansyParkinson,fourthyearaftertheYuleball,"Dracoinformedher."ItwasonlytheonceandIwas
apparently'lessthanspectacular,'accordingtoPans."
"Thatisahorridthingtotellsomeone!"Hermioneexclaimed,offendedonDraco'sbehalf.
"Idon'tmind,"Dracolaughed."FifthyearPansytookupwithMillicentBulstrode.Theyweretogether
foralmosttwoyears.ShewassingleforawhilebutbegandatingtheRavenclawPatilsisterabouta
monthago.So,Idon'ttakehercommentpersonally.Wewerealwaysgoodfriendsgrowingup,soIwas
theoneshewenttoseeifshewasinterestedinblokes."
"Andshewasn't,"Hermioneconfirmed.
"Notatall,"Dracosmiled."Afterall,ifIcan'tstirawitchsdesire,nomancan."
Hermionelaughedathisego,evenifitwasajoke.
"Sowhichofmywife'spastloversamIgoingtorunacross?"Dracotriedtoaskcasually.
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"JustHarry,"Hermionereported.ShedidnotclarifyforhimwhetheritwasjustHarryshehadbeenwith
orifitwasjustHarryhewouldrunacross.
"Krum?"
"Nevergotthatfar,"Hermioneshrugged.SheandViktorhaddatedandexplored,buthadnotgoneall
theway.Hermionefeltshewastooyoung.ShehadenjoyedherselfandstillconsideredViktorafriend.
"Iknowyouthinkthetotalnumbermeanssomething,"Dracosaidsippinghisale,"butitdoesn't.After
Pansy,therewasnooneuntilthatsummer.IhadashortflingwithagirlinGreece,wheremothergota
vacationhouse.Thegirlwassweet,butoverlysimpleforme.FifthyearIadmitIwasabitofaslag,but
therewasnoonespecial.TherewasnooneIwantedtobewithmorethanonceortwice.Iwas
experimentingIguess,andhangingoutwithBlaisetoomuch.ThemostadventurousthingsIdidwasa
threewaywithBlaiseandsomeHufflepuffgirlandanotherthreewaywiththeGreengrasssisters.That
onewashorriblyunpleasant.Iwassodrunk,Ibarelyrememberit.IdontthinkItechnicallyevenhad
sexwiththeyoungerone.IknowIpassedoutbeforeIevenfinished.Ihadtobedrunk,becausetheyare
waytooskinnytobeattractive,andtheyoungeroneisoneofthemostannoyingwitchesI'veevermet."
HermionealmostsmiledatDraco'slookofdisgustandsmallshudder.
"SixthyearIwasabasketcase,tryingtostayalive,"hecontinued."Iwasnot'social'thatyear.Seventh
yearwas...disturbing.Atfirst,Itriedtofindsomesolaceinsex.Afterafewlacklusterexperiences,I
focusedonmoreproductivethingslikegettingbetteratduelingandOcclumency.Iamtellingyouall
thissothatyouunderstandinmycase,ahighnumberofpartnersdoesnotmeanafulfillingsexlifethat
I'lllookbackonfondly.Instead,Ihavesomepleasantmemories,butmoreregrets.IlikethatIlostmy
virginitytoPansyatleastIlikeherandwewillalwaysbefriends.IfIhadfoundsomeoneIactually
caredfor,sexmayhavemeantsomething.Iexpectittomeansomethingwithyou."
"Thankyou,Draco,"Hermionesmiled."Thatmeansalottome.Idon'tknowifitisnaiveorsillyofme,
butIwantthismarriagetobeahappyone."
"Youareneversilly,"Dracoteased."AllGryffindorsarenaivethough.Iagreewithyouinthiscase.So
manyarrangedmarriagesendupbeing'content,'butfewareactuallyhappyorloving.Ithinkthethreeof
ushaveachanceatbothofthosethingsintime."
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Theyfinishedtheirdinnertalkingmainlyaboutother,randomtopics.TheytalkedaboutMugglemusic
andDracoaskedafewquestions.HermionedisappointedhimbyinforminghimthattheBeastieBoys
werenotAnimagi,althoughsheagreedthatitwouldbeamoreamazingbandnameiftheywere.Shefelt
shemadeituptohimbylettinghimknowthegroupmademanymorealbumsthantheoneheheardon
theradio,mostofwhichsheownedandwouldsharewithhim.
Aftertheyfinishedeating,theyorderedmoredrinksandplayedafewgamesofdarts.Duringthegame,
DracogaveHermionemoreinsightintothearistocraticsocietyandthesortofthingsshecouldexpect.It
turnedoutthatDracowasquitethegossipandenjoyedsharinghislittlenuggetsofinformation.He
explainedthatMalfoyslovedknowingotherpeople'sdirtylittlesecrets,thatknowledgewaspowerand
theyhadnotbeenaboveusingthatknowledgeinthepast.ShedidnotworrythateitherLuciusorDraco
wouldsteerherwrongintheirworld.Afterall,itwouldonlylookpoorlyonthemifsheblunderedtoo
badly.ShealsolearnedthatDracowasnotaboveusinghismagictocheatatdarts.
Overall,itwasafundateandthenightseemedtospeedby.WhenDracoApparatedthembackto
GrimmauldPlace,shedidnotwanttheeveningtoend,sosheinvitedDracoinforanightcap.
***
HermioneledDracointothemaindrawingroom,whichhadasmallbarandpouredthembothasmall
firewhisky.HermionehandedDracohisdrinkandsatnexttohimonthecouch.Heemptiedhalftheglass
atonce,andthensetitaside.HermioneslowlysippedherswhileDracopulledherlegsintohislap.He
unbuckledhersandalsandslippedthemoff,rubbinghersolesashewent.Dracolightlydraggedhis
fingersupheranklesandcalves,makingherskintingle.Bythetimehegotuptoherknees,Hermione
hadforgottenaboutherdrink.Dracopluckedtheglassdeftlyfromherhandandsetitdownnexttohis.
HethencalmlypulledHermioneintohislapandranhisnoseupthesideofherneck,inhalingdeeply.
"Yousmellwonderful,"Dracomurmuredintoherhair,runningthosetinglyhandsupanddownherback.
"Ihadagoodtimetonight."
"Metoo,"Hermionemanaged.Hewasjustsoclose,andshenevermanagedtothinkstraightwheneither
LuciusorDracowastouchingher.Itwasagoodthingtheyhadnotknownthatduringthosecontract
negotiations,ortheysurelywouldhaveusedtheinformationtoknockheroffhergame.Hermionecould
feelhowwarmhewas.Dracoshandsseemedtocreatehotspotsonherskinthatmadeherwantto
removeclothing.
Hermionecouldnotwaitanylonger,soshepressedherlipstohis.Shehadtotastehimandfoundherself
intentongentlynippingonhisbottomlip,thencaressingtheswollenfleshwithhertongue.Shegripped
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hisshortblondhair,enjoyinghowsofthishairwas.WhenDracotriedtomovehislipsdowntoherneck,
shegavehishairalittletug,keepingthecontrolforherself.Dracomoanedlowly,archinghiships
upwards.SinceHermionewasfirmlysituatedsidewaysacrosshislap,shecouldfeelhowhardhewas
pressingintoher.
"Fuckssake,Kitten,youaresobloodysexy,"hegroanedintohermouth.Hisnimble,devilishfingers
unbuttonedthetopbuttonsofherdressandslidinside.Heplayedwiththelacecupsofherbra,lightly
tracingherhardenednipplesthroughthefabric,causingHermionetoinvoluntarilywhimperandarchinto
histouch.Shedidnotknowhowtohandlehislighttouches.Theyweresimultaneouslytoomuchandnot
nearlyenough.Asshepressedherbreastintohishand,hepulledherbradown,exposinghertohim.
DracogaveheroneofhernipplesagoodpinchandHermionegasped,forgettingallaboutkeepinghis
lipsonhers.
"Sogorgeous,"Dracowhisperedhuskilyashestaredatherbaredchest.
Inthatbriefpause,Hermionebegantofeelatwingeofselfconsciousnessattheirpositioninthedrawing
room,ofherforwardnesskissingDracothewayshewanted.Itdidnotlastlong,however,beforeDraco
tookahandfulofhercurlyhairandpulledabitarchingherback,pushingouthernakedbreasts,and
exposingtheexpanseofherneck.Dracotrailedlightkissesupherneck,dragginghistonguealongher
skintastingher.Hishandatherchestresumeditsactions,goingfromonebreasttotheother.Itwasa
maddeningmixoflightcaressesandtouches,alternatingwithdeliciouspinchesandsqueezes.
Finally,Dracoleaneddowntorunthattalentedtonguearoundhernowpainfullyhardnipples.Hermione
tuggedathisshirt.Sheheardseveralbuttonspopandrollontothewoodenfloor.Sheneededtofeelhis
skinunderherfingers.Dracogroanedatherforcefulnessandpressedhishipsupwardsintoheragain.
ThistimeDracocontinuedtheslightthrusting,rockingagainsther.Hermioneexploredhissmooth,hard
chest.Shepinchedoneofhisnipplesratherharshly.DracogaspedandHermionecontinuedher
exploration,feelinghisrippledabdominalmuscles.
"Youaredrivingmecrazy,"Dracorasped."Iwantyousobadly,Kitten,mywitch...mywife."
Inonesmoothmove,Dracoslidahandupherdressandpushedasideherdrenchedknickers.Hermione
feltthosegloriousfingersexploringherwetfolds,spreadingthewetnessaround.Hermionegroanedand
spreadherlegsapartslightly,givinghimbetteraccess.Shealsoleanedforwardslightlysoshecouldpull
openhisbeltandundothebuttonsofhisjeans.Ashersmallhandclosedaroundthewarm,lightly
pulsinghardnessandDraco'sfingershonedinonherclit.Hermionefoundherselfautomaticallystroking
Dracointhesamerhythmhewasusingonher.Hermionelookedathisfacetoseehimbreathingheavily,
eyeshalflidded.Hewassobeautiful.BothMalfoyswereauniquecombinationofangelicandsinfulin
appearance,fallenangels.
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Dracoclampedhismouthoverherbreastagain,andbegansucklingonherinearnest.Hermionecould
notstandthesensationandarchedherbackandhips,pressingherselfintohishardworkingmouthand
hand.Dracowrappedhisfreearmaroundherback,hishandsplayedopenbetweenhershoulderblades,
supportingthepetitewitch.Hermionefeltthepressureofherorgasmbreakandsheshriekedasshecame
hardagainstDraco'shand.HermionerealizedthatshehadtightenedhergriponDraco'scockasshe
came.Apparently,thatpressurepushedhimovertheedge.Shefelthiswholebodystiffen.
"Ohfuck,Hermione,"Dracoshoutedasshefeltwaveafterwaveofhitliquidcoverherhand.They
leanedintoeachother,bothtryingtocatchtheirbreath.
"Ohshit!"Hermioneheardfromthedoorwayatthesametimeasanothervoicegroaned,"I'mgonnabe
sick."
Hermionejerkedherheaduptoseehertwofriendsstandingawkwardlyinthedoor.Harryquicklyspun
thequeasylookingRonaround,sohecouldnolongerseethecoupleonthecouch.Hermionejustfroze.
SherealizedshestillhadherhanddownDraco'spantsandhiswasstillupherdress.Dracodidangle
himselfabittohideHermione'sbarechestfromtheotherwizards.
"Iamsosorry,'Mione,"Harrysaidapologizedsincerely,easytwinklingwithamusement.Hewas
walkingoutbackwards,ashepushedRonoutaswell."Weheardascream.Nexttimeusethosesilencing
charms,yeah?"
Asfastastheyhadappeared,HarryandRonweregone.Hermioneburstoutlaughing,causingDracoto
chuckle.DracocastaquickScourgifyoverthembothbeforehelpingHermionestandupandbuttoning
histrousers.
"Sorryaboutyourshirt,"Hermionesaidcontritelyassherightedherbraandbuttonedupherdress.His
shirtcouldonlyhangaroundhim,asithadlostmostofitsbuttons.
"Iwouldsacrificeamillionshirtsforthat,"Dracoshookhisheadather."Youaremagnificentand
passionate.ItwasliterallyoneofthehottestthingsIveeverexperiencedyoutakingwhatyouwanted
likethat.Ialmostcameinmypantswhenyourippedmyshirt."
Dracocircledhisarmsaroundher.Standingup,shehadtotiltherheadallthewaybacktolookupathis
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face.
"Thankyouforsharingthatpartofyourselfwithme,"hewhisperedbeforeleaningdowntotouchhislips
lightlyagainsthers.Hethenghostedkissesoverbothherclosedeyelidsbeforesteppingback.
"Fatherlookedrather...flusteredearlier,afterhecamebackfromescortingyoutotheFloo,"Draco
grinned.Hermioneshookherhead,chuckling.
"LuciusMalfoydoesn'tgetflustered,"HermionechidedDracoforhisfalsehood.
Wellhedoesaroundyou,Dracopersisted.Regardless,Iaskedhimwhatwaswrong.Herepliedthat
wehadmadeaperfectchoiceforourwife.I,ofcourse,toldhimIalreadyknewthat.Thenfathertold
methatyoulookgloriouswhenyoucome.ThatIdidnotknowbutIknownow,andwholeheartedly
agree.
HermionesmackedDracolightlyonthechestandfoundherselfblushingagain.Shefounditslightly
arousingthattheywouldtalkaboutherlikethat.HermionewalkedDracooutwithonlyonelengthy
goodbyekissonthefrontsteps.Sheclimbedthestairstoherroominadaze,ahugegrinonherface.
Hermionealwaysknewshewouldbeabletohandlethissituationshefoundherselfinshejustdidnot
knowshewouldenjoyitsomuch.
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Author'sNotes:
Disclaimer:Idonotmakeanymoneyfrommylittlestory,nordoIownthese
characters.Ijustdancethemaroundabit.
Thankstobunnyhopsforwonderfulbetawork.Ilosealotofcommas,butshe
findsthem!
Thanksforthereviews!Iambackfromvacation(thathadnorealinternetaccess)
andcanpostagain!
InthischapterHermionegoestothebank!
Chapter14
Hermionewokeupsmiling,withthemorningsuninherface.Shehadsetheralarmratherearly,soshe
wouldhavemoretime.Sherealizedthatshehadalottodo,butthatgenerallywasthecase.Hermione
couldnotdealwellwithidletimeandalwaysfoundawaytofillit,evenifitwasrereadingafavorite
book.
Aquicklookinthemirrorshowedherthattheglamoursheplacedtheeveningbeforehadfaded.Small
bruisesandteethmarksthatLuciushadleftonherneckwerenowvisible,butHermionejustshrugged
andgotintotheshower.Sheletthehotwaterstreamoverherandprocessedthedaybefore.
Hermionewasstillhavingahardtimewrappingherheadaroundthefactthatshewasgoingtobeliving
inthatbeautifulManor.Shecouldwalkaboutandexplorethegroundswhenevershewishedgo
swimminginthelakeorrideawingedhorsearoundforawhile.TheManoritselfwasequallyamazing,
andHermionecouldnotbelieveitwasgoingtobeherhouse.Sheimaginedtheonlywaytomakeitfeel
realwastoactuallymoveherthingsinandlivethere.
Lookingback,HermionerealizedshedidnotfeelanounceofremorseatwhatshedidtothatYaxley
witch.Itwasherrighttorespondtothatbitchschallenge.Also,Hermionewantedtosettheprecedent.
Ifevenoneortwosnottypurebloodwitchesdecidedtoplayitsafeandleaveherbe,thenitwaswell
worthit.HermionereallylikedMme.Selwyn.SheremindedherabitofProfessorMcGonagall.
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Hermionehadalwaysreallylikedstrong,smartwomen.Shegiggledabitattheideathatshehadthat
traitincommonwithLuciusandDraco.
HermionefeltherbodyheatupslightlyrecallingherbriefinterludewithLucius.Itwassointenseshe
couldonlyimaginewhatitwouldbelikewithmoretime.Hermionewassurprisedtofindthatshe
respondedstronglytothedominant,demandingpartofhim.Frankly,itturnedheron.Itwassurprising
becauseshehatedwhenpeopletriedtobossherormaneuverherinanonsexualcontext.Hermionedid
notdwellonthecontrastitwaswhatitwas.
ThedatewithDracowasreallyfun.Itfeltnicetospendtimewithhimatthepub,asshewouldwithone
ofherfriends.Theyhadneverhadtheopportunitytojusthangouttogetherbefore,alwaysbeingon
oppositesidesofawaruntilnow.ThinkingabouttheendofthedatemadeHermionesmileandheatup
abitmore.Shehadenjoyedthatparttoo.Again,shesurprisedherselfbybeingabitdominating.Harry
alwaystoldhershewastoomuchinherheadinlifehehadnotsaidthataboutsex,butaboutalways.
WithDraco,Hermionejustfeltandexperiencedhim.Shehadadesire,aneed,soshewentforit.
Anotherhotdaywaspredicted,soHermionedecidedtowearalightwrapdress.Itwasaprintofsmall
coraldotsonawhitebackgroundandniceenoughforgoingtoGringottsandHarrods.Hermionefounda
pairoftanleathertstrapwedgesandalsandherstrawtotethatwaslargeenoughtoholdanythingshe
wouldneedfortheday.
Hermionewentstraighttothebigtableinthelibrary,pulledoutaparchment,andfoundaquill.She
begantolistnamesforherweddingguestlist.SheimmediatelylistedHarry,Ron,andherparentsof
course.ShealsoaddedFred,George,andCharlieWeasleyplusgueststhenfiguredsheshouldjust
invitethewholeWeasleyfamily,evenifthingsweretensewithMolly.IftheWeasleymatriarchstrongly
opposedthisunion,shecoulddeclinetheinvitationandHermionewouldbethebiggerperson,having
offeredtheolivebranch.
AsHermionewaslistingalltheOrderofthePhoenixmembersonherguestlist,Kreacherpoppedinto
libraryandinsistedonsupplyingherwithsomesortofbreakfast.Afteralltheeatinganddrinkingshe
haddonelastnight,Hermionewasnotparticularlyhungry.Nevertheless,theoldelfmaintainedthatthe
futureLadyMalfoyandbridetothelastsonoftheNobleHouseofBlackmuststayhealthyinorderto
bearmanystrongmagicalchildrenforherhusbands.Sighing,Hermioneagreedtoapotofteaandalight
mealoffruitandyogurt.Whenheputeffortintoit,Kreacherreallydidmakeanextraordinarycupoftea.
Anhourlater,thefoodwashalfeatenandtheteapotnearlyempty.Hermionealsohadagoodsizedlist
ofweddingguests.ShelistedallmembersofandalliestotheOrderaswellaseveryonewhohadbeenin
Dumbledore'sArmy,exceptthathorridMariettaEdgecombeofcourse.TherewastheWeasleyfamily,
Luna'sfather,Neville'sgrandmother,andherfriendViktorKrum.HermionealsoincludedallHogwarts
staff.ShehadbeenfondofFleur'slittlesisterGabrielleDelacoursosheaddedhertothelistaswell,
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alongwithFleur'sparents.Scanningthelist,Hermionesawafewnamesshewassureherfiancswould
notapproveof.Mrs.FiggwasasquibwholivedintheMuggleworld,butwasalsoanOrdermemberand
lovelywoman.Althoughsheherselfwasnotfondofhim,HermioneincludedFilch,anothersquib,
becauseshehadincludedallHogwartsstaff.HermionegrinnedabittoherselfimaginingwhatLucius
andDracowouldsayseeingHagrid'sbrotherGrawpinattendance,ifhedecidedtocome.Hermione
likedtheyounggiant,buthewasnotoverlykeenoncrowds.
"Whatareyouworkingon?"Harryasked,comingintothelibrary.
"Weddingguestlist,"Hermionereplied,handinghimthelongscrollofparchment."LuciusandDraco
havearoundthreehundredontheirlist,soIwanttoincludeeveryoneIcanpossiblythinkof.Ofcourse,
theonlyMugglesonthelistaremyparents.Thereisnowaywecouldmaintainsecrecyiftherestofmy
familycame.SoI'lljusthavetotellthemIeloped."
HermioneaskedKreachertorefilltheteapotwhileHarrylookedoverthelist.Hesnortedaloudatone
point.
"YouexpecttheMalfoystohaveagiantattheirwedding?"Harryscoffed.
"Itismyweddingtooyouknow,"Hermioneretorted."Theywillhavetheirhorrid,backstabbingsociety
people.AtleastGrawpisniceandIlikehim."
Harryshruggedandkeptreading.Kreacherreturnedwithafreshpotofteaandaplateoflightpastries.
Ronappearedinthelibraryrightafterthefoodwassetdown.Hermionesmirked.Whenitcametofood,
RonwasjustlikeaNifflersearchingfortreasure.
"Isitjustmeorhasthefoodaroundheregotbetter?"Ronaskedashetookabigbiteofonepastry,and
snatchedanotherwithhisfreehand.
"KreacherwantstomakesurethefutureLadyMalfoyandbridetothelastsonoftheNobleHouseof
Blackiswellnourishedwithqualityfood,"Harryrepliedwithoutlookingupfromtheparchment.
Hermionerolledhereyes.Kreacherseemedtowanthertogaintenpoundsaswell,attheratehewas
going.
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"That'swhathewasmuttering!"Ronexclaimed."Iaskedhimwhereyouguyswereandtherewasthis
wholebitaboutLadyMalfoyandallwhatHarrysaid.TheonlypartIunderstoodwastheword'library'
outofitall."
Hermionesmiledatherfriendasheploppeddowninanearbychair.EventhoughRonwasproneto
tempertantrums,heusuallygotoverthemasquickly.
"Allrightthen,Ron?"Hermioneasked,knowingtheanswer.
"Yeah,"theredheadsighed."Harryhere,FredandGeorge,evenDadgavemeatalkingto.Mum'sgonea
bitroundthebendwiththisone.You'dthinkshewasjealouslikeshewantedGinnytomarrythe
Malfoysorsomething.Atleastyoucantakecareofyourselfagainstthetwoofthem.I'mnevergonna
likeit,butthereisnothingthatcanbedone.IgetthatyouandIarenevergoingtohappen.Thereseemto
beplentyofwitchesoutthereinterestedingettingtoknowawarhero."
HermionelaughedasRonwinkedatthatlastpart.ShewassureRonwouldneverbeatalossfor
company.Thequalityofthatcompany,however,maybesuspect.
"Thanks,Ron,"shesmiled.Thatwasaboutasgoodasitwasgoingtoget.
"You'vegoteveryoneimaginablethere,"Harrysaid,handingtheparchmentovertoRon."Yourguestlist
haseveryoneintheOrder,everyoneremotelyassociatedwiththeOrder,thewholeDA,everystaff
memberatHogwarts,whodidntturnouttobeapsycho,evenFleur'sfamilywhoyoudon'tknowvery
well."
"Hey!AuntMurielsonhere!"Ronexclaimed."She'llbethrilled.Shelovesthesesocietyevents.Always
wasabitjealousatnotbeingincludedmoreIthink,sincewearen'tpartofthearistocraticset."
RonagreedwithHarry.Neithercouldthinkofanothernametoadd,soHarrycalledHedwigwhile
HermionemadeacopytoowlofftoMme.Selwyn.
TheGoldenTrio,astheywerecalled,satandchattedinthelibrary.Hermionealwayshatedthat
nicknameforthethreeofthem.Shegrinnedabittoherself.Shewouldbepartofanewtriosoonand
wonderediftheywouldhaveanicknametoo.MaybethePlatinumTriobecauseofthatwhiteblond
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Malfoyhair,Hermionelaughedinwardly.
RonwasexcitedaboutAurortraining.HewasstilldisappointedthatHarrywasnotgoingtojoinhim,but
seemedtohandleitwellenough.TravelnevermuchappealedtoRon.Hedidnotliketodealwithtoo
manynewthingsornewfoodsallatonce.Hewouldstillmisshisfriendsandwasnotusedtobeingon
hisown,ever.BeforeHogwartsRonalwayshadsiblingsaroundhimsoonhewouldbeonhisown.
Thiswouldreallybethefirsttimethethreeofthemwerenotinthesameplaceformostoftheyear.
Hermioneknewthiswasnormalattheirage,butitstillmadeherabitnostalgic.Herfriendswould
alwaysbeabigpartofherlife,buttheywereeachembarkingonnewendeavorsthatdidnotincludethe
others.Itfeltodd.
Harrypromisedtosendpostcardsandlettersabouthistravels.Hemadethembothpromisetokeephim
appraisedaboutwhatwasgoingonathomeaswell.HermioneofferedtohelpRonpracticehisAuror
skills,notingthathernewhomealreadyhadadedicatedduelingroom.Thethreeofthempromisedto
alwaysbeavailabletotheothersandtomaketimeforeachother.
HarryandHermionewerelaughingasRondescribedoneofFredandGeorge'slatestinventions,when
KreachercameintoannouncetheMalfoyshadarrived.Theannouncementtooksolong,duetheelf's
elaboratedescriptorsLuciusandDracowerealreadyinsideandwenttoseatthemselvesnextto
Hermionebythetimehefinished.
Harrychuckled,butHermionecouldnottellifitwasbecauseofKreacher'slongtitlesorbecauseLucius
andDracoalwaysmanagedtoenduponeithersideofherwhentheywerealltogether.Ronstiffenedup
whentheMalfoyscamein,buttohiscreditdidnotsayanything.Hermionesmiledupatherfiancs
fromherseatonthecouch.
Goodmorning,Pet,Luciussattoherleft,kissinghercheek.
Sleepwell,Kitten?Dracoaskedashepressedhislipstoherrighthandashesat.Hethenkepther
hand,cradlingitinhislap.
Ididsleepwell,thankyou,Hermionenodded.Ivebeenupforawhile.Iwantedtogetmyguestlist
doneandsentofftoMadameSelwyn.
RonpassedtheparchmentonthesidetableovertoLucius,hislookalittleoverlyinnocent.Hermione
imaginedhewantedtoseetheMalfoysgetupsetatherguests.Luciusjustraisedaneyebrowandbegan
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scanningtheparchment.Hermionenoticedafewtwitchesatthecornerofhiseye,butsheknewHarry
andRonlikelywouldnotseeitjusthisusualstoicfacade.Luciusgaveanexaggeratedsighandpassed
theparchmentovertoDraco.
WhoorwhatisaGrawp?Luciusaskedinthetypicalboredtoneheusedinpublic.
Youwanttoinvitethatthing?Dracomadeaface,likehetastedsomethingbad.
Grawpisnotathing,HermionescoldedDraco.Heisagiant.HeisHagridslittlebrotherandheis
sweet.Ilikehim.Heismyfriend.
Iexpectedthewerewolf,butagiant,Dracostartedprotesting.Youvegotacentauronhere!
Imsorry,Hermionestatedicily,lookingatDracowithaglarethatcausedbothHarryandRonto
instinctivelygetupandstand,readytomoveawayifnecessary.Havingseenthatlookbefore,theyknew
itwasbesttofleeifpossible.IwasundertheimpressionthatthiswasmyweddingtooandthatIcould
invitewhomeverIwish.Imusthavebeenlaboringunderafalseideathatmyvaluesandbeliefswould
berespected,evenwhenyoudisagreewiththeminconcept.
Howwoulditevenwork?Dracopersisted,stilllookingovertheparchmentandoblivioustoRonand
Harrysmovements.Howcanagiantandacentaurcometoadinnerreceptionordance?
Draco,Luciussaidwarningly,IamsureMadameSelwyncanworkoutthoseissues,should
Hermionesguestsaccepttheinvitation.
Dracofinallylookedupafterhearinghisfatherstoneofvoice.HesawHarryandRonstandingbehind
theirchairsandedgingtowardthedoor.ThenhenoticedHermionesface.Herglarealmostmadehim
shudder,buthemanagedtostaycalm.HewasaMalfoyafterall.Hermagicseemedtobecrackling
downherfingertips.Shelookedlikeshewasitchingtohexhim.
Yes,Dracoagreed,watchingHermioneforanysuddenmovementsmuchlikeonewouldwatcha
wildanimaloneinexplicablyfoundoneselftrappedwith.MadameSelwyncouldusethechallenge.Of
course,yourfriendsarewelcome,Kitten.Itisunprecedented,thatisall.
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Hermionestartedtosimmerdown.SherealizedthatLuciuswasrubbingherbackverylightly.Itwas
soothing.Hermioneknewtheywouldfightwitheachotheritwasinevitable.Noonehadever
challengedthewaytheMalfoysthoughtandbehaved,wellnoonewhohadanyinfluenceoverthem.
Althoughhewasolderandmightbemorestuckinhisways,Luciuswasmatureenoughtotemperhis
reactions.BothDracoandHermionewereyoung,however,andbothtendedtospeakandactbefore
thinkingwhentheyfeltstrongly.Hermioneknewthiswouldbeanissueforthemallgoingforward.She
hopedDracowouldlearntowatchhismouthandshewouldbeabletostayherhexhappytriggerfinger.
Well,IhavealreadysentthelisttoMadameSelwyn,Hermionetoldthem.Soyoucanjustkeepyour
opinionstoyourself.Iseveryonereadytogo?HarryandRonaregoingtodosomeoftheirown
shoppingwhileweareinGringotts.Harryneedssometravelequipment.ThenHarryandIaregoingto
headovertoMuggleLondon.IplantobuyagownatHarrods.
HarryandRonbreathedanaudiblesighofrelief.DracorelaxedeversoslightlyandLuciuslooked
generallyunchanged.
IvepurchasedmagicaltrunksatMontaguesbefore,Mr.Potter,Luciusreported,changingthe
subject.Theyhaveagoodselectionofluggage,aswellasotherhandytravelitems.
***
ThegroupexitedGrimmauldPlaceandApparatedtoDiagonAlley.Beforetheysplitup,theyagreedto
meetupatWeasleysWizardingWheezesatnoon.
Myassistantshouldbecontactingyouabouttheengagementpartysometimetoday,Luciusreportedas
theywalked.DracohadHermioneshandtuckedintothecrookofhisarmwhileLuciushandrestedon
thesmallofherback,asusual.Ithinkhedliketomeetwithyoutomorrowtoplan.
Thatsfine,Hermionereplied.MadameSelwynisbringingoverherdressmakerattenoclockinthe
morning,butIcanmeetwithyourassistantateleven.
Whydontyoucomedowntomyofficesthen?Luciusoffered.YoucanFlootoMalfoyOffice
Building.Thatwayyoucanseethepublicoffices,haveyourmeeting,andletustakeyoutolunch.If
thatisacceptable,Iwillletmyassistantknowtoday.
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Soundsgoodtome,HermioneagreedasthethreesteppedintoGringotts.Hermionetensedup
slightly.
Alright,Kitten?Dracoasked,concerned.
Yes,Hermioneswallowedhard.IjusthavenotbeenheresinceIbrokein,andthenout.Ihaveheard
fromothersthattheGoblinsarenotpleasedwithme.
Regardlessofwhattheythinkaboutyou,theyarenotstupidenoughtobanthefutureLadyMalfoy,
Dracosoothed.Theywouldmissourmoneytoomuch.
Sureenough,thetriowasimmediatelyapproachedbyagroupofGringottsemployees.Hermionewas
happytoseeFleurWeasleyamongthem,becausesheappreciatedthefamiliarface.Averyoldlooking
GoblinsteppedforwardandintroducedhimselfasFenrok.HeeyedHermioneverywarilyandwenton
tosaythathehadbeentheprimarymanagerfortheMalfoyaccountsforseveralgenerations.
ItrustMissGranger,therewillbenoirregularitieswithyourvisittoday,Fenrokstatedwarningly,
eyesnarrowedatthesmallyoungwitch.
Iexpectnone,Hermionereplied.Iapologizeforanyinconveniencemylastvisitcaused.My
actionswerenecessaryatthetime,however,timeshavechangedhavetheynot?
Theyhave,Fenrokaccededsomewhatbegrudgingly.Adtentehavingbeenstruck,andFenrokwent
ontointroducetherestofhisgroup.Thereweretwoother,youngerGoblinswhowerejuniormanagers
oftheMalfoyaccountsandFleurwasintroducedasarepresentativefromtheIdentityAuthentication
Department.Hermionedidnotknowifthiswasbecauseshehadpreviouslyenteredthebankundera
falseidentityorifitwasprotocolforwheneverapersonwasaddedtoanaccount.
ThegroupwasescortedoutoftheGringottsmainentrancehalltoalarge,privateconferenceroom.
There,LuciusexplainedthatHermionewouldbegivenaccesstoalloftheMalfoyfamilyvaults,which
wereapparentlyextensive.Fenrokraisedhiseyebrow.
What?HermioneaskedtheGoblin.Fenrokdidnotrespond,justlookedatLucius.
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HewantstomakesureIamserious,Luciusreplied.ImeantwhatIsaidFenrok,addHermionetothe
Malfoyfamilyvaults.
Motherdidnothaveunlimitedaccesstothevaults,Dracoexplained.Itistraditionalforpureblood
wivestohavemonthlyspendinglimits.Themonthlyamountisusuallytransferredtothewifespersonal
vault.
Purebloodwivesgetallowancesfromtheirhusbands?Hermioneaskedincredulously.Howisthatan
equalpartnership?
Wegettomakeourownrulesinthismarriage,Luciussoothedtheiriratebride.
Fenrokexplainedthatheraccesswouldbelabeledastemporaryuntiltheweddingandthenbecome
permanentthemomenttheweddingbindingsoccurred.HermionewasthenreferredtoFleurforidentity
authentication,whiletheMalfoysdiscussedotherbusinessissueswiththeGoblins.
Thiswilltakeseveralmoments,FleurexplainedinheraccentedEnglish.Hermioneactuallylikedthe
bluntFrenchwitchquiteabit.ShewasverytalentedshewouldhavetobetocompeteintheTriwizard
Tournament.
Notaproblem,Hermionesmiled.Fleurbeganseveralcomplexdiagnosticspellsthatrecorded
Hermionestraits,includinghermagicalsignature.
IdidnotgettosaycongratulationstheothernightattheBurrow,Fleursaidassheworked.Iknow
youdidnotgetunanimoussupport,soIwantedtobeclearthatIthinkyouaredoingagoodthing.Not
onlyisitnecessaryforthistreaty,butIthinkitisthebestthingforyouaswell.
WeallknowMollyhasmisguidedideasforpairingupbothGinervaandRonald,Fleurcontinued,but
hermatchmakingispoorlythoughtout.Youwouldhaveneverbeenhappywithsomeoneaseasily
influencedasRonald.Youneedastrongerwizard,orwizardsasthecasemaybe,tobeyourequal.My
pointisyoucancountonBillandme.
ThatmeansalottomeFleur,thankyou,Hermionesmiled.Hermionehandedtheotherwitchher
wand,soFleurcoulddocumentitscharacteristicsaswellaslinkittothevaults,lettingherpurchase
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itemswithatapofthewand.Maybesometimewecouldgettogetherandyoucouldgivemesometips
tohelpmehandlethiswedding,sinceyouhaveexperiencethere.
ThatIdo,Fleurlaughed.Atleastyoudonothavetocontendwithamotherinlaw.Iworkherein
themorning,butIamusuallyfreeintheafternoons.Ihavemissedspendingtimewithotherwitches
sinceleavingBeauxbatons.
WhenFleurfinishedherwork,thegroupdispersed.HermionepromisedtoowlFleursoon.Atsome
point,oneofthejuniorGoblinshadprocuredaGringottscreditcardforHermioneandsheslippeditinto
herbag.ItlookedexactlylikeablackAmericanExpresscardtoher.FenrokledLucius,Draco,and
Hermionetothevaultentranceandtheyallgotintoacart.Asusual,thecartraceddownthetrack.The
MalfoysmusthavepatronizedGringottsforcenturies,givenhowfardowntheirvaultswere.Thebigger,
richervaultsweredownfurtheraswell,becausetherewasmoresecurityinthedepthsunderGringotts.
Well,Hermionerealized,theyweremissingadragonsherecentlyliberatedbutshewassuretherewere
othersecuritymeasures.
Thecartfinallycametoajarringstopinfrontofalargevaultdoor.FenrokheldthelampasLucius
helpedHermioneoutofthechart.Dracosteppeduptothevaultdoorandputthetipofhiswandagainst
it.
ResignoPostis,Dracostated,causingthedoortoopeninfrontofthem.HeturnedbacktoLuciusand
Hermione.Iamsureyoufeltthewards.Theyarekeyedtoadmitthethreeofusandthevaultdoorwill
onlyrespondtoourmagicalsignatures.
Thisistheprimaryfamilyvault,Luciusexplained,leadingHermioneinside.Shelookedaroundher
withinterest.Itwashardtoseetheendthevaultwassohuge.Hermionewasgladtoseeitwasmuch
neaterthantheLestrangevaultshehadbeeninside.TheMalfoyfamilyvaultwaswellorganized.
Shelvestoherleftheldaseeminglyendlessnumberofopencontainersfilledwithgalleons.Shelvesto
herrightappearedtohaveothervaluableobjects.Therewerechestsinvarioussizes,piecesofart,
weaponry,books,andotherthingsHermionedidnotrecognize.
Howmanyothervaultscouldtherepossiblybe?Hermioneaskedwideeyed.
ThereisaseparatevaultfortheMalfoybusinessconcerns,Dracoreplied.Hermionenodded.Itwas
commontohaveseparatebusinessandpersonalbankaccountssothatmadesensetoher.Ihavea
separate,personalvaultthatincludesmyBlackfamilyinheritance.
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Ihaveapersonalvaultaswell,Luciusexplained.Itissafer,notkeepingallyoureggsinonenest.
Doyouhaveavaulthere?
IonlycameintochangeMugglemoneytoshopforschoolsupplies,Hermionetoldthem.
Comehereplease,Dracosmiled,leadingHermionetowardthebackofthevault.Heopenedup
mediumsizedchestandextractedasmallbox.Wewanttogiveyouthis.
Dracoopenedtheboxtorevealaverylargeantiquediamondring.Hermionesmouthdroppedopen.
Thisengagementringbelongedtomygreatgreatgrandmother,Luciussaid,takingtheringoutofthe
boxandslidingitontoHermionesfinger.ShewasthelastwitchinatraditionalMalfoymarriage,so
wethoughtitfitting.
Itisbeautiful,Hermionesmiledatherfiancs.Thankyou.
Dracocuppedherfaceandkissedhergentlyonthelips.
Youarequitewelcome,Kitten,Dracomurmured.Hermionefeltasecondsetofhandsslideupher
back.SheturnedtolookatLucius.
Verywelcome,Luciussmiled,kissingheraswell.Thisisthefirstofmanyjewelswewillbegiving
you.
Hermionelaughed.ShewassuretheMalfoyswouldhaveherdrippingwithpreciousgemsandmetalsif
theyhadtheirway.Whileitwasnotherstyle,sheappreciatedthegesture.
Webettergetgoing,Dracosighed.YouvegottomeetupwithPotter.
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Author'sNotes:
Disclaimer:IamnotJKR,noramIaffiliatedwithher,soIownnothinghereand
makenomoney.
Thankstobunnyhopsforallherhelp!
Now...Hermionegoesshopping.
Chapter15
LuciusandDracoinsistedonescortingHermionetomeetHarryandRonatWeasleysWizarding
Wheezes.TheyagreedwithHarrythatshedidfacecertainsecurityconcernsregardingjealous
purebloodwitcheswhowantedheroutoftheway.Walkingtotheshop,Hermionewatchedpeoples
reactions.Somefolkslookedconcerned,whileothersjustseemedinterestedingawking.Shedidsee
glaresfromwitchesdirectedrightather.Hermionemetthemallwithasteelylookofherown.Some
witcheshurriedlylookedaway,andHermionewonderediftheyhadheardabouttheunfortunateMiss
Yaxley.
TheyfinallygottotheWWWstoreandwentinside.TheMalfoyslookeduncomfortableandoutof
place,givinglooksofdisdaintovariousproductswhileHermionelookedaroundforFredorGeorge.
Idoubteitherofyouhavebeenherebefore,Hermionesaid,Solookaround.Itcanbejuvenile,buta
lotofthecharmsandpotionsusedintheirproductsarecomplicated.Ivebeenhelpingthemwiththeir
lineofprostheticbodypartsandtheirlanguagetranslatingearshaverealpotential.
TheMalfoysjustlookedskeptical,butdidstartwanderingaround.Theylookedattheproductsand
grimacedattheloudpurplecolorschemeaswellastheothercustomers.
Mione!avoiceshouted.Hermionesawabluroforangeandfoundherselfliftedupintoapairof
strongarms,beingswungaround.
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Hello,Fred,Hermionegiggled.Fredstoppedswinging,butstillheldHermioneupagainsthim,putting
themeyetoeye.
Didyoucomeheretopracticethreesomes,likeGeorgeandIoffered?heasked.Hermionerolledher
eyesatthetwinsnewjokespawnedbyherpluralmarriage.Fredturnedhisheadandshouted,George,
Mioneisheretopractice!
Hermioneheardsomeoneclearingtheirthroatrightbehindher.Sheturnedtoseetwomurderouslooking
Malfoys.
Uhoh,Fredmockwhispered,lookingoverHermionesshoulder.Iseeyoubroughtthedastardly
duo.Bettertrytotonedownyourloveforme.
Heskidding,Hermionelaughed,lookingbackatLuciusandDraco.Putmedown,youidiot.
Yeah,putherdown,youidiot,Georgechimedin,comingover.YoumighthaveaMioneshieldto
stopthemfromhexingyou,butIdont.
FredsetHermionebackdownonherfeet,butwiselykeptherinfrontofhim.
Draco,Lucius,Iamsureyoualreadyknowthem,butthesearemyverygoodfriendsFredandGeorge,
Hermionesaid.Shefelttheneedtoreintroduceeveryonesotheycouldstartoverfresh.Fred,George,
youknowmyfiancsLuciusandDracoMalfoy.
Ifyouhavetroubletellingusapart,ImtheonethatsgotnoearandFredthereismissinganeye,
Georgestatedhelpfully,goingovertotheMalfoyshandextended.WhateverstupidthingFredsaid,I
wanttoclarifythathewasjokingaround.Wedothatalot.
Iwouldhopeforhissakethatitwasajoke,Luciussaidcoolly,shakingGeorgeshandreluctantly.
Otherwise,hewouldbemissingmorethanjustaneye,Dracoaddeddarkly.
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Ohknockitoff,youtwo,Hermionecutin,goingovertotheMalfoys.FredandGeorgearelike
brotherstome.Iamgoingtohugandkissmyfriends.Wearegoingtojokearound,thesetwo
especially.
Youtendtounderestimateyourappeal,Pet,Luciussaid,wrappinganarmaroundherwaist.Hermione
wasconfusedandlookedupatLuciusquestioningly.Yoursexualappeal.
Oh,shedoesindeed,Fredagreed,joiningintheconversation.Sadly,shesalwaysseenusasolder
brothersandneveractuallyconsideredanyofouroffers.GeorgeandIhaveacceptedourfamilyroles
andtakefulladvantageofourrighttoteaseourlittleMione,asbrotherswould.Youarebothvery
luckywizardstohavethisone.
Iwillcautionyou,though,Georgeaddedwithascarylookingsmile.Donotmakethemistakeof
underestimatingusjustbecausewearesuchfunloving,happygoluckygents.Mionehereisfamilyand
ifyouhurtherinanyway,wewillmakeyoumiserable.Jokerslikeustendtohavewickeddarksides.
Ifyouallaredonewiththispissingcontest,Hermionesaidairily,IseeHarryandRonstanding
outside.Iwillbidyouallfarewell,asIdohaveerrandstorunthisafternoon.Trynottothreateneach
othertoomuch.Iimagineyouallfeelitisnecessarytoestablishtheboundariesofyourrelationship,but
itdoesnotchangethefactthatyoutwowillbemyhusbandsandyoutwowillalwaysbemyfriends.
Hermionegaveeachofthetwinsafriendlypeckonthecheckinfarewell.LuciusandDracobothgot
realkisses.Bothofthemweresuccessfulatdeepeningthekissesandgettinginabitofagrope.
Hermioneassumedtheyjustneededtofurthermarktheirterritoryinfrontofthetwins,buttheywere
hardforhertoresist.
Iwillseeyoubothtomorrowthen?sheaskedbeforeturningtoleave.
Yes,Draconodded.
***
Hermionesmiledandwavedasshelefttheshop.Shecouldhaveswornsheheardthetwinssigh
wistfully,whiletheMalfoyschuckledsoftly.Outside,HarryandRonweredebatingthemeritsofanew
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broommodel.ThiswasoneofthosetimesshewasespeciallygratefulforRon,asitsavedherfrom
havingtolistentoHarrygoonaboutQuidditch.
Youguysfindanythinggoodtoday?Hermioneaskedthepair.
Oh,yeah.HiMione,Harrysmiled,leaningintokisshercheek.Ifoundagreattrunkthatincludes
expansioncharms,soitwillbefiteverythingandhaswonderfullighteningandshrinkingcharmsthat
makeiteasytocarry.Thereisalotofgreatmagicaltravelgearthatmakesiteasytogetaround.
AreyoucomingtoHarrodswithus,Ron?Hermioneasked.
No,thanks,Rondeclined.IwasgoingtogoinandseeifFredandGeorgeneedanyhelptoday.
MuggleLondonistoomuchformeandifIgohome,Mumwillmakebedegnomethegarden.
Seeyoubackathomefordinner?Hermioneasked.Ronnoddedandtheywenttheirseparateways.
HermioneputherarmthroughHarrysandtheywalkedtotheLeakyCauldron,whichwouldletthemout
intoMuggleLondon.Harrytalkedmoreabouthispurchasesandthethingshethoughthewouldstill
need.HermionesuggestedhegetsomeofthatMugglesportingclothingthatisadvertisedtobe
lightweight,wickawaysweat,andhandletoughsituations.Harryagreedthatheshouldprepareforall
weathereventsifpossibleandhavelotsofoptions.
ItwasfunwalkingthroughthestreetstoMuggleLondon.Peopledidnotstareorlookatthematall
really.HermioneandHarrygottobelikenormalpeoplegoingabouttheirbusiness.Theywalkedupto
theLeicesterSquarestationtotakethetubeovertoKnightsbridge,thestationclosesttoHarrods.
Iamstarving,Hermioneadmittedastheywalkedintothegranddepartmentstore.Whatdoyou
fancy?
Letsgotothesteakhouse,Harryoffered.Upforsomeredmeat?
Hermionenoddedandtheymadetheirwaytotherestaurant.Theyfoundtwofreestools,sat,andeach
orderedalargelunch.Harrynoticedhernewring,whichwashardtomiss.HermionefilledHarryinon
hertriptoGringottsandabitaboutallthemaleposturingattheWeasleysshop.
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Thatsjusthowtheyare,Harryoffered.Incaseyouhadntnoticed,neitherLuciusnorDracocan
keeptheirhandsoffofyou.Youarelikeamagnetandtheygravitatetowardyouwhenevertheyenter
theroom,eitherseparatelyortogether.Granted,Iveonlyseenyoualltogetherafewtimes,butsofar,it
hasalwaysbeenthisway.Itisliketheyhavefoundaprizetheydontwanttolose.
Theyarentgoingtoloseme,Hermionescoffed.Isignedthecontract.Ikeepmyword.
HarryaskedhowitwasgoingwiththeMalfoysonapersonallevel,soHermionetoldhimabouttheir
discussionyesterdayoverlunch,whentheytalkedabouttheirsexualpasts.Harrywasproudthatshewas
directaboutherconcernsandinsecurities.Hermionedidnotsharethepersonalinformationboth
Malfoystalkedabout,LuciusinsecuritiesabouthisageorDracoslackoffulfillmentwithhisbed
hoppingpast.ButshedidtellHarrythatbothwizardsgavehervulnerableinformationaboutthemselves
aswell,whichsheappreciated.Harryjustnoddedwhenshetoldhimthattheyknewabouttheirpast
sexualrelationship.Hehoped,likeHermione,thattheMalfoyswouldnotletthatinformationkeepthem
fromacceptingHarryintheirlives.Hermionealsotalkedalittleabouttheexcitementbothmenstirred
inher,whichHarryfiguredcouldonlybeagoodthing.
HarrylaughedatHermionesretellingoftheincidentwiththenastyMissYaxley.Hetoldherhewasnot
surprisedbyheractionsintheleast,thatherdarkstreakwasoneofthereasonshefeltshecouldwork
wellinarelationshipwithMalfoys.Hermionewasabitaffronted.Shedidnotfeelshehadadark
streak.HarryremindedherofwhatshehaddonetoRitaSkeeter,keepingtheunregisteredAnimagusin
ajar,andtoMariettaEdgecombforherbetrayal.Hermionehuffedabit.Shedidnotconsiderthose
actionsdark,somuchastheywererighteous.Skeeter,Edgecomb,andYaxleyallhaditcomingand
Harrywassmartenoughtoagree.
TheydecidedagainstdessertandHermionepulledoutthecreditcardshehadreceivedatGringottsto
payforlunch.Atseeingtheblackcard,theserverbecamenoticeablymoresolicitous,notthathewas
rudeordistanttobeginwith.HarryexplainedthattheAmericanExpressCenturion,orBlackCardwas
veryprestigiousandonlypeoplewithalotofmoneycouldgetone.Hermionejustshruggedandputthe
cardbackinherbag.
HermionedecidedthatshewouldtrytonominateHarryforsainthoodorsomeotheraward,givenhow
gracioushewasinhelpinghershopforadress.Asashopper,Hermionewashitormiss.Shehadsome
niceclothesshereallyliked,butusuallyboughtthemoutwithhermotherwhowasverydirectiveand
pushedHermionetotrynewthings.
Afterdriftingaimlesslyinthewomensclothingdepartmentforawhile,Harrysoughtassistancefroma
salesclerk.MuchtoHermionesembarrassment,Harryexplainedthathisfriendherehadrecently
becomeengagedtoaverywealthyman.TheclerkseyeszeroedinonthegiantdiamondringHermione
wore.HarrywentontosaythathisfriendhadbeenfurnishedwithanewAmericanExpressBlackcard
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andinstructedtoburnaholethroughit,butwashavingtroubledecidingwhattobuy.Hermioneshook
herhead,asnoonehadinstructedanysuchthing.Although,Luciushadencouragedhertobuynew
clothes.
TheclerkmadeaquickphonecallandletthemknowHarrodspersonalshopperprogram,By
Appointment,hadanopeningintheirscheduleandcouldseeHermionenow.Severalminuteslateratall
willowyblondewomennamedAnnasweptHermioneandHarryofftoaprivatearea.Sheofferedthem
tea,whichtheyaccepted,andproceededtointerviewHermioneabouthertastes,whatshewanted,and
thekindsofeventsshewouldbeattending.
Hermioneexplainedthatshewouldbasicallyneedanewwardrobe,sincemostofwhatshehadalready
wasverycasualoronlyappropriateforschool.Shesharedthatshewasmarryingintoaverywealthy
familythatraninadifferentsocialcirclethanshewasusedto.Annawasveryprofessionaland
sympathetictotheyoungwomansplight.Shecalledinseveralotherwomen,membersofherteamshe
calledthem,andbegangivingthemorders.
Annadecidedtostartwithaneveninggown,sinceHermioneneededoneforthenextday.Hermione
waspresentedwithaboutthirtydifferentgowns,tenofwhichshedecidedtotryon,andoneshedecided
tobuy.ItwasblushpinkchiffonwithadeepVinfront.Harrysaiditmadeherlooksoft,butfancy.
AnnasteamprovidedoptionsforshoesandHermionehadahardtimechoosing.Shehadasoftspotfor
shoes,likemanyfemales.ShepickedapairofblushChristianLouboutainsilkheelsthatsheknew
wouldcostmoremoneythanallherotherclothescombined.Thegownitselfwasnotcheapeither.
Harrykepttellingherthatthiswaswhatherfiancwouldwantandthathewasexpectinghertospenda
lot,thatwhenshelookedgoodhelookedgood.Hermionenoddedanddecidedtostopthinkingabout
prices.Annawasveryhappytohearthat.
Bytheendofthelongafternoon,Hermionehadhergownandshoesforherdatethenextevening.She
alsohadalittleblackdress,anadorabletangerinecoloredcocktaildress,avioletlacedress,andablue
daydressshecouldweartooneofthosehorridsocietyladiesluncheons.Shealsohadextraordinary
newshoestogowitheverynewdressandfancynewlacyunderclothesthatmadeHarrybothblushand
chuckle.
Hermionewonderedaloudhowtheywouldgettheirpurchaseshomeonthetube.Usually,shewould
justshrinkeverythingsoitwouldfitinhertote,buttheMuggleswouldnoticethismanypackagesgoing
missingallofasudden.
AnnaagainsavedthedaybyinformingthemthatHarrodspersonalshopperprogramalsooffereda
complimentaryRollsRoycewithdrivertotakethemtoanydestinationinLondon.AnnagaveHermione
herbusinesscard,tellinghertocallanytimeshewantedtogoshoppingagain.Hermionetriednotto
wincewhenshesignedthebill,knowingshespentanobsceneamountoftheMalfoysmoneyonclothes
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andshoes.ShealsothrewinahealthytipforAnnaandherteam.Hermionewonderedifshewouldend
upfillingthatenormousdressingroomintheManorafterall.
***
Theyhadthecartakethemhometo12GrimmauldPlace,whichtheMuggledrivercouldnotsee.They
simplytoldhimtostopinfrontof11GrimmauldPlaceandunloadedtheirpackages,waitingtogoinside
untilafterhehaddrivenoff.
Assoonastheybroughteverythinginside,Kreacherpoppedupandtookeverythingupstairsto
Hermionesroomaftertellingthemdinnerwouldbereadyinfifteenminutes.
Ronwashomeandjoinedthemforaverynicedinnerofseafoodstewandvegetables.Evenafterherbig
lunch,Hermionewashungry.Shoppingreallytookalotofenergy.Ronagaincommentedonthe
improvedqualityofthefoodnowthatKreacherwasputtinginmoreeffort.
Thethreefriendschattedcomfortably.RonevenaskedHermionesomebasicquestionsabouthernew
relationship.Hegavealowwhistleatthesightofherengagementringandwantedtoknowexactlywhat
theinsideoftheMalfoyvaultlookedlike.Hermionejustlaughedandpromisedtogethimsomereally
greatgiftsforChristmasandhisbirthday,whichappeasedtheredhead.Theeveningwithherfriends
madeHermionefeellikethingscouldbelikeoldtimeseveryonceinawhile,noteverythinghadto
change.
Hermioneexcusedherselfearly,kissingherfriendsontheforehead.Shewentupstairstohavealeisurely
soakinahotbath.ShespelledoneofthebooksLuciusgavehertohoverinfrontofherandturnpagesat
hercommand,soshecouldreadinthetub.Afterreadingmoreaboutantiquatedpurebloodaristocratic
customs,Hermionedecidedtoturnin.
Astatelyeagleowlwaswaitingforherinherroom.Giventhehousewards,itcouldonlybefroma
handfulofpeople.Hermionesawaparchmentoneachlegandstrokedtheowlbeforeofferinghima
treat.AsheatethebitsHermioneoffered,shedetachedtheletters.Theowlsoonleft.Apparently,a
responsewasnotrequired.
ThefirstwasfromLucius.Heconfirmedherelevenoclockarrivalathisofficesandexpressed
anticipationfortheirdate.Hewouldbeatherhouseatsixtopickherup.Healsoinformedherthathe
bookedanappointmentforherandseveralfriendsatanexclusivespashehadreadaboutintheDaily
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Prophet.Hemadetheappointmentfromonethirtytofivethirtyandshecouldchoosewhatever
treatmentsshewanted.Heclosedtheletterbyaskinghernottocutherlonghairtoomuchifatall,
becausehewantedtofeelitspreadoutacrosshisnakedskininthenearfuture.Evenviapost,Lucius
couldmakeherblush.
ThesecondletterwasfromDraco,assheguesseditwouldbe.Hethankedherforthepreviousevening
andwantedtoletherknowhewasthinkingofher.Specifically,hesaidhewasthinkingofhowherskin
tastedandexpressedadesireto"lickherallover"nexttimehehadtheopportunity.IfHermionehadnot
beenblushingbefore,shecertainlywasnow.
Checkingherclock,Hermionesawitwasnotthatlate.ShesummonedHedwigandsentspainvitations
toFleur,Ginny,andLunaforthenextday.Hermionealsorememberedtocheckthesmallcandyapple
redcellphonethatshekeptinherdresser.Shehadwardedthelittlephoneagainstallothermagicexcept
thesmallstreamofmagicalcurrentsheusedtopowerit.Sofar,itwasworkingwell.Shedecidedshe
wouldtestitbytakingitwithhertomorrowtoseeifthewardsheld.
Herparentshadinsistedshegetthephoneafewmonthsago,becausetheyneededawaytocontacther.
Whiletheycouldreceiveowlsandrespond,theycouldnotsendoneontheirown.Therewasindeeda
messagefromhermother,whosoundedmuchcalmerthanshehadbeenlasttimetheyspoke.
Sinceherparentstendedtostayuplate,Hermionecalledthemback.Hermotheraskedhertobring
"thosemensheplannedtomarry"overFridaynightfordinnersoshecouldmeetthem.Hermionesaidit
wasverylikelytheywerefree,butthatshewouldconfirmthenextday.Hermotheraskedformore
informationabouttheMalfoys,whichHermionesawasagoodsign.Sheaskedwheretheylived
(Wiltshire),whattheydidforaliving(independentlywealthy),andwhattheweddingwouldbelike
(hugeandfancy).Hermioneknewshehadpiquedhermothersinterestaboutthewedding.Sheloved
grandeventsandhadafairamountofmemorabiliafromthelastRoyalwedding.Afterchattingforabit,
theyhungupandHermionewenttosleep.Shehadhadabusydayandanotherplannedfortomorrow.
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Author'sNotes:
Disclaimer:IamnotJKRorScholastic.IfIwereI'dberich.Asitis,Imakeno
moneyfromthis!
ThankstobunnyhopsforherbetaworkandenthusiasmtoreadallthechaptersI
throwather.
Thanksforallthekindwordsfromreviewers!Iwilltrytoanswerquestions,I
swear.)
Now...Hermoinetangleswithherfavoritebeetle.
Chapter16
Hermionecaughtuponhersleep.Shehadturnedinearly,anddidnotstiruntilKreacherpoppedinto
tellheritwasninethirtyandtimetogetup.Hermionetriedtosnoozetheoldelf,buthekeptpoppingin.
Bynineforty,shewasgettingoutofbedandheadingtothebathroom.Hermionefoundapairoflight
anddarkgreyplaidshortsandawhitelinenbuttondownshirt.Shefilledherredcanvasbagwiththings
shemightneedthatdayandcarriedherredconversesneakersdownstairswithhertothedrawingroom.
HermionehadaboutfiveminutesbeforeMme.Selwynwassettoarrivewiththeweddingdressmaker.
Kreachersetoutteaandlightpastries,butalsoinsistedonprovidingHermionewithfruitandaham
quichesoshewouldbestrongenoughfortheillustriousMalfoys.NowthatKreacherwouldbemoving
withher,heseemedintentondoingeverythingpossibletomakesureHermionewasthenextLady
Malfoy.
Kreacheralsodroppedoffafewlettersthathadarrivedforher.TheywereallfromFleur,Ginny,and
LunaallcontainingenthusiasticagreementstojoinHermioneforafreeafternoonatthespacourtesyof
LuciusMalfoy.Hermionetuckedthelettersasideandservedherselfsometea.
ShortlyafterHermione'sfirstsip,Kreacherannouncedthearrivalofthesevere,statuesqueMme.Selwyn
andamuchsmaller,rounderwomanthatremindedHermioneofProfessorSprout.Thedressmakerwas
introducedasFortunataSartina.Hermioneinvitedthetwowomentositdownandhelpthemselvesto
somebreakfast.Mme.SelwynacceptedacupofteaandacoupleofsmallsconeswhileFortunata
enjoyedafullbreakfast.
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"So,MissGranger,"Mme.Selwynbeganbetweensipsoftea."Telluswhatyouimaginedyouwould
wearwhenyougotmarried."
"Ineverwasoneofthosegirlsthatpicturedeverydetailofherweddingday,"Hermionesaid."IguessI
didimaginethatIwouldbeinalongbeautifulgownthatmademefeelgorgeous.I'veneverbeenfondof
atotallyformfittingweddingdress.Tomeaweddingisn'tthetimetogoforsexy.Ilikeafullskirt,but
don'twanttobeswallowedupbyitsinceIamsoshort.Idon'tlikebrightwhiteitistoomuchforme.I
prefercream,ivory,evenaverylightpink.Iliketheideaofanivorydresswithapinkunderskirtsothe
colorjustpeaksout.Iwouldlikeasimplesilhouettebutnotasimpledressifthatmakessense.Idlike
ittolookinterestingandhavesomeembellishments,butIdontcaremuchforalotoffuss.Idon'twant
tosparkleorbeshiny.Doesallthatmakesense?"
"Itdoes,"Mme.Selwynnodded."Fortunata?"
"Icanbringoversketchesandfabricsamplesthistimetomorrow,"Fortunatareported."Nowwe
measure."
FortunataconjuredaplatformforHermionetostandon.Withatapemeasurethatshotoutofherwand
andsnakedaroundHermionesappendages,shemeasuredandrecordedeveryinchofHermione.From
shouldertowrist,hiptofoot,bust,andwaistanythingthatcouldbemeasured,wasmeasured.
"Planningongettingmarriedbarefoot,MissGranger?IsthataMugglething?"Mme.Selwynasked,
eyebrowarched.
"WellsomeMugglesdoIguess,butIplanonwearingshoes,"Hermioneresponded."Iammuchtoo
shortbarefootandIdon'twanttolooktinynexttothosegiantMalfoys."
"Thengetapairofshoeswecanusetomeasureyournewleglength,"Mme.Selwynhuffedimpatiently.
"Theyneednotbeyouractualweddingshoes,justabouttheheight.
HermionesummonedKreachertobringherthehighestpairofshoesshehadboughtyesterday.She
wantedtogetasclosetoeyeleveltoLuciusandDracoasshecould.Mme.Selwynnoddedapprovingly
atHermionewithherextrafourinchesandFortunatameasured.Finallydone,Hermioneexchangedthe
skyhighstilettosforherredconverse.
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HermioneconfirmedthatMme.Selwynhadreceivedherguestlist.Thehaughtyolderwitchcalledsome
ofHermionesguestsunorthodox,whichmadeHermionelaugh.Mme.Selwynassuredherthatthe
invitationswouldbesentbytheendofthedaythatday.GuestscouldmagicallyRSVPwithatapofthe
wand,soMme.SelwynexpectedtohaveagoodguestcountbySundayeventhoughthefinalattendee
listwouldnotbeofficialuntilThursdaymorningbeforethewedding.
***
HermioneescortedherguestsoutandmadeherwaytotheFloo.Afewmomentslater,shestumbledout
intoaposhlookingofficelobby.Hermionelookedaroundappraisingly.Itwasfancy,butvery
professionallooking,aswellasalittleimposing.Shesawfromthelargeclockabovethereceptionist
thatshewasabouttenminutesearly.
Goodmorning,Hermionesmiledwidelyatthereceptionist.Herfriendlymannerwasnotreturned,
however.Instead,theicyyoungblondewitchwhoseshirtseemedtootightlookedHermioneover
critically.Hermionerealizedshewasdressedverycasuallyinshortsandsneakers,notreallyappropriate
forbusiness.ShehadherhairFrenchbraidedonbothsidesofherheadandpinnedbackintoamessy
bun.Shewasnotthereforabusinessmeeting,soitdidnotreallymatterhowshedressed.Imhereto
seeeitherLuciusorDracoMalfoy.
Isthatso?thereceptionistquestionedinabored,dismissivetone.Whichone?
Itdoesntmatter,Hermionetoldthewitch.Whomeverisfree.
Lookmissy,thereceptionistglared,LuciusandDracoMalfoyareimportantmenanddonthavetime
forlittlewitchestryingtogetapieceofthem.Incaseyouhaventheard,theyarealreadytakenby
HermioneGranger.Iunderstandshedoesnttoleratewitchestryingtopoachonherterritory.Those
witchesarelikelytofindthemselveswithanastyhex.
Hermionecouldnothelpbutlaugh.Shereallylikedthisbitchywoman.Shewasgoodatdoingherjob
asgatekeeper,keepinganyundesirablesaway.
Iheardthatsamething,Hermionesmiled.JustaskYoanaYaxley.MaybeifyoutellthemHermione
Grangerisherejustabitearly,itmightmakeadifference.
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TheblondeseyeswidenedandshetookanotherlookatHermione,thistimefocusingonherfaceinstead
ofherclothing.
MissGranger!Youlooksoyoungandwithyourhairup,thereceptioniststutteredforamoment
beforeshecomposedherself.Iwillletthemknow.
Amomentlater,HermionesawDracocomingdowntheimpressiveglasssidedstaircase.
Goodmorning,Kitten,hesmiled,givingheralovelykiss.Allset?
Yes,Hermionesmiled.Iwasjustchattingwithyourreceptionist.Ilikeher,sheknowsherjob.
Goodtoknow,Dracogavethewitcharespectfulnodafternothavingacknowledgedher.Hetucked
Hermionesarmintohis.Letsgetyoutoyourmeeting.
Luciushadtwoassistants,oneofwhomsherecognizedasTerenceHiggs.HewastheSlytherinseeker
beforeDraco.Theotherwasamiddleagedwitch,wholookedverybusinessoriented.
Ah,thereyouare,Pet,Luciusemergedfromanoffice,kissingherjustassoundlyasDracohadinthe
lobby.ThisisTerenceHiggs.Hehasbeenorganizingtheengagementpartysofarandisreadytobeat
yourdisposal.Afteryourmeeting,wecanlookaroundandthengoouttolunch,allright?
HermionenoddedandfollowedTerenceintoaconferenceroom.Hermionewashappytheengagement
partywasnotnearlyasbigasthewedding.Itwaslikeaverylargedinnerparty.TheMalfoysinvited
onlyathirdoftheirweddingguestlist.Theyseemedtoincludeacombinationofpeopletheyreallyliked
andveryinfluentialpeople.SoHermionesimilarlycutherlistdowntoHarry,alltheWeasleys,select
membersoftheDAlikeLunaandNeville,ProfessorMcGonagall,Hagrid,Kingsley,Remus,herparents,
andafewothers.TerenceofferedtoarrangeaPortkeyforherparentstotakethemtotheManorforthe
partyandthenbackhome.
TerenceHiggsturnedouttohaveanaptitudeforpartyplanning,atleastinHermione'sopinion.The
themewassummergardenatnight.Therewouldbevinesonthewallsandflowerseverywhere.Mage
lightsofvarioussizeswouldfloatabovetheirheads.Somesmallermagicallightswouldtwinkleamong
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theplantsandflowers.Thedecorwasprimarilyivorywithsilver,gold,pink,andgreenaccents.Terence
feltthatrepresentedGryffindorandSlytherininasubtleway.Hermionenixedthesatyrsandactual
fairiesTerencewantedtouseasservers.Shealsoaddedafewsimpleritemstohisveryfancymenu.
Overall,Terencewaseasytoworkwith,whichwassurprisingtoher.Hermionerealizedthatwasnota
fairprejudgmentthough,asshehadnotreallyknownhimatallwhenhewasatHogwarts.Hewasgoing
tosendouttheinvitationsthatafternoonandgivehertheguestlistFridayafternoon.
TerenceshowedHermionetoLucius'office.Itwaslargeandimposing,andnotatallpersonallikehis
studyathome.HesmiledatherandquizzedTerenceabitabouttheparty.Luciusseemedsatisfiedthat
everythingwaswellinhandanddismissedhisassistant.Assoonasthedoorshut,Luciuspulled
Hermionedownsoshewassittinginhislapandhenuzzledherneck.Shemoanedinvoluntarilyand
leanedbackintohim.Hermionelikedhowitfelttohavehislarger,solidbodymoldedagainsthersand
scootedmoretightlyintohislap.
"I'vemissedyou,Pet,"Luciuspurredsoftlyintoherear."Ican'twaitfortonight."
"Ididgetareallyprettydressyesterday,"Hermionesmiled."Itislightpinkandgoesdowntothefloor."
"Youseemrelaxed,"Luciussaidalittlesuspiciously.
"Whywouldn'tIbe?"Hermioneaskedequallyassuspiciously.
"BecauseoftheDailyProphettoday,"Dracoputin,shuttingtheofficedoorbehindhim,paperinhand.
HermionenarrowedhereyesandheldoutherhandtoDraco.Hereluctantlycameovertothedesk,
whereshestillsatinLucius'lap,andgaveHermionethefoldedpaper.
SpreadingitoutonthedeskHermionecouldreadthetitle.Inlargeletters,itread:Saviorofthe
WizardingWorldFleesBritain,HeartbrokenoverHermione.TherewerepicturesofHarryandRon
shoppingforluggageaswellaspicturesofHermione,Lucius,andDracogoinginsideGringottstogether.
ThearticlecharacterizedHermioneasapowerhungrywitchthatattachedherselftofamouswizards,a
pastlitteredwithnumerousromanticconquestsKrumandPotterwerespecificallynotednotcaring
whoshehurtorcastasideinherpursuitofmoney,power,andfame.Thearticlewentontodescribepoor
HarryPotter,whosacrificedtosavethemall,soheartbrokenthattheloveofhislifewouldabandonhim
fortheMalfoys,thatheneededtofleeWizardingBritainforever.
"Thisiscompleteanduttershite!"Hermioneyelled,throwingthepaper."DamnthatRitaSkeeter!"She
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wasfuriousandfelthermagicsurge.Peoplemightactuallystartthrowingstonesatherinthestreetif
theybelievedshewasdrivingawayHarry.ItwasthebitaboutHarrythatmadehermostangry.Hewas
entitledtotravelanddowhateverhewishedwithoutpeoplemakingaspersionsonhischaracter,saying
heisrunningaway.
"Trytocalmdown,Pet,"Luciusurged,rubbingherbackashedidwhenshebecameupsetbefore.
"Wewillhandlethis,"Dracoassuredher."Itisslander."
"No,"Hermionestatedfirmly,eyesflashing."Iwillhandlethis.Justgivemeamomenttogetmymagic
undercontrol.Areyoufondofthatvase?"
Luciussaidnoandinamoment,thelargefloorvasewasreducedtotinypiecesofrubble,theresultof
Hermione'snonverbal,wandlesshex.
"Merlin,that'shot,"Dracowhispered.Lucius'murmuredhisagreementhishandsonherbackbeganto
snaketoherstomachandupherribcage.
"Notnow,"HermionechidedasshebrushedoffLucius'handsandstood.Shewasonamissionthere
wasnotimetoindulgetheMalfoyssexualattractiontohermagic."Findmeaglassjar,withalidwe
aregoingtotheDailyProphet."
LuciusandDracolookedconfused,butdidnotaskanyquestions.JarinhandHermionemarcheddown
theroadflankedbytwotrailingMalfoys.TheylookedalmostgleefulastheywatchedHermionego,
readyforbattle.
***
HermionestrodeintotheDailyProphetofficeswithpurpose,rightpastthefrontdeskandtowardthe
officesinback.TheMalfoysjustfollowedher,watchinginanticipation.Hermionecametoahaltinan
opendoorwayandjuststood.Overhershoulder,LuciusandDracocouldseethegaudyofficeofRita
Skeeterandthewitchinquestionsatatherdesk.Lookingup,Skeetersawherguests.
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"Dontstartwithme,MissGranger,"thereportersaiddefensively,puttingherhandsup."Myeditor
wantedsomethingsalaciousandyoucan'tdenyyouareit."
"Yetagain,MissSkeeter,youdidn'tthink,"Hermionestatedstonily."Idon'tknowifyoucontinueto
underestimatemebecauseIamyoung,orbecauseyouthinkyourselfuntouchable."
Hermionebegantossingtheemptyglassjarbackandforth,inwhatlookedlikeanidlegesture.Miss
Skeeter,however,palednoticeablyandsatbackfurtherinherchair.
"Butwebothknowthatisnotthecase,"Hermionecontinuedinadangeroustone."Iknowexactlyhow
togetyou,don'tI?"
"Whatdoyouwant?"theolderwitchbristled,bothfearfulandangry.
"CorrectwhatyouwroteaboutHarry,"Hermioneinstructed."Getoutyourquillandtakethisdown.You
canciteyoursourceasaclose,personalfriendofHarryPotter.YouwillwritethatHarryis,infact,not
heartbrokenbutsupportiveofhisfriend'smarriagetotheMalfoys.Writethatheseestheunionasa
symbolofanewerainWizardingBritain,wherebloodstatusisnotafactorinjudgingothersandweall
worktounderstandtheculturesofothers,purebloodandMugglealike.HarryapplaudstheMalfoysfor
publiclyembracingaMugglebornwifeandlooksforwardtohearingtheirthoughtsonMuggleculture.
YouwillreportthatHarryismostdefinitelynotfleeinghishomeland,butremainscommittedtohis
country.WritethatHarryistakingadvantageofthisneweraofpeacetotravel,toseenewplacesandto
expandhishorizonsalthoughBritainwillalwaysbehome.Youwillwritethatheencouragesothersto
followtheirdreamsandtolivetheirlivesfreefromthespecterofwar.Inclosing,youwillsaythatHarry
Potterremainsthankfulforeveryonesconcern.Hewouldliketoremindeveryonethatheisjustone
wizard,andthatmanyotherscontributed,fought,sacrificed,anddiedinthiswar.WritethatHarry
encourageseveryonetoputasidepettysquabbles,andtoembracethisnewerawithanopenmind.You
willprintthisinthenexteditionanditwillbeonthefrontpage."
"Isthatall?"RitaSkeeterasked,hervoicedrippingwithacid.
"Yes,"Hermionenoddedcalmly,puttingthejarawayinherbag.
"Hey!"Dracoinjected."Whataboutallthenastyinsinuationsshemadeaboutyou?"
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"OhIdon'tcarethatshepaintsmeasapowerhungrywhore,"Hermionewaved."Peoplearegoingto
thinkwhatevertheywantaboutourrelationship.Wecan'tstopthem."
"Maybewecare,"Luciusglaredatthereporter,"thatourfuturewifeisbeingportrayedinthisway.Not
onlyisitinsultingtoyou,butitimpliesthatweweretakeninbyaschemingwitch,outtouseusforher
owngoals."
"Isn'tthatwhatmostaristocraticmarriagesarelike?"Hermioneasked.Ritasnortedatthat,buttriedto
coveritup.ItwasclearshedidnotwanttomakeanenemyoutofthepowerfulMalfoys."Italreadysays
inthetreatythatyouchoseme,thatIdidnotforceyouintomarryingme."
"IamsureIcouldpersuadedtobemore...generousinmycoverageofMissGrangersoontobeLady
Malfoy,"RitaSkeeterpipedin,neveronetoletanopportunitypass.
"Whatmakesyouthinkyouareinanypositiontobargain?"Dracoaskedcoldly.Ritajustshrugged.
"IunderstandthatpeoplewanttoreadstoriesaboutHarry,Ron,andmyselfmostlyHarry,"Hermione
cutin.
"Don'tsellyourselfshort,honey,"Ritasmileddevilishly."Sincethismarriagewasannounced,peopleare
moreinterestedinyouthanHarry."
"Thenyoushouldhavenoproblemwithmakingmeadeal,"Hermionereplied."Inexchangeforwriting
fairandaccurateaccountsofHarryPotter,Iwillagreetoanexclusiveseriesofthreeinterviewswith
you.Ifyoudon'tkeepyourendofthebargain,Iwon'tkeepmine.AndthenIcanalwaysfallbackonthe
jar."
"Whatwouldtheinterviewsentail?"Ritaaskedeagerly,eventhoughshehadfrownedatmentionofthe
jar.
"YoumayinterviewmetheFridaybeforetheweddingandthenattendtheweddingSaturday,"Hermione
reported.Ritawasalmostbouncinginherchair."YoumaynottakeanyphotosSaturdayatall,butwill
beprovidedwithuptofivephotosbyMadameSelwynthatshehasdeemedacceptableforpublication.
ThearticlewillrunintheProphet'sSundayedition.Whenwereturnfromourhoneymoon,Iwillhostan
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eventasLadyMalfoyforthewitchesofthearistocracyasisprotocol.Youmayinterviewmepriorto
theeventandthenattendaswell.Ifyouwishtobringaphotographer,allphotoswillbeapprovedbyme
priortopublication.Youcanrequestthethirdinterviewwheneveryouwishwithinthefirstyearofour
marriage.Ifyouwaituntilafterayear,youloseit.Astothecontentofthearticles,Iexpectthemtobe
accurate,notyouropinionthatyoutrytopassoffasfact.Iwillnotdemandthattheyareentirely
flatteringIjustwantthemtobefairandfreefrommaliciousspeculation.WebothknowwhatIam
capableofifyoudonotadheretotheseconditions.Iamnotaforgivingwitch."
RitaSkeeterswallowedhardatHermione'slastsentence.
"Iaccept,"Ritanodded,eyesnarrowedattheyoungerwitch.
"JustrememberthatwearenomoreforgivingthanHermione,"Luciusstated."Imaynothaveaglassjar
inmyhands,butwecanmakeyoumiserableinanynumberofotherwaysinaninstant.Andwedowant
thearticlestobeflattering,sokeepthatinmind."
RitaSkeeterjustcontinuedtonod,eyeswide.Sheseemeduncomfortable,feelingamixofexcitement
overherexclusiveinterviewsandfearfuloftheactualpeopleshewouldbewritingabout.
"I'mhungry,gentlemen,"Hermioneturnedtoherfiancs,puttingherarmsthroughtheirs."Let'sgoto
lunch."
***
Dracosteeredthetriotowardaverycasualeaterywheretheycouldsitandhaveasandwichquickly,
allowingHermionetomakeittothespabyonethirty.
"Ihavetoask,"Dracofinallysaidastheyweresitting,sippingontheirdrinks."Whatwaswiththejar?"
"Oh,"Hermionelaughedabittoherself.ShewonderedwhattheMalfoyswouldthinkofher'darkstreak'
asHarryhadcalleditthedaybefore."SheisanunregisteredAnimagus,abeetletobespecific.Ifigured
itoutattheendoffourthyearandcaughther.Ikeptherinaglassjarforafewweeks,andthenlethergo
withawarning.Iwouldtelltheauthorities,butthenIwouldlosemyadvantage."
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TheonlywordtodescribethelookonLuciusandDraco'sfaceswouldbepride.MaybeHarrywasright
andshedidhaveadarkside,iftheMalfoyslookedproudofherdeviousness.Well,atleastHermionefelt
heractionswerealwaysforthegreatergood.
"LetsnottalkaboutSkeeter,"Hermionechangedthesubjectaftertheyorderedtheirfood."Myparents
haveinvitedyoubothoverfordinnerFridayevening,ifyouarefree."
"Ofcourse,"Luciusnodded.NeitherMalfoylookedexcited.Hermionedidnotknowifitwasgeneral
nervousnesstomeettheparentsofyourromanticpartner,ortheideaofspendingtheeveningwith
Muggles.
"Theyknowyouarewizards,sofeelfreetoaskanyquestionsaboutthingsyouseeorhearthatyoudon't
understand,"Hermioneencouragedthem."Myparentswillnotbe...welcoming."
"Whynot?"Dracoasked,curious.
"Formanyreasons,"Hermionesighed."Iknowyoubothhavebeen...pursuedbypeoplewishingyouto
marrytheirdaughtersorotherfamilymembers,sothisisgoingtobedifferentforyou.Myparentswill
notbeimpressedthatyouareMalfoys,thatyouhavecastlesfullofmoney,andcertainlynotthatthisis
goingtobeapluralmarriage.PolygamyisnotnormalinBritain'sMuggleculture.MyparentsfeelIam
tooyoungtogetmarriedandtheyarequitelividthatthemarriageispoliticalinorigin.MostMuggle
marriagesarenotarranged."
"Well,thiswillbeinteresting,"Luciusobserved."Thankyouforpreparingusforalessthanwarm
reception.Weshalltrytobeonourbestbehavior."
Hermionesnortedatthat.
"What?"Dracolookedaffronted."WecanbequitecharmingI'llhaveyouknow.Wedon'talwaysgetour
waythroughintimidationandmanipulation,unlessthosearethingsyouthinkwouldworkonyour
parents."
"Definitelynot,"Hermionestatedfirmly.
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"Tellusaboutyourshopping,"Luciusinvited,staringtoeathislunch.
"Itwasfunactually.HarrycamewithmetoHarrods,"Hermionesmiled."Itsaverygrand,expensive
Mugglestore.Iamnotagreatshoppertherearejusttoomanychoices.IliketoknowIhaveseen
everythingbeforeImakeachoice.Iflefttomyowndevices,Iwouldonlyshoptoreplacemyexisting
clothes."
"Wewillhavetogetyouusedtoshoppingmorethen,"Dracolaughedather.
"Apparently,thecreditcardGringottsgavemelooksjustlikeaveryexclusivecardintheMuggle
world,"Hermionecontinued."Retailersseeitandstarttrippingoverthemselvestocatertomyevery
whim.HarrysaidonlytherichestMuggleshavethissortofcardanditisgiventopeoplethatspendhuge
amountsofmoney."
"Soundsperfect,"Luciusshrugged.Hermioneknewhewasusedtogettingthebestofeverything.It
willtakemeawhiletogetusedtotheseMuggleclothesyourunaroundin,notthatIamcomplaining.
LuciusranafingerupHermionesthighfromherkneetothehemofhershorts,smirking.
Alovelywomanhelpedmepickoutagownfortonightsconcertaswellasotherdresses.Ialsogot
lotsofshoesandsomeveryfancyunderclothes,Hermionesmiled.
Fancyunderclothesyousay?Dracoasked,slowlyrunninghishandupHermionesotherthigh.Fancy
how?
Ohallkindsofprettylaceythingslackingincoverage,HermioneteasedthesalivatingMalfoys,who
eachhadahandononeofherthighs.Sowhoisgoingtowalkmetothespa?Idontwanttobelate.
Ihavesomeerrandstorunandworktofinishbeforeourdate,Luciussighed,squeezingHermiones
thighandmakinghershiver.MaybetonightIcanseesomeofthosenewpurchases.
LuciusleanedinandgaveHermioneasweetkiss,runninghistonguealongtheseamofherlips.
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Havefunthisafternoon,Luciuscontinued.IwillcomepickyouupatGrimmauldPlaceatsix
oclock.
Hermionenoddedabitdumbly,standingupfromthetable.
Comeon,Kitten,Dracolaughed,puttinghisarmaroundherwaistandpullingherclose.Letsget
youtothespa.
EndNotes:
Upnext:Ladiesatthespa!
Backtoindex
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Author'sNotes:
Disclaimer:IownnoneofthisandIdon'tgetanymoney.I'minitforthefun!
Thankstobunnyhops,asalways,forherencouragement.
Now...Hermionehassomegirltimeatthespa.
Chapter17
DracoinsistedonwalkingHermioneintothespalobby,whereFleur,Luna,andGinnywerealready
waiting.
Oh,amIlate?Hermioneaskedatseeingallthewitches.
Notatall,Fleuranswered.Wearrivedalittleearly,sowecouldreadaboutthetreatmentsavailable.
Thankyouforwalkingme,HermionesaidtoDraco.HesmiledandpulledHermioneflushtohis
body.
Youareverywelcome,Kitten,Dracomurmuredinherear.Iwanttospendmoretimewithyou.
ComeovertotheManortomorrowifyoucan.
Dracokissedhergoodbyeinademandingfashion,oneofhishandsgoingdowntosqueezeherrear.
HermionebelievedthatneitherMalfoyhadanyconceptofpublicdisplaysofaffection,butratherdid
whatevertheywished.ShegaveDracoalightswatashesteppedback,grinning.
Ladies,Draconoddedtoherthreefriendsbeforeleaving.
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Hecertainlyisasexualwizardanddefinitelyfondofyou,Lunacommentedinherdreamy,nonchalant
wayasshereadtheparchmentinfrontofher.
YoushouldhaveseenthematGringottsyesterday,Fleursmiled.Iftheywerenottouchingherin
someway,theireyeswerelookingforher.
Hermionecouldnthelpbutblush.Ginnyjustsatandtookintheconversation,lookingtorn.Hermione
imaginedGinnywasnotpleasedtoseeher,butexcitedforafreeafternoonatthespa.
So,whathaveyoudecidedon?Hermioneasked,pluckingaparchmentlistingspatreatmentsoffofthe
table.Averyrelaxedwitch,withgoodposture,seemedtoglideintothelobby.
MynameisFreda,thewitchsmiledserenely.ArethereanyquestionsthatIcananswerforanyof
you?
Goodafternoon,ImHermione,shesmiledatthenicewitch.Iveneverbeentoaspabefore.Iwant
torelax,butalsodosomethingformyskinaswell.Iamgoingouttoaformaleventthisevening,soif
thereisawaytogethairandmakeupaswellthatwouldbehelpful.Isthereabasicpackageyoucan
recommendthatencompassesthosethings?
Yourfiancbookedthefourofyouforfourhourstotal,andyouhaveallofourtreatmentsavailableto
you,Fredasmiled.Wecandoalotinthattime.Irecommendeveryonestartwithasoakinourunique
mineralbathfortwentyminutes.Weputablendofingredientsintothewatertohelprelaxthebodyand
mind.Itworksagreatdeallikethedraughtofpeace.Then,wecancoveryourbodywithaspecialsalve
webrewhere.Itmoisturizes,softens,andnourishestheskin.Itwillremoveblemishes,firmlooseskin,
andremovewrinkles,notthatthatisanissueforthisgroup.Wewrapyouupandletthesalvesitforat
leasttwentyminutes,beforerinsingitoffandapplyinganexfoliatingscrub.Thescrubnotonlyremoves
thesalve,butalsoleavesyourskinwithanaturalglowandrestoresittoitsoptimalhealthandbrilliance.
Thatwilltakeyourfirsthourandahalf,bringingustothreeoclock.Atthattime,wewillprovidea
relaxingtea.Aftertea,Iwouldrecommendthehourlongfullbodymassage.Ourprofessionalsarequite
skilledandtrainedtoworkonthemagicalcurrentsthatrunthroughyourbody,removinganyblockages
andpromotinganunobstructedflowinadditiontomassagingyourphysicalmuscles.Theycan
incorporatehotstonemassagewithchargedgemstohelpwithanyissuesyouareexperiencing.Then,at
fourthirty,wecanmovetothebeautytreatments.Severalofourtechniciansarequiteskilledwiththe
Tondeocharmstoprovidelonglastinghairremovalofyourchoice,fromeyebrowstolegstobikiniarea.
Wewillalsodomanicuresandpedicuresthenhaircutandorstyling.Howdoesthatsound?
Allfourwitchessmiledandnodded.
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ThenIwillshowyoutothechangingroom,whereyoucanleaveyourclothing,Fredagesturedthem
alltofollow.Wehaverobesandslippersforyoutowear,andkeepifyouwish.
Therobeswerelightandfluffy,justlikegoodrobesshouldbeinHermionesopinion.Theywere
showntoaquiet,lightfilledroomwithlarge,individualsizedtubs.Eachwitchrelaxedintohermineral
bath.Hermionecouldfeelthemagicinthewatersoothingherbody.Shefeltsorelaxed.Allthestress
ofthepreviousdays,weeks,months,yearsevenseemedtomeltaway.
Ihaveneverfeltsorelaxed,Hermionesighed.
Iknowwhatyoumean,Fleursmiled.Idontthinkanythingwouldbothermeatthismoment.
Itislovely,Lunastateddreamily.AlthoughIhavefeltthisrelaxedbefore.Thereisanherbal
combinationinherethatWrackspurtscantstand,soIuseitinmyteasometimes.
IcantrecallthelasttimeIgottosoakinabath.Privacyforalongbathishardtocomebyatmy
house,Ginnysighedwistfully.Everyonelookedsorelaxed,almostintoxicated.Soyouarereally
goingtobecomeLadyMalfoy,huh?
Yup,Hermionesmiled.IamgoingtomarryLuciusandDracoMalfoy.NeverthoughtIdsaythatin
mylife.
Ibet,Fleurgiggled.
"Idontseewhynot,Lunapipedin.WheneveryouhavebeenaroundDracoorLucius,Sprutmires
congregated,whichisasuresignofcompatibility.
HermionedidnotknowhowtorespondtoLunasometimes.Shewatchedastwonewwitchescamein
andgotintotheirbathes.TheywerebothveryskinnyinawaythatmadeHermioneabitsadforthem.
MyMumisrealmadaboutit,Ginnyyawned.Themineralbathswererelaxingalloftheirinhibitions
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aswell,sothewitchesweresayingwhateverwasontheirminds.
Iknow,Hermionewaveddismissively.Alotofpeoplearerealmadaboutit,butitishappeningno
matterwhat.Otherwitchesseemtobeespeciallycross.Harrythinkstheyarejealousofmebecause
theywanttobewithaMalfoy,butthatseemsalittlesilly.WhydidyouwanttobewithDraco,Ginny?
Hermionewasgenuinelycurious,eversinceDracomentionedthatGinnyhadpropositionedhim.
Withoutthepowersofthebath,shedoubtedshewouldhaveeverasked.
Heisbeautiful,Ginnysighed.ButmainlyitwasMumthatsuggestedit.ShesaidIdeservedtobe
LadyMalfoyoneday.Iwouldnthavemindedhavingallthatmoneyandhavingpeoplealwaysdowhat
yousay.
EverybodywantstobeLadyMalfoy,oneofthenewwitchesstated,herownrelaxationsettlinginto
her.IsleptwithDracoonce.
Hermioneperkedupabitatthat,butthebathkeptherfromgettingagitated.
Metoo,theothernewwitchadded.Itwasatthesametimeinfact.
Oh!Hermionesmiled.IrecognizeyounowtheGreengrasssisters!Dracotoldmeaboutthat.
Howareyouboth?
Wearewell,thankyou,DaphneGreengrassanswered.EspeciallynowwiththathorridVoldemort
gone.Wecouldnothaveanygoodpartiesordoanythingwhilehewashere.
YouarethatawfulHermioneGranger,AstoriaGreengrasslazilyobserved.Ihateyouverymuch
becauseIminlovewithDraco.
Astoriaswordslackedtheintenseemotiontheyshouldhavehad,duetothesedatingeffectsofthe
minerals.
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Hermioneisnotawful,sheislovely,Lunachimedin.Fleurmurmuredanagreement,butseemedtobe
fallingasleep.
Shecanbeabitawful,Ginnyagreed.Justbecauseshealwaysgetsthethingsotherpeoplewant.She
isbrilliant,powerful,andattractive,soyouwanttohateherbutsheishorriblynicetopeopleandtries
tobehelpful,whichmakesyouhateherinanotherkindofway.
Hey,Hermioneobjected,withverylittlevehemence.Firstoff,Astoria,IamsorryyouloveDraco.It
reallyisashame,becauseIamgoingtomarryhim.HeismineandIwanttokeephim.Heisvery
pretty,isawonderfulkisser,andgiveslovelyorgasms.Soyouwillhavetogetoverhimandmoveon,
otherwiseIwillhexyoubaldlikeIdidYoanaYaxley.
IknowYoana,Daphneyawned.Sheturnedouttobeastupidwitch.Shedidhavelovelyhair,sothat
wasapity.MostwitchesknownottomesswiththeMalfoymennow,becausetheyarescaredof
Hermione.IfIhadamanlikeoneofthem,Iwouldhexwitchesjustforlooking,soIdontblameher
onebit.MysisterjustneedstorealizeDraconeverwantedher.Eventhetimewehadwithhimwasnot
verygood.HewassoverydrunkIdoubtherealizedwhatwashappeningformostofit.
Yeah,thatswhathesaid,Hermioneagreed.ShefoundshelikedDaphne.Shelikedmanythings
whenshewasinthistub.Themineralsseemedtomakeherveryagreeable.AndGinny,Iknowyou
hatemesometimes.Iamfinewiththat.IhateyousometimestooforbeingselfishandlisteningtoMolly
toomuch.YourMumkeepssteeringyouwrong.Youarententitledtoanythingyoudidntearnfor
yourself.Besides,IdohaveflawsImnotperfect.Iambossyandhaveahorridtemper.
Thatsright,Ginnysmiled.Youdo.Andyouareafraidofflying,plusyouhateQuidditch.You
arentathleticatall.Younevernoticewhenguystrytoflirtwithyou,sothatissomethingyoucantdo
either.
Thereyougo!Hermioneencouragedtheyoungredhead.
IstillwantDraco,Astoriainsisted.
Toobad,Fleurspokeup.Themarriagecontractissealedandtheweddingbindingswillbe
permanent.Youwouldbeveryattractiveifyougainedastone.Dothatandfindyourselfanicerich
wizard.
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Fredacameinandbrokeuptheiroverlybluntandhonestconversation,tellingHermioneandherfriends
thattheirtimewasup.Theyweresettomoveontothebodywraps.Astheystoodnaked,thesalvewas
spreadheavilyalloverthem,fromheadtotoe.Onlytheirhairwaswrappedup,soitstayedsalvefree.
TheexceedinglyrelaxedwitcheslaughedatthelightningboltHermionehadcharmedforthehair
betweenherlegs.SheadmittedtoplayingaroundwiththeTondeocharmandsharedtheshapesshehad
triedsofar.Aftertheywerewrappedtightlyup,likemummies,therelaxingeffectsofthebathstartedto
wearoff.
YoureallythinkmyMumissteeringmewrong?GinnyquestionedHermione.
Well,hasanythingshesuggestedworkedoutsofar?Hermionecountered.IknowsheisyourMum,
butshedoesntknoweverything.
Shecertainlydoesnot,Fleuragreed,lyingbackandclosinghereyes.EveryoneknewtheFrench
witchdidnotalwaysgetalongwithhermotherinlaw.
Whatdoyouwantforyourfuture,Ginny?Hermioneasked.
IwanttomarryHarry,Ginnyjuttedoutherchinstubbornly.Hermionerolledhereyes.
No,Hermionecorrected.Youwanttohaveenoughmoneytobuywhateveryouwant.Youwant
peopletoknowwhoyouareandtocatertoyou.Youjustthinkyoucangetthosethingsbymarrying
Harry.
YouaregettingthosethingsbymarryingtheMalfoys,Ginnyaccused.
True,Hermioneagreed.Idontparticularlycareforthosethings,butIamgettingthemnonethe
less.WhatifHarrygivesawayallhismoney?Whatifheneverwantstogooutinpublicagain?Would
youstillwanttomarryhim?Ithinknot.Youneedtofindawizardthatwantsthesamethingsyougo,
thatisall.Youaresmart,strong,andpretty,Ginny.Ifyouwanted,youcouldfindarichwizardthat
likesbeingrichandlikesthespotlight.
Ginnyjustgrunted,butseemedtobethinkingaboutwhatHermionesaid.Thewitcheswentontochat
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aboutHermionesupcomingwedding.Everyonehadstoriesaboutweddingstheyhadbeentowhere
thingswenthorriblywrong,andotherstoriesaboutweddingstheyreallyliked.
ThesalveseemedtoworkjustthewayFredadescribed.Asitwaswashedoff,Hermionecouldnot
rememberseeingherskinlooksogood.Theexfoliatingscrubwasinvigoratingandreallymade
Hermionefeelclean.Oncethatwasrinsedoff,herskinwasbabysoftallover.
Aftertheirlighttea,thefoursplitupfortheirmassages.Hermionelikedtheslightlydarkenedroomthat
hadsoothingmusicplaying.Fredaturnedouttobeherassignedmassagetherapistandaskedabout
Hermionesmagic,asshebeganrubbingdownhermuscles.Hermioneexplainedthatshehermagical
currentrequiredalotofexercise,andthatshewaspronetosurgeswhenstressedorotherwiseemotional.
FredasuggestedincorporatinghotstonemassagewithlargesmoothObsidianstones.Sheexplained
thosewereparticularlygoodforgroundingandcenteringmagic.
Assheworked,Hermionefeltbothherbodyandhermagicrelaxing.Italmostfeltlikehermagicwas
purringinsideher.Fredareportedthatshehadneverworkedwithawitchwiththismuchmagicbefore.
ShewasnotsurprisedHermioneneededtouseitoftenandgotsurges.Fredaexplainedthatthroughthe
massageshetriedtodirectthemagicabitmore,sothatitflowedbackintoitselfalittleeasier.Shealso
explainedthatmarryingtwopowerfulwizardswouldbalanceherexcessiveamountofstrongmagic,
makingHermionelesspronetoepisodesofuncontrolledmagic.Hermionehopedthatwouldbethe
case.Bytheendofthehour,Hermionefeltbothrelaxedandrefreshed,likeshehadjustwokenfroma
goodsleep.
Hermionemetupwiththeothersinanothersectionofthespa.ShedeclinedtheTondeocharms,having
masteredthemquitewellherself.TheothersdidhavethecharmsdonewhileHermionehada
consultationaboutwhatshewanteddoneforherdate.Shedescribedherdressandwhatsheknewabout
Luciusplans,whichwasnotmuchexpectfordinnerandaconcert.Thestylistrecommendedabraided
stylethatsoundedabitGrecianandwouldcontainallofHermionescurlyhairandputitup.First,they
wouldwashherhairandtrimtheends.
Allthewitcheshadamanicureandpedicure.Lunawantedherhairabitshorter,asithadgrowntoher
waist.Shealsoaskedforafewstreaksoflightpinktogothroughherblondehair.Fleurwantedamore
drasticchangeandplannedonasleekbobthatsoundedveryParisian.Ginnydidnotwanttoloseher
longredlocks,butdidagreetoatrimandsomegoldhighlights.
Bythetimetheywereallfinishing,HermionefeltlikeamillionGalleons.Shefeltrelaxed,energized,
andbeautiful.Whilethestylistwasputtingonthefinishingtouches,theGreengrasssistersmadetheir
wayintothesalon.
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DaphnegaveHermioneafriendlysmile,whichshereciprocated.Sheseemedtolikethewitch,even
withouttheinfluenceofthemineralbath.Astoria,however,lookedquitestormyandkeptglaringat
Hermione.
Dontstartsomethingyoucantfinish,Astoria,Hermionewarnedcalmly,blowingonherquickly
dryingnails.ImeantwhatIsaidearlier,Iwillhexyoubaldmakingyourtripheretothesalonquite
pointless.
WithanencouragingnodfromDaphne,Astoriaslumpeddownunhappilyinachair.
Ohstopit,Tori,Daphnechided.YouwerenevergoingtomarryDracoMalfoy,notinamillion
years.YouareheadedbacktoHogwartsinalmostamonth.Checkouttheguysthereandseeifanyone
elsestrikesyourfancy.
Ibetterrun,Hermionenoticedthattime.LuciusispickingmeupatsixandIneedtogethomeand
getdressed.
HermionesaidgoodbyetoherfriendsandApparatedtoGrimmauldPlace.Shehurriedupstairstoget
intothegownshehadbought.Shewantedtopracticewalkingintheshoesandsittinginthedress.She
alsowantedtopickoutsomethinggoodfromhernewunderwearcollection.
EndNotes:
Upnext....alonetimewithLucius!
Backtoindex
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Author'sNotes:
Disclaimer:HarryPotterandthecharactersarethepropertyofJKR,Scholastic,
etc.andIamnotthem!Alas.Imakenomoneywell,Idoatmyjob,butthat
ain'there.
Thankstobunnyhopsforherhelp!
Thanksforthereviews!Iappreciatethenotesandinterest/:)
Now...adatewithLucius!
Chapter18
Luciuswasexactlyontime.Hermionewasstillinherroom,becauseshewantedtomakeanentrance.
Shestudiedherreflectioncriticallyandcouldnotfindfault.Hergownreallywaslovelyandwentsowell
withhercreamyskintone.Herskinlookedradiant,asFredasaiditwould.Thedeepnecklineofthe
gownshowedalotofskinandagoodamountofcleavage.Asmallstickingcharmensuredthatthetopof
thegowndidnotshiftorgape.
Hermionelovedherveryhighheels.Afewspellslaterandtheshoesfeltjustascomfortableasherold
trainersandwereguaranteednottoletherstumble.Hermionealsomagicallyaddedasmallsleevelike
pocketintheskirtofhergowntoholdherwand.Itwasnotnoticeableunlessyouknewitwasthere.
Hermionegrinnedatherreflection.Theywerenotvisible,butHermionesmiledthinkingaboutthevery
wispy,lacypairofapplegreenknickers.
"Whoa,Mione,"Ronuttered,slackjawedasHermionedescendedthestairs."Youlookfantastic!"
WhileRonlookeddumbfounded,HarrylookedappreciativeandLuciuslookedslightlyawed.Hermione
realizedLuciushadneverseenheralldressedup,astheonlyoccasionsshe'dhadtheopportunitytodo
sowereschooldancesorparties.
"Youlookabsolutelystunning,Pet,"Luciusfinallysaid.
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"Thatspayousentmetotodaydidawonderfuljob,"Hermionesmiled.
"Merelygildingthelily,"Luciussaid,leaningdowntokissher.Hermionewashappyhershoesbrought
herclosertohislips,sotheydidn'thavetostretchsomuchandconsideredwearinghighheelsmore
often.Withthecharmssheused,stilettosfeltthesameasflats.Luciuspulledoutanoldlookingbox.I
wentandgotyouthisfromthefamilyvaulttowearthisevening.
Luciusopenedtheboxtorevealanantiquepearlcollarnecklace.Thepearlshadanalmostpinksheen
thatmatchedherdress.Itwasbeautiful.HermioneturnaroundsoLuciuscouldputitonher.She
turnedaroundandgaveLuciusanotherkiss.
Thankyou,Hermionesmiled,pressingherhandsintoLuciusbroadchest.
Mypleasure,Pet,Luciuspurred,pressinghisforeheadagainsthers.EverythingIhaveisyours.Shall
we?
Hermionenoddedandslidherarmthroughhis.HarrywishedthemagoodeveningandHermione
remindedhimnottowaitup.Ronjustwatchedandtriedtokeephisjawfromhittingthefloor.
HermioneremindedherselfthatnotonlydidRonrarelyseeherdressedupfancybuthealsohadnever
seenLuciusMalfoybenicebefore.
***
TheyApparateddirectlyintotherestaurant.IthaditsownApparitionpointtoreceivecustomers.Itwas
oneofthoseextremelyexclusiveandexpensiveplacesthatHermionehadheardofinpassing,buthad
neverthoughtofgoingto.Luciusguidedhertothehoststand.
Malfoy,two,Luciuscoollyinformedthestylishwitch.ThehostesssimperedabitatLucius,butthen
hereyeswentwideslightlyatseeingHermione.Herhandimmediatelywenttosmoothdownherhair
andHermionestipstwitchedslightly.Apparently,theincidentwithMissYaxleywasnowcommon
knowledge.Thepairwasledquicklyandquietlytoaprominenttablewhereeveryonecouldseethem,
andtheycouldseeeveryone.
Hermionelookedaround.Theplacewassmall,butsheexpectedthatmadeitmoreexclusive.Thewalls
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werecoveredwithdarkmagentadamaskfabricandthefloorwasanespressocoloredwood.Lighting
waslow,butitwasnottoodark.Bronzewallsconcesdottedthewallsandcrystalchandeliershungover
everytable.Thetablesthemselvesweredressedinchampagneandbronzelinens.Hermionesawthe
otherpatronswatchingthemastheysat.
Hermionepickedupthesmallelegantmenuandlookeditover,tryingnottobeobviousinherappraisal
oftheotherdiners.Thewaitercameoverandintroducedhimself.WhenHermionelookedupfromher
menu,itwasclearhewaslookingdownatherchest.
Ifyoudontmind,Luciusstatedinasteelytone,givingthewaiteraglarethatmadetheyoungwizard
blanchandtakeasmallstepback.Tellusthespecials,thenbringusabottleofchampagne,andkeep
youreyestoyourself.
Yessir,thewaiterstuttered.ThechefhasastuffedCornishhenthiseveningaswellasfresh
Monkfishandalobsterravioli.
ThewaiterrushedoffandHermioneshookherheadatLucius,smiling.Hewasbackalmost
immediatelywithabottleofchampagneandtwoglasses.HeopenedthebottleandpouredLuciusa
smallamounttotaste.Luciuswasslightlytheatrical,lookingveryseriousashesippedandthennodded.
Thewaiterpouredbothglassesandtooktheirorders,nolongerevenlookingatHermione.Luciusgot
thehenandHermionedecidedtotrylobsterravioli.
Toyou,Luciusraisedhisglass.Hermionehadnothadchampagnemuchbefore,andfoundshereally
likedthetasteandthebubbles.Tellmeaboutyourday.
Hermionetalkedaboutthespaandherfriends.LuciusthoughtherencounterwiththeGreengrasssisters
wasamusing,buthewasconcernedthatithadbotheredhergivenherinsecurities.Sheassuredhim
thatDracohadtoldheraboutit,andhelpedputthingsinperspective.Luciustalkedalittleabouthis
business,investmentshewasworkingon.Hermionefounditratherfascinatingcertainlymore
interestingthanlisteningtoRonandHarrygoonaboutQuidditch.
ThefoodreallywasquitegoodandHermionehadfunwithLucius.Hehadaverydark,wrysenseof
humorthatmadeHermionelaugh.Shehadbeenworriedthathetookhimself,andthearistocracy,too
seriously.Sheimaginedthatmostotherpeoplewouldnotperceivethelittletouchesofhumorinhis
conversation,andiftheydid,theymightnotknowforsureifLuciuswasseriousornot.Whenshe
observedthistohim,Luciuslaughedaloud.Headmittedtocultivatingabitofmysteryovertheyears,as
awaytothrowoffVoldemortandotherDeathEaters.HetoldHermionethatifyouspeakinan
ambiguousway,otherpeopletendtointerpretwhateveryouhavesaidastheywishto.
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***
Aftertheyfinisheddinner,theyApparatedtothetheater.Luciusexplainedthattheyweregoingtothe
symphony.Hermionewasexcited.Shehadnteverbeentothewizardingsymphonybefore.Shehad
heardwizardingmusicofcourseoverthewirelessandhadseenbandsplayliveatHogwartsduring
dances.Luciusexplainedthatthesymphonymusiciansimbuedtheirmagicintothesoundstheymade,
creatingvisualrepresentationsofwhattheywereplaying.
Theconcerthallwasalittlecrowded,butLuciusandHermioneweregivenwideberth.Likeatthe
restaurant,peoplestared.Hermioneignoredthemorstaredback,dependingonherlevelofcuriosity.
Peopleworesuchinterestingoutfits,andshewantedtoseeeverything.Concertgoersmingledandhad
drinksintheareaoutsidetheactualtheater.Itwasbrightlylitwithivorywalls,plushredcarpet,and
goldenchandeliers.Hermionedeclinedadrinkandjusttookinthescene.
ManypeoplecameuptoLuciustosayhelloandchat.TheycalledhimLordMalfoy,tendedtobevery
solicitous,andsmiledverywidelyatheralthoughshenoticedthatsomefriendlinesswasclearly
forced.Mr.Nott,Theosfather,seemedgenuinelyfriendly,butwaryofher.HecongratulatedHermione
ontheengagement.HermioneaskedafterTheo,whomitturnedoutwasgoingtostudytobeasolicitor
nowthatthewarwasover.Shehadalwaysadmiredthesmart,quietSlytherin,andearnestlyaskedhis
fathertosendhimherregards.
BlaiseZabiniwastherewithhismother,anddescendeduponHermioneasiftheywereoldfriends.He
wasoverlyflirtatiousasusualandquietlylamentedtoherthefactthatshewasunderafidelityagreement
now,andexpresseddisappointmentthattheyneverhadachancetoexperienceeachother.Luciuswas
talkingtoBlaisesequallyflirtatiousmother,whowasalwaysonthelookoutforrichahusband.Lucius
wasabitstiff,butverycordial.
Luciuswasdismissivetowardsmany,toleratedsome,andseemedactuallypleasedtoseeaveryfew.
Hermionetooknoteofwhofellinwhatcategory.ShewassurprisedthathewaspleasedtoseePansy
ParkinsonHermionewasnotsureifshewas.
Lucius,hello,Pansysmiledasshecameuptothepair.Hermionenotedshewasoneoftheveryfew
thatdidnotcallhimLordMalfoy.Luciusclaspedherhandwarmlyinhisandreturnedhergreeting.
AndofcourseyouknowHermione,Luciussaid,reachingouttoHermionewithhisPansyfreehand.
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Notinthiscontext,no,Pansysaid,lookingatherappraisingly.Wewerenotfriendlyinschool,that
wascertain.However,wenolongerhavesuchthingsdividingusaswedidthen.
Luciusgotdistractedbyanotherwellwisher,leavingPansyandHermionetolookeachotherupand
down.Pansystillhadthatsevere,shortblunthaircut.Itdidlookrathermodern.Allinall,shelooked
thesameslightlyturnedupnoseandall.Hermionewonderedifitwasthenose,orhergeneralattitude,
thatmadeherlooklikeshewaslookingdownonotherpeople.
SoyouaremarryingtheMalfoys,Pansystated,twirlingherdrinkinherhandnonchalantly.Hermione
couldseehergazewasanythingbutindifferent.Dracoisoneofmyverybestfriends.
Iknow,hesaid,Hermionenodded,givingPansyroomtospeakhermind.
Soifyoudoanythingtohurthimorotherwiseharmhim,youllhavetodealwithme,Pansyinformed
her.Hermionesmiledabit.Evenifyouareridiculouslypowerful.
ThatisthesamethingHarrytoldDracoandLucius,Hermionereported.Itscompletely
understandable.Iwilltellyounow,thatisnotmyintention.ThisunionmaynothavebeensomethingI
soughtout,butitismine,andIintendtomakeitahappyoneifitiswithinmypowertodoso.
Pansynoddedherapproval.
Wellyouaresexyasallhell,sothatwillhelp,Pansybluntlyinformedher.LuciusandDracowill
appreciatethat.Yourdressiswonderful.Wheredidyougetit?
Harrods,Hermionereplied.Pansyseyeslitupinrecognition.Youknowit?
Onlybyname,Pansysighedabitwistfully.IhaveasubscriptiontoVoguethatcomestoasquib
secondcousin.Sheowlsittomewhenitarrives.Wizardingrobescanbesolimiting.Iamglad
Voldemortwasdefeated,andnotabletowipeoutMugglesasheplanned,becauseIjustadoretheir
fashion.IhavecommissionedsomeoutfitsIdesignedmyself,becauseIamnotfamiliarenoughwith
Mugglestogoandshopwiththem.
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Iamprettybusythesedays,Hermionesaid,butIalwaysseemtohaveoccasiontogoshopping.Ijust
gotthisgownyesterdayandLuciusisintentonmyincreasingmywardrobesubstantially.NexttimeI
needashoppingcompanion,Icanowlyou,ifyouwouldcaretocomewithmetoHarrods.
Iwouldlovethat,Pansyseyeslitup.Iwillneedtoseeaboutgettingoneofthosecardsfrom
GringottsthattheMugglesacceptascurrency.
HermioneexplainedabitaboutcreditcardsandthatherGringottsissuedcardworkedquitewell.Before
sheknewit,HermionewashavingarealconversationwithPansyParkinsonaboutMugglefashionand
answeringherquestionsasbestshecould.
Luciusinterruptedthewitches,tellingthemtheshowwasstartingsoon.TheysaidgoodbyetoPansyand
Luciussenthisregardstoherparents.
LuciusshowedHermionetotheirseats.TheMalfoyshadaprivateboxatthistheaterandHermione
enjoyedtheview.Shecouldseealltheotherattendees,andhadawonderfulviewofthesymphony.
TheirchairswereclosetoeachotherandLuciusdrapedanarmoverhershoulders,runninghisfingersup
anddownherarm.Hermionelikedwhenhewouldleanintowhispersomethinginherear,orjusttakea
deepbreathagainstherhairorneck.Itwashardforhertowraphermindaroundthisirresistible
attractionshehadtotheMalfoys.Hermioneleanedintohimasmuchasherseatwouldallow,relishing
inthefeelofhisbodyheat.
Theshowwasspectacular.Themusicwasbeautiful,butthestreamsofcolorandlightwere
breathtaking.Theydancedaroundthemusicians,sometimesgoingoutintotheaudience.Hermione
recognizedmostinstruments,astherewereMugglecounterparts.Therewereonlyafewshedidnot
know,andaskedLuciusaboutitduringintermission.Luciuswashappyshewasenjoyingherself.An
attendantbroughtthemchampagne,andtheytalkedabouttheshowduringthebreak.
Whenthelightsdimmedagain,LuciuspulledHermioneclosertohim.Hisproximitycombinedwithall
thechampagneshedhadthatnightmadeherfeelwarmandfuzzy,sosheleanedagainsthim.She
noticedhimleandownandfelthislipsghostacrosstheshellofherear.
Hermioneturnedawayfromthemusictofacehimandhislipsimmediatelycaughthers.Hiskisswas
demandingandhard.Hishandsrandownherback,andthenonewenttothebackofherneckwhilethe
otherexploredherribcage.Soonthehandwasonherbreast,squeezinglightlythroughherdress.
HermionewhimperedsoftlyintoLuciusmouth,tryingtoangleherselfclosertohim.
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Iwantyousomuch,Pet,Luciusbreathed,movingtokissdownherneck.Youlooksobeautiful
tonight,forourdateforme.
Hermionewastryingtorememberthattheywereinpublic,soshedidnotmoanaloud.Shepressedher
palmsintohischest,brushingasidehisdressrobesandfeelingthetailoredshirtunderneath.Hisformal
clothesdefinitelyhadtoomanylayers.
Iwanttotouchyou,Hermionewhispered.Luciusjustgroanedandpulledoneofherseekinghandsup
tohischeek.
Iknowyouliketheconcert,buttheveryseconditisoverweareoutofhere,Luciusreportedlowly.
Hermionegiggledandkissedhimagain,butthiskisswasovermuchmorequickly.
Theywatchedtherestoftheconcertholdinghands.Luciuskeptrunninghisthumboverherknucklesand
turninghersmallhandoverinhislargeronesothathecouldkissherpalm.Hermionedidenjoythe
concertverymuch,butshewasgettingveryeagerforittoend.Shefelt,giventheirnotoriety,people
wouldnoticeiftheyleftearly.Hermionehatedtoimaginethatthemusiciansandotherpatronswould
noticethemleaveearlyandinterprettheactiontomeantherewassomethingwrongwiththeconcert.
Hermioneclappedveryloudlywhentheconcertended,risingtoherfeettogivethemastandingovation.
Shewasoneofthefirsttostandinherenthusiasm,butLuciuswasrightbehindherandthenalmost
everyonestood.Itreallyhadbeendelightful,andshecouldnotimaginethetalentneededtocreatethe
performance,bothmusicalandmagical.Afterafewmoments,Luciuspulledheraway,andthepair
quicklymadetheirwaytotheApparitionpoint.Luciuswasmutteringsomethingaboutgettingspecial
Apparitionprivilegesfromhisprivatebox,butitreallydidnottakelongtogettothedesignatedspot.
Beforesheknewit,HermionewasstandingonthefrontstepstoGrimmauldPlace.Lucius'handswere
alloverher,runningupanddownhersides,ashepressedhimselfbehindherandkissedthesideofher
neck.
"Openthedoor,Pet,andinvitemeinside,"Luciusmurmuredhuskilyinherear."Iwanttogetyouout
thatdressandtasteyou."
Hermionewashavingadecidedlydifficulttimegettingherwandoutofherpocket,buteventually
managedtofumblewithitandtapthedoortoopenit.BothLuciusandHermionebypassedthedrawing
roominfavorofthestairs.Hermionebrieflynotedthatthathouseappearedemptyforonce.Shehoped
RonandHarryhadgoneouttothepub,oroutforsomefun.Luciusmanagedtostaywithinafewinches
ofHermioneastheywentupthestairs.HepausedastheygottothelandingandHermioneledhimtoher
room.
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Thesecondthebedroomdoorshutbehindthem,LuciuspulleddownthezipperofHermione'sgown.He
groanedashishandsexploredthebareskinofherback.HermioneshovedLucius'silkyrobeoffhis
shoulders,andletitdroptothefloor.LuciusslidHermione'sstrapsoffhershoulders,butthedressdid
notfallasexpected.Luciuspausedinhiseffortstotasteeveryinchofherneckandcollarbonestolookat
herwithanarchedbrow.Hermionerememberedthestickingcharmthatkeptherdressonandwhispered
FiniteIncantatem.Thenthedressimmediatelyslippeddownoverherhipsandpooledonthefloor,
leavingHermionestandingtoplessinherheels,greenlaceknickers,andnecklace.Luciustookastep
back.
"Don'tmove,"Luciusorderedlowly."Iwanttomemorizeyoujustlikethis."
Hermioneblushedandfeltselfconsciousunderhisintensestare,buttriednottocoverherbarechest.
Lucius'gazeneverwaveredasheunbuttonedhiscrispwhitedressshirtanddroppedittothefloor.Itwas
Hermione'sturntostareatLucius'exposedalabasterskin.Hewassobeautiful.Hermioneknewwizards
livedlongerthanMugglesbyseveraldecades,andtheyseemedtoagesloweraswell.Evenso,Lucius
lookedmorelikeathirtyyearoldmanthansomeoneinhisearlyforties.Hischestwasbroadand
muscularwithafewlightscars,remindersofhisyearsatwar.Hesteppedoutofhisblackdragonhide
dressshoes,sohewasstandingbarefootandbarechested,onlyinhistrousers.
LuciusadvancedtowardherinamannerHermionecouldonlydescribeasfeline.Heunclaspedher
necklaceandplaceditonherdresser.
"OnedayIwantyoucompletelynaked,drippinginjewels,"Luciussaidgrinning,lightlyrunninghis
handsdownherbody."Iwanttofuckyoulikethat.Iwanttowatchthesewonderfulbreastsandropesof
gemsbouncing,asIplowintoyou."
Hermioneshiveredslightlyathiswordsandfeltherselfgrowevenwetter.ThenLuciusliftedherupand
tossedhereffortlesslyontoherbed,makingHermionegiggle.Heremovedhershoesandslowlyslidhis
handsupherlegstoherhips.Hepressedhisfaceintoherbelly,inhalingdeeply.Hermionegiggledsofty
again.Hisbreathtickled.Luciuschuckledabitthendartedhistongueintoherbellybutton,making
Hermionelaughaloud.Hislargehandsspreadoverherribcage.
"Youaresobeautiful,"hebreathed,lookingoverherbody.Hermionenotedthatherskinstillglowed
slightlyfromthespatreatments."Soperfectyoufitperfectlyinmyhands."
HermionearchedherbackasLuciuspalmedherbreasts.Shereacheduptohisshouldersandfeltthe
musclesthere,thenhisbicepsandthenhisforearms.Hislipscrasheddownagainsthersandhistongue
beganexploringhermouth.Sheadoredthewayhetasted,theywayhefelt.Hislargerbodywasfully
atophersnowandHermionewrappedherlegsaroundhisslimhips.Luciusrockedshallowlyagainsther
astheykissed,hishandscaressinghernakedflesh.Hemovedhismouthdownherneck,nippinglightly
attheslimcolumnofherthroat,atthejuncturewhereherneckmethershoulder.Hislipsfinallywrapped
aroundoneofherdarkpinknipplesandhenippedathertheretoo.Hermionewasabitsurprisedbyhis
teeth,butfoundherselfmoaningappreciativelyandarchingfurtherintohismouth.
"Yes,Lucius,"shegroanedashelavishedattentiontoherbreasts.Shefelthismouthformasmileagainst
her.Heranhishandsdowntoherlacyknickers.
"Arethesenew,Pet?"Luciusasked.Hermionejustblushed."Answerme."
"Yes,"shenodded.
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"Theyarewonderfullyindecent,"hemockscoldedher."Didyouwearthemtonightforme?"
"Yes,"shenoddedagain,tryingtokeepfromblushing.
"ThenIthinkIwillkeepthem,"Luciussmirked,slowlypullingthemoverherhipsanddownhersmooth
legs.Hebroughtthemtohisfaceandbreathedintheirscent,causingHermione'sfacetoturnscarlet.He
moanedsoftlythentuckedtheknickersintohispocketashesatback,hiseyestakinginhertotal
nakedness.HermionesawwhenLuciusnoticedthelightningboltshavedbetweenherlegs.
"Youarequitethenaughtylittlewitch,"Luciussmirkedather."Youvebeenabadwitch,haven'tyou?
Answer."
"No?"Hermionesaidquestioningly.Shewasnotsurehowtorespond.DidLuciuswantabadgirlora
nicegirl?
"Hasanyoneseenmylightningbolt?"Luciusaskedherseriously,runninghishandsupherbodyand
raisingherarmsupoverherheadandholdingthemthere.
"Yes,"Hermionegulped.Shewassowetshedidnotunderstandit.ShehadlovedcontrollingDracothe
othernightithadturnedheronincredibly.SowhydidsherespondsostronglytoLucius'dominance.
Didn'tpeoplelikeitonewayortheother?
"Who?"Luciusaskedsternly.
"MyfriendsatthespayesterdayandFredawhoworksthere,"Hermionereported.Luciusnodded,
encouragingherresponses.Thelengthofhisbodywaspressedagainsthernowasheheldherarms
aboveherhead.Shecouldfeelhishardnessunderneaththefabricofhistrousersasitpressedagainsther.
"Wizards?"Luciuscontinued.
"JustHarry,"Hermionewhispered,wideeyed.Shearchedherhipsupward,tryingtofindsomefriction
anythingtorelievetheachebetweenherthighs."WeweretalkingalittleoveraweekagowhileIwasin
thebath.Hesatonthefloor."
"Butnowyouaregoingtobemygoodgirlaren'tyou?"Luciusremainedstern."Now,thisisDraco'sand
mineandonlyours.Nootherwizardsmayseeyoulikethis,gloriousirresistible.AmIcorrect?"
"Yes,"Hermionemoaned,againtryingtofindsomefrictionbutitseemedlikeLuciuswasnotallowing
ittohappen.Hewassoclose,butnotcloseenough.
"Good,"Luciuspurred."That'smygoodgirl.Nowthatwehaveestablishedthat,Icangiveyouwhatyou
need."
Luciusfreedherarmsandpositionedhimselfsoshecouldrubmoreeffectivelyagainsthim.He
summonedhiswandfromhisfallenrobeandcastaquicksilencingcharm.Hermioneexploredhistorso
withherfingers.
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"Dracopassedonyourroommates'requestforasilencingcharm,"Luciusexplained.Hermionecolored
slightlyatthememoryofHarryandRonwalkinginonherandDracotheotherevening.Shewassure
nowthatDracohadtoldLuciusallaboutit."AndIwanttomakeyouscream."
LuciuspulledawayfromheralittleandHermionewhimperedinprotest.
"Bepatient,Pet,"Luciuspurred."Likeagoodgirl."
Hereturnedtoherneck,bitingandlicking.Itseemedlikethatwashisfavoritespotonherwholebody.
Asheworked,Hermionecontinuedtoexploreeverypartofhimshecouldreach,includingrubbingthe
substantialbulgethroughthefabricofhispants.WhenLuciusmovedlowertoherbreasts,Hermione
couldnolongerreachhistrousersandfocusedonmappingthemusclesofhisback.Soon,Luciuswasat
herbellyandintentongoinglower.Hermionetensedup,pressingherthighstogether.Noonehadever
gonedownonherbefore.
"Iwanttotasteyou,"Luciussaidinahuskyvoice,lookingupatherashegentlyspreadherthighs."You
smelldeliciousandIbetyoutasteevenbetter."
Hermionenoddedandtriedtorelax.ShegaspedwhenshefeltLucius'tonguesweepupherslit.His
tonguewasflatandbroad,andwouldthenbecomemorepointed.Heexploredherquitethoroughly,
tonguingeverycrevice.Heeventhrusthistongueinsideherinadelightfulrhythm.Hermionehadno
ideathiswaswhatshehadbeenmissing.Ifshehadknown,shewouldhaveinsistedonreceivingitfrom
allofthemenshehadgonedownonwellthetwoofthem.
Luciuswasdrivinghercrazy.Hermionewaspantingandarchingherhipsintohim.Hisministrationsso
farwerewonderfulandmaddening.Hermionecouldnotremembereverbeingsoaroused,soonedge.
SheknewshewassoakedandLuciuskeptlappingitup.Thepressurewasbuildinginsideherandshedid
notthinkshecouldtakeitmuchlonger.Luciushadcircledandnearedherclit,buthadnotpaiditany
realattention.Hermionewaswrithingandmoaninguncontrollably.
"Please,Lucius,"Hermionebegged.Shedidnotcarewhowasincontrolofthesituationshejustwanted
tocome."Ineedit,Ineedyou."
Finally,Lucius'lipswrappedaroundherthrobbingclit,andbeganatortuouscycleofflickingwithhis
tongueandsucking.Hermionefeltpressurecoilandbuildinherabdomen.Luciushadworkedherupso
muchitdidnottakelongbeforeHermionewasscreamingherrelease.Luciusneverevenpausedhis
actionsasHermionecame.Hermionedidnotknowhowlongsheshook,butwassureitwasthemost
intenseorgasmshehadeverhad.TheMalfoysseemedtooutdothemselveseverytime.Shestruggledto
catchherbreath,whileLuciusseemedintentonlickingherclean.
HermionefinallygotherpantingundercontrolLuciuswasplantingopenmouthedkissesupherbelly.
Thenheranhistonguealongthevalleybetweenherbreasts,tastingthesweatglisteningonherskin.
Finally,hegottohermouthandHermionekissedhimwitheverythingshehad.Sheonlytastedafaint
traceofherselfandassumedthatLuciushadspelledhismouthclean.
"Thatwas...indescribable,"Hermionesighed,pullinghimclosertoher.
"Iwasright,"Luciussmirked."Youdotasteevenbetterthanyousmell.Icouldlickyouallnightlong.
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Afterwearemarried,IthinkIwilldothat.Iwilllickyouandfuckyouallnight.WhenIneedtorest,I
willwatchasDracofucksyou.YoulooksoperfectwhenyoucomethatIwanttoseeiteverytime,
evenwhenitsnotmecausingit."
HermioneshiveredattheideaandpulledLuciusinforanotherkiss.Shefelthiserection,stillpresentand
pressingagainstherthigh.HermionepushedonLucius'shoulders,flippinghimontohisback.She
decidedthatitwasherturntohaveataste.ViktorKrumhadbeenherfirstatthisactivity,herguineapig
andhewaspleasedtoletHermionepracticeonhimwhiletheyhaddated.Hermionelikedtobegoodat
whatshedidandhadreadagreatdealaboutoralsex.ShehadneverletViktorreciprocate.Itseemedtoo
personal,andshegotwhatsheneededfromhishands.Nowshewonderedifitwasalwayslikethis,orif
Luciuswasespeciallytalented.
HermionemimickedLucius'byfirstkissingandnippinglightlyathisneck.Sheheardhimsuckinhis
breathatherfirstbite,andfiguredhelikedtoreceiveasmuchashegave.Shekisseddownhischestand
pausedtosuckhardonhisnipples,thenusedherteethgentlytonibbleoneachone.Sheroughlypinched
theonehermouthwasneglecting,andLucius'breathingspedup.
"Ohyes,Pet,"hepanted,"justlikethat."
Hermioneappreciatedthefeedbackandshekeptupherattentiontohischest.Luciusgaveexcellent
feedbackanddirection,tellinghershewasdoingwellandaskinghertobitealittleharder.Shewassure
sheleftafewbitemarksonhispectoralsandalonghisribcagethatwouldstillbetherethenextday.
Whilehermouthwasbusy,herfingersdeftlyunbuckledhisbeltandthenopenedhistrousers.Shetugged
thefabricopen,givingherroomtowork.Finally,herhandfounditsprizeandshegrippedhissubstantial
length.HeandDracolookedalotalikehere,too,Hermionemused.Lucius'pantingandencouragement
increasedasshetookhiminhand.
Hermionecontinuedtoslowlykissdownhistorsoandpasthiswashboardstomach.Shetracedthetrail
offineblondhairfromhisbellybuttondowntowherethehairthickenedaroundhisstrainingcock.
Hermionestoppedamomenttoadmiretheview.Hewaslong,thick,andpink.Hewashardasarockand
thetipwasweeping.
"Takemeinyourmouth,Pet,"Luciuscommanded.Thecommandhadapleadingedgethatmade
Hermioneproud.
Shedidashesaidandengulfedtheheadinhermouth.Luciusgaspedandhishipsrockedforward
slightly.Hetastedwonderfulandhisskinwassosoftoverthehardness.Sheswirledhertonguearound
thehead,payingparticularattentiontotheundersideandridges.Luciuswasfindingitharderto
verbalizehisencouragement,ashisbreathbecamelabored.Sherantheflatofhertongueupanddown
hislength.Shesuckedoneofhistesticlesintohermouthandheshoutedyes.Afterpayinghisother
testicleequalattention,Hermionereturnedtothetipandworkedtomapeverythrobbingveinwithher
tongue.
Afterafewminutes,sheincorporatedherhands.Onefondledhisballs,rollingthemgentlyinherpalm,
whiletheotherworkedthebaseofhisshaft.Hewasdefinitelytoobigtotakeinalltheway,but
Hermionetookadeepbreathandslidasmuchofhimasshecouldintohermouth.Lucius
encouragementswerecompletelymonosyllabicatthispointandlimitedtothewordyesandgrunts.
Shefoundshecouldtakealittleoverhalfofhimandrubbedthelowerhalfwithherhandintandemwith
hermouth.Hermioneestablishedarhythmoftakinghiminandsuckingonhimasshelethimgo.
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Luciusappearedtobetryinghisbestnottothrustupwardsintohermouth,whichsheappreciatedbut
hewashavingahardtimemaintainingcontrol.
HermionehardlynoticedthestressonherjawshewasveryinvestedindrivingLuciusMalfoyasinsane
ashehadmadeherjustmomentsago.Finally,sheletgoofhistesticlesandslidherhandalittlefurther
back.Shefoundthatlittlestretchofskinbetweenhisballsandhisbackentranceandrubbedithard.
Fuck!Luciusshouted.Immediately,shefelthisbodystiffenandhistesticlesdrawupslightlyashe
startedtocome.Jetsofwarm,thickliquidhitthebackofherthroatandHermioneswalloweditall.She
suckledonhimlightlyashekeptcoming.Whenhefinallystopped,shelickedhimclean.
ThatwasIdontMerlin,Luciusrasped.Idonthavethewordstodescribeit.Youtrulyare
amazing.Thankyou.
Luciuspulledherupontopofhimandkissedher.Hermioneburiedherfaceinthecrookofhisneckand
breatheddeeply.
Youaremostwelcome,Hermionesmiled.
EndNotes:
Next...Ron&HarryvisittheManor!
Backtoindex
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Author'sNotes:
Disclaimer:Idonotownthesecharacters,Ijustliketodancethemabout.Iamno
JKR!
Thankstobunnyhopsforremindingmethatpantieshavenoplacehere!
Now...theGoldenTrioattheManor!
Chapter19
HermionefellasleepontopofLucius.Rightarounddawn,shewasawokenbyhimlightlydottingkisses
alongherface.
Dontgetup,Pet,Luciuswhispered.WefellasleepandIhavetogethome.IdonotwantDracoto
worry.Icanseemyselfout.Youstayjustasyouare,soIcanrememberyoulyinghere,nakedinbed.
GetmoresleepandtrytocomeovertotheManorlatertodayifyoucan.Dracohasbeenmissingyou.
Hermionenoddedsleepilyandkissedhimgoodbye.
ItwashourslaterwhenHermionewokeup.Kreacherbroughtherbreakfastinbed.Heseemedecstatic
thatLordMalfoyhadgracedthemallwithhispresenceasanovernightguest.Hermioneremembered
howhismouthfeltonher,andwasprettypleasedherself.
Onhertraywiththetea,fruit,andhamandcheeseomeletwasthepost.TerenceHiggssentherabrief
note,lettingherknowtheengagementpartyinvitationsallwentoutthedaybeforeandthateverything
waswellinhand.LunawrotetoinvitehertolunchthatdayinDiagonAlley,asathankyouforthespa.
HermionecalledHedwigandsentLunaherreply,askinghertocometoGrimmauldPlacearoundnoon,
sotheycouldgotogether.
ThethirdnotewasfromPansyParkinson,remindingherthatsheofferedtotakehershoppingatHarrods
inMuggleLondon.Hermionerolledhereyesanddecidedtogoaheadandsetadatenow,soPansy
wouldntfeellikeshewasbeingignored.HermionepennedanoteofferingthefollowingTuesday,and
tellingPansytomeetherattheLeakyCauldronatelevenoclock.Shetoldhertheycouldhavelunchat
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Harrodsandthenshopafterwards.HermionesetthenoteasideforwhenHedwigreturned.Shefeltbad
monopolizingHarrysowlandwonderedifsheshouldgetoneofherown.Sheimaginedshewouldhave
morecorrespondenceasLadyMalfoythanshewasusedto,butthentheMalfoyshadtheirownowlery.
Hermionemissedhavingapet.ShesighedasshethoughtaboutCrookshanks.Hewassuchagoodcat
andawonderfulfamiliar.Shestillmissedthebig,old,orangefurball.Theshopownerhadnotknown
howoldhewaswhenshegothimjustthathehadbeenthereforages.HestayedwiththeWeasleys
whileshewasHorcruxhuntingwithHarryandthenmovedintoGrimmauldPlaceafterthefinalbattle.
Duringthestalemate,afterVoldemortdiedandbeforethetreatynegotiationsbegan,Crookshaddiedin
hissleepofoldage.Hermionehadcriedallnightlong,whileHarryjustheldherandrubbedherback.
TheyburiedhiminafieldneartheBurrow.Hehadlovedhistimethere,chasinggnomesintheir
gardens.Hermionefeltherselftearupslightlythinkingofhim.
Whatswrong,Mione?Harryaskedwalkingintoherroomwithoutknockingasheoftendid.He
hadthepaperunderhisarm.DidtheMalfoysdosomething?
Ohno,dontbesilly,Harry,Hermionechided.IwasjustthinkingaboutCrookshanks.Imisshim.
AndImisshavingapet.
Hewasauniquecreature,Harrysupplieddiplomatically.NeitherhenorRonhadeverreallycome
tolovethegiantpartKneazle.Breakfastinbed,huh?Whatstheoccasion?
IimagineKreacherwasjustthrilledtobitsthatLuciusstayedover,soheisrewardingme,oddoldelf,
Hermionereplied,pattingthecoversnexttoherforHarrytositwithher.
SoLuciusstayedthenight,Harryteased.AndIthoughtyousaidnoshagginguntilthewedding.
Technically,therewasnoshagging,Hermionedefendedherself.Justlotsofnakednessandmouths
goingplaces,doingthings.
Harrylaughedathervaguebuttellingdescription,shakinghisheadathisfriend.
Youlethimdoyou,then?Harryasked.Hermioneblushedabitasshedrankhertea.AswithViktor,
shehadnotevertakenHarryuponhisoffersoforalsex,eventhoughhehadacceptedhers.
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NowthatIknowwhatIwasmissing,IregretnotlettingyouorViktordoitbefore,Hermionesmiled
intohercup.
Whathaveyougotplannedfortoday?Harryasked,nickingapieceoffruitoffherplate.
Thedressmakerwillbehereshortly,withdrawingsofpossibleweddingdresses,Hermionereplied.
ShelaughedabitwhenHarrysfacesouredatthementionofmoredresses.Hehadalreadyputinhis
timedressshoppingwithheratHarrods.Lunaowledmealunchinvitation,whichIhaveaccepted,so
sheshouldbeoveraroundnoon.Afterthat,Imnotsure.IwasthinkingaboutgoingovertotheManor
forawhile,butIdontknow.
Whydontyouknow?Harryasked.
IfeellikeIshouldbespendingasmuchtimewithyouandRonaspossible,sincewewontseeeach
othersooftenforawhile.YoullbetravelingandRonwillbeintraining,Hermioneexplained.But
then,IalsofeellikeIshouldbetakingadvantageofthisengagementperiod,togettoknowmyfuture
husbandsasmuchaspossible.Thatway,wewouldstartthismarriageoffontherightfoot.SoIjust
dontknow.
Well,whydontRonandIgowithyoutotheManor?Harrysuggested.Atleastforalittlewhile.I
wanttoseewhereyouwillbelivingwell,seeitagain,butinabetterlight.AndRonneedstogetused
tovisitingyouthere.
Thatsawonderfulidea,Hermionesmiled.Illowlthemnowandseeifthatisokaywiththem.Oh,
butIsentHedwigoutwithmyreplytoLuna.
UsePig,HarrysaidbeforecallingRonshyperactivelittleowl.Pigdoesntgetenoughexercise,since
Rondoesnthavealotofcorrespondence.
Harryheldthesillylittlebirdstill,whileHermioneattachedtheshortnote.Thetinyowlwasofflikea
shot.MaybeHarrywasrightandPigneededmoretodo.
Justcomingtocheckonme?HermioneaskedHarry.MakesureIgothomeunmolested,forthemost
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part?
Exactly,Harrylaughed,ashepulledthenewspaperoutfromunderhisarm.Andtoshowyouthis.
HermionelookeddownattheDailyProphet.Thereonthefrontpage,asdirected,wasRitaSkeeters
storyasdictatedbyHermione.Shescannedthearticleandfounditassheexpected.
Didyouhavesomethingtodowiththis?Harryteased.Thearticlecitesaclose,personalfriendof
HarryPottersafterall.
Ihavenoideawhatyoumean,Hermionelaughed,hereyestwinkling.
HermioneshooedHarryout,soshecouldshoweranddress.Heunderstoodherpointthattheyshouldnot
spendanynakedtimetogether,evenifitwasentirelyplatonic.Onhiswayout,helaughinglyreminded
hertoglamourthebitemarksonherneckandshoulder.
Onherwaytotheshower,HermionenotedthedarklovebitesLuciusleftbehindandwonderedifhehad
similaronesthismorning.Afteraquickshower,Hermionedressedfortheday.Sheworearedskirtthat
stoppedafewinchesaboveherknees.Hermionehadalwaysthoughtskirtswereanicechangeofpace
fromwearingshortsallsummer.ShepulledonaMuggletshirtRonhadinsistedshebuywhentheywere
walkingaroundLondononeday.Itwascreamcoloredandinredblockletters,onthefrontread:'Keep
CalmandCarryOn'.RonpointedoutthatHermionesaidthingslikethatallthetime.WhenHermione
explainedthephrasecamefrompostersthegovernmentdisplayedduringwartime,Ronbecameeven
moreadamantshebuyit.Hermioneslippedonblackballetflatsandalongmultichainsilvernecklace.
ShefilledthesmallBurberrytotehermotherhadgivenherafewyearsagowithessentials:sunglasses,
lipbalm,cellphone,andwand.
SeeingthephoneremindedHermioneshehadneglectedtocallherparentslastnight,asLuciushad
effectivelydistractedher.Shecalledandgotnoanswer,soleftthemamessage.
FortunataarrivedassoonasHermionegotdownstairs.Thedressmakerhadbroughtadozendetailed
drawingsofglamorousweddingdresses,aswellasapileoffabricsamples.Theysatinthedrawing
roomandsiftedthrougheverything.Kreacherhadtorefilltheirteapotandplateofsnacksonce,mainly
duetoFortunata'slargeappetite.Thedrawingswerewonderfulandthefabricsluxurious.IfFortunata's
constructionandsewingwerehalfasgoodasherdesigncreativity,theweddingdresswouldbe
magnificent.Hermionefoundasilhouetteshelovedthenoptedforafloraldetailandaskirtdetailfrom
otherdesigns.Shealsoselectedanarrayoffabricssheliked.Fortunatasaidshewouldsendherarevised
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drawing,incorporatingeverythingtheyhaddiscussedthatday.HerfirstfittingwouldbeSundaymorning
atten.
HermionesettledintothelibraryforsomequiettimeafterFortunataleft.Shestartedreadingadiary
Luciushadgivenher.ItwaswrittenbyaformerLadyMalfoyinatriadicmarriagewithapreviousLord
Malfoyandhisheir,DomitiusandHyperion.HernamewasEvonyandshewasraisedinFrance.The
diarywasinEnglish,butEvonyoftenlapsedintoFrenchmakingitslightlyhardertoread.Hermione
usedtranslationcharmsthatweregenerallyeffective,butitwasslowgoing.Hermionerealizedthather
engagementringmusthaveoncebelongedtoEvony,whichmadeherfeelevenmoreconnectedtothe
witchwhowrotethediary.EvonywasinthesamesituationHermionewasnowinherself.TheMalfoys,
whohadheardofhergreatmagicalstrength,soughttheunion.Evonysfamily,specificallyherfather,
whohadgonetomeetwiththeMalfoys,arrangedthemarriage.Thetwentyfouryearoldwitchwas
requiredtoleavehernativelandandmovetoBritain.
Hermionecouldnothelpbutdrawparallelstoherself,sincesheoftenfeltlikeshewasjoiningatotally
differentculturewhereshedidnotknowtherules.Hermionelikedtheyoungwitchwritingthestory.
Evonyseemedsmartandtough.ShelamentedhavingtoleaveFrance,butdidnotwallowinselfpity.
Hermionewasquicklycaughtupintheotherwitch'sstory.
Pigreturnedinafrenzy,withamissivetiedtohisleg.Hermionecalmedthelittleowllongenoughto
taketheparchment.
ThenotewasfrombothMalfoys.Lucius'precise,elegantscriptencouragedhertocomeoverthat
afternoon,evenifitmeantbringingHarryandRon.Draco'smorecrampedscrawlsaidthatshereally
mustcometoseehim,becausehemissedher.Healsotoldhernevertosendhimthat'bloodypsychotic
owl'againifshewanteditbackinonepiece.Hermionelaughed.Pigwasabitdifficulttocatch,and
sometimesseemedtopurposelyplaykeepawaywiththepost.
Hermionewentbacktoherreading.EvonywasgoingtomeetherMalfoys,andHermionewashooked.
AlltheFrenchwitchknewwasthattheLordMalfoy,Domitius,wasfifteenyearsherseniorandthathis
previouswifehaddiedinchildbirth.TheotherMalfoy,theheirHyperion,hadonlyjustturnedeighteen
yearsoldthatmonthandnotevenfinishedschool.Evonywasconcernedmoreabouttheyouththanthe
elderMalfoyHermionethoughtrightfullyso.Shewasalsoconcernedwithhowtheywouldlikeher,if
theywouldfindherattractivegenerallytheconcernsofanyarrangedmarriagewhereyoudidnotknow
thespousetobe.
HermionewascaughtupinEvony'sjourneywhenLunaarrived.Whilereluctanttosetasidethediary,
Hermionewashappytoseethedreamyblondewitchandsmiledbroadly.Theystoppedbythedrawing
roomtosaygoodbyetoRonandHarry,whowerefocusedonagameofwizardchess.Theboyspaused
longenoughtoexclaimaboutthepinkhighlightsinLuna'shair.Hermioneconfirmedtheywouldgowith
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hertotheManorfortheafternoon,andHarrywarnedhertobecarefuloutinDiagonAlley.
Ontheirwayout,HermionetoldLunaaboutHarry'sconcernsforhersafety,whichLuciusandDraco
hadstronglyechoed.
"Ifiguredasmuch,"Lunanodded."Whilemostwitcheswouldnotbestupidenoughtochallengeyou,
beingLadyMalfoyisabigenoughprizetocloudthejudgmentofsome.IimaginetheYoanaYaxley
storyhascooledmanyofthemoff,though."
"Areyoufamiliarwiththewizardingaristocracy?"Hermioneasked.Shehadrealizedalongtimeago
thatLunawasverybrightandactuallyknewagreatdeal.Theyoungwitchwasafontofknowledge,but
onehadtoasktobegiventheinformationunlikewithHermione,whovolunteeredknowledgetooften
unwillingrecipients.JustlikeHermione'stenacity,attentiontodetail,craftiness,andsheerforceofwill
madeherformidableshefoundLuna'squalitiesequallyessentialinherownway.Luna'sunflappable
attitude,creativity,andabilitytoseethingsfromverydifferentanglesmadeheranassettoanyendeavor.
HermionehadlearnedtoasktheRavenclaw'sadvicefromtimetotime.
"Ohyes,"Lunaresponded."Mymumwasamemberofthearistocracyandwhenshedied,thetitlecame
tome,butIdon'ttendtouseit."
"YoumeanIcouldhavebeencallingyouLadyLovegoodthiswholetime?"Hermionegiggledabit.
"Itdoessoundwonderfullyalliterative,"Lunaagreedsmiling.
ThetwowitchesApparatedtoDiagonAlley.LunahadbeenstayinginwizardingLondonforthesummer
whileherfatherhadtheirhouseinDevonrebuilt.Therewasnotmuchleftofitaftertheexplosion,and
XenophiliusLovegoodhaddrawnupplansforanew,verycreativelydesignedhouse.Whilesheadored
measureddosesofchaos,Lunadidnotcareforthecontinuedmesscausedbyconstruction,sostayed
withcousinsmostofthetime.LunaandherfatherwouldtraveltoSwedenforthelastthreeweeksof
August,andthenshewouldreturntoHogwartsforherfinalyear.Hermioneenviedheralittle,gettingto
returntoHogwarts.
LunaguidedthemtoaverystrangelookingcafeonaveryoutofthewaysidestreetoffDiagonAlley.
Noneofthefurniturematchedandthemenulookedhandwritten,butthestaffwasextremelyfriendlyand
happy.ItwasaveryLunaesqueplace,whichmadeHermionesmile.
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Hermionenotedthatshewasnotgarneringtheattentionthatsheusuallydidwhenshewentout.Shedid
notknowifitwasthelackofHarryPotterorthoseunmistakableMalfoys,orifthecozy,friendlycaf
justcateredtoadifferentkindofpeople,uninterestedinHermionescelebrity.Regardless,sheenjoyed
notbeingstaredat.
HermioneverymuchenjoyedspendingtimewithLuna.Bothwitchessharedthattheydidnothavemany
friendsandhopedtodevelopastrongerfriendshipwiththeother.LunadidnotmindHermione'sblunt
manner,butratherappreciatedthatshesaidwhatwasonhermind.Hermioneadmittedshewaslooking
formoreopportunitiestogetanotherfemale'sperspective,whichHarrywasnotverygoodat.Thatmade
Lunagiggle.
Lunadidnothaveanypersonalexperiencewithpluralrelationships,butviewedallsexualactivity
betweenconsentingadultsasanaturalandhealthypartoflife.Shebelievedpeoplecouldbesexually
attractedtoapersonforanumberofreasons,regardlessoftheirgender.AlthoughLunawascurrently
experimentingwithabstinence,shereportedhavingbothmaleandfemaleloversinthepast.Someshe
likedprimarilyfortheirphysicalappearanceandothersattractedherbecauseofaspectsoftheir
personality.
HermionesharedabitaboutherrelationshipthusfarwithLuciusandDraco,includingherconfusion
abouttheissueofsexualcontrol.Lunatoldheritwasperfectlynormaltowanttodominatesomeone
sometimes,whilewantingtobedominatedbysomeoneelse.Shesaidtherewasprobablysomething
aboutDracothatmadeHermionerelishorderinghimabout,whiletherewassomethinginLucius'
dominationthatsheenjoyed.
***
ThetwowitchesmadeplanstohangouttogetheragainsoonandHermioneApparatedbackto
GrimmauldPlaceinagoodmood.ShefoundHarryandRoninthekitchen,lingeringovertheirlunch
andtalkingQuidditch.Kreachertriedtofeedher,butHermioneinsistedshehadeatenwellwhenshe
wentout.
"Havefun?"Ronasked.
"Ididactually,"Hermionesmiled."Ineedmoregirlfriendstotalkto.Unlessyoutwohavedevelopedan
overwhelmingdesiretotalktomeaboutmysexlife,relationships,clothes,andsocialevents."
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"Merlin,no,"Ronlaughed.Hermionestuckouthertongueathim.ShetoldherfriendsthatsheandLuna
hadanicelunchwithsome'girltalk,'andplannedtohangoutagain.
Oncetheboyswrappeduptheirlunch,HermionetookthemtoApparatetotheManor.SheknewLucius
hadgivenHarryFlooprivileges,butdidnotknowifhehadincludedhermoodyredheadedfriend
especiallygivenhisattitudeafewdaysago.Besides,shefiguredwalkinguptotheManorwouldgive
themachancetogetusedtobeingthere.
***
ItwasabeautifuldayinWiltshire,asthetriowalkedalmostakilometerupthewalktotheManor.
HermionetoldRonandHarryaboutthegroundsastheywalked.Despitehisbesteffortstodenyit,she
couldtellRonwaseagertoseeDraco'sflyinghorses.Harrywasmuchmoreverbalabouthisdesireto
bothridethehorsesandgoswimminginthelake.Althoughshethoughtthemimpressive,theguyswere
notasinterestedinthegardensorgreenhouse.
HermionehesitatedastheygottotheManordoor,notknowingwhethertheknockorgorightin.Shedid
haveroomsintheManor,butdidnotlivethereyet.Tinkysavedherfromhavingtomakethedecisionby
openingupthedooruponherapproach.
"MissyGrangerishere!"Tinkydeclared,appearingdistressed."TinkyiswantingtohelpMissyGranger
themomentsheiscoming.Sheisnothavingtobewalkingwithherveryimportantfriends.Tinkyshould
bebringinghertotheManorimmediatelyorhavingthecarriageforMissyGranger.Tinkyisaverybad
elf!Tinkywillbepunishingherselfrightaway!"
"No!"Hermionehadtoshoutoverthewailingelf."Stopcrying,Tinky.Stopthisinstant."
TinkyquietedrightawayandlookedupfearfullyatHermionewithherwateryeyes.
"Youareforbiddenfrompunishingyourself,"Hermioneordered."IfIfeelyouneedapunishment,Iwill
directyouonwhattodo.Firstly,Iwantedtowalkwithmyfriendssotheycouldseesomeofthe
grounds.Secondly,ifIneedsomethingIknowtoaskforyou.Lastly,IunderstandthatLadyMalfoy
directstheelvesoftheManor.IknowthatthelastLadyMalfoytreatedthehouseelvespoorlyandIam
notgoingtodothat.Dobbywasaverydearfriendofmine,soIwishtotreathouseelveswell."
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"MissyisknowingDobby?"Tinkyaskedasheralreadywideeyesseemedtogetevenbiggerwithawe.
"Yes,"Hermionenoddedsadly."Iwastherewhenhediedandhelpedburyhim.Myfriendsherewere
alsofriendsofDobby.ThisisRonaldWeasleyandthisisHarryPotter."
"OhthegreatHarryPotter,"Tinkypracticallyshookwithexcitement."TinkyisknowingthatDobby
lovedHarryPottersomuch."
"Ilovedhim,too,"Harrynodded.TheyallmissedDobbyandsomanyothersthatdidnotmakeit
throughthewar.
"IfMisterPotterorMisterWeasleyisneedinganythingatall,pleasejustbeaskingforTinky,"theyoung
elfdirected."TinkyandtheotherswasworriedathavinganewLadyMalfoyafterthislastone.Butyou
wasafriendofDobby.YouwillbeagoodLady.WhatcanTinkybedoingforyoumostgraciousLady
anddistinguishedwizards?"
"JustletDracoandLuciusknowwearehere,"Hermionesaid
"WellIcoulduseadrink,"Ronsaid.HarryandHermionegavehimdisapprovingglances."What?Itwas
alongwalkanditishotout.Besides,elveslikegettingpeoplestuff!"
"Tinkyistellingthemastersrightawayandbringingmanyrefreshments!"shedeclaredhappilyand
poppedaway.
Hermionebeganshowingherfriendsaroundthehousealittle,makingsuretopointouttheFloothey
coulduseinthefuture.Theywanderedthehallsabitandshetoldthemaboutalltheroomsshecould
remember.ShealsotoldthemaboutherplannedMuggleroomandtheboyspromisedtocomeoverfor
movienightaslongasshepromisedtostayawayfromchickflicks.
"Whatisachickflick?"Dracoasked,comingdownthehall.HepulledHermionetohimandgavehera
quickkisshello.
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"Amoviemadeforfemales,"Harryanswered.RonwasstillthrownbyseeingtheMalfoystreatherwith
affection,sohefrozeupforaminutewheneverithappened."Theyareusuallyromancesorstoriesabout
womenawomanandherfriendsbondingoramotherandherdaughtersbonding."
DracomadeadisgustedfacethatcausedRontochuckle.
"YouhavetowatchHermione.Sheistricky,"Ronputin."Shetookmetothemoviesandwesawthis
brilliantstoryaboutabusthatwouldblowupifitdidn'tgoreallyfast.Therewerecrashesand
explosionsitwasawesome.So,thenexttimeshesaidshewantedtoseeamovie,Isaidsure,moviesare
fun.Buttheyaren'tallthesame!ThenextoneshetookmetowasallaboutagroupofChinesemothers
andtheirdaughters.Hermionecriedforthewholeend."
"Hey!"Hermionecried."TheJoyLuckClubisawonderfulfilm!"
"WhydoMugglesmakethesechickflicks?"Dracoaskedcuriously."Theysoundawful."
"Womenlikethem,"Ronshrugged."AndHarrytoldmeMugglementakewomentothemondatesto
showtheyaresweetandsensitivesothewomenwillshagthem."
"Harry!"Hermionescolded.
"Well,itstrue,"Harrymuttered.
"Regardless,"Hermionehuffed.RonandDracolaughed.HermioneknewRonfeltleftoutwhensheand
HarrytalkedabouttheMugglethingstheygrewupwith.Ronsawitallassoalien.MaybeheandDraco
couldbondovertheweirdthingsMugglesdo.
"ItoldTinkytosetuprefreshmentsintheconservatory,"Dracosaid,takingHermione'shandandleading
thegroup."Fatherisjustfinishingupsomelettershehastosendouttoday.Heaskedmetorelaythat
he'llbedownsoon."
Theelveshadprovidedanarrayofdrinks,juiceandfizzythings,alongwithsomesnacks.Dracoasked
howshelikedthesymphonyandHermionegushedalittleabouthowlovelyitwas.Dracoadmittedhe
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didnotcareforthesymphonyoropera,butwashappyshehadagoodtime.
"Huh,"Ronutteredandthegrouplookedathimexpectantly."Ijustrealizedoneofthebenefitsofyour
wifehavinganotherhusband.Youcanlettheotheronetakehertothestuffyouhateoratleastsplititif
youbothhateit."
"Yeah,"HarryagreedwhileDracolaughed."MaybeLuciuswilllikechickflickstoo,soyouwon'thave
tositthroughthem."
Hermionejustrolledhereyeswhiletheboyslaughed.Shelikedthattheyweregettingalong,butshedid
notthinkshewantedthemsharinghertricksjustyetliketakingRontoseeSpeedbeforetheJoyLuck
Club.Shouldn'tDracoandLuciushavetofigurethatstuffoutforthemselves?HermionethoughtPansy
wouldprobablygiveupinformationaboutDracoinexchangeforshopping.Hermionewouldalsobet
SeverusknewalotaboutLucius.
ThereweresomepeopleIknewattheconcerttoo,Hermionecontinued.PansyParkinsonandBlaise
Zabiniwereboththere,nottogetherofcourse.
Theconversationquicklyturnedgossipyasthegrouptalkedaboutwhowasdoingwhat.HarryandRon
hadnotheardaboutPansyandPadma.Theytalkedaboutwhattheirclassmateswereplanningtodonow
thatschoolandthewarwereover.
Luciusfoundthefouryoungerpeopletalkingandlaughing.Hermionethoughtshesawhimfalterfora
splitsecondbeforehejoinedthem,takingtheseatnexttoher,soshewasonceagainbetweenthetwo
Malfoys.Hermionerememberedhisinsecurityabouthisageandhopedhedidnotfeeltoooutofplace
withherfriends.HekissedherhelloandHermionesqueezedhisthigh.Shenoticedavisiblebitemark
onthesideofhisneckandwonderedwhyhehadnotglamouredthem.
LuciusaskedHarryifhehadmademoretravelplans,andtheygotintoaconversationabouttripsthey
hadalltaken.RontalkedaboutEgypt.HermionetalkedaboutgoingtoGreeceonholidaywithher
parents.Harrywasreallylookingforwardtoseeingtheworld.TheDursleyshadnotgoneonholiday
outsideBritain.Luciussaidthelibraryhadanumberofmapsandafewtravelguidesaboutforeign
wizardingsocieties,ifhecaredtolook.Harryseyeslitup,asdidHermionesbutthathappened
anytimeshethoughtoftheMalfoylibrary.
ThegroupmadetheirwayupstairstothelibrarywithHermioneleadingtheway.Everyonesmiledather
libraryinducedenthusiasm,butshejusttoldthemtohurry.DracoinformedRonandHarrythatwhile
otherwitchesmighthaveagreedtomarrythemfortheirwealthandpower,Hermionefullycommitted
whenshesawtheirlibrary.Hermionecouldnothelpitwhenadreamylookglazedoverhereyeswhen
Luciusopenedthedoors.
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Itisprettyamazing,Harryconceded.
Amazing?Hermioneaskedincredulously.Itismagnificent.ItisalittlebiggerthanHogwartsyou
know.Oh!Comeseemystudy!
Hermionebouncedabitandtookherfriendsbythehand.Shedraggedthemovertoherstudyandthey
bothnoddedappreciatively.Herenthusiasmmadeallfourwizardssmile.
Luciusgotoutsomemapsandthebookshewastalkingaboutandspreadthemoutonthebigtable.
Theyalllookedforawhile,discussingpossibletravelroutesweatherissuesandplacestoavoid.
Hermionefoundthemapsfascinating,especiallyhowsomeofthemselfupdatedmagicallytoshow
thingsastheycurrentlywere.Afteranhour,DracoandRonbegantalkingabouttheAurortraining
programRonwouldbestartingatthebeginningofSeptember.RonaskedDracoifhereallyhada
duelingareainthehouse,sothetwowenttogolookatit.Harrywasfullyabsorbedinthemapsof
wizardingsettlementsacrossEurope,Asia,andAfrica.
YouforgottohidethebitewithaGlamour,HermionewhisperedtoLucius,brushingherfingertips
acrossthemarkshemade.ShewassureHarrywasnotpayingattention.
Ididnotforget,Pet,Luciussmiledather,capturingherhandandkissingherfingertips.Youmarked
me,andeveryonewhoseesitknowsIbelongtoyou.
Ididntthinkofitthatway,Hermioneblushedlightly.Luciuspulledherclosertohimsoshewas
almostsittinginhislap.AlookovertoHarryconfirmedthathewaswrappedupinhisprojectandhe
didnotnotice.
Iliketoseewhatyoudidtome,Luciusmurmuredsoftlyinherear,runninghishandupherthighand
toyingwiththehemofherskirt.Hisotherhandwasmakinglazycirclesatthesmallofherback.Ive
beenthinkingaboutyouallday,abouthowyoutastewhenyoucomeagainstmytongue.Iwanttotaste
itagain.Iwanttopulloffyourknickersrightnow,hereinthelibrary,andgounderyourskirt.
HermionewhimperedsoftlyasshepicturedeverydirtythingLuciuswassayingtoher.Shewassoaking
throughherknickers.Oneofhislongfingerssweptupunderherskirtandgrazedherclitforamoment,
makingHermionejump.SheferventlywishedHarrywerenottheresotheycoulddoexactlywhat
Luciuswasdescribing.
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WheredidRonandDracogo?Harrysuddenlyasked,lookingupfromthemap.Hetooknoteof
HermionesflushedfaceandproximitytoLuciusandraisedaneye,teasingly.
Ibelievetheywenttotheduelingroom,Luciusreported.Shallweallgomakesuretheyhavent
hexedeachothertobits?
Hermionejumpedup.Ronhadbeendoingbetterlately,butshewonderedifhewouldactuallytrytohex
Draco.Theyhadbeengoneforatleasthalfanhour,certainlylongerthanittakesjusttoseearoom.
ThethreewalkedacrossthehallandfoundbothRonandDracoperfectlyintact.Theywere,well
duelingfairlynicelyitseemed.Theyweretalkingaboutwhatkindsofdefensiveandoffensive
maneuversRonwasmostlylikelytolearnasanAuror.SoonLuciusandHarryjoinedinthe
conversation.Hermionesmiledatthefourwizards.Theyweregivingeachothertips,tryingout
differenttechniquesallwithnondestructivespells.
Caretojoinin,Kitten?DracoploppeddownnexttoHermione,breathingheavilyfromtheexertion.
RonandHarryweretryingtoworktogethertodisarmandimmobilizeLucius,withonlysomesuccess.
Withyouonmyteam,wecantakethelotofthem.
Iknowwecould,Hermionesmiled.Iwasjustenjoyingwatching.Ilikeseeingyouallspendingtime
together,gettingalong.Whowouldhavethoughtitpossible?
Sometimeslifeisunexpected,Dracoreturnedhersmile.Likehavingyouherewithus.Ihavemissed
you.OurdateMondaynightfeelslikeforeverago.
Dracopulledherclosertohim.Hewassweatyfromtheworkoutduelingprovided,butHermione
thoughthesmelledgoodthisway,oddlyenough.
Imissedyoutoo,shesaidsoftly,leaningintohim.Dracotippedherfaceuptohisandkissedher
hard,histonguepressingintohermouth.Eventhoughshehadbeenwelloccupiedlatelyandenjoyed
Luciuscompanyimmensely,shehadmissedDraco.Asoddasitwastoher,shefelttheabsenceofone
ofthemwhenthethreeofthemwerenotalltogether.
Dracoshandsnakedupherthighsandwentjustunderthehemofherskirt,muchasLuciushaddonea
littleoveranhourago.Hegrazedhercorelightlywithhisfingertipsandgroaned.
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Youaresowet,hewhisperedinherear.
Itisntmyfault,shepouted.Luciuswastalkingdirtytomeinthelibraryearlier.Nowyouareall
sweatyandsmellirresistible.IwanttotakeoffyourshirtandlickyourchestbutIthinktheywould
noticethat.
Thenyoulljusthavetowaituntiltheyleave,Dracomurmuredhuskily.Arethesesomeofthenew
underclothesyoubought?
Mmhmm,Hermionerepliedasshequicklyranthetipofhertongueoverhisjawline.Itwasright
there,beggingtobetasted.Theseareblacklaceshorts.
Later,Iwillpullthemoffyouwithmyteeth,Dracopromisedashenippedherearlobe.
Aha!Gotcha!Harryshouted.ThecommotionjoltedHermionesattentionawayfromDracotothe
otherthreeintheroom.RonandHarryhadfinallymanagedtogetLuciuswandfromhimandbound
himinanIncarcerous.Itdidnotlasttoolong,becauseLuciuswandlesslyfreedhimself,butthefactthat
ithappenedatallmadeHermionestwofriendsveryproudofthemselves.Luciuswasverygraciousand
congratulatedRonandHarry.Hesummonedanelftobringthemsomethingtodrink,astheyallhada
workout.Theelfreturnedinamomentwithcoldbeveragesandannouncedthatdinnerwouldbeready
whenevertheywished.
Ihadnotrealizedhowlateitwas,Luciussaid.Willyouallbejoiningusfordinner?
Thanks,butno,Harryresponded,draininghisglass.YoucankeepMionethough.RonandIare
meetingFredandGeorgeatthepublater.Agentsonlyevening.Butweshouldprobablygethomeand
cleanupfirst.
Definitely,Ronagreedlookingdownathissweatyshirt.
IllwalkyouguystotheFloo,Hermionevolunteered.
DracoandIwillgogetcleanedupbeforedinner,Luciusannounced.Heturnedtothestillwaitingelf
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andinstructedhimtoorganizeddinnerforthreeonthewesternterrace.ThenheturnedtoHarry.Feel
freetoborrowafewofthosetravelbooksyouwerelookingatearlier.
Niceseeingyouboth,Draconoddedasthegoldentrioexited.RonandHarrynoddedback.
TheystoppedbythelibraryandHarrypickeduptwoofthebookshehadbeenlookingattotakehome
forfurtherstudy.ThenHermionewalkedthepairdownstairstothemainFloo.
NotsobadhereattheManorthen?Hermioneasked,takingRonshandastheywalked.
Naw,Ronsmiled.Iguessitwontbesobadtocomevisityouhere.
HermionebeamedalittleandsqueezedRonshand.Shewasgladshewouldnotloseeitherofhertwo
closestfriendsanytimesoon.
EndNotes:
Next...aneveningwithbothMalfoys!
Backtoindex
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Author'sNotes:
Disclaimer:IhavenoaffiliationwithJKRorScholasticetc.,
Thankstobunnyhopsforallherhelp!
Now...Hermionespendssometimewithbothherfiances.
Chapter20
TinkyinterceptedHermioneasshewasleavingthedrawingroom.
TinkyisshowingMissyLadytotheterracefordinner,Tinkysmiled.
"Ofcourse,Tinky,"Hermionereturnedthehappyelf'ssmile."Tellmemoreabouttheelveshereplease,
Tinky."
TinkyreportedthattheManorhadtwentyelves.Theywereconsideredfullatthreedozen,buthadnot
addedelvesonlylostthemunderthereignofthelastLadyMalfoy.Somecouldnottakehernewrule,
likeDobby,andfoundawaytodefect.Afewdied,muchtoHermione'shorror.Tinkysoothedhersaying
everythingwasbetterthattheMastershadmadeituptothemandthenewLadywasafriendtohouse
elves.TinkywentontosharethattheelveswereassignedareasintheManorortoaspecificperson.For
example,TinkywasassignedtoHermioneanditwasherresponsibilitytoprovideHermionewith
anythingsheneededorrequested.AseniorelfnamedDunnywasinchargeofthelibraryandstudies.
Fennywastheelfinchargeofthekitchengardens.Cuppywasinchargeofthekitchensandmeals.The
headelveswereallolderandhadjuniorelvesontheirteamstoassistthemwhennecessary.Itmade
Hermionethinkofthehierarchyofservantsinafancyestate.
HermionereportedthatshelivedwithanelderlyelfnowandplannedtobringhimtotheManorwhen
shemovedin.Tinkyassuredherthatwouldbefine.Theheadelf,PikewhowasassignedtoLucius,
organizedtheothersandwouldfindaplaceforanynewelves.
Theyarrivedontheterrace,whichwassetupfordinner.Thesunwasstartingtodipbelowthetrees,and
theairwasfragrantwithalltheflowersbloominginthenearbygardens.TinkyagreedtokeepHermione
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companyforafewminuteswhileshewaitedforLuciusandDraco.Thelittleelfrefusedtositatthe
table,soHermionesatIndianstyleonthepatioandTinkyreluctantlyagreedtoalsositonthefloor
notingherprotestthatMissyLadiesshouldnotsitonfloors.
HermioneaskedaboutthelittleelfandTinkyseemedconfusedbythequestion,asifnoonehadasked
heraboutherselfbefore.Shecomplied,however,aselvestendedtodo.Tinkysharedthatshewasbornat
theManor,butthatherparentshadbeendeadforseveraldecades.Pikewasherolderbrotherandher
youngersister,Bunny,hadbeenassignedtoDracosincehewasborn.Historically,Tinky'sfamilyhad
alwayscaredfortheMalfoyfamily.Tinkyspenthermandatoryfreetimeeachweekwalkinginthe
gardens(shelikedflowers),learningtoread,andswimminginthelake.
TinkyindulgedHermione'scuriosityandsharedthathouseelvestendedtoliveingroups,thelargest
knownclusterbeingtheHogwartselves.Theywerenotmonogamous,butfemalesmatedwithany
unrelatedmaleswhenthey"cametotheirseason."Femaleelvesreachedreproductiveagearoundforty
andwerefertileforabouteightyyears.They"cametotheirseason"approximatelyeveryfiveyearsandit
lastedforfivedays.Hermionebrieflyimaginedtheelforgythatoccurredduringthosefivedays.
Tinkyexplainedthatelvescouldalwaystellwhofatheredachild,becauseoffspringhadamixof
magicalsignaturesfrombothparents.Siblingstendedtobehalfbrothersandhalfsisters,butelveshad
nosuchlanguageonlybrotherandsister.Somehow,elvescouldreadmagicalsignaturesandwereable
torecognizeiftheysharedaparentorothercloserelative.Itnot,theywereconsideredunrelated.
Hermione'smindwhirredwithquestions.DidDobbyhaveanychildrenhere?Couldelvesreadmagical
signaturesofwizardsandothermagicalbeings?Werethereanthropologicalstudiesonelvesandother
magicalbeings?
Tinkyanswered,yesDobbyhadason,Hobby,whoworkedmainlyinthelibraryunderDunny.
HermioneaskedTinkytointroducethemsometimeandTinkyenthusiasticallyagreed.Elvescould
indeedrecognizemagicalsignaturesfromotherbeingsthattheyspenttimearound.Forexample,Tinky
couldseeHermione'smagicanddifferentiateitfromanotherwitch'ssignaturebutTinkyhadnevermet
anyCentaurs,socouldonlyseethattheyweredifferent,nottellthedifferencefromoneCentaurand
another.TinkyhypothesizedwithHermionethatifanelfspenttimearoundacreature,thentheywould
noticethedistinguishingfeaturesandbeabletotellonefromtheotherbasedsolelyontheirmagic.
HermionemadeanotetoaskaHogwartselfifitcouldrecognizeFirenzefromsomeotherCentaurinthe
ForbiddenForest.
"Pet,whyareyouontheground?"Luciusasked,peeringoverthetable.HeandDracostoodonthepatio,
freshlyshowered.
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"TalkingtoTinkywhileIwaitedforyoutwo,"Hermionereplied.Thelittleelflookedalittlefearfuland
begantosayshehadofferedMissyLadyanyseatshewished,butshehadrefused.
"Donotfret,Tinky,"Luciusdismissed."OurnewLadyMalfoywilldostrangethingsfromtimetotime,
andIdonotholdyouoranyoftheotherelvesresponsible.Ifyouofferedaseatandshedeclined,thatis
herchoice.Wearereadytostartdinnernow."
Tinkynoddedandpoppedaway.
"Didyouknowelvescannaturallyreadanddistinguishbetweenthemagicalsignaturesofmagical
beings,includingus?"HermioneaskedtheMalfoysasDracohelpedherup.Theyshooktheirheadsno
theyhadnotknownthat.Hermionerealizedthatwizardstendedtotakethingsandcreaturesfor
granted,especiallycustomsandpracticesthathadbeenaroundforhundredsofyears."Thatcouldhavea
lotofpracticalapplicationsifitisfurtherstudied.IfelveswereassignedtoGringottsaccounts,for
example,theelfwouldhavenoticedthatIwasnotBellatrixwhenIwentthereunderPolyjuicetobreak
intotheLestrangevault."
"Hmmm,youareright,"LuciusmusedashepulledoutHermione'schairforher."Thereispotentialthere
touseelvesforidentitysecurity,thingslikethat."
"YoupurebloodsareluckytohaveusMuggleborns,"Hermionegiggled,rollinghereyes."Wecomein
andaskquestionsaboutthingsyou'vebeentakingforgrantedforcenturies.Elveshavebecomelike
wallpapertomostwizards,partofthescenery.IsthereastudyofAnthropologyinthewizardingworld?"
"Anthrowhat?"Dracoasked.
"AnthropologywhatMugglescallthestudyofothercultures,"Hermioneexplained."Itincludesthings
likeuseoflanguage,socialcustoms,matinghabits,religionallsortsofthingsthatmakeupagroupof
peopleandreasonswhytheydoitthatway.TheMuggleStudiesclassatHogwartsisreallyan
anthropologyclass.Allofthosebooksonetiquetteandcustomsofthepurebloodnobilityare
anthropologicalinaway.Hasanyonedoneanthropologicalstudiesonmagicalbeings,likehouseelves,
merpeople,Goblins,werewolves,andCentaurs?"
"Nottothelevelyouaretalkingabout,"Luciusreported."Therearebooksonhowtotrainyourhouse
elf,historyofGoblinwars,howtofightwerewolves,andhowtoavoidCentaursthosesortsofbooks."
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Hermionewishedsomeonehadcatalogedtheculturesandpracticesofthesecreatures.Shewouldloveto
readaboutthem.Shedecidedtoaskaroundmore.HermionewassureSeverus,ProfessorMcGonagall,
andMadamePincewouldbeabletogivehermoreinformation.
Anelfpoppedinwithabottleofchilledwhitewineandunobtrusivelybeganpouring.
"Excuseme,"Hermioneaddressedtheelf.Thelittlethingfrozeforamomentbeforeherecovered.
"YesMissyLady?HowcanIbehelpingyou?"hesqueakednervously.
"Ijustwanttoknowyourname,"Hermionesaidsoothingly."IonlyknowTinkyandwanttolearnthe
namesandjobsoftheothernineteenelveshereattheManor."
"IisTupp,MissyLady,"theelfsmiled."Iisworkinginthekitchens,mostusuallydoingtheservingof
foodsanddrink."
"Thankyou,Tupp,"Hermionenodded."Itisnicetomeetyou.Ifyoucouldpassalongmyrequesttothe
otherelves,sotheyknowtointroducethemselvestomeaswell,Iwouldappreciateit."
Tuppnoddedandpoppedawayafterhefinishedpouringthewine,leavingthebottleonthetable.Draco
wasrollinghiseyesatheralittle.
"Youkeepyoureyerollingtoyourself,"Hermioneinstructedprimly,sippingonherwine."IftheLady
oftheManoristraditionallyinchargeofthehouseelvesthenIwanttoknowwhotheyare."
LuciusleanedovertoHermioneandranhishandsdownherneck,whisperingFiniteIncantatem.She
realizedheremovedtheglamour,sothemarksheleftonherthenightbeforewereclearlyvisible.
"I'vebeenwaitingtodothatallday,"Luciusgrinned.HermioneblushedandDracochuckled.
Tuppreturnedwiththefirstcourse,acoldsearedslicedtuna.Thefishwaswonderful,lightandfresh.
"Whattimeshallwegotoyourparentshometomorrowevening?"Luciusasked,takingabiteofhis
fish.
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"Oh!Idon'tknow,letmecheck,"Hermionereachedintoherbagandpulledoutherlittlecellphone.It
hadbeenwithheralldayandhadnotmeltedorexplodedfromexposuretomagic.
"Whatisthat?"Dracoasked.
"Aportabletelephone,"Hermioneanswered,lookingatthescreen.Shedidhaveonemessage.
"TelephonesarethosethingsMugglesusetotalktoeachotherright?LikeafirecallintheFloo?"Draco
clarified,lookingatthelittlebrightredmachinewithinterest.
"Right,"Hermionesmiled."TelephonesareattachedtothehouselikeaFlooisattachedtothehouse
andhastobeattachedtotheFloonetwork.OvertheyearsMuggleshavemadetelephonesmobile,soyou
couldtakethemwithyouwhenyoulefthome,thatwayyouwouldnotmissimportantcalls."
"Smart,"Luciusacknowledged,lookingatthethinginHermione'shand.
"IhaveamessagearecordingthecallerwasabletoleavewhenIdidnotanswer.I'llputitonspeaker
soyoucanhear,"Hermionesaid,pressingaseriesofbuttonstoaccesshermessageandplayiton
speakerphone.Sureenough,itwashermother.
"HelloHermione,it'syourMum.Wegotyourmessage.Iamgladyouwillallbeabletomakeit
tomorrow.Whydon'tyoucomeroundaboutsixish?We'llhavedrinksandnibbleonsomethingwhilewe
gettoknow...thosemen.I'lltrytokeepyourfatherinline.Itwouldhelpiftheydon'twearanyrobesor
pointyhatsIthink,soyourfathercancontinuetobeindenialatleastalittlebit.Hejustlovesyouand
thinksheknowswhat'sbestforyou.Webothloveyou.Callifsixdoesn'tworkokay?Seeyoutomorrow!"
"Nowwhathappenstotherecording?"Luciusaskedwithinterest.
"Iamdeletingthisone,"Hermionesaid,pressingkeys."Butyoucansavethemessagestoplayagain
laterifyouwish."
"Thatdoesseemconvenient,"Luciusbegrudginglyacknowledged."Quickerthananowl,too,Iimagine."
"Instantaneous,"Hermionenodded."IfIwantedtotalktomymotherrightthissecond,Iwouldkeyin
thenumbersforherphoneandpressconnect.Ifsheisfree,shecouldanswerandwewouldtalk,ifshe
doesn'tpickup,Icouldleaveheramessagelikesheleftme."
Tuppcameandclearedtheplates,immediatelyreplacingthemwiththemaincourse.Itwasaroasted
porkloinwithasparagusandrice.
"SoifIhadoneofthosethingies,IcouldcallyouwheneverIwanted?"Dracoasked,smiling.
"Yes,"Hermionenoddedagain.
"ShouldIgetsome...Muggleclothes?"Luciusoffered,wincingashecuthismeat.
"Icantakeyoushoppingtomorrow!"Hermione'seyelitup.ShecouldnotwaittogettheMalfoysout
intoMuggleareas,getthemexposedtoherbackground."Icantakeyoutolunchandshoppingat
Harrods.Ineededtobuyanewdressfortheengagementpartyanyways.IcancallAnnaandleavehera
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message.Maybewecangetthepersonalshoppers."
Luciuslookedpained,butDracoseemedalittleinterested.HermionepulledoutAnna'sbusinesscard
fromherwalletanddialed,preparingtoleaveamessage,soshewassurprisedwhenAnnapickedup.
"ThisisAnna,"sheanswered.
"Oh,Anna!ThisisHermioneGranger,fromthispastTuesday,"Hermionemanaged."Iamsorryfor
callingyouduringdinnertime."
"Hello,MissGranger,"Annaenthused."Igaveyoumynumbersoyoucoulduseit.Iamheretohelp.
Whatdoyouneed?"
"Iwashopingtocomeandseeyoutomorrow,"Hermioneshared."Sorryfortheshortnotice."
"Itisnotaproblematall,MissGranger,"Annaassuredher."Howisoneo'clock?"
"Perfect,"Hermionesighed,relieved.
"Ifyoutellmewhatyouarelookingfor,Icanpullsomeitemsbeforeyouarrivetobestassistyou,"Anna
informedher.
"Well,IneedadressformyengagementpartyonSaturday,"Hermionesaid."Theweddingcolorsare
silverandgold,soIwasthinkingofacocktaildressthatfitsthattheme.Iwillalsobebringingmy
fiancsaswell."
"Yourfiancswhat?"Annaaskedconfused.Hermionerealizeditjustwouldnotdotobringtwomen
andintroducethembothasherfiancs,sinceMugglesdidnothavepluralmarriages.
"Oh,I'msorry.Ithinkmyphonecutoutthereforasecond,"Hermionecovered."Iamonmymobileand
thereceptionisn'talwaysgreat.IwassayingIambringingmyfiancandmyfiancsfather.Theyare
bothlookingtogetsomenewclothes,mostlybasicmenswear.TheyarebothtallandslimIamnotsure
onthesizes."
"Notaproblem,"Annareported."Icanhavearangeofbasicmenswearpiecesforthemtolookat."
"Thankyou,Anna,"Hermionesmiled."Youarealifesaver."
"That'smyjob,MissGranger,"Annasaidhappily.Hermionewasgladshehadtippedthewomansowell
before."Iwillseeyouatone."
Hermionesaidhergoodbyesandhungup.Shewentbacktoherfood,asLuciusandDracohadallbut
finished.
"Iamexcited,"Hermioneshared.BothMalfoyslookedskeptical."Youwillbefine.Iwon'tletanything
happentoyououtinbig,badMuggleLondon.Anyways,whatdidyougetuptolastnightDraco?"
"NothingasexcitingasyouandFather,"Dracogrinned,leeringabitatthelovebitesonherneck.
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"Ishouldhopenot,"Hermioneretorted,hereyesnarrowedslightly.
"Ofcoursenot,Kitten,"Dracochidedgently."Youknowyouaretheonlywitchformeforus.Iwentto
thepubwithTheoNott,AdrianPucey,andMarcusFlintlastnight.Wegotpissedandplayedpool.Itwas
afinetime."
"Whatarethoseboysupto?"Luciusasked,sittingbackandrelaxing.
"Theoisgoingtostudylaw,Adrianhasdecidedtospendayearbeinganirresponsibleplayboybeforehe
joinshisfather'scompany,andMarcusisbeingrecruitedbyacouplegoodprofessionalQuidditch
teams,"Dracoreportedbetweenbites.
"Whichteams?"Hermioneasked.
"Appleby,Falmouth,andPuddlemere,"Dracosaid."Marcusisnotsurewhattodo.Therearealotof
factorstoconsiderandhedoesnotreallyknowanyoneinprofessionalQuidditchthatwillgivehim
honestadvice."
"Icanputhimintouchwithsomepeople,"Hermioneoffered,takingasipofherwine."Ifhewantsa
casualintroduction,twofriendsofmineareplayingprofessionally.Onewillbeattheengagementparty
andIamsurehewouldbehappytotalktoMarcusifIask."
"Thatisverygracious,Pet,"Luciussmiled."Whoarethesefriendsofyours?"
"OliverWoodplaysforPuddlemereandViktorKrumplaysfortheVratsaVultures,"Hermionesaid.
"Viktorisprobablyabetterresource,sinceOlliemightfeeltheneedtoswayMarcustowardPuddlemere.
Viktorwillbeimpartial."
"Isn'tViktoryourexboyfriend?"Dracoaskedsuspiciously.
"Yes,"Hermionerepliedcalmly."Exboyfriend,butcurrentfriend.IwritetohimeveryotherSundayand
hedoesthesame.ItishardforViktortomakefriendssincehehastotravelsomuch.Plus,alotofthe
peoplehedoesmeetarefansorgroupies.Wehaven'tdatedinages."
"Still,"Dracohuffed,crossinghisarmsoverhischest.
"IamtheonewhoranintotheGreengrasssistersatthespaandhadtolistentohowmuchAstorialoves
you,"Hermionehuffedback.
"Youknowthosewitchesdidnotmeananythingtome,"Dracoasserted,alittleangry."Itoldyouall
aboutthat.YouactuallyhadarelationshipwithKrum."
"Iwasfifteen!"Hermionewasincredulous."Relationshipsarenotseriouswhenyouarefifteen.We
didn'tevenhavesex!"
"Maybenotactualsex,butyoudidasmuchwithhimasyou'vedonewithme,"Dracoshotback.
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"Isthatyourproblem?YouwanttogetfurtherthanViktorevergot?"Hermioneshouted.Shedidnot
understandwhyDracowouldbeupsetoverherfriendshipwithViktor.Theyhaddatedsolongago.If
anyoneshouldbeupset,Hermionefigureditshouldbeher.ShecouldnotgoanywhereinWizarding
BritainwithoutrunningintosomewitchwhohadseenDraconaked."Wellletsjustshaghereonthe
dinnertableandgetitoverwithsinceitissoimportanttoyou!"
"Ineversaidthat,"Dracoshoutedback."Don'tputwordsinmymouth!"
Hermioneopenedhermouthtoyellback,butfoundnosoundcameout.ShelookedoveratDracoandhe
seemedtohavethesameproblem.HermioneimmediatelyturnedtoLucius,whomustbetheculprit.
"Ithoughtittimetostepin,"Luciussaid,hisbrowfurrowed."Withoutevenmentioninghowuncouthit
istoshoutatthetable,Iwantedtostepin.Iamsureyoucanbotheasilyreversethesilencingcharm,but
beforeyoudo,Isuggestyoubothstopandtakeadeepbreathbeforeoneofyousaysordoessomething
youwillregret."
HermionetookLucius'advice,closedhereyesandbreathedinandoutafewtimes.Shefelthermagic
stabilizeandherangerreducetoasimmer.Shewascertainlystillpeeved,butremindedherselfthatthis
wasnewforbothofthem.Althoughshefeltoddlycomfortablewiththem,theyhadnotbeeninthis
relationshiptogetherforevenaweek.Shehadonlyhadoneboyfriendbeforeand,fromwhatDracohad
said,hehadnoteverhadarealgirlfriend.ShelookedatDraco,whoappeareddejected.
"Now,"Luciuscontinued."Whatisthisreallyabout?Whowantstostart?"
"Iamjealous,"Dracobegan,lookingdownatthetable."IamjealousofyourhistorywithKrum.Iknow
youarefriendsnow,buthehasahistorywithyouthatwillnevergoaway.Andwe'vehadsuchlittletime
togethersofar.Iknowwewillhavetherestofourlives,butatthemomentthatdoesn'tseemtobe
startingfastenough."
"Areyoujealousofme,too?"Luciusaskedconcerned."SinceIspentthenightwithHermionelast
night?"
"No,wellyesandno,"Dracoamended."Ireallyamnotjealousofyou,Father.IthinkIamjealousofthe
timetogether,asifIwantedtobetheretoo.SomaybeIamfeelingalittleleftout."
"Iunderstand,"Luciusnodded."IfeltatwingeofthatmyselfwhenyoutwowentoutMondaynight.I
stillthinkitishealthytospendtimetogetherasindividuals,butnowwheneverythingissonew,time
feelsprecious."
"Right,"Draconodded.HelookedupatHermione."I'msorryIactedlikethat."
"IthinkIwasjealoustoo,"Hermionerepliedsoftly."AndIdon'tlikeitbecauseitisunreasonable.You
toldmeaboutyourpastandIappreciatethat,becauseyousharedverypersonalinformation.Idon'twant
youtothinkI...Idon'tknow,thatIdon'tbelieveyousomehow.IknowAstoriaGreengrassdoesnotmean
anythingtoyou,Idobelieveyoubutthatdoesn'tchangethepast.Whenshewastalkingabouthowyou
aremeantforherandhowmuchshelovesyou,thatshehadyouallIcouldthinkaboutwasyouwith
her.Shetouchedyou,kissedyouandyoudidthesametoher.ItmakesmequeasytothinkofitandI
knowIhavenorighttofeelthatway!Youareentitledtoyourpast.Iamnovirgin.Ishouldnotbegrudge
youwhateverfunyouhavehadinthepast,wellbeforewehadanysortofarrangement.Intellectually,I
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knowallthat."
"Maybeyouwantus,tobewithusmorethanyouhadexpectedatthispoint,"Luciussuggested,rubbing
circlesinHermione'sback."Imean,Iknowyouareattractedtous,butmaybeinthepastseveraldays
youhaveformedanemotionalattachmenttous.Maybethereissomekindofcaringthere.Youcarefor
Dracoanditbothersyoutothinkofhimwithanyoneelse.Irealizedthatmypossessivenessofyoulast
nightwasnotjustinsecurityoverlosingyou,butalsobecauseIcareforyou."
"Icareforyou,too,"Dracosaid,almostwhispering."YouhavesomanypeoplethatcareforyouHarry,
Ron,Krum,thosenotfunnyWeasleytwins.Ifyouwantedtogetoutofthis,togetawayfromus,any
oneofthosewizardswouldbehappytohelpyouandmostofthemcareforyouinanonplatonicway."
"I'mnotgoinganywhere,"HermionereachedovertopressherhandagainstDraco'scheek.
"PleasebelievethatifIcouldgobackintimeIwouldnothavesexwithallthosewitches,"Dracosaid,
"sinceithurtsyouthatIdid.Idon'twanttohurtyou.Idon'twantyoutoseeoneofthemandhavea
mentalimageofmewithher.IknowIwouldnotbeabletotoleratethatifthesituationwerereversed."
"Yourexperiencesinyourlifehavemadeyouthewizardyouaretoday,Draco,"Hermioneleanedover
andpressedherforeheadtohis."Iwouldnevertakethechance.IthinkLuciusisright.Idocareforyou
both,whichIwasnotexpectingatleastnotthissoon.IfIdidn'tcare,itwouldn'tbotherme.OnceIfeel
moresecureinthisrelationship,andonceI'vebeenwithyoumyself,Ithinkitwillstopbeinganissue."
"Youcanhavemewheneveryouwantme,Kitten,"Dracosmiledtentatively."Iamallyoursandonly
yours.DoyouthinkofFather'spastinthesamelight?"
"Hmm,"Hermioneconsidered.SheleanedmoreintoDraco,butturnedherselftolookatLucius.She
reachedoutandtookhishand."Idon'tseemto.Butthenagain,hehasn'ttoldmeabouthisrecentlovers
andIdon'thaveanythingtopictureyet.IknowthebulkofhispastwaswithNarcissa,whoisgone.At
first,IwasconcernedthatIwouldbelivingintheshadowofadeadwoman,butitwasquicklyclearthat
itwasnotthecasethatLuciuswasapiningwidower."
"TherehasnotbeenanyonesinceNarcissa,"Luciusshared.Hermionelookedsurprised."Thatshouldn't
betooshocking.ShewaskilledinJanuaryandwewereatwaruntilMay.Thentherewasthestalemate
andthenthetreatynegotiations.It'snotlikeI'vehadalotoftimetodate."
"I'msuretherehavebeenoffers,"Hermionesaid."I'veseenthewaywitcheslookatyou,atyouboth."
"True,"Luciusnodded."IfIhadbeeninthemarketforsomemeaninglesssex,Icouldhavehadmyfill.
LikeDraco,Ihadawildperiodinmyyouth,beforeIgotmarried.Casualsexisallwellandgood,butI
hadotherthingsonmymindlikekeepingDracosafe,endingthatabsurdwar,gettingawayfrom
Voldemort.Lastnightwasthefirsttimesomeoneelsehadbeeninmypantsinaverylongtime."
"Whatexactlydidyoutwogetuptoanyways?"Dracoaskedateasingsmileinhisvoice.Hebegan
drawinglinesonHermione'sthighwithhisnimblefingers."Fathercamehomeatanungodlyhourwitha
pairofadorableknickersinhispocketandbitemarks."
"Ourwitchlookedamazinginhergown,"Luciusreplied."ShewassoamazingIhadtowarnoffan
impertinentwaiterthatcouldn'tkeephiseyestohimself.Regardless,wehadalovelydinner,sawa
beautifulconcert,andthenIburiedmyfacebetweenthosedelectablethighs.Shetasteslikesweettangy
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honey."
Hermionewassureshewasblushing.Luciusbroughtherhandtohislipsandwaskissingandnippingthe
sensitivepadsofherfingers.Draco'shandthathadbeenlazilymovingupanddownherthighwasnow
firmlyunderherskirt,exploring.
"Whatelsedidyoudo?"Dracoaskedhuskily,hisfingersnowcirclinghercoreontopofherwet
knickers.Hermionejustmoanedandarchedherback.
"AfterIhadtakenmyfillofallthatsweetnessshereleased,"Luciuscontinued,"ourlittlewitchturned
thetables."
"Didshenow?"Dracorasped."Tellme."
"Shetookmeinhermouth,"Luciussaid,leaningtowardHermionetorunhishandsoverhertorso
belly,ribcage,breasts,andcollarbone."Frankly,itwasthebestI'deverhad.Thatdeliciouslittlemouthis
multitalented."
"Fuck,Kitten,"Dracobreathedintoherearfrombehindher."Letsgoinside."
"Allofus?"shebreathed.Hermionecouldnotchoosebetweenthematthatmoment.Separately,they
devastatedherselfcontrol,togethertheywerereducingittodust.
"Ifyouarereadyforthat,"Luciussuppliedsmoothly."Whateveryouarecomfortablewith,Pet."
"Let'sgo,"Hermionestatedasfirmlyasshecould.Luciusstoodupfirst,helpingHermionetoher
unsteadyfeet.Dracowasrightatherback,brushingasideherhairtoplantkissesonthebackofherneck.
HermionefeltthepullofApparitionandfoundherselfinhernewbedroom,Luciusstillatherfrontand
Dracobehindher.Twosetsofhandwereonher,rubbingandcaressing.Luciusslidhershirtupand
pulleditoverherhead,exposingtheblacklacebrawithredsatintrim.
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"Beautiful,"Luciussighed,reachingtopalmherbreaststhroughherdelicatelacybra.
HermionefeltDracopettingandsqueezingherarse.Heloweredthezipperofherskirtanditfelltothe
floor.Shewaswearingmatchingbottoms,alsoinblacklacewithredsatin.
"Sobeautiful,"Dracoagreed,puttinghishandsinherhipsandpullingherrearslightlybacksoitnestled
intohiscrotch.
"Sheismagnificent,"Luciussaid,steppingbackwardsafewinchestolookatHermioneandDraco.
Dracowaspressinghishardnessintoherbackandhadstartedtotrailkissesacrosshershoulders.Infront
ofher,HermionewatchedLuciusslowlydisrobedowntojusthistrousers.Betweenthevisualinfrontof
herandDraco'ssolidwarmthpressedupbehindher,Hermionewasunbearablyaroused.Shewaspanting
andrubbingherthighstogether,tryingtogetsomerelief.
HermionereachedoutandpulledLuciusbacktoher,kissinghimdesperately.Dracosnakedahanddown
overherabdomenandintoherknickers.HermionegaspedintoLucius'mouthasDraco'sfingersexplored
her.Luciustookadvantageofhergasptosliphistongueinsidehermouth.Dracoinsertedonelong
fingerintoHermione'sslickopeningandgroaned.HermionemoanedandleanedbackintoDraco,
openingherlegsslightlytogivehimbetteraccess.
"Sowetforus,aren'tyou,Kitten?"DracomurmuredinherearasLuciusattackedtheothersideofher
neck.Eachofthemhadahandononeofherbreasts.Onewaspinchingandtheothercaressing.
Hermionewasstartingtofeeloverwhelmedbythesensations.Dracoaddedanotherfingerandwas
movinginandoutofherdrenchedchannel.AsshewrithedandrubbedagainsttheMalfoys,Hermione
knewshewascloseandthatitwouldnottakemuchtopushherovertheedge.
"Makehercome,Draco,"Luciuscommanded."Iwanttowatchhercome."
Dracointensifiedhisefforts,rhythmicallythrustinghisfingersintoherandthenflickinghisthumbover
hercliteveryotherthrust.
"Sucharesponsivewitch,"Luciuspurred,pinchinghernipplesthroughthesoftlaceofherbra."So
beautiful.Lookather.Herchestisheaving.Keepgoing,Dracodonotlethercatchherbreath.Iwant
hergaspingjustlikethat.Lookatme,Pet."
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HermionestruggledtomeetLucius'gaze,becauseshekeptthrowingherheadbackandclosinghereyes.
"Goodgirl,"Luciuspurredcuppingherfaceandgivinghernippleaparticularlydelightfulpinch."Ilove
seeingyoureyeslikethis,darkwithlustferal.DoyoulikewhatDracoisdoingtoyou,Pet?"
"Yes,"Hermionegroaned.ShearchedbackintoDraco,neverbreakingeyecontactwithLucius."So
good."
"Iwantyoutocomeforus,Pet,"Luciusinstructedabitsternly,inthatdominatingtonethatdrove
Hermionewild.Shefoundherselfnodding."YouaregoingtocomealloverDraco'shand.Iwantitto
dripdownhisfingers.Then,afteryourecover,youaregoingtoshowDracohowtalentedyouarewith
thatsweetmouthofyours."
"Merlin,yes,"DracohissedinapprovalofLucius'statement.Hermionewasonlyabletogrunther
approval,asshewasoverwhelmedbyLucius'demandingtoneanddirtytalkcombinedwithDraco's
relentlessfingers.
"Come,Pet,"Luciusurged,nippingherneckandpluckinghernipplesrhythmically."Comenow."
Tohersurprise,HermionedidexactlyasLuciusinstructed.
"Ohgod!"HermioneshriekedasshefellovertheedgeorwaspushedbytwoMalfoys.Herbodytensed
andshudderedforamomentwithherrelease.HerfingersdugintoLuciusforearms,asthetwowizards
supportedherthroughherorgasm.
Hermione'sbodywentlimpandshestruggledtocatchherbreath.SherealizedtheDracohadnot
removedhishand,butwasgentlystrokingandpettingher.Simultaneously,Luciuswasrunninghis
fingersthroughherhairandcooinghisencouragement.
"That'smygoodgirl,"Luciuspurred."Ourbeautiful,wonderfulwitchourwife."
"Youtwoaredangerous,"Hermionemanaged,grinning.Shefeltsosated.
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"Probably,"Dracosmiled,removinghisfingers."Butonlydangerousinagoodwaywhenitcomesto
you."
LuciuschuckledasDracobroughthishanduptohismouthandbeganlickinghisfingersclean.
Delicious,Dracosighed.
Hermionerealizedshewouldalwaysbeoutnumberedinthisrelationship,butalsofiguredthatwouldnot
alwaysbeabadthing.Shewasastrongwitchandknewshecouldtakecontrolwhenshewantedto.To
thatend,HermioneturnedfullytoDracoandpulledhistshirtupoverhishead.Whenhewasbare
chested,shegavehimastrongshovesohefellbackonthebed.
Hermione'ssmirkwasdownrightdevilishasshestrodetowardDraco,hipsswaying.Dracobackedupon
thebedandLuciuslookedon,bothsetsofeyesrivetedtoher.Hermionefeltenormouslyempowered.
Sheclimbedupintothefootofthebed,onherkneesbetweenDraco'scalves.Hermionebentforwardso
herhandswereoneithersideofDracoships.Shearchedherback,pushingherrearupwardswaggling
itabitinvitinglytowardLucius.ShepeeredbacktoLucius,archingherbrowasiftosay,well,what
areyouwaitingfor?Luciusshookhisheadtoclearhishead,grinned,andadvancedtowardthebed.
HermioneturnedbacktowardtheyoungerMalfoy.Sheleaneddowntohistaughtabdomenandbegan
runninghertonguealongtheridgesofhisstomachmuscles.Hermionemagicallytiedherhairupintoa
messybunsoitwouldnotgetinherway.
Please,Kitten,Dracogroaned.Ineedyou.
Hermionesmiledandslowlybeganunbuttoninghistrouserswithherteeth.Shefeltanothersetofhands
rundownherback,fromherneckdowntothesmallofherback.ThenshefeltLuciusteethnipather
rear.JustasHermionefreedDracosthrobbingerectionfromhispants,shefeltLuciuspoptheclaspon
herbra.Gravitymadetheflimsygarmentfalldownwards.Shesatupslightlyandtosseditaway.
HermionetookamomenttolookdownatDraco.Hewassobeautiful,faceandchestflushedeyes
glazedwithlust.Hewasbreathingheavilyaswell.ShefeltLuciusreacharoundandcupbothher
breastsinhishands.
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Heneedsyou,Pet,Luciusmurmuredinherearfrombehindher.Hermionetookamomenttolean
backagainstLucius,turnherheadandkisshimbeforesheturnedherattentionsbacktoDraco.
BothMalfoyswereverywellendowed,giftedonecouldsay.Dracostoodproudlybeforeher,hard,long,
andthick.Hermionewatchedhisfaceasshesweptthetipofhertongueoverhissmallglisteningslit,
thentooktheheadofhiscockintohermouth.Assheengulfedhim,Dracoseyesrolledback.
AsHermioneexploredDracosconsiderableshaftwithhertongue,lips,andteeth,Luciuswasusinghis
toexploreeveryinchofherbody.DracowaspantingandstaringatHermionewhilesheworked.When
shegentlysuckedoneofhisballsintohermouth,Dracogroaned.Hermionedecideditwastimetoadd
herhandstothesituationandgraspedthebaseofhim.
LuciusliberatedHermionefromherknickers,slidingtheblacklacedownherthighsandthenoffher
legs.Henudgedherkneesapart,exposinghercentertohim.Shestartedslightlywhenshefelthis
tongueslideoverherslit.HermionehadDracoinasfarasshecouldtakehimwhenshemoanedin
pleasure.ThevibrationhadDracogrippingthesheets,hisknucklesturningwhite.Hermionetriedto
focusonDraco,ongivinghimpleasure,butitwashardwithLuciusthrustinghistongueinsideher.
HermionefoundarhythmDracoseemedtolike,asevidencedbyhisgroansandpanting.Hewasso
hard,buttheskinwassosoft.Veinsstuckoutinreliefalloverhisshaft,makingridgesthatHermione
likedtotongueoneveryupstroke.Hersalivawasdrippingdownhisshaft,givingheranidea.Draco
seemedsocloseandsowasshe,thankstoLuciusexploringmouth.Shethoroughlywetoneofher
fingersasshebobbedhermouthupanddownDracosbeautifulcock.Hermioneghostedherfingerover
theskinbehindhissacandwentstraightforhisbackentrance.
Ohfuck!Dracoexclaimed,hiseyeswidening,asHermionesfingerwentinabouthalfway.Hetensed
some,buthisbreathingalsoraced.Hermionecontinuedtosuckandlickwhilesheworkedherfinger
insidehim.Shefoundthespotshewantedandrubbed.
Hermione!Dracowailedashecame.Hermionetriedtokeepherlipswrappedaroundthehead,taking
everythinghehadtoofferwhileheshoutednonsensicalwords.WhenDracocame,Luciusfinallywent
straightforherclitwithfrenzy.Hermionemanagedtoswallowbeforeherownorgasmtookoverand
sheshouted,releasingDracofromhermouth.HerbodyshookastheblisssweptoverherandLucius
gentlylickedherthroughitall.
Finally,HermionecollapsedslightlytoDracosleftherheadrestingonhisstomach.Luciusfelltoher
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otherside,grinninghappilyandlickinghislips.
Thatgods,thatwasDracostumbled,catchinghisbreath.
ThatisveryclosetowhatIsaidlastnightwhenshewasthroughwithme,Luciuschuckled.
Thatwasincredible,Dracomanaged.
Hermionejustgrinned,sandwichedbetweenthetwoMalfoys.Sherecalledsomethingandliftedher
headtolookdownatLuciustrousers.Shewasperplexedwhenshedidnotfindatentthereandlooked
athimwithconfusion.
Icouldntwait,Luciusstatedashewavedhisrighthand.Itwasalltoomuch.Ireallydolovethe
wayyoutaste.Thegushwhenyoucamepushedmeover,soIgavemyselfahelpinghand.
Hermionegiggled.Shetriedtorecallifshehadeverhadtwoorgasmsinonenightbefore.Regardless,
shefeltbonelessandshuthereyesrelishinginthatsatedfeeling.Shestartedtodozeoffwhenshe
heardtalking,butshedidnotmove.
Sheputherfingerinmyarse,Dracowhisperedoverherhead,soundingabitinawestill.Didshedo
thattoyou?
No,Luciussaidbacksoftly.Shegotclosethough.Ihopethatshewillinthefuture.Maybeshellbe
amenabletousingtoysthere,too.
Wereallydidwell,didntwe,Father?Dracoaskedabitrhetorically,stillwhispering.
Yeswedid,Draco,Luciusanswered,asmileinhistone.Sheisperfectforus.
Ihopewemakeherhappy,Dracoshared.Iwonderifshewilleverloveus.
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Wellsee,son,Luciusreplied,smoothingsomestrayhairoffHermionesforehead.Wellsee.
EndNotes:
Next...theMalfoysgetintoatinybitoftroublewithHermioneandgoontheir
firstMuggleshoppingtrip!
Backtoindex
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Author'sNotes:
Disclaimer:IfIwereJKRIwouldhavemyownprivateislandwhereMalfoy
lookalikeswouldslathermeinsuntanlotion.Thatisn'thappening,soImustnot
beher.)Therefore,Iamnotmakinganymoneyhere.
Thankstobunnyhopsandheramazingbetaskills!
Now...MalfoysgotoMuggleLondon!
Chapter21
Hermionewokefeelingconfused.Thelightwascomingintoherroomallwrongandherbedfeltsmaller,
confiningsomehow.IttookheramomenttorealizeshewasnotinherroomatGrimmauldPlace,buther
newroomatMalfoyManor.Herbedseemedsmallbecauseithadtwootherpeopleinit.Dracosleptto
herright,sprawledouthishandsplayedacrossherabdomenwhileLuciusslepttoherleft,more
restrainedandwithoneofhislegsthrownoverhers.Hermionesatupandwonderedhowtoextricate
herselffromthebed.
Goingsomewhere,Pet?Luciusaskedhiseyesstillclosed.
Ineedtheloo!Hermionewhisperedabiturgently.Luciuschuckledandreleasedherleg.
Hermionedasheddowntoherbathroomandtookcareofherneeds.Shecaughtaglimpseofher
reelectioninthemirrorandshookherhead,chucklingsoftly.Shewasstilltotallynaked.Themagical
bunshehadputherhairupintohadfallenconsiderablyandafewfreshlovebitesdecoratedherskin.
Shetookherhairdownandtriedtosmoothitoutabitbeforeheadingbacktothebedroom.
Hermionestoodatthefootofthebed,surveyingitscontents.Bothwizardshadthesheetpulledupto
theirwaists.Dracolookedlikehehadnocareintheworld,asleepandsprawledoutonhisstomach
limbseverywhere.Luciuswasmorerestrained,butlookedverypeacefullyingonhisside.Hefaced
Hermione'semptyspotandhadasmallsmileonhislips.Shewonderedwhattodo.Hermionedidnot
knowifsheshouldcrawlbackintobedbetweentheMalfoysorgohome.Itwasjustaftersixinthe
morning.HermionestoodonthehornsofherdilemmaforamomentwhenLucius'voicerousedher.
"Comebacktobed,Pet,"Luciusinstructed,reachingouthishand."Itisstillearly."
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"I'msupposedtomeetwithTerenceHiggsatten,"Hermionewaffled,shiftingfromfoottofoot.
"Someetwithhimhere,"Luciussaidcalmly."HiggscanFloototheManor.Thenyou,DracoandIcan
leaveforLondonafteryourmeeting.Thatmeansyoucancomebacktobed."
HermionecrawledbackbetweentheMalfoysandsighed.Thebedwascertainlyinviting,aswereits
inhabitants.Luciuspulledhertowardhim,spooningherfrombehind.
"Pike,"Luciuscalled.Hermioneheardasoftpopoftheelfenteringtheroom,butdidnotliftherhead.
"SendanowltoTerenceHiggstellinghimthathis10ammeetingwithMissGrangerwillbeheldhereat
theManor."
"Yes,MasterLordMalfoy,"Hermioneheardtheelfreplybeforehepoppedaway.
"Early,"mumbledDracoasheshiftedabit,barelyopeninghiseyes.Hereachedoutandlacedhisfingers
throughHermione's."Sleepmore,Kitten."
Hermionesmiledandletsleepovertakeheragain.WhenHermionewokelater,itwastoawhispered
conversationgoingonbetweenherfiancs.
"IwonderwhatMuggleshoppingwillbelike,"Dracowassaying.
"Timewilltellsoonenough,"Luciussighed.
"Itcan'tbethatbad,"Dracotoldhisfather."Afterall,PotterdoesitevenWeaselhasbeenoutwithher
inMuggleLondon.Iftheycandoit,certainlywecan."
"Ofcourse,"Luciusacknowledged."Thatsmalltelephoneseemshandy.Maybethereareother
interestingthingsouttherewecouldadapttoourownneeds."
"That'sthespirit!"Hermioneinterjected,openinghereyes.Shelookedbackandforthbetweenthetwo
Malfoysoneithersideofher,smiling.DracowasproppeduponhiselbowandLuciuswaslyingonhis
back,hisarmsstretchedupwardwithhishandsbehindhishead."Goodmorning.Whattimeisit?"
"Goodmorningtoyou,too,"Dracogrinned."Itsaboutaquarterpastnine."
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"Oh!"Hermioneexclaimed,sittingupandkeepingthesheetpulledupoverherchest."Imeanttogetup
beforenow.IneedashowerandIneedtofindsomethingtowear."
"Theelveslaunderedyourclothesfromyesterdayandputtheminyourwardrobe,"Luciussaid."Iwould
suggeststartingtomoveoveryourthings,atleastsomeclothes,fortimeslikethis."
"Iguessthereisnosenseinputtingitalloffuntiltheweddingday,"Hermionenodded."Icanstart
movingthingsover,ratherthandoingitallatonce."
HermionepausedastheMalfoyswatchedher,expectantly.Shewasstillstarknakedunderthesheetand
washesitanttojustgetupandparadearoundthatwayinfrontofthem.Hermioneknewthatwassilly.
Theyhadcertainlyseenher,inallherglory,lastnight.Luciushadanotherpeakearlierthatmorning
whensherushedtotheloo.Itjustseemeddifferentnowinthebroadlightofday.
"Needhelpwithyourshower?"Dracoaskedwithexaggeratedinnocence."Icanwashyourbackand
Fathercanwashyourfront."
"Nothankyou,"Hermionerespondedprimly,holdingthesheettoherself."Forsomereason,Iexpect
thatyourassistancewillbeneitherpracticalnorefficient."
"Wellgoonwithyouthen,"Dracosmirked,waitingforhertohavetoclimboutofbed.Hermione
furrowedherbrow.Now,shedidnotcaresomuchaboutthemseeinghernaked,asshedidnotwant
Dracotowin.
"Wetookthelibertyofstockingafewessentialsinyourbathroomsoap,shampoo,brushesand
whatnot,"Luciusreported.Hermioneperkedup.
"Acciorobe!"shecalled.Sureenough,anivorycoloredsoft,silkrobeflewintotheroom.Hermione
pulleditontriumphantlyandbouncedoffthebedwhileLuciuschuckledandDracogrumbled.Of
course,theMalfoyswouldconsideraproperrobeabathroomessential.
Hermione'sbathroomwasjustaswonderfulassheremembereditalllightandopenness.Shetook
longerintheshowerthanshehadanticipated,becauseshestoppedtoplaywiththesettings.Inaddition
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tobeingaregularshower,shecouldregulatethespray,soitputoutalightmist,mimickedrainfall,or
becameawaterfall.Itcouldalsofillwithsteamtoactasaminisauna.Therewasabenchintheshower
aswell,soshesatinherlittlesaunaforseveralminutesrelaxing.Itwasalsofullystockedwithsoap,
shampoo,andconditioner.Hermionehadneverseenthatbrandbeforeandmostofthelabelswerein
French.Whateveritwas,itsmelledwonderful.Itwasearthywithalightlyfloralscent,kindoflike
BergamotandLilyoftheValley.
Hermionefinallypartedwithhershowerandwrappedherselfupinfluffytowels.Sherefreshedher
Tondeocharm,butdecidedtoletherlightningboltgrowoutsomewhilesheconsideredwhatshapeto
takenext.Afterafewdryingcharms,Hermionewentinsearchofherclothes.Shefoundeverything
neatlystowedaway,althoughheritemslookedsillybeingtheonlythingsinthevastwardrobe.
"Goodmorning,MissyLady,"Tinkysaid,poppingintotheroomasHermionewasslippingonhershoes.
"Mr.Higgsisbeingherenow.Tinkyisputtinghiminthemorningroom.WouldMissyLadybeliking
somebreakfastwhileshemeetswiththeMr.Higgs?"
"Please,Tinky,"Hermionesmiled."Thatwouldbelovely.Idon'ttendtoeatalotforbreakfast,butIdo
likeapotofteawithcream.Ialsolikefruitandotherlightthings."
Tinkynoddedandpoppedaway.Hermioneleftthewardrobeandsawherbedroomempty.Thedoors
leadingtoDracoandLucius'bedroomswerebothslightlyajarandshefiguredtheywenttogetreadyfor
thedayaswell.
HermionemadeherwaydownstairsandmanagedtofindtheMorningRoom.Higgswaswaitingwitha
pileofparchments,sippingacupittea.ThelightbreakfastHermionerequestedwasputoutonaside
table.
"Whatsnew,Higgs?"Hermioneaskedasshehelpedherselftotea,fruit,andlittlebitesizedquiches.
"IhavetheguestlistherebrokendownintoYes,No,andNotYetResponded,"Terenceinformedher,
gesturingtothreepilesofparchment.
Hermionewandlesslylevitatedthelistsinfrontofher,soshecouldreaditassheate.Shesawallthe
Weasleys(minusCharlie),Harry,Luna,Neville,Severus,Kingsley,Hagrid,ProfessorMcGonagall,
Viktor,andherparentsontheYeslist.Almosteveryonesheinvitedwasthere.Sherecognizedalotof
theMalfoysguestsaswell,butsomewereamystery.
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"HerearethePortkeysIhadmadeforyourparents,"Terencewenton.Hepulledouttwoverypretty,but
nondescript,ceramicvasesoneyellowandoneblue."Sincetheydon'thavemagictoactivatethem,
theywillonlyactivateforfiveminutesatthedateandtimeyouset.Theblueonewilltakewhomever
touchesitinthattimetotheMalfoyManorfrontdoor,whiletheyellowonewilltakethemtoyour
bedroomatyourparentshouse.Ifyouwish,IcanworkonregisteringthemaspermanentPortkeys.Most
peopleonlyusePortkeyseveryonceinawhile,soitcheapertocreatethemasneeded,butifyour
parentsplanongoingbackandforthatleastonceamonth,itwillbecheapertopaytheyearly
registrationfee."
"Thatisagoodidea,"Hermionenodded."I'llletyouknow."
Theyconfirmedthedecorations,food,drink,andmusicfortheevening.
"IforgottoaskaboutthegiftsonWednesdaywhenwemet,"Terencebegan."Ijustassumedyouwould
wanttodoitbeforeseatingfordinner,butIrealizedMugglesmighthavetheirowntraditionsaboutthis
kindofthing."
Well,Mugglesusuallybringgiftstoweddings,notengagementparties,Hermionereported.Do
guestsbringpresentstowizardingengagementparties?
Oh,wellno,Terencereported,browfurrowed,ButthatisnotwhatIwastalkingabout.Imeantthe
presentationoftheweddingpresentsbetweenthebrideandgroomorinthiscasegrooms.
Ihavetogivethempresents?Hermioneasked,startingtopanic.Twopresentsfortomorrownight?!?
Pleasetellmethesegiftsarejustlittletokens,likeareallynicesetofquills?
Notreally,Terencesaid,wincingabitathavingtobreakbadnews.Itismorebigticketitems.
Wellcrap,Hermionefloppedbackinherchair,hermindracing.Luciuslovedherbology.Maybeshe
couldfindarareplantforhim.Dracolovedhishorsesandflyingmaybetherewasapresentideathere.
Imgoingtoneedsomehelphere.Tinky!
Thelittleelfpoppedintothemorningroom.
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Yes,MissyLady?TinkylookedupatHermionewithalittleadoration.HowcanTinkybehelping?
IneedtosendanurgentmessagetoSeverusSnape,Hermionetoldtheelf.Tinkysummoned
parchmentandaquill.HermionejotteddownafranticnotetoSeverus,begginghimtohelpher.She
notedherideasaboutsomeexoticplantforLuciusandwantingtogetsomethingforDracohavingtodo
withhisloveofflyinghorsesmaybeanewbroomoranotherkindofanimal.Aftersheincluded
excessiveunderliningandexclamationpoints,Hermionefeltshehadfullyconveyedherdesperation.
Tinkytookthemissiveeagerlyandpoppedaway.
AnythingelsethatImtotallyunpreparedfor?HermioneaskedTerence.
NotthatIknowof,Terenceoffered.SoIwillplanforthepresentationofgiftstooccur?
WheneveritisusuallydoneIguess,Hermionesighed,agitated.Shedidnotlikesurprisesanddidnot
liketolookdeficientitwastoomuchlikefailingaclass.Hopefully,Iwillabletopullsomethingout
ofmyarse.
Beforedinnerthen,gotit,Terencechuckled.Ifitmakesyoufeelbetter,everythingelseisgoing
accordingtoplan.
Thanksforallyourwork,Hermionesaid.
TheywrappedupandHermionewalkedTerencetotheFloo.Shewalkedbackouttothehall,thinking
aboutpresents.
Alldone?Luciusasked,pullingherinforakiss.
Withthepartyplanning,yes,HermioneansweredbeforeshestartedswattingLucius.
WhatdidFatherdonow?Dracoasked,comingupbehindthem.Hermioneturnedandbeganswatting
Draco.Hey!WhatdidIdo?
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IamfreakingoutandIhavenoproblemtakingitoutonthebothofyou,HermionetoldtheMalfoys.
IjustfoundoutfromTerenceHiggsthatthereisaformalgiftgivingpresentationtomorrownight!I
apparentlywillbegivingyoubothwonderful,spectacularpresentsthatIdonothave!
Hermionepunctuatedherwordswithmoreswatstothetallwizards.
Wedontcareaboutgifts,Pet,Luciussaid,shieldinghimself.Wearegettingyouthatisthebest
giftwecouldeverget.
Didyougetmeaweddingpresent?Hermioneaskedasshesteppedback,eyesnarrowed.IfHarry
werethere,hecouldhavewarnedthemthathertoneindicatedtheyshouldtreadlightly.
Ofcoursewedid,Dracosaid.Itwouldntberightifwedidntgetyouweddingpresents.
Oh,butitisfinethatIstandthereinfrontofallourguestsandreceiveapresentfromeachofyou
presentsthatdemonstrateyourcommitmenttothisunionandrepresentmyvalueasyourspousewith
nothingtogive,nothingtocontribute?Hermioneaskedcoldly,eyesstillnarrowed.SoitisokaythatI
amperceivedaslacking,callous,indifferent,uncouth,oratbestignorant?
Weapologize,Luciussaidseriously,withabitofabow.Wedidnotthink.Youareabsolutelyright.
Youareourequalinthismarriageandperformingthesamefunctionsthatwedowillberepresentativeof
that.
Whatcanwedotomakeituptoyou?Dracoasked.
IhaveowledSeverusandaskedforhelp,Hermionecrossedherarmsoverherchest.Ihadafew
ideas,butnothingspecificonsuchshortnotice.YoubothbetterhopeSeverushassomefreetimeandis
inclinedtobeofassistance.
Pleasefeelfreetousewhatevermeanswehaveatourdisposal,Luciusencouraged.Doesthismean
thatwecantgoshoppingtoday?
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No,wearestillgoing,Hermioneresponded,extinguishingthathopefullookinLuciuseye.She
lookedthemovercritically.Dracoworejeansandapoloshirtwithhistrainers.Hewouldblendinfine.
Luciusworelightweightgraytrouserswitharoyalbluebuttondownshirt.Hisdragonhideloaferscould
passassomeexoticshoemadeinanothercountry.Hepickeduparobe,butHermioneshookherhead.
Ifyouwanttobringtherobe,goahead.ButyoucantwearitinMuggleLondon,Hermione
cautioned.Herestheplan:weApparateovertoGrimmauldPlace,soIcanchangeintonewclothes.
Fromthere,wecanFloodirectlytotheLeakyCauldronandusetheentranceintoMuggleLondon.I
wontmakeyouridethetubetheundergroundtrainonthisvisit,sowewillcatchataxitoHarrods.
WewillhavelunchatHarrods,andthenmeetAnnaatoneoclock.Iamsureyouheardmetellher
yesterdaythatIambringingmyfiancandmyfiancsfather.Ihopeitdoesnotbotheryoutoomuch
Luciustokeepupthisfarce,butpluralmarriagesarenotlegalinMuggleBritainandpluralrelationships
aretaboo.
Iunderstand,Luciusnodded.
Tinky,Hermionecalled.Theeagerelfpoppedintothehall.Iwouldlikeyoutoaccompanyusto
GrimmauldPlaceifyouarefree.YoucanmeetKreacher.Iwanttostartbringingoversomeofmy
belongingstotheManor.WouldyoubeabletopopasfarasLondonandreturntotheManorwithsome
bagsorboxesiftheyareshrunken?
Ohyes,MissyLady,Tinkyassuredher.HermioneknewDobbyhadgonelongdistancesandhad
carrieditemswithhim,butshedidnotknowwhatwasnormalforelfmagic.Tinkyishappytohelp.
Everyonereadythen?Hermioneasked.
***
LuciustookHermionesidealong,asshewasstillnotallowedtoApparatewithintheManorwalls.
DracotookTinky,sinceshehadneverbeentherebefore.ThingswerebustlingbackatGrimmauld
Place.Remus,Fred,andGeorgewereallovervisitingRonandHarry.HermionelefttheMalfoyswith
theotherwizardsandinvitedTinkyupstairstoherroom.Oncethere,shecalledKreacher.Theoldelfs
responsewasasinstantaneousasusual.
Kreacher,thisisTinky,Hermioneintroducedthetwo.TinkydidasmallsortofbowwhileKreacher
justlookedonattheyoungerelf.Hermionewonderedaboutpossiblehierarchiesduetoageand
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remindedherselftocheckwithMadamePinceaboutanystudieswrittenonhouseelfcustoms.Lucius
hasassignedTinkytobemypersonalelfonceIamLadyMalfoyandshehasbeenassistingmewhenI
amoverattheManor.Iwantyoutotellheranythingaboutmethatyouwouldbehelpfultoher.Also,I
wanttostartmovingsomeofmythingsintomyroomsattheManor.Fortoday,justtakesomeclothes
andbooks.Soundgood?
Yes,MissfutureLadyMalfoyandbridetothelastsonoftheNobleHouseofBlack,Kreacher
nodded.Iwillinstructthisyoungone.WillingyoubewantingmetogototheillustriousMalfoy
Manorforunpackingthingsthewayyoukeepthemnow?
Goodidea,Kreacher,Hermionenodded.Thatwillmakeiteasiertofindthingslater.Also,youcan
seetheManorandtalktotheHeadElfsinceyouwillbemovingtherewithmeafterthewedding.
TheelvesnoddedandKreacherstartedshowingTinkyaroundHermionesroom,pointingoutherthings.
Hermionewenttoherclosetandpickedoutaredmaxidress.Shepulledoutthetanleathertstrap
sandalsandstrawtoteshetookwithherlasttimeshewenttoHarrods.Shepickedoutalongrope
necklacewithclearandgoldcoloredglassbeads.WhileHermionewasfindingeverythingand
transferringheressentialsintothetote,shehalflistenedtowhatKreacherwastellingTinky.
HermionewasamazedattheinformationKreacherhadpickedup.Itmadesenseforthemtobe
observant,thatwaytheycouldbetterservepeople,butKreacherknewanawfullotabouther.Hehad
notevenseemedtobepayinganyattentiontoher,exceptforthepastweek.Apparently,hehadnoticed
agreatdeal,despitewhatHermionethought.Heaccuratelydescribednotonlyhowshetookhertea,but
howmanycupsshetendedtodrink.Helistedherfavoritefoodsandhergenerallevelofconsumptionas
well.Heevennamedtimeswhenshewasapttowantspecificthingslikedrinkingcoffeewhenshehad
abusydayandhadnothadenoughsleep,havingcocoatohelpherrelax,oreatingsweetswhenstressed.
Clearly,Kreacherhadhernumber,soHermionelefttheelvestotheirbusiness.
HermionefoundtheMalfoysrightwheresheleftthem,buttheydidnotseemtoodistressed.Lucius
appearedtobetalkingtoFredandGeorgeaboutmarketingandtheirbusinessplan.Dracowasasking
RonandHarrymoreaboutwhatMuggleshoppingwouldentail.Allthewhile,Remusobserved.
HermionewentandsatbyherformerprofessorandwhilethetwosetsofMalfoyeyestrackedher,they
didnotstopher.
Youlooklovelytoday,Mione,Remussaid,takingherhandinhis.
Youlookwellyourself,Remus,Hermionesmiled.Howiseverything?
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Goodactually,Remussmiled.TeddyiswithAndromeda.Shewantslotsoftimewithhimtodayand
tomorrowsincewearemovinginonMonday.Iwantedtogivethemsomealonetime,butalsocome
overandmeasuresomethings.HarryandIareworkingonacageinthebasementforthattimeofthe
month.IalsowanttomakesureIhaveagoodunderstandingoftherenovationshewants,sinceitwillbe
hardtocontacthimwhileheistravelling.
Ifyouneedanyhelp,letmeknow,Hermioneinstructed.Ihavebeenworkingonsomenewwards
thatmightbehelpfultouseonthebasement.
Ofcourseyourhelpisalwayswelcome,Remusgrinned,pattingherhand.Howisitgoingwiththose
two?
Well,actually,Hermionesaid.Wevehadbumpshereandthere,butverywelloverall.Theyare
meetingmyparentstonight,soIamtakingthemoutshoppingforMuggleclothes.Theylookpretty
passableatthemoment,butIliketheideaofthemhavingsomeexperienceintheMuggleworldbefore
theymeetmyparents.
NeverthoughtIwouldseethatdaywhentheMalfoyswentoutshoppingforMuggleclothes,Remus
laughedaloud.
Speakingofwhich,weshouldgetgoing,Hermionestoodfromthecouch.Luciusisdragginghis
feet.Idontthinkheisparticularlyexcited,sowemayaswellgetitoverwith.
ThatmadeRemuslaughevenharder.Hermioneextractedherfiancsfromherfriends,laughingat
LuciussuggestionthattheyspendmoretimewithFredandGeorgeratherthangotoHarrods.Hereally
wasdreadingthetripifhewaswillingtospendthedaywiththeWeasleytwinstogetoutofit.
Comeon,Lucius,HermionecoaxedassheledhimandDracototheFloointhekitchen.Ifyouarea
goodboy,Illgiveyouaprize.
Whatkindofprize?heaskedasheallowedhimselftobepulled.
Youllhavetowaitandsee,shewinked.
Hey,Iwantaprizetoo,Dracoputin.
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Youarealreadygettingone,shelaughed,makingDracopuffupabitwithpride.Iappreciatethat
youaresoopentothisexperience.Itmeansalottomethatyouarebothwillingtodothisforme.
***
TheyFlooedtotheLeakyCauldronandHermionewavedtoTombehindthebar,assheledhernow
moreenthusiasticwizardsoutthefrontdoor.StandingabitdowntheblockfromtheLeaky,Hermione
hailedataxi.LuciusandDracolookedworried,butsheexplainedthatitwasalotliketheKnightBus
andaverycommonwaytogetaround.Theyclimbedinside,butremainedvigilant.Hermionetoldthe
drivertheirdestinationandthetriowasoff.
LuciusandDracobothstaredoutthewindows,tryingtotakeineverything.MuggleLondonwasvery
loud,moresothanwizardingLondonandinverydifferentways.Mugglemachinesusedtosubstitutefor
theirlackofmagictendedtobeloudmachineswhirred,enginesrevved,hornsblared.Theyevenpassed
atrafficofficerwithawhistle.
Theypointedoutthingsandshetriedherbesttoexplainaboutfirehydrants,telephonebooths,parking
meters,andotherordinaryMugglethings.Hermionecaughtthedriverlookingcuriouslyattheminthe
rearmirror.
FirsttimeinLondon,Hermioneremarked.Thisistheirfirsttimeawayfromthecountryside,ever.
Verysheltered,thesetwo.
Thedriverseemedtorelaxconsiderably,nowhavinganexplanationforthestrangebehaviorofthetwo
meninhiscar.HewentsofarastojoinHermioneinexplainingthingsandplacestheypassed,giving
themaminitourofLondonandwelcomingthemtothecity.
TheyfinallyarrivedatHarrodsandHermioneguidedtheminside.Ontheirwaytotherestaurant,shegot
mapsofthestoreforeachMalfoy,sotheycouldseethelayout.TheymadetheirwaytotheHarrods
famousGeorgianRestaurant.HermioneexplainedthatMuggleandwizardingfoodwasessentiallythe
same,justprepareddifferently.
Hermioneaskedforatableforthreeandthetriowasseatedquickly.LuciusandDracowerenotslack
jawed,butonlybecauseMalfoysnevergapeditwastoocommon.Tomost,thetwoappearedasstaidas
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ever,butHermionecouldseethattheywerestrainingtoseeeverythingtotakeeverythingin.Shehad
takenthemthroughthestorequicklyonpurpose.Nowthattheyweresitting,theycouldtakeitinandask
questions.HermionemutteredawandlessMuffliatosothatnoonecouldheartheirconversationunless
theywerestandingrightatthetable.
"Isitalwayssobusyand...loud?"Dracoasked.
"Harrodstendstobecrowded,"Hermionenodded."Londonisalwayscrowded.Mugglesalsotendtobe
loud,withtheirmobilephonesringingandthevehiclestheyusetogetaround.Itmightjustseembusier,
becauseyouaren'tusedtoeverythingyet.ThereismorevisualvarietywithMuggles.Wizardsusually
covereverythingupwithrobes,especiallyinpublic,sothesilhouettesalllooksimilareventhoughthe
colorsandfabricsvary.ClearlyMugglesdon'tdothatsoitmaylookbusy."
"Yes,"Luciusnodded."Itisabitoddformetosee.Traditionally,allwizardswearrobesandthemore
tailored,formfittingclotheswerenotseeninpublic.Theclothesyoufavorwerereservedforhomewith
familyandclosefriends.Whilethisischanginginwizardingculture,itisstillstrangeforme.Myfather
neversetfootofftheManorgroundswithouthisrobes."
"Ididn'trealize,"Hermionereported,"Interesting."
TheyperusedthemenuandtheMalfoyswerehappytoseetheyrecognizedmostthings.Luciusstarted
withthefoiegrasparfaitfollowedbytheDoversole.DracogotscallopsfollowedbytheAngusribeye.
Hermioneoptedfortheendivesaladandthenthevenison.
ThefoodwaswonderfulandtheMalfoysseemedimpressed,particularlyLucius,whohadbeenprepared
tonotenjoyanything.TheyaskedsomebasicquestionsabouthowMugglesaccomplishthingswithout
magic.HermionehopedtoimpressuponthemMugglecreativity,becausenecessityreallyisthemother
ofinvention.ShefirmlybelievedMugglescouldbeatoutwizardswhenitcametoproblemsolvingand
comingupwithnewideas,sincewizardstendedtorelyonmagicforsomanythings.
Whentheywerethrougheating,Hermionepaidthebillwithherblackcreditcardandthegrouplefttogo
meetAnna.
ThetallwillowyblondgreetedHermioneenthusiasticallyandeyedtheMalfoys.Shewasgladtoseethat
Anna'sappraisalofherfiancswasappreciative,butprimarilyprofessionalinnature.
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"Anna,thisismyfianc,Draco,"Hermionegestured,"andhisfather,Lucius.Draco,Lucius,thisis
Anna.ShehelpedmeoutthispastTuesdayandselectedthatpinkgownyoulikedsomuch."
"ThenIamsureweareingoodhands,"Luciusnodded.Annablushedslightly.Evenshewasnotimmune
toMalfoycharm,butthenagainfewwere.
"Please,"Annasweptherarmininvitation,"Followme."
Sheledthemtoaspacious,comfortableroomandofferedthemanybeverageorsnacktheywished.They
deferred,statingtheyjusthadlunch,butmaybewouldwantsomethinglater.LuciusandDracosaton
eithersideofHermione,asusual.Lucius,however,keptarespectabledistanceandfoldedhishandsin
hislap.DraconestledHermionerightupagainsthimanddrapedhisarmoverhershoulder.
"IhadmyteampullanumberofcocktailandeveningdressesforHermionethatmightbeappropriatefor
yourpartytomorrownight.Wefocusedonsilverandgoldasatheme,buthaveotheroptionsaswell.I
includedanumberofshoes,asIrecallyouarefondofthose,andvariousotheraccessories,"Anna
reported."Forthegentleman,wehaveanarrayofmenswearpieces,someofclassicdesignandsome
morecontemporary.Sincewewerenotfocusedonaspecificevent,thereisarangeofverycasualto
dressyitems.Therearealsovariousaccessoriesandfootwearoutforyoutolookat.NowthatIseeyou,I
doubtthattheitemswehavehereintheroomarethepropersizeyouarebothquitetalland...fit.
However,Iamsurewecanquicklygetanythingyouwishtotryoninthecorrectsizes.Also,wedohave
atailoringserviceonsitetoensurethateverythingfitsperfectly."
"Whatcouldamu...amanwearforadinneroverathisprospectiveinlawshome?"Dracoasked.
"Letmeshowyou,"Annainvited.Dracofollowedherovertothewallofclothesdisplayed.Anna
pointedoutafewconservativeitemsthatwerestillstylishforayoungman.AsDraconoddedtoapairof
trousersorashirt,Annahadherteamrunningtogettheitemsinarangeofsizesmorelikelytofit
Draco'stall,leanframe.
"Shallwelookatyourdresses,Pet?"LuciusaskedHermione.TheygotupandoneofAnna'sassistants
trailedthematadiscreetdistance,lettingthemhavespacetolook,butstayingcloseenoughtobeof
immediateassistanceifnecessary.Hermionesmiledatallofthelovelydresses,causingLuciusto
suggestseriouslythattheyjustbuythemall.HermioneheardAnna'sassistantgaspsoftly.Hermione
rolledhereyesathisextravagance.Sheexplainedthatjustbuyingoutthestorewasnotasmuchfunoras
challengingasfeelinglikeshefoundtheperfectdressforanevent.
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"Ah,"Luciusnoddedwithagrin."ThethrillofthehuntIunderstand."
TheylookedthroughthedressesandeachofthempulledoutafewforHermionetotryon.Lucius
seemedparticularlygleefultoplaydressupwithHermione.Healsoappearedquiteenamoredofthe
stilettoheelsofferedandagainsuggestedtheyjustgetthemall.Hermionewasmoreinclinedtoagree
withhimregardingtheshoes,butdidtrytolimithim.
Astheywereselectingitemsandrejectingothers,Dracokeptinterjectingtoshowthemclothingthathe
triedon.Heseemedtohavefoundaniceoutfitfordinnerthateveningandwashavingfunpickingout
otherMuggleclothes.Hefoundalineclothingthefeaturedlargegraphicsofskullsontshirts,which
DracofounddelightfulcausingbothHermioneandLuciustorolltheireyes.Healsohonedinonsome
Diesel,TrueReligion,andDolce&Gabbanathatlookedwonderful.Dracofoundablackleatherbiker
jacketwithalowcollarthatmadehimlookdashinglydangerous,whichHermioneappreciated.
HermionestartedtryingondressesandbothMalfoyssatbacktowatch.Itwasstrangeatfirst,andshe
feltlikeshewasputtingonashowforherfiancs,butthenHermionestartedhavingfunwithit.Intrue
Malfoyfashion,LuciusandDracowantedtobuyanythingthatcaughttheireye.Hermionewassurethey
haddevelopedaseriesofhandsignalstoAnnatogetwhattheywanted,despiteHermione'sprotests.
Whileshewaschanging,HermionewassuresheheardDracoinstructingAnnatoputtogetheralarge
packageoflingerieandnightwearforHermione.
HermioneputonasilverandgoldBadgleyMischkastraplesscocktaildress.Ithadasweetheartneckline
andempirewaistwithagoldsashjustunderherbreast.Thedesignandembellishmentslookedlike
floating,metallicdisksinsilverandgoldcascadingdowntheskirt.Hermionepairedthedresswithgold
stilettosandleftthechangingarea.
"Perfect,"Luciusreported,withabroadsmile.
"Stunning,"Dracobreathed,alittleawestruck.
"Iwantthisonefortheparty,"Hermionesaid,lookinginthemirror.ThensheturnedtoLucius."You
needtopickoutsomeclothes!Dracogotplenty,nowit'syourturn."
LuciuslookedabitabashedandletDracoleadhimovertotheclothes.AnnastoodbyHermioneand
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sighedverysoftlyasthetwowomenwatchedthemgo.
"Thisdressiswonderfulforyou,"Annasaid,"Especiallysinceyouaresopetite."
"ItisquitelovelyandIfeelgoodinit,"Hermioneagreed."Iwanttofeelspecialtomorrownight."
"Iimaginethatfiancofyoursmakesyoufeelspecialfrequently,"Annaasserted."Hecertainlyadores
you.Heandhisfatheraresoattentive.Ifyoudon'tmindmesaying,theyseemtobeprettyextraordinary
men."
"Idontmindyousaying,"Hermionesmiled."Mostwomendosay,infact.Unfortunately,somewomen
trytogofurtherthanjustsayingandflirtwiththemrightinfrontofme.Iunderstandthedrawyoudon't
oftenseethiscombinationofsmart,beautiful,andridiculouslywealthy."
"WhydoesitbotheryouwhenwomenflirtwithLucius?"Annaaskedabitconfused.Hermionerealized
shemighthavesaidtoomuch.
"IamprotectiveofLucius,"Hermionereportedtruthfully."Manywomendonothavethebestof
intentionsandareonlyinterestedinhismoney.Draco'smotherdiedaboutsevenmonthsagoandthere
werewomenwhodidnotwasteanytimetryingtoattachtohim."
Hermionewasproudthatshekeptherstatementstruthful,justneversayingthefullstory.
"Thatishorrible!"Annasaid,appalled."Ithoughtheseemedabituncomfortableheretoday.Thatmakes
sense,sinceheisarecentwidower.Heprobablyisjuststartingtogetbackoutintheworld.Iamsure
yourweddinghasbeenawonderfuldistractionforhim."
Hermionejustnoddedandwenttogochange.Sheputherregularclothesbackonandjoinedher
wizards.LuciusdidseemtobeenjoyinghimselfandDracowasveryencouraging.Hegravitatedtowards
KennethColeandArmani,althoughhesharedDracosaffinityforDolce&Gabbana.Hermioneinsisted
hegetapairofjeansandothercasualclothes.WhileitwouldhelphimfitinwithMuggles,itwasnot
necessaryforthatpurpose.Shejustwantedtoseehiminapairofwellfittingjeansforherownpleasure.
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"Doyougentlementhinkyou'llbeokaywithoutmeforawhile?"Hermioneasked."IhavesomegiftsI'd
liketogetforyoutwohereinthestore.IamsureAnnawillkeepyoubothfrommakinganyserious
fashionfauxpas.Okay?"
DracoandLuciusnodded.DracogaveherIsweetsemichastekissandHermionepeckedLuciusonthe
check.
"IdontimagineI'llbegonelongerthananhour,"Hermionecontinued."Thatshouldgiveyouplentyof
timetogetthingsforyourselves,aswellasfinishupwhateversubterfugeyouwereplanningwithAnna
whileIwaschangingearlier.Justremember,wecanalwayscomeback.Anna,Iknowyouareinsales,
butdontletthembuyeverythingthatcatchestheirfancy.Wecansetupregularappointmentswithyou
everythreeorfourmonths,butonlyiftheydonotbuyoutthestorenow.
Hermionetriedtolookstern,butcouldnothelpbutsmileasshewalkedaway.Onherwayout,she
heardDracorenewingthelingerieconversation,whileLuciusinquiredaboutjewelry.Shejustshookher
headandkeptwalking.
HermionemadeherwaytoHarrodselectronicsdepartment.Shedecidedtogetmobilephonesforboth
LuciusandDracoaspartofhergiftstothem.Shelikedtheideaofgivingthemsomething
quintessentiallyMuggleattheengagementparty.Hermionefoundapairofphonessheliked,oneblack
andtheothersilver.Shegaveherparentshouseasthemailingaddressfortheservicecontractandhoped
theywouldnotmind.
EndNotes:
Next...theMalfoysmeettheGrangers!
Backtoindex
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Author'sNotes:
Disclaimer:Ifyourecognizethesecharacters,thentheyarenotmine!Idonot
ownthem(theybelongtoJKR,Scholatic&Co.)andmakenomoneyfromthem.
Thankstobunnyhopsforheramazingbetawork!
Thanksforallthenicefeedbackfromfolks.:)
Now...theMalfoysmeettheGrangersandviceversa.
Chapter22
HermionefoundLuciusandDracobrimmingwithpackagesmuchmorethanshehadtheprevious
Tuesday.TherewassomeindicationtheMalfoysdidtrytorestrainthemselves,asthepilecouldhave
beenlarger.
AnnawastryingtoexplaintotheMalfoysthatHarrodscouldprovidethemwitharidehome,butthey
seemedreluctanttoagree.Hermioneclarifiedthattheywouldverymuchappreciatehavingtheuseofthe
caranddriver.Shealsoaskedforassistancehandlingalltheirpackagesouttothecar.Annawashappyto
obligeandsheproducedatrolley,likeonesHermionehadseeninhotelstocarryluggagewhenshe
traveledwithherparents.TheypiledtheirpackagesonthetrolleyandtwoofAnnasassistantsrolledit
behindthemastheyallwalked.
"Thankyouagain,Anna,forallyourhelp,"Hermionesmiled.Shehadagaintippedthetallblondwoman
wellforherefforts."IactuallywouldliketocomebackonTuesdayafternoonifyouarefree.A...friend
ofmineisveryinterestedinfashionandwantstoaddconsiderablytoherwardrobe."
"Oh?"Annaaskedcuriously."WhatkindsofthingsshouldIprepareforyourvisit?"
"Wellforme,justmoreeverydayclothesanddressesfordayandevening.IdontknowifDraco
mentionedthatwewillbegonetwoweeksforatropicalhoneymoon,sosomebeachwearwouldbea
goodidea,"Hermioneshared.ShewasnotsurewhattotellAnnaaboutPansythough."Formy
friend...wellIactuallydontknowherverywell,butsheisveryclosefriendswithDraco."
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"Pansy?"Dracoasked.
"Yes,"Hermioneresponded."Iamnotsurewhatshewilllike."
"Well,whatclothesdoesshewearnow?"Annatriedtohelp.
"Thatsthething,"Hermionehedged."Pansywasneverallowedtogoshoppingorwearregularclothes.
Herfamilyforbadeit.Theywere...inacult!"
DracosnortedandLuciuscoughed,bothsuppressinglaughter.Hermionewasactuallyproudofher
strokeofgenius.ItwouldexplainsomuchofPansy'signorance.
"Acult?"Annaseemedbothaghastandintrigued.Hermionehadtoadmitshewasspinningasalacious
story,likeamadefortelevisionmovie.
"Ohyes,"Hermionenodded."ApsychoconmantargetedwealthyfamiliesinEuropeawhileback.He
promisedthemthisutopia,butwasaftertheirmoney.Pansygrewuphavingtowearveryconservative
robelikeclothesthatcoveredherfromnecktoankles.ShegotholdofaVoguemagazineseveralyears
agoandwashookedonhighfashion,butwasneverallowedtogoshopping.Nowthatsheisanadult,I
promisedtotakehershopping.However,Idon'tknowherwell."
"Pansycanbe...well,abitofabitch,"Dracoofferedafteramomentofsilence."Sheisaclosefriend,but
sheisbluntandquitesnobby.Ifshedoesnotlikesomething,shewillnotbeshyaboutsaying.Iwould
getacopyofthelatestVogueandhaveitemsthatshereadabout.Andbringoutthemostwellknown
designersthatshewouldhaveheardof."
HermionenoddedinagreementandAnnaseemedthoughtful.
"IthinkI'veworkedwiththatkindofshopperbefore,"Annareported."I'llhavethingstoappealtoher
andwe'llbepreparedtogetanythingelseoncesheishereandcantellusmore."
Anna,herassistants,andthedrivermanagedtopackthecarfull.Therefrontpassengerseatwasalso
filledandHermionevolunteeredtoputtwoholdbagsonthefloorintherearofthecar.Hermionewas
sandwichedbetweenLuciusandDracointhebackhowever,itwasaroomybackseatsincetheywere
ridinginaRollsRoyce.Asbefore,Hermioneinstructedthedrivertotakethemto11GrimmauldPlace.
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"Thiscarisdifferentfromtheonewearrivedin,"Luciusobservedappreciatively,butquietlyto
Hermione.
"Ofcourseitis,"Hermionelaughed."ThisisaRollsRoycePhantomitisaveryexpensiveluxurycar
thatfewpeoplecouldafford.Iimaginethatcarriagesaresimilarsomedonotcostalotofmoneybut
areverybasic,whileothersaremoreexpensiveandhavebetterfeatures."
"Ah,"Luciusnodded."Understood."
"Isithardtodrivethesecars?"Dracoasked,watchingthedriver'smotions.Hermionewaspartlyhappy
hewasembracingMugglethings,butpartlyterrifiedofDracothemotorist.
"Atfirst,likewhenlearninganynewskill,"Hermionereplied."Besidesoperatingthecar,youhaveto
knowthelawsthatgovernhowthecarbehavesintraffic.Forexample,ourdrivermustlimithisspeed
andonlydriveincertainlanes.Overall,itisnotthathard.Igotmylicenseonthefirsttry."
"Youhavealicensetooperateoneofthesethings?"Luciusaskedabitaghast.
"Indeed,"Hermionesmiled."MaybeIcanborrowmyparent'scaranddriveyoutwoaround."
LuciusandDracobothlookedabitscared,whichmadeHermionelaugh.Theridewasuneventfuland
theMalfoysstaredoutthewindowformostofit.Thedriverpulledupoutsideof11GrimmauldPlace
andagreedtopiletheirbelongingsonthewalkway,althoughhewascertainlyconfused.Luciususeda
verylightConfunduscharmonthedriver,whichHermionedidnotentirelyapproveof.Luciusinsisted
thathewasfineandwouldjustbeabitmuddledaboutwhereexactlyhehaddroppedthemoff,thatit
wassaferthisway.
TheywatchedthedrivergoandDracocastastrongnoticemenotcharm.Thentheylevitatedthe
packagesinto12GrimmauldPlaceandKreacherimmediatelyshowedup.Luciusmagicallysortedthe
packagesandinstructedKreachertotakethemupstairstoHermione'sroom.
HermionewenttofollowKreacher,astheyonlyhadhalfanhourbeforetheyweresupposedtobeather
parentsfordinner.Shedidnotwanttobelate.DracoandLuciushadchangedintotheir'Mugglewear'at
Harrodswhileshewasoffbuyingtheirgifts,butHermionestillhadtodress.Asshewalkedpastthe
drawingroom,shewasdistractedbythesoundofanunmistakablebaritonetalkingtoHarry.
"Severus!"HermioneflungherselfatthePotion'sMaster.Shedidnotevenhavetolookbehindherto
knowthatLuciusandDracowerescowlinginthedoorway.Shewassuretheywerewhenshefelt
Severustightenhisgriponherandchuckledsoftly.Severusseemedtoloveteasingthem,especially
Lucius.Eventually,Hermionepulledback."Didyougetmymessage?"
"Ididindeed,"Severusresponded,browarched."IbelieveIcanbeofassistance,despitethelackof
noticethatisentirelythefaultofthosetwoIamsure."
"Well,youcan'ttellmehere,"Hermionereasoned."Idon'twantthemknowing.Iamverypressedfor
time.WearehavingdinneratmyparentsandIneedtochange.Theonlyoptionisforyoutoaccompany
meupstairsandwecantalkwhileIchange."
"Absolutelynot,"Luciusinstructedsternly,crossinghisarmsoverhischest.
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"Excuseme?"Hermioneaskedincredulously.SheknewLuciuswaspossessive,butthiswasridiculous.
"Itisnotappropriate,"Luciusmaintained.
"SoyouthinkIamgoingtostripnakedinfrontofSeverus?"Hermioneremainedoffended."Iwillhave
youknowthatIgetdressedinmybathroomandSeveruswaitsoutside,andwetalkthroughthedoor."
"Itisstillnotappropriate,"Luciusstubbornlyinsisted."Youareanengagedwoman."
"Iamperfectlyawareofthatfactthankyou,LordMalfoy,"Hermioneretortedheatedly.Severusand
Harrybothedgedawayfromthefierywitch.EvenDracotookastepback."Iamalsoawarethatyouare
tryingtodictatetome.Areyoutryingtodictatetome?"
"IaminformingyouthatSeveruswillnotbegoingtoyourrooms,"Luciusasserted.Hermionehadhad
enough.Herangerwaspalpable,aswasthemagictinglingatherfingertips.
"Soisitmeyoudon'ttrust?"Hermioneaskedwithadeadlycalm,advancingtowardhim."Orisityour
oldestanddearestfriendyouareworriedabout?Isyourfiance,whohaspromisedandcontractually
agreedtobefaithful,suchawontonslagthatshewilltaketenminutestohaveaquickieshagwith
anotherman,whileyouarerightdownstairs?Orisityourfriendofdecades,godfathertoyourson,who
protectedyoufromthatpsychopathisithimthatwillbetrayyourtrusttoseduceyourfianceright
underyournose?Hmmm,LordMalfoy?Whichscenariodoyouenvision?"
Luciusstoodstill,clearlybackedintoacorner.Bytheendofhertirade,Hermionewasstandingdirectly
infrontofhim.Inheranger,sheunconsciouslylevitatedup,soshewasnosetonosewiththeolder
Malfoy.Ofcourse,hecouldnotagreewitheitherofHermione'sprofferedsituations.
"Ihavethingstodo,"Hermioneinformedhimcoolly,returningtothefloorslowly."Youcanthinkon
thatandgetbacktome.Comealong,Severus."
HermionemarchedpastLucius,andSeverushadtotrotforamomentuntilhislonglegscaughtupwith
her.
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"Heissoinsufferablesometimes!"Hermioneshoutedaftersheslammedherbedroomdoor.
"Preachingtothechoir,astheMugglessay,"Severuscalmlyresponded.Hecastasilencingcharmonthe
room.HermionecastoverlystrongScourgifyandfresheningcharmsonherself,becausehermagicwas
stillrunningstrong.
"Calmyourself,Hermione,takeadeepbreath,"Severusinstructed."Ifyoukeepthisupyouareliableto
Scourgifyyourskinoff."
Hermionedidashesaid.Thatspellhadmadeherskintingle.Shepulledthevioletlacedressfromher
closet,butwithlessviolence.
"Tellmewhatyou'vefoundforDraco,"Hermionetoldthedarkmanloungingagainstthefootofherbed.
"Idon'twanttothinkofhisroyalhighnessatthemoment."
"Itookyourideasabouthisloveofflyingandanimalsandmadesomeinquiries,"Severussharedinthat
boreddrawlofhis.Hermionewasrummagingthroughhershoppingbagsforthenewshoesandpurse
shehadbought."Oneoptionistopurchasehimthenewestmodelofbroomthattechnicallywontbeout
untilSeptember.Nimbusagreedtomakeitavailableexclusivelyforyouearly."
"Idon'tknow,"Hermionefrowned."Iwouldn'treallybegettinghimsomethingexceptional,wouldI?
Everyoneelsewithmeanscangetthesamebroominabitoveramonth."
"Ithoughtyouwouldsaythat,"Severussmiled."Optiontwoismyfavorite.Ihavealeadonajuvenile
Hippogriff,justoldenoughtobeseparatedandcomingontothemarketnextweek.Thebreederisa
cantankerousoldcoot,butiswillingtosellyouthebeastnow.Theanimalshouldimprintonitsnew
ownersometimenextweek."
"Wow,"Hermionebreathed."AHippogriff,nowthosearerare.HowdoIgetit?"
"Hagridjumpedattheoffertogoasyouremissaryandprocuretheanimaltomorrowmorning,"Severus
reported.Orthisevening,ifIgotthegoaheadfromyou.HewantstospendtimeonthisHippogriff
ranchandthebreederagreedtolethimvisitovernight.HeseemstowanttopickHagridsbrain,
althoughIcannotfathomwhy.
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"Thatisperfect,"Hermionesmiled,ignoringSeverusinsulttothehalfgiant."Hagridwillalsobeableto
seeifthereareanyissueswiththelittleguy.NooneknowsHippogriffsaswellasHagrid."
Severusnoddedinagreement.
"AndwhatabouttheLordoftheManor?"Hermioneasked,rollinghereyesbutthevehemencehad
goneoutofhertone.
"IreallyonlyhaveoneoptionforLucius,"Severusreported."Ifyoudon'tlikeit,wewillhavetostart
fromscratch.IlikedyourideaaboutarareplantandImadesomeinquiries.Anacquaintanceofminehas
inhispossessionseveralofthelastknowntrueSilverLimetrees.Asyoumayrecallfromyourwandlore,
theywereoverlyharvestedtomakewands.Themetallicsilverwoodwasalltherageatonetimeand
theydohavewonderfulmagicalproperties.Theirfruitisalsoaverypreciouspotioningredientthatis
virtuallyimpossibletogetnow."
"Keeptalking,"Hermionesmirkedasshetookherdressintothebathroomtochange.SheknewSeverus
alreadyhadhiseyeonthosesilverlimes.
"MyacquaintanceiswillingtopartwithasaplingbecausehehasheardofLucius'skillinHerbologyand
becauseyouarewhoyouare,"SeveruscontinuedinaraisedvoiceHermionecouldhear."Icanretrieveit
tomorrowmorningandbebackinplentyoftimefortheparty.YoujustneedtosendalettertoGringotts
andwriteoutletterstothetwosellersforHagridandItotakewithus,authorizingustonegotiateon
yourbehalfandallowingtheagreeduponpricetobewithdrawnfromyouraccount."
Hermioneexitedthebathroomwearingherprettylacedress,herhairpinnedupandoutoftheway.She
noddedandAccioedseveralsheetsofparchmentandaquill.ShewroteoutwhatSeverushadsuggested
andhandedthemtohim.
"Howisitgoingwiththosetwo,generally?"Severusasked,tuckinghisandHagrid'slettersintohis
alwaysvoluminouscloak.HermionewouldowlthelettertoGringottsbeforesheleft.
"Thereareroughspots,asyousawdownstairs,"Hermionesighed,slippingonhernewDolce&Gabbana
blacklaceheels."Generallythough,wearedoingremarkablywell.Beingwiththemfeelscomfortable
andright.Soitisabitjoltingwhenwehitabump.Ihaveneverbeeninaseriousrelationshipand
neitherhasDraco.WhileLuciuswasobviouslymarriedbefore,itseemslikehelearnedsomebadhabits
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inthatrelationship.Ihavetoremindmyselftocompromiseandtocutthemsomeslack.Luciusisjustas
stubbornasIamandDracohasjustasquickatemperasIdo."
"Iknow,"Severuschuckled."Iwastheonewhotoldyouthisunionwouldbeentertainingforme.You
threewillgetthehangofit.
Iknow,Hermionesmiled.Thenshedidaquicktwirl.Well?
Lovely,Severussmiled,takingherhandandkissingitsoftly.Theyreallyareluckytohaveyouand
theyknowit.
Igotprettyluckytoo,Hermionesaid.Ivegoteverywitchinthecountrywishingtobemeor
wishingformydemise.
Severuschuckledagainandtuckedherarmintohisasheescortedheroutoftheroomanddownstairs.
Heletherknowthathewouldconfirmdeliveryofhergiftsassoonaspossibleforeachitem.Hermione
thankedhimagainforallhishelp.Severusreallyhadbeeninvaluabletoher,firstinthetreaty
negotiationprocessandnowinherpersonallife.Hermionewonderedwhatshecoulddoforhimtolet
himknowhowmuchsheappreciatednotonlyhishelp,butalsohisfriendship.Shemadeamentalnote
toaskLuciuslater.
TheMalfoyswerewaitinginthedrawingroom,talkingwithHarry.
Whatareyouuptothisevening?Hermioneaskedherfriend.
Tryingtohaveaquietnight,Harryadmitted,lookingalittleguilty.Igotsmashedlastnightwith
Ron,Fred,andGeorge.Thetwinsareariot,butIwasupuntildawnandthensleptuntiltheafternoon.
TonightIamgoingtostayinandchatwithSeverusawhile.Neville,Luna,andChosaidtheywould
popoverandvisitlater.Illgivethemyourbest.Nowgetgoingoryoullbelate.
Hermionesmiledandnoddedatherfriend.ShegaveHarryakissonthecheekandwishedhimagood
night.ThenshegaveSeverusaquickhug,thankinghimagain.Whensheheadedforthefrontdoor,the
Malfoysfollowed.
Hermione,wait,Dracourgedasthetrioenteredthefronthall.Sheturnedbacktothemandwaited.
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Iwantedtoapologize,Luciussaidalittlestiffly.ItwasnotmyintentiontoinsinuatethatIdidnot
trustyouorSeverusforthatmatter.YoudonotbehaveinwaysthatIamusedto.
Apologyaccepted,Hermionenodded.IprobablydidnotneedtoyelllikethatandIamsorryfor
that.Ihavealwaystakenissuewhenpeopletrytotellmewhattodo.Igetdefensiveanddiginmy
heels.IfIgetangryenough,thereisagoodchanceIwilldoexactlywhatIambeinginstructednotto
justoutofspite.ThatiswhyIwassosurprisedthatIreallylikeitwhenyoudictatetomeinthe
bedroom.
InthebedroomattheManor,inyourbedroomhere,inthedrawingroom,Luciusgaveherthatsexy
smirkandpulledherflushagainsthim.
Kissandmakeupquickly,Dracobrokein,Otherwise,wellbelate.
Luciusleaneddownandbrushedhislipssoftlyoverhersforamomentbeforehistonguelightlytraced
herlips.Hermionepulledhisheaddownfurtherandgavehimagood,thoroughkiss.Shepulledaway
beforeshecouldbecometoodistracted,afterallDracowasrighttheyhadtogetgoing.Assoonasshe
pulledaway,Dracotwirledherintohisarmsandgaveherhisownkneebendingkiss.
Whatwasthatfor?Hermioneasked,ashesteppedback.
Youlookwonderful,Dracosmiled.Webroughtyousomethingtoweartonight.
Dracoproducedagorgeousnecklacewithblackstonesandablackribbontieinback.Heliftedittoher
throatandLuciustiediton.Itrestedrightonhercollarbones.Hermionesmiled.
Itslovely,shetoldherfiancs,peckingthembothquicklyonthelips.Thankyou.Thisisthethird
pieceofjewelryinfourdays.Iexpectthatthiswillnotbethenorm.
Maybe,Dracolaughed,Maybenot.
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Husbandsareallowedtospoiltheirwives,Luciusgrinned.
Hermionejustshookherhead.Theyknewshewasnotthekindofwitchthatcouldbeboughtwithpretty
things,butshedidappreciatethethoughtofagift.Sheassumedotherwitchesintheircircleexpected
suchthings,butshecertainlydidnot.HermionewascertainherlifewiththeMalfoyswouldbefullof
justbecausegifts,notalwaysjewelrybutmorelikelybooksorotherthingstheythoughtshewould
findinteresting.Shewonderedifshewouldhavetolimitthemtoonlygivinggiftsonspecialoccasions,
butsomehowdidnotthinkitwouldwork.Ifshedidthat,theywouldfindawaytocreatespecial
occasions.
***
HermioneledherfiancsoutthefrontdoorofGrimmauldPlace,sotheycouldApparateovertoher
parentshouse.TheydecidedshewouldfirsttakeDracosidealong,thengobackandtakeLuciusas
neitherMalfoyhadeverbeentherebefore.HermionetookDracotoherparentsbackgarden,whichhad
aparticularlyprivatesectionthatneighborscouldnotseejustforthispurpose.Dracowaitedamoment
whileHermionewenttogetLucius.Finally,sheledthembothtothebackdoorofherchildhoodhome.
EachMalfoygrippedoneofherhandsandHermionesmiledalittle,inwardlyofcourse,thatthefearless
Malfoyswerenervous.
Mum,Dadwearehere,Hermionecalledout,assheledthetwoblondsintoherhome.Hermother
bustledoutofthekitchen,anaprontiedoverherniceimpressthecompanydress.Hermionedetached
fromtheMalfoysforamomenttohughermother.
Sogladyoucouldcome,shemurmuredinHermionesear.Hermionesqueezedhermotheralittle
harder.Bothwomenhateditwhentheyfought.
Always,Hermionesaidsoftlybackbeforeendingthehug."Mum,thesearethemenIamgoingto
marrynextSaturday,LuciusandDracoMalfoy.Thisismymother,JeanGranger."
LuciusandDracobothgaveanincrediblyrespectfulanddeferentialbow,bendingslightlyatthewaist.
Hermionehadneverseeneitherofthemdothatbefore.
"Madam,"Luciussaid."Thankyouforhavingus."
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"Itsverygoodtomeetyou,"Dracoreported.
"Wow,"Jeanstaredatthetwoblonds."Arenttheyjust...lovely...andtall."
HermionegiggledalittleathermotherandtheslightlyselfsatisfiedlooksthatpassedoverbothMalfoy's
faces.
"Theiregosarehealthyenoughalready,Mum,"Hermionelaughed."Dontgoinflatingthemanyfurther.
SufficeittosayIamaluckyyoungwomantofindherselfattachedtoattractivemen.Where'sDad?"
"Ohhe'sinthelounge,"Jeansaidabsently,shakingofftheoverwhelmingMalfoyappeal."Pleasedo
comein.CanIgetyougentlemenadrinkbeforedinner?"
"Thatwouldbelovely,"Luciussaidwithhisbestcharmingdisarmingsmile."Cognacoranykindof
whitewineifyouhaveit."
"Justsodaplease,"Dracosmiledjustlikehisfather.
Jeannoddedandwentbacktowardthekitchen,whileHermioneledthemintothelivingroom.Hermione
sawherverygrumpylookingfathersittingonthesofanursingawhiskey.
"Evening,Dad,"Hermionesaidtentatively,testingthewaters."I'vebroughtthemenI'mgoingtomarry
tomeetyou.ThisisLuciusandDracoMalfoy.Thisismyfather,WilliamGranger."
Hermione'sfatherlookedupatthetriostandingintheroom.LuciusandDracoagaingavetheirformal
bow/nod.
"Sothesearethetwowhowanttomarrymylittlegirl?"hestated,narrowinghiseyesatthewizardsashe
sippedhisdrink.
"Indeedweare,"Luciusacknowledgedgravely."Imuststartwithanapology,Mr.Granger.Inmy
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society,inmycultureitisinappropriatetoenterintoamarriagecontractwithawitchbeforehaving
spokentoherfamily.SinceyouareMuggles,wedidnotthinkofyou,whichInowunderstandwasan
error.Muggleorwizard,Iimagineafatherwouldbeunwillingtoallowhisdaughtertogooffandmarry
strangersnotknowingthequalityofherintendedorhisabilitytocareandprovideforhischild.Draco
andIaresetonmarryingHermionenextSaturdayhowever,Idoapologizefornotincludingyoubefore
now."
"Well,that'sastart,"Williamacknowledged."Areyoutwogoingtoanswermyquestionsaboutyour
intentionsformyHermonica?"
"Dad!"Hermioneexclaimed,rollinghereyesinexasperation."Iamagrownwoman!"
"Kitten,parentshavearighttoensurethefuturehappinessandsafetyoftheirchild,"Dracogentlychided
her.HermionewheeledaroundtofacetheyoungerMalfoy.Shehadafeelingshewasgoingtobe
outnumberedhereshortly.
"AsIsaid,Iamagrownwoman!"Hermionepersisted."Icantakecareofmyself!"
"Nooneissayingyoucant,"Luciussoothed,brushingthebackofherhandwithhislips."Thinkofit
fromyourfatherspointofview,Pet.MaybeitiseasierformesinceIhaveDraco.Iknowhecantake
careofhimself,IknowIgavehimthetoolstodoso.Thatdoesnotstopmefromwantingtoprotecthim,
tobethereforhimbecauseIamhisfather."
"Youhavebeentakingcareofyourselfsinceyouweresix,Hermonica,"Williamsighed."Yourmother
andIraisedyoutobeastrong,independentwomanwhocouldthinkforherselfandtakecareofherself.
Whenwefoundoutyouareawitch,youhadacompletelynewwaytotakecareofyourselfthatdidnot
includeus.Weloveyouandjustwanttohelpandprotectyou,whetheryouneeditornot."
"I'llalwaysneedyou,dad,"Hermioneinterjected."YouknowhowstubbornandhardtolivewithIam!
HowdoyouthinkIamgoingtosurvivetwohusbandswithoutyouandmomtotalkto?Youareoneof
thehappiestcouplesIknow,andyouknowmewellenoughtosteermestraight."
"Oh,pleasedosit,"JeansaidasshecameinandhandedtheMalfoystheirdrinks.LuciusandDracosat
inchairsoppositeHermione'sfather,whileshesatonthecouchbetweenherparents.Itwasthefirsttime
HermionecouldrecallbeinginaroomwithLuciusandDracosincetheengagementwhenshewasnot
sittingbetweenthem.
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"Yourquestions,Mr.Granger?"Dracoencouraged,sippinghisdrink.Jeanbegantoprotest,but
Hermionequietlytoldherthatthethreemenseemedtofeelthisprocesswasnecessary.
"Whyhaveyouforcedmydaughtertomarryyou?"Hermione'sfatheraskedsternly.
"FatherandIarewizards,asyouknow,butwearealsomembersofthearistocracyinourworld,"Draco
explained."FatherisLordMalfoyandIamheirtothattitle.Arrangedmarriagesarecommoninour
culture.FatherandIarrangedthismarriageforourselvesbecauseHermioneisaveryspecialwitch.She
isexceptionalstrong,brilliant,andindependent.SheiseverythingwewantedforLadyMalfoy.Sheis
oneoftheonlywitchesintheworldwhosemagicisstrongenoughtobalanceours.Tobefrank,wehad
anopportunityto...induceherintomarriageandwetookit."
"Doyouloveher?"Willasked.
"Webothcareforherverymuch,"Luciusresponded."Wehavebeenspendingagreatdealoftime
togetherinthepastweek,tryingtogettoknowherbetterandlethergettoknowus.Ianticipatethatwe
willallcometoloveeachother."
"Youaremyage,"WillstatedtoLucius."Youaremarryingsomeoneyoungenoughtobeyourdaughter.
Notonlythat,butyouaremarryingyourson'swife."
"Iunderstandthesearetaboosinyourculture,buttheyarenotinmine,soIdon'tknowexactlyhowto
addressthem,"Luciusshrugged."Wizardsgenerallyliveseveraldecadespasttheirhundredthbirthday,
sosomethinglikeatwentyyearagedifferenceisnotthatbigofadeal.WhenIamonehundredandshe
iseighty,ouragedifferencewillnotregister.Pluralrelationships,includingpluralmarriages,occurinthe
wizardingworldwithsomefrequency.Itisnotacommon,everydayoccurrence,butitiscertainlynot
taboo.Itisnotunheardofforthesemarriagestooccurwithinafamily.Itisaparticulartraitofmyfamily
andhashappenedseveraltimesinourrecordedhistorythatafatherandsonsharedawife."
"Iknowitseemsweird,dad,"Hermionepipedin."Butitreallydoesn'tfeelweirdwhenthethreeofus
spendtimetogether.I'llhavemyownroomintheManor,whileDracoandLuciushavetheirs."
"Manor?"Jeanasked."Isthatwhereyouwillbeliving?"
"Oh,yes,"Hermionesaid,reachingintoherbagfortheshrunkenPortkey.Shepulledoutthevaseand
returnedittoitsregularsize."Iforgot.MalfoyManorisinWiltshire,aboutatwohourdrivefromhere.
TheengagementpartyistomorrownightandI'vearrangedmagicaltransportforyou.Ifyoubothtouch
thisvasetogetheratacertaintime,itwillpopyoutotheManorinstantly.Thereisasimilarvasethere
thatwillpopyouhomeattheendofthenight."
"Thepartystartsatsix,butifyouwouldliketocomeearlierandseewhereyourdaughterwillbeliving
youarewelcome,"Dracoinvited."Ifyouwanttobringachangeofclothesorotheritems,youjustneed
tobeholdingthemwhenyoutouchthePortkey."
"IwouldliketoseethisManor,"Williamasserted."Setthetransportertobeamusoverearliersowecan
takethelayoftheland."
"Whydon'tyoucomeforlunch?"LuciusaskedtheGrangers,quirkinghiseyeinconfusionatmostof
whatherfathersaid."WecansetthePortkeytoactivateatnoon.Youcanbringyourpartyclotheswith
you."
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"Agreed,"Williamnodded."So,giventhiswholeLordoftheManorbusiness,Iassumeyoutwohave
money."
"AsHermionehassaid,loadsofit,"Dracogrinned."Hermioneinsistsonworking,butshedoesnotneed
to.Wecouldliveforseverallifetimesontheamountwehavenow.Fatherisagiftedinvestor,sowekeep
makingmore.SofarthetrickisgettingHermionetospenditandtoacceptourgifts."
"Mylittlegirllikestoearnwhatshehas,"Williamsreportedproudlybeforehemovedon."Whatabout
children?Willwebegettinggrandchildren?Whowillbetheirfather?"
"Wedohopetohavechildren,"Luciusnodded."IalreadyhaveDraco,butalwayswantedmorethanone
child.Dracoalsowantsseveralchildren.Wehopeyouhavearoleinyourgrandchildren'slives.You
haveclearlyraisedagifted,extraordinarywitch,soIimagineyouwillbeexcellentgrandparentsaswell."
"Howdoweknowyouaren'tgoingtotakeoverHermione'slife?"Williamasked,eyesnarrowedagain.
HermionecouldtellhewaswarmingslightlytotheMalfoys,butdidnotwanttobeswayedbyLucius
flattery."Areallofherowngoalsandaspirationsthrownoutthewindownowthatshehastomarryso
young?"
"Notatall,"Luciusrepliedsmoothly."Hermionenegotiatedaverygoodmarriagecontractforherself.
Shestipulatedwhatshewantedsuchasanoccupation,waitingtohavechildren,andretainingher
freedomtomakepersonalchoicesinanythingfromherclothingtoherfriends.Wedidnotpick
Hermionesowecouldchangeher.Wearewellawarethatsheisabrilliantwitch,whowouldnotbe
happysittingathome,shopping,andplanningparties."
Hermione'sfatherfinallyseemedsatisfiedforthemoment.Shehelpedhermotherbringoutsomecheese
puffsandvegetablestostartwhiletheytalkedinthelivingroom.DracoandLuciusexpressedagreat
dealofcuriosityaboutherparentsandtheirlives.Hermioneknewitwasthefirsttimetheyeverhada
chancetositdownandtalkwithMuggles,whoknewtheywerewizards.Jeanexplainedtheirprofessions
andWilliamtalkedabitabouttheMugglefinancialsystembecauseLuciushadexpressedaninterest.
Whendinnerwasready,theymovedintothediningroom.Hermotherhadmadearoastwithgrilled
summervegetablesandroastednewpotatoes,a'havingcompanyover'stapleintheGrangerhousehold.
BothLuciusandDracowereamazedthattheycouldaccomplishsomuchontheirown,withoutmagic.
Theconversationcontinuedtofocusonthemajordifferenceslivingwithandwithoutmagic.The
Malfoyslearnedaboutmicrowaves,dishwashers,andotherhouseholdmachinesusedtotakeupsomeof
theworkload.Herparentslearnedmoreabouthouseelvesandhouseholdcharmsusedtoaccomplish
tasks.HermionesawthatboththeMalfoysandherparentsseemedtolearnnewthingsfromeachother,
whichmadehersmile.
Afterdinner,whileHermionehelpedhermotherclearthetable,herfathertooktheMalfoystothedento
showthemthestereoandtelevision.Sheremindedthewizardstorefrainfromusinganymagic,lestthey
accidentallyfrysomeofherfather'sequipment.
"So,"hermothersaidoverlycasuallyassherinseddishesforthedishwasher,"twohusbands.Andtwo
husbandswholooklikethosetwo."
"Wasthereaquestionintheresomewhere,Mum?"Hermionesmiled.
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"Iknowyouareeighteenandwillbenineteenthemonthafternext,"Jeansaid,"SoIknowyouarenot
entirelyinexperienced.YoudatedthatBulgarianandhavingtotwomalefriendsascloseasyoursgivesa
girlsomeinsights.Butifyouhaveanyquestionsabout,wellaboutsex,Iwantyoutoknowyoucantalk
tome."
"Thankyou,Mum,"Hermionesmiled."Youareright,Iamnotinexperienced,butIcertainlydon'thavea
lotofexperience.SometimesIthinktoomuchandIworryIwon'tbeenoughforthem.You'veseen
them,theyarestriking.Otherwitchesflocktothem,whichcanbedisturbing.ButwhenIamwiththem,I
stopthinkingsomuchwhichisagoodstart."
"Itis,"hermothernoddedgettingoutthefruitandpuddingtrifleshehadmadefordessert."Ifthings
comeupthatyouwanttotalkabout,Iamhere."
Hermionewenttotellherfatherandherfiancsthatitwastimefordessertandcoffee.Shewalkedintoa
disturbingcacophonyofsound.Dracowassittingandlookingthroughalbumsinfrontofthestereo,
whichwasplayingtheRollingStones.Luciuswasstaringintentlyatthetelevision,whichwasalso
makingalotofnoise,asherfatherwasexplainingthedifferentchannelsandprograms.Hermionemuted
thetelevisionandclickedoffthestereo.
"Dessertisready,"sheinformedthemen.
"Letstakedessertinhere,"herfathersuggestedabittooeagerlyforhertastes."Ihavesomethingto
showtheMalfoys."
Hermionenarrowedhereyeswithsuspicionbutnodded.Shereturnedtothekitchenandmadeupatray
forthedessert.Hermotherputacoffeeservicetogether.Jeanreportedignoranceregardingwhat
Hermione'sfatherwasupto.SheadmittedthatshehadnotexpectedWilliamtospendanytimewiththe
Malfoysatall,unlessitwasforced.
TheysetupthefoodinthedenandweresettledinforwhateverHermione'sfatherhadplanned.This
timeHermionewasnestledbetweenherfiancsontheoldleathercouchassheateherdessert.
"I'vebeenshowingtheseladsaboutMuggletechnology,particularlymusicandtelevision,"William
explained."OnethingIhaveyettomentionisthatMugglescanmaketheirownrecordingsathome."
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"OhDad,no!"Hermioneexclaimed,forkfuloftriflehalfwaytohermouth.Sureenough,achubby
toddlerversionHermioneappearedonthetelevisionscreen.
"ThereisourlittleHermonica,"Williamsmiledteasinglyasthebabyinthevideobrokeintoanunsteady,
wobblyrun.Youcouldhearhermotheroffcameraencouraginghertogo.
"ThatisHermione?"Dracoasked,enthralled.
"Indeed,"Williamnodded."Sheisalmosttwoyearsoldhere.Sinceshewasouronlychild,wemadea
lotofhomemovieswhileshewasgrowingup."
"Amazing,"Luciuslookedon,smilingattheyoungHermione'santicstryingtopickupaverylarge
beachball,butjustrollingoverontopofitinstead."ItislikeaPensieve,butyoudon'thavetorelyon
yourmemory.Thisiswonderful.Youweresoadorable,Pet!"
Luciusgaveherthighasqueeze.Hermioneknewtheyjustlovedthis.Thepicturechangedtoher
splashingnakedinabackyardpaddlingpool.DracolaughedaloudwhilesheburiedherheadinLucius'
shoulder.Themoviesplayedthroughdessertandashermotherpouredcoffee.Whenthefirstoneended,
LuciusandDracohadinsistedonwatchinganother.Bytheendofthefourthfilm,Hermionecalledastop
tothelittleviewingparty,totheobjectionsofeveryoneelse.Herparentshadlovedrelivingthepastand
narratingthevideosasmuchastheMalfoyshadlovedwatching.Theyhadseenbirthdayparties,
Christmases,spellingbees,dancerecitals,andtripstotheshoretonameafew.
"Itisextremelylateandithasbeenaverylongday,"Hermioneinsistedfirmly,asitwascomingupon
midnight."Thevideosarenotgoinganywhere.Youcan'texpecttowatcheighteenyearsworthofhome
moviesinonenight."
"Iwantoneofthoserecordingdevices,"Dracosaid.
"Definitely,"Luciusnodded."Wecanrecordourchildren."
"Noproblem,"Hermionesighed."Butwearen'tgettingonetonight!Mum,Dadthankyoufordinner
andforalltheembarrassingvideos.IsetupthePortkeyfornoontomorrow.Itwillbeactiveforfive
minutes.Makesureyou'vegoteverythingyouwanttobringwithyouonyourpersonthenholdhands,
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andjusttouchthevase.ItwillbringyoutothefrontdooroftheManor."
Hermionehuggedbothherparents,yawning.HermotheralsohuggedLuciusandDraco.Herfather
shookhandswithbothwizards.EveryonebideachothergoodbyeandDracopulledHermionetohimfor
aSidealongApparition.Sheappreciatedthethoughtsinceshewasexhausted,butfoundherselfinher
roomattheManor.
"Oh,IthoughtweweregoingbacktoGrimmauldPlace,"sheyawnedagain.Hermionedidnotreally
carewheresheslept,aslongasshegottosleep.Shefeltlikeallofherdaysrecentlywerepackedwith
activityandshecouldusetherest.
"Wewanttosleepwithyou,"Luciussaid,unzippingthebackofherdress.
"Iappreciatetheinterest,butIamknackered,"Hermionesighed.
"Weknow,"Dracolaughed,leaningdowntoremovehershoes."Justsleep,Kitten."
LuciuswhiskedthedressoffherandDracotossedherheelsaside,leavingHermioneinherblacklace
underthings.Dracoplantedsoftkissesonherbellyandherchestashestoodup.Ifshehadhadany
energyleftinher,shewouldhaveactedonthetingleofarousalhecaused.Luciusdisappearedfora
moment,butsoonreturnedcarryingasofttshirtthatHermionelovedtosleepin.
"Iassumethisisyournightwear,sinceitwasinthesamedrawerasaflannelpajamaset?"Luciusasked.
Hermionenodded,smilingatLucius'milddisdainandremovedherbra.Heslidtheshirtoverherhead,
placingakissbetweenhershoulderbladesbeforeheskinwascoveredbyfabric.
Dracotookherhandandledhertothebed.Hermioneclimbedinandbegantosettleherselfinthemiddle
ofherlargebed,casuallywatchingherfiancsdisrobeoneithersideofthebed.Apparently,neither
Malfoybotheredwithunderclothesorsleepwear,butslidunderthesheetsnaked.
"Goodnight,Kitten,"Dracomurmured,kissingherforehead,thennose,andfinallylips.Hepulledher
smallbodyagainsthis,spooningherfrombehind,soshewasfacingLucius.ShecouldfeelDraco'sface
nestledinthebackofherneck.
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"Sleepwell,Pet,"Luciusdirected."Don'tworryaboutwakingupearly.Wewillmakesureyouareupin
enoughtimebeforeyourparentsarrive.Youhavebeenverybusylatelyandneedtorest."
HermionenoddedsleepilyandLuciusleaneddowntopresshislipsintohers.Hermionesighedatthefeel
ofhimandLuciustooktheopportunitytosliphistonguegentlybetweenherlips,caressingher.Like
earlierwithDraco,ifshehadhadevenanounceofenergy,Hermionewouldhaveactedonthearousalhe
caused.Instead,Luciuspulledbackslightlyandlaidasweetkissonherforeheadbeforeinterlacinghis
fingerswithhers.HermionedriftedoffnestledcomfortablybetweentheMalfoys.
EndNotes:
Next...theGrangersseetheManor!
Backtoindex
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Author'sNotes:
Disclaimer:Idonotownthesecharacters,butammerelyplayingwiththem.
Thankstobunnyhopsforherhelpfulsuggestions!
Now...theGrangersgototheManor.
Chapter23
Hermionewashavingthemostdeliciousdream.DracoandLuciusweremakinglovetoher.Theirhands
andmouthsmovedoverherflesh.Shearchedandmoaned,beggingthemtotakeherreallytakeher.
Shewantedtofeeltheminsideofher.Everythingwasaswirlofsensationinherdream.Theirattentions
wereoverwhelmingherandshepressedherselfintoherdreamlovers.Hermionehadneverwanted
anythingmorethantofeelhardnessthrustintoherrepeatedly.Shecouldfeelthewetnessbetweenher
legs.Finally,Hermionefeltsomethingatherslickentranceandhissedoutherapproval.
Hermionefeltsomethingpressintohercenterandhereyespoppedopen.Thiswasnodream.Luciuswas
loungingnexttoher,proppeduponhiselbowandwatchingherhishandscaressinghernakedbreasts,
gentlytweakinganipple.Hisgazewasalittleamused,butmostlylustful.Althoughshewasawake,
Hermionestillfeltthesensationsfromherdream.Shefeltawarm,wetmouthlappingbetweenherlegs
andslender,nimblefingersthrustingintohercore.
Hermionearchedherbackandpressedherheadintothepillow.
"Soclose,"shemoaned.Theintensityfromherdreamcontinuedandshefeltfrantic,asifsheneededto
come."Please."
LuciusliftedupthesheetandshelookeddownatDraco.Asheliftedhiseyestomeethergaze,headded
anotherfingerandintensifiedhisthrusts.
"Please,Draco,"Hermionebegged,liftingherhips.Hesmiledandlatchedontoherclit.Hesuckedon
herthenworriedthesensitivenubgentlybetweenhisteeth.Alternatingbetweenthetwowasdrivingher
crazy.Luciusloweredhisheadtoherhardnippleandbegansuckingaswell,whilehishandpinchedand
pulledherothernipple.
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"Godsyes!"sheencouragedherfiancs.HermionewrappedherlegsaroundDraco,pressingherselfinto
him.ShebroughtonehanduptoLucius'headandgrippedhishairtightly,notallowinghimtostop.
Finally,waveafterwaveofarousalcrestedandbrokemakingHermionescreamwiththebody
shatteringorgasm.HerbodywentastautasabowbeforefallingbacklimplyintoLucius'waitingarms.
Herchestwasheavingandasheenofsweatmadeherskinglisten.Luciusstrokedherarmsandcooed
sweetwordsinherear,allthewhilehisragingerectionpressedintothesmallofherback.
"Goodmorning,Kitten,"Dracolaughedasheusedthesheettowipeoffhisface.Hecrawledupherbody
andlaidflushagainsther,histhickhardcockpressingagainstherbelly.
"Mmhm,"Hermionesmiled,eyesclosedandrelaxed,"thatwasaverygoodwaytowelcomethe
morning."
LuciuschuckledbehindherandHermioneopenedhereyestoseeDraconosetonosewithher.She
kissedhim,pressinghertongueagainsthis,andsnakedherhanddownbetweenthem.
"Doyouneedyourgoodmorning,Draco?"Hermionepurred.Shesoquicklyfellintothesexkittenrole
withthem,whichsurprisedher,becauseshehadneverreallyseenherselfasthatsexualofaperson.She
figuredthattheMalfoys,withtheirabundanceofsexappeal,mustbringitoutinher.
"Fuck,Kitten,"Dracogroundoutasshegraspedhim.Hersmallhandbarelyfitaroundhim."Igotso
hardfromtastingyou.Youtastelikeheaven.Iloveitwhenyoupressagainstmyfaceandwhenyou
comeallovermymouth."
Luciusgroanedbehindherandbeganrockingverygentlyagainsther.
"Fatherwasrightaboutyourtaste,"DracogroanedasHermionebeganworkingherhandupanddown
him."Liketangyhoney.Ican'tgetenough.Itisevenbetterfromthesource.Fuck,thatfeelsgood."
Draco'sbreathingwascomingfasternowandheburiedhisfaceinHermione'sneck.
"Youlookedsobeautifulinyoursleep,"Luciusmurmuredinherear."Yourhairgetsallmussed,you
sighandmakelittlemoansinyoursleep,andyourtonguedartsouttomoistenyourlipsfromtimeto
time.Youlookedsosexy,Dracocouldnotresist.Iwatchedhimliftyourshirtoveryourheadandlick
yournipples.Youstartedwhimperingthen.Didyoustarttohaveanaughtydream,Pet?"
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"Idid,"HermionepurredasDracopanted.SheincreasedherpaceonDraco'scock,givingalittletwiston
theheadmakingDracowhimperandthrustintoherhand.Hermionecontinuedinabreathyvoice."I
dreamedaboutyouboth.Youweretouchingme,kissingme.Inthedream,Ijustneededtofeelyou
insideme.Iknowitwasmyideatowaituntilthewedding,butIamreallylookingforwardtothatnight.
Iadoreyourtonguesandhands,butIneedyourcocksinmefillingme."
Hermione'swordsmadebothMalfoymengroanandshesmiled.Luciuslatchedhisteethontoherearand
increasedtherockingthatwaspressinghiserectionintoherback.Draco'sthrustingwasbecomingerratic
andHermioneaddedherotherhandtocuphisballs.
"Ican'twaittofuckyou,Kitten,"Dracogasped."Iwanttocomeinsideyou."
"Willyoulikethat,Pet?"Luciusasked,hisownbreathingstartingtocomeheavyaswell."Areyougoing
towrapthosegorgeouslegsaroundDracowhilehefucksyou?Doyouwanthimtopumpinandoutof
youuntilhefillsyouupwithhiscome?"
"Yes,"Hermionemoanedandnodded.SheloveditwhenLuciustalkeddirtytoher.Hewasusuallyso
properandhadsuchgoodmanners,soitseemedextradirty.
"Fuckyes!"Dracoagreedwithashoutashecamealloverherhandandbelly.Hermionefeltthewarm
fluidjetontoherskinanddripdownward.
"Whataboutyou,Lucius?"Hermionebreathed,pressingbackagainsthim.Shereachedaroundwithher
cleanhandandfoundhismember,whichwasweepingatthetip."Doyouwanttofuckme?"
"Iamcountingthehours,Pet,"Luciusgroanedasshesqueezedhim."Youbetterrestupforourwedding
night,becausewearegoingtowearyouout.AssoonasDracopullsout,Iamgoingtotakeyou.Youare
notgoingtogetevenasecondtocatchyourbreathbeforeIimpalethatsweetlittlepussyonmycock.I
amgoingtoflipyouover,bendyouforward,andtakeyoufrombehind.Iwantyourlusciousarseright
thereformetoseetobite.ThatwayIcanwatchmycockglisteningwithyourwetnessasIgoinand
out."
"Oh,Lucius,"Hermionemoaned,rotatinghergriponhimandslidingitupanddownwhileDraco
plantedsoftkissesagainsthercollarbone."Iwantyoutotakemehard."
"I'mgoingtoattachhandlestothebedframesoyou'vegotsomethingtoholdonto,becauseI'llbe
plowingintoyousohard,"Luciusrasped.Hermionecouldtellhewasclose,rightontheedge.
"Ican'twaituntilyoubendmeover,myLord,"Hermionepurred."I'vebeenanaughtygirl,havingdirty
thoughtsandIneedtobepunished.Ithinkyouaregoingtohavetospankmewhileyouhavemyarse
rightthere.ItistheonlywayIlleverlearn."
LuciuscamewitharoarandHermionefelthimcoatingherbackwithwarmth.Sherealizedshewas
literallydrippingwiththeircomeandtheideamadeherwet.Hermionerubbedherthighstogether
slightly.
"Youcertainlyareanaughtygirl,"Luciuspanted.Dracochuckled,nuzzlingherbarebreasts.
"Shehasyoufiguredout,"Dracolaughed.
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"Iamprettysureshehaskeyedinonyouaswell,"Luciusgrinned."Ifyouweregoingtodressupto
driveDracoinsanewithlust,whatwouldyouwear,Pet?"
"Hmmm,thatisatoughone,"Hermionestretchedoutandthoughtforamoment."Leather.Perhaps,a
leatherminidresswiththighhighleatherbootsandmaybefingerlessleatherelbowlengthgloves.
Definitelynoknickers."
"Oh,Kitten,"Dracogroaned,pressinghisfaceintoherchest."Thatwouldbesobloodysexy."
Luciuschuckled.
Whattimeisit?Hermionewonderedaloud,runningherfingersthroughDracosshorthair.
Alittleafterten,Luciussighedasherubbedhischeekagainstthetopofherhead,inhalingherscent.
Iguesswebettergetup,Hermionesaidbutmadenomovetodoso.Bothwizardsmumbledagreement,
butneitheronebudged.Hermionejustlaypressedbetweenthemandrelaxed.Shehadneverhadareal
lover,notonethatincludedleisurelypostcoitalmorningsloungingnakedandtryingtosummonthe
motivationtogetoutofbed.
Toosoon,itwasclosetoelevenandHermionedraggedherselfoutofbed.Shewantedtoshoweroffthe
evidenceoftheirmorningrompandgetdressedbeforeherparentsarrivedatnoon.LuciusandDraco
bothfollowedherreluctantly,astheyseemedtowanttostayinbedaswell.
"I'veneverhadsuchafancyshower,"Hermionesaidassheturnedonthespray.Shesteppedinunderthe
hotwater,againfollowedbytheMalfoys.Luciuspressedafewbuttonsthataddedmorejetsofwater,so
thethreedidnothaveshareonenozzle.Hermionelaughed."See,Idon'tevenknowhowtoworkit."
DracochuckledashetookupthesoapandbeganlatheringupHermione'sback.Shereachedforthe
shampoo,butLuciustookitoutofherhand.Hepouredshampoointohishandandbeganmassagingit
intoherscalp.Hermionesighed.Shefeltshecouldgetusedtothiskindofattention,althoughshe
assumeditwouldwaneaftertheymarried.
"Ireallylikethesesoaps,"Hermioneshared."Theysmellsogood.Wheredidyougetthem?"
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"France,"Luciussaidnonchalantly.
"Wehadthemshippedover,"Dracoreported,runninghissoapyhandsalloverherbody."Itseemedlike
ablendthatwouldsuityou."
DracowasverythoroughinhissoapingwhileLuciusgaveherascalpmassage.Eventually,sherinsed
offwithminimalassistance.HermioneaskedLuciustositonthebench.Shehadalwayslikedhislong,
straighthairandwantedtowashit.ShesoapedhimupwhileDracowashed.Itwastimeslikethisthat
Hermionewishedthereweretwoofher.Althoughshedidlikethatshehadanotherreasontoshower
withDracoagain.
Luciusclosedhiseyesandleanedintohertouch,justlikeacat.Hermionecouldswearsheheardhim
purrassherubbedhisscalpwithherfingertips.
Finally,thethreegotoutoftheshower.Dracopassedoutfluffywhitetowels,whichHermionewrapped
aroundherselfbeforeshewenttoherwardrobetoseewhatKreacherandTinkyhadbroughtoverfrom
GrimmauldPlace.Hermioneabsentlycharmedherhairdrywhileshesurveyedheroptions.
Hermionechoseastraplesscasualsundressthatwasverycomfortable.Shefoundhertrustygladiator
sandals,whichmadehersmile.Kreacherreallypaidattentiontothethingssheusedmostandlikedbest.
BeforeLuciuswenttogodress,hereportedthathehadtogotohisstudytocheckhiscorrespondence.
DracodressedandwalkedwithHermionedownstairs.Heheldherhand,whichmadehersmile.
"Wheredoyouwanttohavelunch?"Dracoaskedastheywandereddownthestairs.
"Theconservatoryisalovelyplacetoeat,"Hermioneresponded.
"Bunny,"Dracocalled.AverysmallelfappearedandlookedupatDracoadoringly."Canyoulet
everyoneknowwewillbehavingtwoguestsarrivingatnoonforlunch?TheyareMissGrangers
parentsandarenotusedtoelves,sotrynottopoptooclosetothem.Wewouldlikelunchsetupinthe
conservatory.Inthemeantime,Icoulduseacupoftea.Bringteaforusbothtothemorningroom
please."
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BunnyjustnoddedandturnedtoHermione.
"TuppistellingalltheelvesthatMissyBridetomyMasteriswantingtoknowthenamesandjobsofall
theelves,"Bunnysaidveryseriously."IisbeingcalledBunnyandIistakingcareofMasterMalfoy."
"Thankyou,"Hermionenodded,equallyasseriousasthelittleelf.ThenBunnypoppedofftofulfillher
task,aswasthewaywithelves.
Asteamingpotofteawaswaitingfortheminthemorningroomwhentheyfinallyambledtheirway
there.AnowlwaswaitingforHermioneaswell.DracopouredteawhileHermioneremovedthenote
fromtheowlandfeditalittlepastryfromtheteatray.
"It'sareportfromHiggs,"HermionetoldDracoasshescannedtheparchment."Everythingisconfirmed
andonschedulefortonight.Thedecoratorswillarriveatonetostart.Higgswillcomeoverthentoo,to
supervise.Hehasthesetupeventsalllistedherealongwithalistofthefinalguestlist."
HermionetradedDracotheguestlistforhertea,sittingbackandsippingthedelightfulliquid.They
talkedaboutthepartythateveningandthepeoplesettoattend.Dracostillgrumbledalittleunderhis
breathaboutViktor,makingherrollhereyes.HedidthankherformakinganefforttogettoknowPansy
andtakinghershoppingnextweek.Hermionefeltitwasonlyrighttogettoknowherhusbandsfriends.
IfLuciushadotherfriendsbesidesSeverus,shewouldmakeanefforttheretoo.SheremindedDracothat
hespentagoodamountoftimewithRonandHarryalready,forwhichshewasgrateful.
HermionesmiledasshesatandchattedwithDraco.Itsometimesstruckherhoweasyitfelttobewith
DracoandLucius.Ifsixmonthsagosomeonehadtoldherwhatthefutureheld,shewouldhave
laughed.
MissyLady,Tinkynoddeddeferentiallyaftershepoppedintotheroom.MissyLadyspeoplehave
arrived.
Hermionerushedtogomeetherparents.Shedidnotwantthemtofeeluncomfortable,andtheyhad
neverseenahouseelfbefore.Hermioneskidintothefronthallwayasahouseelfopenedthedoor.She
wascloseenoughtoseeherparentseyeswidenatseeingthelittlegreen,bigeared,largeeyedcreature.
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Mum,Dad!Hermionesmiled.Welcome.Comein.
TheGrangersjuststoodonthestoop,staringattheelf.
Jean,Williamwearesohappyyoucouldcome,Dracosaid,puttinghisarmaroundHermiones
waist.ThisisTippy.Tippyisanelf.Elvesworkforwizards,generallydoinghouseandyardwork.
Tippy,MissGrangersparentshavenevermetanelfbefore.Canyoutellthemalittlebitaboutyourself?
Ohyes,Master,Tippynodded.IisbeingcalledTippy.Iamhavingonehundredandtwentyyears
andambeingwiththeMalfoyfamilymywholelife.Iamnowseniorelfandambeinginchargeofthe
firstfloor,exceptthekitchens.WouldMisterandMissuswanttocomeinside?
Itisnicetomeetyou,Tippy,Jeanmanaged.TheGrangerssteppedintothehouse.Tippysawtheir
garmentbagandmovedtotakeitfromthem.
Tippycanbetakingyourbags,theelfreportedasHermionesfatherhandeditover.
Natty!Tippycalled.Another,slightlyolderlookingelfpoppedintotheroomawayfromtheGrangers
Hermionenoted.ThisisNatty.Nattyisbeinginchargeofmostofthesecondfloor,includingtheguest
rooms.Shecanbetakingyourbagandsettingoutyourthingsinaroomupstairsforyourchanging
later.
Nattynodded,tookthebagfromTippyandpoppedaway.Luciushadjoinedtheminthehall.
William,Jeanitissogoodtoseeyouagain,LuciussmiledandtheGrangersnoddedback,also
smiling.Ibelievelunchisready.Hermionehadtheelvessetupintheconservatory.Ifyouwillpermit
me?
Ofcourse,Jeanchuckled,takingLuciusoutstretchedhand.Hetuckeditintothecrookofhisarmand
beganleadingHermionesparentsfurtherintothehouse.
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Hecertainlycanbesuavewhenhewantstobe,Dracolaughedabit,takingHermionesarmthesame
wayLuciushadtakenhermothersastheyfollowedbehindtheothers.
LikefatherlikesonIbelieve,Hermioneteased.
***
Theelveshadoutdonethemselves.Theconservatorylookedamazingandthetablewassetbeautifully
withantiquechinathatlookedlikepastelandivoryfloralWedgewood.Thelightgreentablecloth,wicker
chairswithyellowandbluefloralpillows,andfreshflowerscombinedwiththelushgreeneryandglass
wallsoftheconservatory,madeapicturesquelunchsetting.
"Ohmy,"Jeangasped."ItislikeIsteppedbackintimetotheVictorianage.SuddenlyIfeel
underdressed."
"Itisnottoyourliking?"Dracoasked.HeandLuciuslookedconfused."Hermioneseemstoliketaking
teainhere."
"Ohno!Itisbeautiful!"JeanquicklycorrectedDraco.
"Muggles,wellnormalmiddleclassMuggles,don'thaveroomslikethisintheirhousesforeveryday
lunch,"Hermionejumpedin.ShehadtoldtheMalfoysalotaboutherreactiontotheManorthatitwas
grandandshecouldnotbelieveshewouldbelivingthere,becauseitfeltlikeavacationspot.Butshe
hadnotsharedherassociationswiththeplace."WhenIfirsttookatouroftheManor,itremindedmeof
theEnglishmanorsIhadseeninmoviesonthetelly.OnlyveryrichMuggles,usuallymembersofthe
Mugglenobility,havehouseswithroomssuchasthis."
"Iunderstand,"Luciusnodded."IhaveheardMuggleshavetheirownaristocracy.Iaminterestedtohear
moreaboutit.ItisthesamewiththewizardingworldmostfamiliesdonothaveaManororahouseas
bigasours."
TheysatdowntolunchandTuppappearedwithacoolrefreshingcucumbersaladandsparklingwater.
Hermione'sparentswatchedtheelf,butseemedtobegettingusedtothelittlecreatures.Astheyate,
Luciusexplainedalittleaboutelves,whattheirroleisinthewizardingworld,howwizardmagicseems
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tobalanceandstrengthenelfmagic,andevenHermione'sheroicattemptstofreetheunwillinglittle
things.Herparentslaughed,knowingtheirdaughterwasnoteasilydissuadedfromhercrusades.They
sharedthestoryabouthowaneightyearoldHermionesuccessfullycampaignedtomakethelocal
animalshelterstopeuthanizingtheanimals.ThatbroughtupCrookshanksstoriesthatmadeHermione
laughandtearupslightly.Shestillmissedhercat.
Asmallportionofcoldpotatoleeksoupfollowedthecucumbersalad.Themaincoursewasalemon
rosemaryroastedpheasantwithherbedpotatoesandsautedsummervegetables.BothGrangers
remarkedonthequalityofthefood.Luciusreportedthatthekitchenelveswerequiteskilled,andthatall
theingredientsusedinthemealweregrownthereonthegrounds.TheMalfoyspromisedtotakethe
GrangersonatouroftheManorandgroundsafterlunch.
Hermionerelayedhermothersinterestingardening.ShehadalwaysbeenfascinatedbyHermione's
herbologytextandwasthrilledatLucius'offertoshowherhisgreenhouse,althoughshehadtopromise
nottotouchanything.Jeanknewmanymagicalplantsweredangerous,havingbeenbothintriguedand
horrifiedwhenHermioneshowedherDevil'sSnareinherbook.
HermionetoldDracothatherfatherwasanavidequestrian,whichgaveDracoanopportunitytotalk
abouthisanimals.WilliamhadheardaboutwingedhorsesandseenpicturesinHermione'sbooks,buthe
waspracticallybouncinginhisseatattheprospectofseeingthemforreal.WilliamtoldDracoabout
regularMugglehorses,whichwerenotcommoninthewizardingworld.Dracokeptreferringtothemas
unicornswithouthorns.
Dessertwasanassortmentofsorbetsraspberry,lemon,andmango.Herparentsaskedaboutthe
wizardingaristocracyandwhatwouldbeexpectedfromtheirdaughterasLadyMalfoy.Luciusand
Dracoreportedthatthegroupwaslargelysocial,butpartlypolitical.Allnoblefamilieshadaseatinthe
Wizengamot,thoughnotallusedtheirchairespeciallyafterpurebloodstatuswasnolongera
requirementformembership.LuciusexplainedaMalfoyhadalwaysbeenamemberofthisWizarding
Parliament,asHermionehadexplainedittoherparents.Luciushadalwaysbeenamember,specifically
servingontheHogwartsSchoolBoardofGovernors.
Hermionetoldhermotherthatshethoughtofthearistocracyasamodernversionofthetonshehadread
aboutinJaneAustenandotherRegencyEranovels.Statuswasabigdealtoeveryone,whilethewomen
wereparticularlydeviousandspiteful.Hermionereportedthat,toherunderstanding,theMalfoyswere
thecrmedelacrmeanddeferredtoasiftheywerethePrinceRegent.LuciusandDracodidnotquite
understandtheMugglereferences,butgenerallyagreedwiththerestofwhatHermionesaid.
Well,ifanyoneisgroundedenoughandsmartenoughtodealwiththatkindofsocietyitisour
Hermonica,Williamnodded.
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Youcalledherthatlastnight,DracopointedoutasHermionerolledhereyes.Whatdoesthatmean?
AHarmonicaisamusicalinstrument,Jeantoldthewizards.WilliamstartedcallingHermionethat
whenshewasababy,becauseshewassoloudsometimesandofcoursebecausehernamesounds
similar.
Adorable,Luciuslaughedalongwitheveryoneelse.Ifwearedonehere,wouldyouallliketotourthe
Manor?
Hermionesparentsenthusiasticallyassentedandthegrouplefttheconservatory.Theysawthevarious
drawingrooms,themorningroom,andthegentleman'slounge.TheGrangerswereamusedby
Hermione's'MuggleRoom,'asLuciusandDracocalledit.Theelveslookedabitsurprisedtoseethe
guestscomingintothekitchen,butHermioneassumedtheywerenotusedtohavinganyoneinthereas
LuciusandDracocertainlydidnotspendtimeinthekitchens.Hermione'sparentswereveryinterestedin
howtheelvescooked,whichHermionehadneverpaidtoomuchattentionto,sinceshedidnotcook.
Cuppy,theseniorelfinchargeofthekitchensintroducedherselfandtoldtheGrangersthattheywere
welcometocomeandspendtimeinthekitchenswhenevertheywished.Therewasquiteabustlegoing
onatthemoment,astheelveswerepreparingforthepartythatevening.Astheywentthroughthesmall,
familydiningroomtotheformaldiningroom,thenoiselevelincreasedsubstantiallyduetoparty
preparations.Bythetimetheyreachedthemusicroom,theycouldclearlyhearthesetupunderway,
includeTerenceHiggsshoutinginstructions.
Theballroomwasinthemiddleofitstransformationtoanighttimesummergarden.TheGrangerswere
amazedatthegreenerygoinguponthewallsandthethingsmagicwasabletoaccomplish.
"LordMalfoy,MissGranger,Draco!"Terenceexclaimedwhenhesawthem."Goodafternoon.Things
arerightonscheduleforthisevening.Didyougetmyschedule,MissGranger?"
"Yes,Terence,Idid.Italllooksfine.AndItoldyoutocallmeHermione,"shenodded.Shenoticedthat
LuciusmadeTerencealittlenervousandhetendedtobeveryformalinhispresence."Thesearemy
parents,WilliamandJeanGranger."
"Pleasedtomeetyou,"TerencegavetheGrangersadeferentialbow.Hermione'sparentsnoddedatthe
youngwizard,andLuciususheredthemallout,sotheycouldcontinuethetourupstairs.
HermionewasobviouslyeagertoshowherparentsthelibraryandtheroomsLuciusandDracohad
decoratedforher.TheGrangersweredutifullyenthralledbythelibrary,chucklingatHermione's
enthusiasmfortheroom.
"Shehasalwaysbeenthisway,"WilliamlaughedastheystoodinthelibraryandwatchedHermioneflit
around."Whenshewasfive,sheaskedustostopgettingherdollies,andjustbuymorebooksforher
birthdayandChristmas."
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"Iamnotsurprised,"Dracosmiled."Shetolduswedidnothavetoarrangethemarriagethewaywedid,
wecouldhavejustshownherthisroom.Sheprobablywouldhaveproposedtous."
Hermione'sparentswereimpressedwiththestudyLuciushadcreatedforherandwerehappythese
wizardsseemedtounderstandtheirquirkydaughter'svalues.Shewouldalwaysprioritizebooks,
learning,andbeingproductive.
Theylookedattheguestrooms,takingnoteoftheonewheretheelveshadputherparents'partyclothes.
JeanGrangerechoedHermionesinitialreactionthatMalfoyManorwaslikeafabulousvacationspot.
HermionesmirkedabitandtoldhermothertowaituntilsheseesHermione'sroom,specificallyher
bathroom.
Again,theGrangerswerepleasedthatoneofHermione'sfiancshadtakenthetimetomakesomething
specialforher.HermionewasgladthatTinkyhadcleanedupherdressaswellasLuciusandDracos
robeswerenotonthefloornexttothebed.Thebedwasalsoneatlymade.Hermotherwasenamoredof
Hermione'slargedressingroomandtheamazingbathroom.Hermioneassuredherthatshecouldcome
visittoswiminhertubwhenevershewished.
Thegroupwentouttoseethegrounds,buttheMalfoystookthemstraightoutbackinsteadofoutfront
andaround.Theywentandsawthelakefirst.BothGrangersenjoyedswimmingandlookedforwardto
tryingoutthelakefirsthand,someotherday.
TheysawtheminifarmtheelvestendedandwentontoLucius'greenhouse.Hermione'smotherwas
enthralledandLuciusagreedtolendherabookonmagicalplants.Mostbookswithmagicalsubject
matterwerespelledsotheywouldappearblanktoMuggles.Hermionefoundthatherparentscouldsee
hertextbooksifshewasholdingthem,butassoonassheletgotheywentblanktothem.Luciussaidhe
knewaspellhecouldapplytoabooksoonlyJeancouldreadit.Hermionewasnotsurethatwaslegal,
butletitgo.
Theymovedontothestables,wherehermotherwasinitiallyabithorrifiedbytheThestrals.Hermione
hadtoadmittheskeletalbatlikewingedhorseswerebeautifulinaverydark,morbidway.Herfather
wasntabletoseethem,havingnoteverlostalovedone.TheGrangerswerecharmedbytheother,
morenormallookingwingedhorsesthough.Dracoandherfathertalkedaboutgeneralsize,feeding,
grooming,andthecapabilitiesoftheanimals.HermioneandhermotherwereveryuneasywhenDraco
invitedWilliambacktoactuallyridethehorses,althoughWilliameagerlyaccepted.
Astheywatchedthehorses,aravenlandedonapostimmediatelytoHermione'sleft,startlingher
mother.HermioneandtheMalfoysrecognizedthebirdasSeverus'raven,Poe.Luciusfurrowedhisbrow
asHermionepettedPoeanddetachedthenoteaddressedtoher.
"Everythingallright,Pet?"Luciusasked.Shehadthoughthislookhadstemmedfromhisdisapprovalof
herclosenesswithhisfriend,buthewasactuallyconcerned."Hesnottryingtogetoutofcoming
tonightishe?Iswearhewilldoanythingtoavoidsocialevents."
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"Severuswouldn'tbailoutonHermioneoronyou,Father,"Dracosoothed."Heknowshowimportant
thisistous."
"Heisjustlettingmeknowthestatusofyourgiftsfortonight,"Hermionereported,rubbingLucius'arm.
"Itseemsyouguysareinluckandeverythinghasworkedout.Now,Iwillnotputonapoorshowing."
Astheyallwalkedbacktothehouse,Hermioneexplainedaboutthetraditionalgivingofgiftsto
commemoratethemarriagecontract.Sheleftoutthatshehadonlyfoundoutaboutthepracticetwenty
fourhoursago,seeingnoneedtotattletoherparents.
Theyreturnedtothehouseinplentyoftimetocleanup.Natty,whowasassignednotonlytotheguest
roomsbutalsotothegueststhemselves,showedtheGrangersupstairstoexplaintofacilitiestothem.
DracohadarrangedastylisttoarriveatfourtohelpHermionewithherhairandmakeup.Itwasalittle
presumptuous,butHermionedidnotmind,asitmadethingsmucheasierforher.Herdresswasbeautiful
andshewantedtodoitjustice.Shealsowantedtolookthepart,likethenextLadyMalfoyespecially
infrontofthe'society'partoftheguestlist.
HermionewenttocheckonHiggsbeforeshehadtogetready.Terencelookedmorestressedoutthan
shewas.Sheimaginedhehadalotridingonthisparty,asitwouldmakehimlookgoodtohisbossifhe
didwell.
Well,Ithinkyouvemissedyourcalling,Mr.Higgs,Hermionesmiledasshewalkeduptohiminthe
ballroom.Itwasastoundingwhathehadaccomplished.Theroomreallylookedlikeasummergardenat
dusk,exceptmuchmorecomfortableduetothecoolingcharmsusedindoorsandmoremagnificent.
Thissummergardenhadfloatinglightsandastringquartetsettingupatoneendoftheroom.Allthe
flowerswereatthepeakofbeautyitwasperfect.
Oh,thankyou,Terenceappearedtoblushslightly.Itwasreallyfuntoplanapartylikethis.Ihope
youandtheMalfoysenjoyit.Everythingisontarget.ThecateringstaffisassistingtheManorkitchen
elves.Ijustcamefromthereandtheyareprojectedtohavethehorsdoeuvresreadytopasspromptlyat
sixwhentheguestsaresettoarrive.Thebarissetupsosomeofthewineischilling,whilesomeis
breathing.Anythingyourguestsrequestwillbeavailable.Asyoucansee,thedecorationsarealmost
done.Thestaffisjustfinishingthesmallstagethere.Thatiswherethegiftexchangewilloccur.Are
youreadyforthegiftexchange?
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IndeedIam,Mr.Higgs,Hermionelaughed.Severusreallycamethroughforme.ThoseMalfoys
arentgonnaknowwhathitthem.
Terencejoinedinherlaughterandseemedtolightenupslightly.Hermionehopedshelefthiminbetter
spiritsasshemadeherwayuptoherroom.TinkypoppednexttoherasHermioneclimbedthestepsto
fillherinonotherdetails.
EndNotes:
Next...engagementpartyandgiftexchange!
Backtoindex
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Author'sNotes:
Disclaimer:Idonotownthesecharacters,butIdosoliketoplaywiththem!
Thankstobunnyhopsforherswiftandenthusiasticbetawork.
Now...Part1oftheengagementpartygifts!
Chapter24
Goodafternoon,Tinky,Hermionesmiledatthesmallelf,whotrottedtokeepupwithHermiones
longerstride.Busyaroundhere,huh?
Ohyes,MissyLady,Tinkynoddedseriously,astheywalked,Weisbeingverybusyforthe
wonderfulparty.MasterDracohasarrangedforyoutobehavingawitchcomingforyourgettingready
beautyneeds.ShearrivedandTinkyhasbeenshowinghertoyourroomasMasterDracoinstructedher,
ifthatisbeingalrightwithMissyLady?
Thankyou,Tinky,Hermionesaid.TinkyopenedtheroomdoorforHermioneandfollowedherinto
theroom.
Tinkyputthewitchtobehelpingyouinyourbathingroom,theelfdirected.Tinkywillbegetting
readyMissyLadysdressandshoes.
Thankyouagain,Tinky!Hermionelaughed,headingforherbathroom.Freda!
HermionewashappilysurprisedtoseeFreda,hermasseusefromthespa,settingouttoolsandpotionsin
thebathroom.
Helloagain,MissGranger,Fredasmiledinherserenemanner.
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PleasecallmeHermione,shesaid,Itiswonderfultoseeyou,butIthoughtyouwereamasseuse!
Iam,Fredareplied.IactuallyownthespaandImadeitapointtolearnallthetreatments.Imake
thepotionsweuseaswell.
Ohmy,Hermioneseyeswentwide.Well,thankyoufortakingthetimetohelpmewithallofthis.I
amsureyouareabusywoman.
Whenmyprimaryinvestorcalledandaskedformyassistance,howcouldIsayno?Fredawinkedat
Hermioneandmotionedforhertocomecloser.Hermionewasalwayssurprisedbyhowmanysecret
littlebusinessalliancestheMalfoyshad.
Fredahadpreparedabathwithspecialdetoxifyingandrelaxingingredients,althoughsheassured
Hermioneitwouldnotbeasrelaxingastheuninhibitingbathsatthespa.Fredahadtakennoteof
Hermionessoapscentsandincorporatedthataswell,tellingHermionethatthelightperfumeofherbath
wouldlingerthroughthenight,butnotbeoverpowering.
Hermionestrippedandsettledinthebath,whileFredamixedapotionatthesink.Fredabroughtover
severaljarsandtoldHermionetodunkunderthewater.HermioneaskedFredaaboutstartingher
businessasthepeacefulwitchsmoothedathickpotionintoHermioneswet,curlyhair.Shetold
Hermionehowherinterestinpotionmakingandherdesiretolivestressfreeledtoherchoiceof
profession.Aftershepinnedthepotionsoakedhairup,Fredabeganpaintingasecondpotiononto
Hermionesface,neck,shoulders,andupperchest.Fredakeptuptheconversation,becauseHermione
hadahardtimemovingherfaceasthepotionmasquedried.Fredafeltshewasluckytohavethe
Malfoysasinvestorssincetheyunderstoodelegance,class,andappreciatedthatqualitydidnotcome
cheap.Additionally,theywereprettysilentasinvestorswentand,sofar,seemedtotrustFredas
judgmentwhichtheslightlyolderwitchseemedtoappreciate.
HermionelikedFredaverymuch.Shewasimpressedbythecool,calmwitchwhowasabouttenyears
olderthanHermione,buthadalreadydonesomuch.HermionemanagedtoaskFredaaboutherpersonal
lifethroughthehardeningpotiononherface.Fredaadmittedthatgettingthebusinessoffthegroundhad
takenalotofhertime.Shewasinvestedinmakingthepotionsherselfandhadactuallystudiedforyears
underaPotionsMasterbeforeshefoundhercalling.Shealsofocusedonhiringverygoodstaffwhom
shepersonallyvetted.Asaresult,Fredawasstillsingle.ThegearsstartedturninginHermioneshead
andshewasformulatinganidea.TheideajusthardenedasFredawenton.Theotherwitchhadhada
varietyofloversovertheyears,primarilymale,butsomefemales.Outerbeautywasnotthatimportant
toFreda,asshehadaparticularskilltoseetheuniquebeautyineveryonethatiswhatmadehergoodat
herjob,inpart.Fredawassmartandcreative,sosheappreciatedthosetraitsinapartneraswell.Bythe
timeFredarinsedoffallofthepotions,Hermionenotonlyhadanidea,butacourseofaction.
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Freda,Iwouldliketoinviteyoutothepartytonight,Hermionesaidonceshecouldspeakagain.I
understandifyoucantmakeit,duetothelatenotice.IjustlikeyouverymuchandIdonthavemany
friends.
Lookingtofilloutyoursideoftheguestlist?FredateasedassherubbedalotionontoHermiones
armsandupperbody.
Abit,Hermioneadmitted,laughing.LuciusandDracohavehundredsofpeopleontheirsideofthe
weddingguestlist!
Apartywouldbefun,Fredasmiled.Iwouldlovetocome,butIthinktheattireisslightlymore
formalthanwhatIhaveon.
LuciusandDracohavebeenpracticallyforcingshoppingspreesonmetoincreasemywardrobe,
Hermionereportedexcitedly.YouarenotthatmuchtallerthanIam,sosomeofthedressesmayfityou
aswell.Ihaveneverevenwornmostofthem,excepttotrythemon.
Well,thereisnoharminlooking,Fredaresponded,beforehelpingHermioneoutofthetubandintoa
fluffyrobe.
HermionecalledTinkyandaskedhertobringinsomeofthedressesHermionehadinthewardrobethat
mayfitFreda.Afterlookingatafew,bothwitchesandtheelfagreed,thebrightpinkKateSpade
sleevelessdresswiththepleatedhemlinewasthebestoption.ItflatteredFredasgoldenskinanddark
honeyblondhair.Whiletheywerechoosing,Fredawasdoingaseriesofdryingspellsthatsheexplained
wouldcutdownonthefrizzandleaveHermionescurlssmootherandshinier.Hermionefiledawaythe
spellsforfutureuse.FredawascuriousaboutHermionesexperimentswiththeTondeohairremoval
spellandHermionehappilysharedherdiscoveries.Shefoundalteringthewandmovementslightly
increasedtheamountoftimebeforethehairgrewback.
TinkypoppedbackintoletHermioneknowSeverushadarrived,andhadenlistedtheelvesinmaking
suretheweddinggiftswerereadyforlater.HermioneaskedTinkytobringSeverusupstairsbecauseshe
hadanotherfavortoaskofhim.Theelfnoddedandwinkedaway.
BythetimeSeverusarrived,FredahadfinishedpinningHermioneshairupinanintricateupdothat
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wassleekonthesidesandallowedthesmoothcurlstocascadedowntheback.Fredawasjustbeginning
todustasmallamountofmakeupontoHermionesskintogiveherabitofagoldenhueontopofthe
glowcreatedbythebath,potion,andlotions.
Ohjoyofjoys,SeverusdeadpannedasTinkyshowedhimintothebathroom.Iamnowprivytoyour
toilette,MissGranger?
Thankyouagainforyourhelpwiththegifts,Severus,Hermionesmirkedathersnarkyexprofessor
dressedallinblack,lookingfunnilyoutofplaceinherbright,lightfilledbathroom.Idontknowwhat
Iwoulddowithoutyou.
GetsomeoneelsetodoyourbiddingIimagine,Severussnorted.Ihearyouhaveanotherfavorto
ask,yougreedylittlewitch.
Ido!Hermionesaidgleefully.Firstthough,letmeintroducemyfriend,FredaNeruda.Sheownsthat
fancyspainDiagonAlleythatisalltherage.Freda,thissourlookinggentlemanismyverygoodfriend
andformerprofessor,SeverusSnape,WizardingBritainsfinestPotionsMaster.
IhaveheardofMasterSnape,Fredanodded.IstudiedunderMasterArcainPortugal.Iampleased
tomeetyou.
Thepleasureismine,Madam,Severusnoddeddeeply.IfyouarestillintouchwithMasterArca,
pleasedogivehimmyregards.
Fredanodded,butstayedfocusedonHermionesmakeup.
Sothefavor,Severus,Hermionespokeup,asFredalinedhereyes.Fredahasjustagreedtoattendthe
party,however,doesnothaveanescortduetothelatenessofmyinvitation.Iwouldberemissasa
hostessifsheweretofeeluncomfortable,soIwouldappreciateyouwouldjustkeepaneyeoutforher
andprovideanyassistance,shouldsheneedit.
Ofcourse,Severusnodded.Thattaskisnohardshipatall.Isthatall?
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Thatsit,Hermionesmiled.That,andIenjoyedmakingyoucomeintomybathroom.
Severusrolledhiseyesandturnedtoleave.
WhenItellLuciusaboutthisconversation,Iwillbesuretoembellish,Severussmirkedashewalked
out.ThenitwasHermionesturntorollhereyes.Thedarkwizardneverseemedtotireoftorturinghis
friend,althoughtherewasnothingthetwowouldnotdoforeachother.
Alldone,FredaannouncedasshesteppedawayfromHermione.
Hermionelookedatherselfinthemirrorandgrinned.Shelookedlikeherself,butbetter.Shehada
lovelygoldenglowandappearedfresh,young,andfancylikeshecouldbethenextLadyMalfoy.
TinkyescortedFredatoaguestroom,soshecouldchangeandgetreadyherself.Hermionewenttofind
herlovelycocktaildressshehadboughtthedaybefore.Sheputonthecreamlacepantiesandstepped
intothemetallicstilettoplatformpumps.TheseshoesmadeHermioneasolidfiveinchestaller,allthe
closertothosehugeMalfoys.Sheslidontheamazingdressandstoodinfrontofthethreesidedmirror.
Lovely,Luciussaidfrombehindher.
Breathtaking,Dracoadded.
DoIlooklikethefutureLadyMalfoy?Hermionesmiled,onlyalittlenervous.
Always,Dracoreplied,ghostingasoftkissoverherlips.
Wehavetakenthelibertyoffillingthesedrawerswithjewelryfromthefamilyvaults,Luciusgestured.
Ithoughtgiftsweredoneduringtheparty?Hermionepointedout,confused.
Thesearen'tgifts,Kitten,theyarejustyours,Dracoexplained.ThesethingsalwaysbelongtoLady
Malfoyandthatwillbeyouaweekfromtoday.
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Whatswrong?Luciusasked,puttinghisarmaroundherwhenHermionefurrowedherbrow.
Idontknowitissilly,Hermionewaffled.LuciusandDracojustwaitedforhertotalk.Ifeelweird
wearingyourexwifesjewelry.
Oh,Pet,no,Luciussoothed.ThisisntNarcissasjewelry.Yes,shehaduseofitwhenshewasLady
MalfoybutallofthispredatesNarcissa.DracohasNarcissasvaluablesinhisvault.Thethingswe
giveyouwillbeyours,andmightbepasseddownoneday.Doesthatmakesense?
Yes,Hermionenodded.Thathelpstothinkofitthatway.
WetookthelibertyofselectingsomepiecesfromtheMalfoyfamilycollectionforthisevening,Draco
heldoutabox.
Hermioneopenedtheboxtofindanamazingbraidedgoldanddiamondchokerwithmatchingearrings.
SheaskedDracotohelpherclaspthenecklacewhilesheputontheearrings.
NowIreallylookthepart,Hermionesmiled.
Aswithallotherjewelsthesemerelyhighlightyourconsiderablebeauty,Luciussmiled.Shall
we?
Hermioneslippedherwandintothesecretsleeveshehadaddedtothedress,hadaddedtoallherdresses
infact.ThensheputonearmthroughLuciusandtheotherthroughDracos.Linkedastheywere,the
threewalkeddownstairstotheirparty,whichhadstartedaboutfifteenminutesago.
***
Theballroomwasbuzzingwithpeopleandnoises,buttheroomsilencedasthetriowalkedin.Lucius
andDracodirectedHermionetothedaisandtheyclimbedontothesmallstage.Atraywithglassesof
champagnewaitedforthemthere.
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LadiesandGentlemen,Dracobegan,raisinghisglass.Wewouldliketothankyouallforcomingto
ourengagementparty.Pleasejoinusincelebratingourupcomingunionandourbride.ToMiss
HermioneGranger,soontobe,LadyMalfoy.
Theguestsraisedtheirglassesinatoastandthentheroomvolumebegantoclimbonceagain.Fromthe
dais,HermionespottedmostoftheWeasleys,astheirredhairgavethemawayincrowds.Shesaw
Luna,whowaswearingadelightfullybizarrebluehatthatresembledthenightsky.Hagridwasalso
easytospotowingtohissize.ShefoundHarry,becausehewastalkingtoHagrid.Hermionealso
spottedBlaiseflirtingwithHannahAbbottandPansyParkinsonwithherarmaroundPadmaPatil.Itwas
nicetoseethetwosidesoftheguestlistintermingling,althoughmostguestsseemedtobekeepingto
theirknownassociates.
TheMalfoysescortedheroffthedais,andthethreebegantoworkthroughthesubstantialcrowd.Itwas
asiftheywerethecenteroftheroomandguestswouldorbitthematadistance,approachingthem
politelyassoonastheywerefree.TraysoffoodfloatedthroughtheairandHermionesnaggedafewof
thebitesizedtreats.Thereweresmallscallops,figswithbacon,pate,andotherhorsdoeuvres.
MostpeoplethatinitiallyapproachedthetriowereLucius'friendsandassociates.Hermionenotedafew
veiledglaressentinherdirection,buteveryonemanagedtokeepcivil.Hermioneactuallyenjoyed
talkingtoMr.Nottagain,hewassuchasmartman,andengagedingoodconversationswithafewnew
peopleshehadnotmetbefore.
MadameSelwynwasthereandaskedabouttheplannertheyusedforthisparty.Hermionethoughtthe
stoicolderwitchactuallylookedimpressed.ShewashappytointroduceMme.SelwyntoTerenceHiggs,
whowasalittleinaweoftherenownedweddingplanner.Luciusappearedlessexcited,watchingthe
meetingoutofthecornerofhiseyeashespokerapidfireFrenchtoaportlyFrenchwizard.Hermione
knewLuciuswouldhavetoresignhimselftolosinganassistantbeforeamonthwasout.Hermionealso
sawFredaandSeverustalkingoffbythemselves,andwavedatthepair.Herplanwasworkingwellthus
far.
TheyseemedtocircleintoDracosgroupoffriendsandHermionerecognizedmanyofthemfrom
school.ShewaspleasedtoseeDaphneGreengrassagain,whotoldherthatsillyAstoriahadoptedtostay
athomeinprotest,althoughshehadnotbeeninvited.PansycameupandblithelyinformedHermione
thatshewasdoingwellandbarelylookedinoverherhead.Hermionedecidedtotakethewitch's
bluntnessasrefreshingandhonest.PadmaputinthatPansydidtakesomegettingusedto.Hermione
smiledhappilyattheRavenclawPatiltwin,gladtobemovingtowardherguests.
ItmadeHermionesmilegenuinelytoseeOrdermemberslaughing,drinking,andhavingfun.Theyhad
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allbeenthroughsomuchlately,allofthemhad.
Youlookgorgeous!Harryexclaimed,comingoverandgivingHermioneabighug.Hersideofthe
partywasmorethehuggingkindthanLuciusandDracosfriends.
Thankyou,Harry,Hermionesmiled.Youlookniceyourself.Havingfun?
"Youknow,Iam,"headmitted.
"Surprised,Potter?"Dracoasked.
"Sortof,yeah,"Harrylookedsheepish."Usually,Ican'tgetcomfortableandjusthavefunatpartieslike
this,becausetoomanypeoplewantto'comemeettheirsavior'andwhatnot."
HermionelaughedatHarry'sfingerquotesandeyeroll.
"Yourfriends,however,"Harrycontinued,grinning,"theygivemeplentyofspace.Hermione'sfriends
knowmewellenoughnottomakeafussovermysocalledcelebrity.SoyeahIcanjusthangout,talkto
people,andhavefun."
"Ifyouwant,Potter,Icanprovideyouwithroomsfullofpeoplethatdon'tthinkyouarehotshiteforyou
tohangoutwith,"Dracoteased.Theteasingwasreminiscentoftheirpreviousanimosityduringtheir
schooldays,butthebitewasgone.
Iwouldbehappytoreturnthatfavor,Draco,Harrysmiled,Wheneveryoudecideyouvehadenough
ofthesesycophanticaristocratskissingyourarseyoujustletmeknow.
HermionerolledhereyesandturnedtotalktoaclusterofHogwartsstaffnexttoher.Professor
McGonagallwasgoingtobeHeadmistresswhenclassesbeganagainSeptemberfirst.Shewastalking
withMadamePince,Remus,andHagrid.ThenewHeadmistresswastryingtoconvinceRemusto
resumehispostatDefenseagainsttheDarkArtsProfessor.Remussaidhewouldthinkaboutit.
Hermionekeptsilent,butknewthelastMarauderneededtodosomethingproductivewithhimself.
Remusalwaysseemedhappiestwhenhewasmakingadifferenceinthelivesofothers.
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HermionewasabletoaskMcGonagallandMme.Pinceaboutmagicalcreatureculturalanthropology.
Theywereunabletorecommendanynewsources,largelyreiteratingwhatLuciushadalreadytoldher.
Therejustwerenotcomprehensivestudiesorbookoutthereontheculturesofsentientmagicalcreatures.
Youknow,Remussaidthoughtfully,youcouldwriteabook,Hermione.
WhileHermionescoffedattheidea,McGonagallandMme.Pincelookedexcitedandnoddedalong.
Thinkaboutit,Hermione,Remuscontinued.Youarebrilliant,youareawonderfulresearcher,you
areanexcellentwriter,youcareaboutthesecreatures,andasaMugglebornyouarelargelyfreefrom
preconceivedaboutothermagicalcreaturesthatmostwizardsgrowupwith.Nowthatyouareoutof
schoolandthewarisover,youhavetimeonyourhands.Didntyousayyouwerelookingfor
somethingtodo?Thiswouldbeperfect!
Whatisperfect?Luciusasked,slidinghisarmaroundHermioneandkissinghertemple.
Hermionewritingabookonmagicalcreaturesandtheircultures,Remusinformedhim.
Thatisagoodidea,Luciusnodded,lookingspeculative.Youshouldreallythinkaboutthat,Pet.
Youwanttoreadit,sowritewhatyouwanttoread.Nooneelsewoulddoitaswellasyoucoulddo
yourself.
Hermionetuckedawaytheideaandthetriocontinuedtocirculate.Shefoundherparentswiththe
Weasleys,talkinghappilyaboutMugglelifewithArthur.MollyWeasleywasstiffandveryreserved,
notembracingHermionelikemostofherfamilybutHermionecouldnotbringherselftocareatthat
moment.Itwassuchaniceparty.FredandGeorgeweresocialbutterflies,goingfromgrouptogroup
includingmanyofLuciusandDracosfriendstoHermionessurprise.Atthemoment,thetwinswere
huddledwithBlaiseZabiniandHermionedidnotwanttoimaginethetroublethosethreecouldgetup.
Sheheardasnatchoftheirconversation,enoughtoknowtheyweretalkingabouttheWWWsadult
entertainmentlinethetwinswerestartingandthattheyhadfoundaninvestorinMr.Zabini.
HermionefinallyfoundViktortalkingtoBillandFleur.Theywroteconsistently,butdidnotgettosee
eachotherveryoften.Heneverchangedmuchthough.Viktorwasstillverytallandmuscular,looking
everybittheprofessionalathletehewas.ItwasalwayscleartoHermionewhyhehadsomanyfemale
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fans.
Hermyownninny!Viktorexclaimeduponseeingher.HermionewenttogiveViktorahug,despite
Dracosgriponherhand.
Viktor,Iamsogladyoucouldcome,Hermionesmiled,asthetallBulgariangaveherasolidsqueeze.
IknowhowbusyyouareinthemonthsbeforetheQuidditchseasonstarts.
FormyHermyownninny,anything,Viktorsmiled,whichfalteredslightlywhenhesawthetwostern
blondsflankingher.Viktorquicklylethergofromthehug.Vell,notmyHermyownninny.
Iamandwillalwaysbeyourfriend,Viktor,Hermionesqueezedhishand.Thesearemyfiancs,
LuciusandDracoMalfoy.
ViktornoddeddeeplytowardthetwoMalfoys,squeezingHermioneshandback.
Hermionespeakshighlyofyou,LuciusnoddedwhileDracomadeasmallgruntinagreement.We
arepleasedtofinallymeetyou.
IdidhaveafavorIwantedtoaskofyouwhileyouareintown,Hermionesaid.Dracohasafriend,
MarcusFlint,whoishopingtoplayprofessionalQuidditchhereinBritain.Hehasafewoffers,butdoes
notreallyknowanyonetogivehimstraightforwardadvice.Doyouthinkyouwillhavesometimeto
meetwithhimwhileyouarehere?
Ofcourse,Viktornodded.
Wonderful!Hermionesmiled.Marcusisheretonight.EitherDracoorIwillmakesureyoutwo
meet.
Thetriokeptminglingneverabletostopandsocializefortoolong,otherwisetheywouldnotbeableto
greetalloftheirguests.Hermionenotedthatallofherfriendsseemedtobehavingagoodtime.Luna
wastellingsomeunwittingwizardthetruthaboutmagicalcreatures,becausehewasaverywellknown
wizardingnaturalist.Harryjustsmiledandtriedtokeephislaughtersuppressedasthepoormanjust
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nodded,notknowinghowtorespondtothedreamyblonde.Ronwaseatingeverythinghecouldgethis
handsonandhavingalovelytimeflirtingwithallthewitchesinattendance,whoweredressedupin
theirfinery.Ginnywasalsoenjoyingtheattentionsoftheoppositesex,butHermionenoticedthe
youngestWeasleykeptoneeyeonHarryatthesametime.
Byseventhirty,theyseemedtohaveatleastsaidhellotojustabouteveryone.Thatmeantitwastime
forthegiftexchange.SeverushadarrangedfortheelvestowatchDracoshippogrifffoalandassigned
themtostandguardoverthesilverlimesapling.Tinkyhadassuredherthattheelveswouldbereadyto
bringinthegiftswhentheexchangebegan.
Ladiesandgentlemen,Luciusannouncedoncetheyhadagainclimbeduponthesmallstage.Hecasta
mildSonorouscharmandtheroomquietedimmediately.Itistimeforthegiftexchangeandasis
tradition,theladywillgofirst.
LuciusnoddedtoHermione,deferringtoher.Hehadtoldhertheorderinwhichthingswouldgo,soshe
wasprepared.
Thankyouallagainforcoming,Hermionesaid.Inchoosingweddinggiftsformygrooms,Iwanted
tofindthemeachsomethingthatwasjustasuniqueandworthasmuchastheyarebutthatwas
impossible.AllofherguestslaughedatherjokeevenmostoftheMalfoyguestschuckled.Ididwant
togetthemsomethingthatwasrepresentativeoftheMugglecultureinwhichIwasraised.Tinky
appearedwithtwosmallboxes,wrappedbeautifullyingoldpaperwithsilverribbon.Hermionehanded
onetoLuciusandothertoDraco.
TheMalfoysopenedtheboxesandlookedsurprisedtofindmobilephones.
Ihadthemactivatedandcharmedthemtoacceptmagicalenergy,HermionereportedasDracotookout
hissleekblackphoneandLuciussetaboutexamininghisshinysilverone.Theinstructionbooksarein
theboxes.Ialreadyprogrammedinmynumber,eachothersnumbers,myparentsnumbers,andAnnaat
Harrodssothoseareinthephonesalready.Nowyoucangetaholdofmewheneveryouwish.I
wouldventuretowageryouaretheonlymembersofthearistocracywithmobilephones.
Mostoftheirguestslookedveryconfused,whichmadeHermionegigglealittle.
Thisiswonderful,Kitten,Dracoexclaimed,lookingthroughhisinstructionbook.Hewastakingto
Muggleculturelikeafishtowater.
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Itisawonderfulgift,Pet,thankyou,Luciussmiled,kissingher.Hethenturnedandaddressedtheir
guests.HermionehasbeenteachingusaboutMuggleculture.Ihavebeenpleasantlysurprisedtofind
certaininnovationsthatareinteresting.Hermionetoldusabouttelephones,devicesMugglesuseto
talktoeachothermuchlikeafirecallontheFloo.Thedevicescanconnectthemwithanyother
personintheworldthatalsohasatelephone.Muggleshavefoundawaytodetachthesedevicesfrom
theirhomesandmakethemportable,sotheycancarryaroundthesetelephoneswiththemwhichIdo
notimaginewewouldbeabletodowithaFloo.Withtheseportable,ormobile,telephones,aMuggle
cancontactanotherpersoninaninstantfromanywhereastore,thepark,orjustwalkingdownthe
street.MugglesappeartofinditinvaluableandIhavetoagreethatitiswonderfullypractical.Now
withthesedevices,DracoandIcanspeaktoHermionewheneverwewishortoeachotherandanyone
elseintheworldthathasoneofthese.
Hermionesawseveralthoughtfulnodsfromthecrowdandjustasmanyinterestedlooks.Shewondered
ifsheshouldgetoneforHarryasagoingawaypresent,incaseofemergencies,andmadeamentalnote.
MybeingaMugglebornwitchisonepartofwhoIam,Hermionestarted.Ihopethatmorewizards
willlearnaboutthetechnologyandmarvelousdevicesthatMuggleshaveinventedtocompensatefor
theirlackofmagic.IalsofoundanothergiftforeachLuciusandDraco.Notwantingtogiveawaythe
surprise,allIwillsayisthatbothgiftsarethingsthatwillgrowasouruniongrowsovertheyears.
Agroupofelvesbroughtoutonelargebox,wrappedinsilverpaperwithagoldbow.Theybroughta
largerectangularthingtothestage,drapedwithasilverandgoldfabricsonoonecouldseewhatitwas.
Hermioneknewtheelveshadcastatemporarysilencingcharmthatwouldendwhenthefabricwas
removed,sothefoalwouldnotgiveitselfaway.
LordMalfoy,Hermionegesturedtothesilverboxasaninvitationforhimtoopenit.Carefully,if
youplease.
Luciustoreoffthepaperandcarefullyopenedtheboxsothesidesfellaway,revealingtheslender
sapling.Itwasabouttwothirdsofametertall,withsilverbarkthatglintedinthelights.Theleaves
wereaninterestingmattesilverygreen.ItwasHermionesunderstandingthatthetreewouldgrow
quicklywithgoodcareandbecomefruitbearinginacoupleyears.Onlyverywelltendedtrees,
however,borefruit.
OhmyLuciusbegan,astonished.Hiseyeswerewide.IsthiswhatIthinkitis?
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Asilverlimetree,Hermionenodded.Sheheardseveralgaspsfromtheirguests.Apparently,anearly
extinctmagicalplantwasanimpressivegift.Well,asapling.Itwontbematureforseveralyearsyet.
Thisisamazing,LuciussteppedtowardHermioneandpulledherintoatightembrace.Fromthat
vantage,hecouldmurmurinherear.Thankyousomuch,Pet.Iamoverwhelmed.
HermioneheldLuciustightforamomentbeforetheyhadtostepapart.Luciusgaveherapartingkisson
thelipsbeforeshesteppedtoofarawayfromhim.Hermionewenttostandbytheverylarge,covered
itemonthestageandheldherhandouttoDraco.
YourgiftDraco,justremovethecoverslowly,shesaidashetookherhand.Withhisotherhand,
Dracoslowlypulledthefabricoff.Herevealedaverylargewoodencratewithlargeslatsinthesides
andtop.Hermionecouldseeafigurethroughtheslats,butitwashardtomakeoutexactlywhatwas
inside.Ibelieveitissafetoopenthedoorifyouwish.
Dracokneltdownandopenedthecrate,allowinghimtoseetheanimalwithin.Luciushadcomeup
behindHermioneandplacedaprotectivehandonhershoulderreadyforwhateveremerged.
HolyMerlin!Dracoexclaimed,causingthecreaturetoemitahighpitchedscreech.Dracoreignedin
hisenthusiasmandswitchedtoasoothing,cooingtone.Oh,Iamsosorry,littleone.Youarejust
beautiful.Itisokay,youaresafe,lovely.
Ashespoke,Dracowasreachingintothecrateandgentlycoaxingouttheanimal.Therewasyet
anothergaspfromtheirguestsasthespindlyhippogrifffoalventuredoutontothestage.Itwasaboutthe
sizeofalargedog,butwouldobviouslygetmuchbigger.
Quietallofyou,Hagridsaidtotheotherguestsinacalm,firm,andlowtone.Shestravelledafair
bittogetheretodayandwedontwantherfrightenedbysuchacrowd.
Yougotmemyownhippogriff,Dracostated,lookingupatHermione.Shethoughtshesawhiseyes
shiningwithwetnessashekneltbeforehisnewpet.Sheisbeautifulandwonderful.Youarebeautiful
andwonderful.
Imgiventounderstandthatshewillimprintsometimenextweek,soitwillbeimportanttokeepher
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aroundyouthatday,Hermionesmiled.Thelittlehippogriffwascertainlyadorable,inthatnewfoal
way.Hagridpickedherupforus,soIamsurehecouldtellyoumoreabouther.
Aye,itwouldbemypleasure,HagridnoddedwhenDracosgazefoundhis.Icancomebytomorrow
morningtotellyouaboutyournewlittlegirlhere.Sheisasweetlittlething.
Dracojustnoddedandturnedhisattentionbacktothefoal.Hereluctantlycoaxedherbackintothecrate
andcalledtheelvesover.Heinstructedthemtotakeherouttothebarnandtomakesureshehasallthe
foodandwatershecouldpossiblyneed.Hestressedthatsheshouldbemadeascomfortableaspossible
andcalledBunnyspecificallytooverseethetasks.LuciuscalledPikeandentrustedtheelfwithhisnew
tree.HegavePikeveryspecificinstructionsaboutwheretoputitinthegreenhouseandwhattodofor
thebabytree.Oncethatwasdone,LuciusandDracoturnedtoHermione.
Whilenothingcantopwhatyouhavegivenus,wewouldliketopresentyouwithyourgifts,Lucius
said,"Meagerthoughtheymaybebycomparison."
"AsifanythingaMalfoydidcouldeverbecalledmeager,"Hermionescoffed.
"Wehaveseveralgifts,"Dracobegan."Forthoseofyouherethatdonotknowourbridewell,letmetell
yousheisthefinestqualityofwitch.Sheisnoteasilyswayedbymoneyormaterialthings,whichmakes
herdreadfullyhardtoshopfor.FatherandIdecidedonthreegifts.Twoarethingsshereallywantswhile
thethirdissomethingwewanthertohaveandhopeshewillcherish."
Anelfappearedwithamediumsizedbox,slightlylargerthanashoebox.Theboxitselfwasasturdy
goldcoloredcardboardandHermionenoticedholesinthelid.Luciustooktheboxfromtheelfandheld
itforhersoshecouldusebothhandstopryupthelid.
"Oh!"Hermionegasped.Shereachedinsideandpulledoutatinyballofblackandwhitefluff.Sheheld
itupandfoundherselfnosetonosewithalittlekittenwithacuteflatsmooshedlookingface."Itis
adorable!HisfacelooksjustlikeCrookshanks."
"Weknowyou'vemissedyourfamiliar,"Luciusreported."ThislittleguyismostlyKneazleandabout
threemonthsold.Weknowhecanneverreplaceyouroldpet,butissomeonenewforyoutocarefor."
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"Thankyouboth,"Hermionehuggedthemeachinturnonlyusingonearm,astheotherwascradlingthe
tinybeast."Iadorehim."
"Anothergiftwethoughtyouwouldlike,"Dracosaidashepulledarelativelysmall,flatboxoutofhis
robe.Itwasaboutthesizeofanecktiegiftbox,wideandflatish.Itwaswrappedinbrightredpaperwith
silverribbon.HermionegaveDracoherkittentohold,whilesheopenedthebox.Shefoundapileof
papersandhadtotakeamomenttoscanthewords.
"Youdidn't!"shegaspeduponskimmingtheparchment.ShelookedupatLuciusandDracotoseethem
noddingandgrinning.
"Whatdidtheydo?"sheheardRonshoutfromthecrowd,makingherfriendsalllaugh.Again,there
werechucklesfromtheMalfoyguests.Theywerenotentirelyhumorless,justveryusedtobeingformal
andguarded.
"TheyhaveestablishedtheHermioneGrangerMalfoyFoundation,"shereported,wavingthe
incriminatingdocumentsasproof."Itisacharitableorganizationthathelpsthoseinneed.Iwillactas
headofitsboardofdirectorsandthesetwohavealreadydonatedonemillionGalleons.Icanhireastaff
torunitandthereareofficesfortheFoundationintheMalfoyBuildinginDiagonAlley.Forthesakeof
timeliness,theyhavealreadyapprovedthefirstactoftheFoundationonmybehalf.Theysetupa
scholarshipprogramtohelpMugglebornorMuggleraisedstudentsatHogwarts."
Hermionehadtowipeawaytears.Shewassotouched.Theyknewshewouldwanttousetheirwealthto
helpothersandnowshecoulddojustthat.
"Wehaveonelastgift,"Luciusreported,holdingoutasmallboxwrappedjustliketheonebefore."This
issomethingwewantyoutohaveandhopeyouwillcherish."
Hermioneunwrappedthepackageandfoundanexquisitediamondpendantnecklace.Thediamondwas
hugeaboutthesizeofasmallplum.Itwasbeautifullysetinsilverwithalongchain.
"Itislovely,"Hermionebreathed,holdingupthenecklace.
"ItisaDeluminator,"Dracoshared.
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"AndanIlluminator,"Luciusadded."Ifyoueverneedourhelp,youcanusethistocallusanditwill
helpusfindyou.Wehavecharmeditwitheveryprotectionspellweknow.Weevenincludedourblood.
Itwillshieldyoufromdanger."
"Thestonehasbeeninthefamilyvaultforgenerations,"Dracoreported."Itwasreportedtobevery
powerful.Wehaditsetinasilvergoldhybridthatcanappearsilver,gold,oramixofbothdependingon
yourpreference.Thesettingcanalsobecharmedtochangeintoanotherpieceofjewelry."
Hermionelookedatthenecklaceagain.Whileitlookedthesame,itseemedevenmorebeautifulbecause
ofthesentimentbehindit.Bloodbasedprotectionspellswereaveryseriousmatter.Theycouldbe
dangerousandtookalotoutofaperson.Thecutusedwouldleaveapermanentmarkmagiccouldnot
heal.NotonlywasaDeluminatorrareandvaluable,butthisitemwouldprotectherfrommagic.Thegift
trulyspoketohowmuchtheyvaluedherandmadeHermione'sstarttocryalittle.
Hermionethrewherselfatthemboth,huggingthemeachwithanarm.Dracostillheldherkittenand
Hermionehadtomakesurenottocrushhim.
"Nowitismyturntobeoverwhelmed,"Hermionewhisperedasshehuggedthem."Yourcaringmeans
asmuchtomeastheactualgift,maybemore.Thankyouboth,somuch."
HermionesteppedbackandgaveDracoasolidkisshetriedtodeepen,butsheturnedherattentionto
Luciusandgavehimasimilarkiss.Luciusmanagedtoslidehishanddowntoherrear,anactionhidden
frommostoftheirguestsduetotheirangleawayfromthecrowd.Dracosawitandchuckled.
EndNotes:
Next...Part2oftheengagementpartysomedrama&timealonewithherfiances.
Backtoindex
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Author'sNotes:
Disclaimer:Imakenomoneyhere,IamnotJKR,Scholastic,etc.Itisjustfor
fun!
Asalways,thankstobunnyhopsforherspeedy,wonderfulbetawork!
Chapter25
"Dinnerisnowservedinthediningroom,"DracogesturedtoseveralFrenchdoors,thatsuddenlyopened
upintotheformaldiningroom."PlacecardsaresetandaRevealingcharmwillhelpdirectyoutoyour
seatifyoucannotlocateit."
Thecrowdturnedtoslowlyfilterintothediningroomfordinner.Dracotooktheopportunitytopress
himselfupagainstHermioneandkisshershoulder,asLuciusstillhadherinalooseembrace.Thethree
stoodtogetherforamomentbeforetheMalfoyssteppedawayfromtheirwitch.Hermionetookherkitten
backfromDracoandcooedatthelittlething.Shewasgoingtohavetothinkofasuitablenameforhim.
Meanwhile,itwouldnotdotobringhimtothedinnertable.HermionecalledTinkyandentrustedhimto
theelf,askinghertosethimupinherbedroom.
"Sofarsogood,huh?"Hermionesaidtoherfiancsinthemomentofprivacy.Alltheirfriendswere
gettingalongwellenough,andtherewerenounfortunateincidentsthusfar.
"Verygood,"Luciusnodded."Nowthatwearealoneforamoment,Iwantedtostresshowimportant
youandyoursafetyaretous.Neitherofushaseverdoneabloodritebefore,buthappilydidsoforyou
ifitmeansyouareprotected.Wewouldappreciateitifyouwouldalwayswearthis.Onceitisonyou,
noonebutyoucanremoveit.ThesettingcaneasilybeTransfiguredtowhateverisappropriatetothe
occasion,oritcanalsobeDisillusionedentirelyifyouwish."
"Wheredidyoudrawthebloodfrom?"Hermioneaskedsoftly.
LuciusandDracodrewuptheirsleevesandexposedtheirinnerleftwrists.Theyeachhadaninchlong
incisionacrossthewrist.Hermionebroughteachsmallscartoherlips.Theyexhibitedahugeamountof
trustinher,asthebloodritehadliterallygivenherapieceofeachofthem.Freelygivenbloodwasa
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powerfulingredient,andshecoulddothembothseriousdamageifshewassoinclined.Shetransfigured
thenecklace,anamuletreally,intoacuffbraceletofintertwinedsilverandgold.
"Iunderstand,"Hermionesaidsolemnly."Thankyouforthehonor."
"Shallwe?"Luciusasked,smilingandofferingHermionehisarm.Sheputherarmthroughhisandthen
putherotherarmthroughDraco's.
***
Theirguestswerejustfinishingseatingthemselveswhenthethreeenteredthediningroom.Theysatat
theheadofthetable,whichwasrounded.Hermionewasbetweenthetwoblonds,asusual.Nearthem,at
theheadofthetable,wereHermionesparents,SeveruswithFreda,Harry,Ron,Luna,Pansywith
Padma,Remus,andKingsley.Theircloserfriendsseemedbenearertothemandacquaintanceswere
furtheraway.
AssoonasHermione,Lucius,andDracosettledintotheirseats,thefirstcourseappearedinfrontof
everyonemuchlikethefoodpoppedontothetableatHogwarts.Itwasacoldcucumberandyogurt
soup,perfectforahotsummernight.Conversationflowedwellaroundthem.LunarecognizedFreda
fromthespa.PansycomplimentedthepinkstreaksinLunasblondehair,whichLunacreditedtothe
wonderfulstaffatFredasspa.PadmaandPansywereveryinterestedinmakingappointments,which
kickedoffadebateaboutwhetheritwassociallyacceptableforwizardstogotothespa.TheMalfoys,
Harry,andKingsleywereallforit,whileRon,Severus,andHermionesfatherwereskeptical.Remus
laughinglydecidednottovote.
ThesecondcourseofSoleAmandinewithshreddedBrusselssproutswasfollowedbybaconandspinach
stuffedribroastwithroastednewpotatoes.Peoplestillseemedtobegettingalongwell,andtheroom
wasfilledwiththedinofconversation.ThemealseemedtofollowHermionesgeneralpace,allthe
platesvanishingshortlyaftershewasdone.Oncesherealizedthat,Hermionepaidmoreattentiontohow
fastotherpeoplewereeating.BythefourthcourseofCornishgamehenswithjuniperberriesandbeets,
Hermionefeltshesetagoodpace.Fifthcoursewasasaladconsistingofendive,frise,arugula,and
pearwithstrawberrychampagnevinaigrette.
Hermionewasnotsureshecouldeatanotherbite,butcouldnothelpherselfwhenthedessertappeared.
Therewasavarietyoftartletsdarkchocolatewithlemon,sourcherry,aswellasbananawithcoconut.
Bythispoint,everyonehadconsumedagreatdealofwine,inadditiontoanypredinnercocktails.The
coffeeservedwiththetartletswasonlyjustsoberinguppeopleenough,sotheywouldbesafetotravel
later.Asaresult,everyonewasfairlyjollyanduninhibited.Asthemealhadprogressed,Luciusand
Dracohadsomehowmovedclosertoher.Hermionedidnotgettoactuallytouchanyofthetartlets,as
LuciusandDracoweretakingturnsfeedingthemtoher.
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DracoheldachocolatelemontartuptoherlipswhileHermionetookabite.Atthesametime,Lucius
wasleaningintonuzzleherneck.
"Yousmellsogood,"Luciuswhispered."Iwanttotasteyourskin,lickyouallover.Ibetyoutastejust
asgoodasyousmell."
Hermionewasbeingoverloadedwithsensation.Thewinehadgonetoherhead,thedessertDracowas
givinghertastedwonderful,andLucius'wordsweremakingherbothdizzyandwet.Hermioneresisted
squirminginherchair.Shewantedtotakeherwizardsupstairsandstripthemnaked.Hermionetookthe
lastbiteofthetartinDraco'shand,suckinghisfingersintohermouthasshedid.Dracoseyesrolled
backupintohisheadandhegroanedsoftly.
"Youareanaughtylittlewitch,Pet,"Luciusmurmuredtoher."DoIneedtopunishmywantonwitchfor
beingsoforwardinfrontofallourfriends?"
HermionewhimperedsoftlyandleanedbackintoLuciusasshereleasedDraco'sfingerswithasoftpop.
"NotonlydoesHermioneinsistonmeetingwithmeinherbathroom,"Severusdrawledinhisfacetiously
bored,teasingtone,"butIalsohavetobearwitnesstoLuciusandDraco'spublicdisplaysofaffection
whileIameating?Hermionehaslikelybeenabletofeedherselfsinceshewasatoddler,Draco.Thank
MerlinmyhearingisnotgoodenoughtohearwhatdisturbingthingsLuciusiswhisperingtothepoor
girl.Iamcertainitwouldbeenoughtoputmeoffmydessertentirely."
Hermioneblushedandsatforwardinherseat,awayfromthebrainmuddling,encompassingembraceof
herfiancs.
"Ohhush,Professor,"Lunainstructedinherdreamytone."Theyaresoontobenewlywedsandvery
muchentitledtoexploretheiraffectionforeachother."
"Ihaveanequaldistasteforpublicdisplaysandthisloveydoveytripemakesmystomachchurn,"Pansy
announcedimperiously.HermionewonderedifshetooklessonsfromSeverusinselfrighteoussnark.
MaybeheheldclassesintheSlytherincommonroom.
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"Gotyourselfarealcatchthere,Padma,"RonmockwhisperedacrossthetabletoPadma,whogiggledat
hergirlfriend'schurlishness.
"However,"Pansycontinued,glaringatRon,"Iwasgoingtosay,thatIamgladthereisaffectioninthe
unionatall.Ican'tevencountthenumberofengagementandweddingeventsIhaveattendedinthe
aristocracy,wherethebrideandgroomareeitherindifferentorhostiletowardeachother.Atmost
dinnerslikethis,thecouplewouldsitoneachendofthetable.WhileIdon'tneedtoseeDracotrytoget
Grangerinhislap,Iamhappyforthem.Dracodeservesawifeheactuallylikes,andLuciuscertainly
deservessomehappinessafterbeingmarriedtothatcrazybitch."
"Thankyouforyourgoodwishesforourunion,"Luciussmiled,whichPansyacknowledgedwithaprim
nod.Apparently,bothMalfoyswereusedtoPansy'sbluntness.
"Tohappiness,"Remussaid,raisinghisglass."Maythisunionbeahappyoneforall."
Everyonewithinhearingraisedtheirglasses,andafewpeopleshoutedout,'hearhear.'Hermionelooked
aroundatherfriendsanddownthetable,happytoseesomanyhappyfaces.Shecouldonlyassumethe
alcoholhadlubricatedsocializationforthisvariedgroupofpeople.Therewasalotoflaughter,some
arguments,andatonepoint,someonestartedeveryoneoffinsingingtheHogwartsSchoolsong.
DespiteSeverus'teasing,HermioneeventuallyfoundherselfleaningbackintoLuciusandDraco.The
dessertcoursedidnotgoanywhere,butthelastcourseoffreshfruitpoppeduponthetable.Lucius
startedpoppingsweetberriesintoHermione'smouth,whileDracoranhisfingertipsacrosshershoulders
anddownherarms.Again,Hermionefeltherselfgettinglostinthetwowizards.Luciusfedherfruitand
lethisfingerslingeronherlips,caressingherface.Dracoseemedtoinchslowlytowardher,sothathe
waspressedagainsther,cradlingher.Hisfingerscontinuedtorunlightlyupanddownherarm,asheran
theverytipofhisnoseacrosshershoulderblades.Hermionesighedhappilyattheirattentions.
"AsmuchasIlovetowatchtwomenpawingatmydaughter,Ithinkwehavetobeoff.Yourmotheris
sloshed,"WilliamGrangersaid,standingupfromthetable.Histonewasmuchmorejovialandteasing
thanitwouldhavebeenthenightbefore.Hermionelikedtothinkitwasentirelyduetohisgettingto
knowtheMalfoysbetter,butknewitwaspartlyduetocopiousamountsofwine.
"Letmewalkyouguys,"Hermionesaid,detachingherselffromtheMalfoys."Ineedtoactivateyour
Portkey."
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"Thankyoubothsomuchforcoming,"Luciussaid,asheandDracobothrosefromtheirseats."We
hopetoseeyouagain,soonandoften."
"Mostdefinitely,"Jeanlaughed.Shedidseemquitedrunk,buthappy.Hermioneimaginedshewouldbe
lesshappyinthemorningwhenthehangoverhit.
"Please,"DracoofferedJeanhisarm,"letmeescortyou."
TheGrangersdeparturestartedatrend.Membersofthenobilitywereverysensitivetooverstayingtheir
welcome,asitwasconsideredquitegauche.Thosesittingclosetotheengagedtriadsawthatthethree
neededtheirprivacy,iftheincreasinglyobvioustoucheswereanyindication.Luciusmannedthedoorto
thediningroomthatledtotheexit,sohecouldsaygoodbyetotheirguestsasHermioneandDraco
walkedherparentsout.
NattyhadarrangedtheGrangersthingsinthemorningroom,wheretheManorsideofthePortkeywas
kept.WhileDracohelpedherdrunkenparentsgatheruptheirthings,Hermioneactivatedthevase
Portkeythatwouldsendthemhome.Afterhugs,wellwishes,andpromisestocallandvisitsoon,the
Grangerstouchedthevaseandswirledaway.
DracopromptlytooktheopportunityofamomentalonetograbHermionearoundthewaist,andpullher
downontopofhimontoacouchmakinghersquealandlaugh.
"Ican'tseemtocontrolmyselfaroundyou,Kitten,"Dracosmiled."Bydessert,Iwantedtomakeallof
ourguestsleave,soIcouldgetyououtofthatdress."
"Thatwouldberude,Draco,"Hermioneteased,straddlinghimandpressingdownwardintohisgrowing
erection.Dracogroanedandgrippedherhips."Youknowyourfatherraisedyoubetterthanthat."
"Bollocks,"Dracogrunted,ashetriedtobuckhishipsupwards."Fatherwouldhavebeenunzippingyour
dress,asIusheredpeopleout."
Hermionethrewbackherheadandlaughed.Dracowasprobablyright.
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"Speakingofyourfather,"Hermionesighed,"itisnotfairofustoleavehimwiththeburdenofsaying
goodbyetoallourguests.WewillhavetorestrainourselvesforafewmoreminutesI'mafraid."
Dracopouted,butdidnottrytostopherfromclimbingoffhimandoffthecouch.Heheavedahuge,
dramaticsighthengotuphimself.Theywalkeddirectlytothefronthallway,whereLuciuswassubtly
movingtheremaininggueststowardthedoor.HermionegaveHarryandRonbighugsgoodbyeand
warnedthemtotakecare,astheyweregoingouttothepubwithabunchoftheotheryoungerfolks.
LuciusandDracowerebeingswallowedupbywellwishers,allwantingtosayfarewell.Finally,there
wereonlyahandfulofguestsleft.Luciuswentbacktothediningroomtocheckforanystragglers,as
DracoandHermionesaidgoodbyetoPansyandPadma.Pansywantedtoconfirmhershoppingtripon
Tuesday,again.Laughing,Hermioneassuredhershewouldgetallthehautecoutureshecouldhandle.
PansywasapprovedforFlootraveltotheManor,sosheandPadmaleftthroughthedrawingroom.
DracothreadedhisfingersthroughHermione'sandtheyambledbacktowardthediningroom,smiling.
TheycametoahaltinthedoorwayasHermionegaspedandacoldwaveofnauseawashedoverher.
There,afewmetersawaywasLuciusinadiningroomchairwithavoluptuouswitchstraddlinghim,her
handsgrippinghislonghairandhertonguestuckdownhisthroat.
ThoughtsracedthroughHermione'smindatlightspeed.Hehadpromisedherhewouldbefaithfulit
wasinthecontractforMerlin'ssake!Shewonderedifhehadbeentruthfulatall,whenhesaidhetook
nomistressesandhadnooneafterhiswifedied.ItcertainlydidnotlookthatwaytoHermione.Her
magichadstartedracingalongwithherthoughts.
Afterthatsplitsecondofshock,Hermionewenttoapproachtheillicitcouple,filledwithrage.Shefound
herselfrestrainedbyDraco,however,andturnedtoglareathim.HejuttedhischintowardLuciusand
thewitch,indicatingthatHermioneshouldkeepwatching.
HermioneturnedbacktoseeLuciusshovethewomanoffhim,soshefellontothefloor.
"Howdareyoutakesuchliberties,Madame,"hespat,lookingbothsadanddisgusted.Hermionecould
seethewomanbetterandthoughtitwasVivienneCrabbe,Vincent'smother.Shewaseverything
Hermionewasnot,physically.Shewastall,blond,andextremelyvoluptuouswhereasHermionewas
petiteandhadmoresubtlecurves.Mrs.Crabbebegansobbing.
"Youcan'tmarrythat...thatMudbloodchild!"shescreamed,crying."Itisn'tsupposedtobethisway.I
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amallalone!Iamnotsupposedtobesomepoorwidow.Myidiothusbanddied,andyourfrigidbitchof
awifeisgonetoo.Wecanbetogether!"
"Youarequitemistaken,Madame,"Luciussaidcoldlyashestoodfromthechair,staringdownather.It
seemedthatneitherhadnoticedHermioneandDracointhedoorway."Itisregrettablethatyoufind
yourselfinsuchasadcondition.Youhavehadsomebadluckandtragedy,however,agreatdealofthe
blameforyoursituationcentersonyourself.Youwereavain,shallow,stupidwitchwhenwewere
children,Vivienne,andagedidnottemperthosetraits.Youchoseastupidhusbandbecausehewasrich.
Youencouragedyourstupidhusband,andthenyourpoorson,tofollowthatlunaticbecauseofyour
vanity.Youhavenomoney,becauseyouwouldnotsaveorinvestityoupreferredtospenditon
yourself.EvenifIdidnothaveHermione,youandIwouldneverhappen.Nowgetupoffthefloor,and
getoutofmyhouse."
ItwasthatmomentthatLuciusnoticedDracoandHermioneinthedoorway.VivienneCrabbefollowed
hisgaze,andlookedoverhershouldertoseetheyoungerMalfoyandaveryangrylookingwitch.She
scrambledtoherfeetandplacedaprotectivehandonherhead,probablythinkingofYoanaYaxley.
Hermione'smagicwasvisiblycracklingnow,likeSaintElmo'sfire,exceptgolden.Mrs.Crabbewas
righttobefearful.Hermionehadherwandoutbeforeanyonecouldblink.
"RubefacioManifestus!"Hermioneseethedattheolderwitch.Thegoldenlightcracklingalong
Hermione'sskinfloweddownherextendedarmandthroughherwandtowardVivienneCrabbe.Ithit
Mrs.Crabbesquarelyandthewitchscreechedandclutchedherhandstoherchest.
"Iknowyouhavesufferedthelossofyourfamily,"Hermionesaidwithadeadlycalm,staringstraight
intoMrs.Crabbe'swidened,tearfuleyes."Butwehaveallsufferedinthiswar.Ifyouevertouchwhatis
mineagain,whatIwilldotoyouwillmakethatsufferingseemlikechild'splay.Doyouunderstand
me?"
"Whatdidyoudotome?"Mrs.Crabbewhimpered.Shegingerlybroughtherhandsawayfromherample
chestandbothhandswerebrightred.
"Youwerecaughtredhanded.Youshouldnotdothings,ifyouareunpreparedfortheconsequences.
YouareluckyIdidnotincludeyourlipsaswell,astheywerealsotouchingsomethingthatdidnot
belongtoyou."Hermionecalmlyreplied."Youdidnotanswermyquestion,however.Doyou
understandme?"
Mrs.Crabbenoddedmutely,staringatherscarlethands.Hermioneknewthatshewouldsooninvestin
gloves.Thebrightcandyappleredwouldnotfade.Itwouldlastforever,unlessMrs.Crabbefoundaway
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tobreakthecurse,butHermionedidnotimagineshewasthatsmartorthatpowerful.
"Tinky,"Hermionecalled.Theelfappearedinamomentandstood,awaitinginstruction."Escortthis
witchtotheantiApparitionboundaryandmakesuresheleavestheproperty."
TheshockedMrs.Crabbewaswhiskedawayveryswiftly.Theelveswerenothingifnotefficient.
"Whatdidyoudotoherhands?"Dracoaskedcuriously,"Burnthem?"
"No!"Hermioneexclaimedaghast."Iwouldneverburntheskinoffofsomeoneasapunishment!Ijust
turnedthemred."
"Whenwillthereddisappear?"Luciusasked,equallyascurious.
"Whenshefiguresoutacountercursemorepowerfulthanmymagic,"Hermioneshrugged.
"Sonever,"Luciussmirked.
"Iimagineshewishesyouhadburnedherskinoff,"Dracosaid."Atleastthatwouldgrowback."
"Painisnotaveryeffectivewaytoteachalesson,"Hermioneinstructed."Youdontteachmuchbesides
howtoavoidthepainandtohatetheteacher.Ifindpublichumiliationandalastingreminderresonates
withpeople,andtheylearnafterjustonelessonsofar."
"ThatYaxleywoman'shairwillgrowback,"Dracopointedout.
"Hairgrowsslowly,"Hermionereplied."Ithinkthereminderwilllastlongenough.Ifshehadshoved
hertonguedownyourthroatshemayhavefoundherselfinvestinginalifetimeofhats."
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"Yousawthatpart?"Luciusgrimaced.Hermionestiffenedandturnedawayfromthem.Shedidnotwant
tolookatLucius.Theimageofseeingherfiancinthearmsofanotherwomanwasmuchmore
disturbingthansheimagineditevercouldbe.AlsodisturbingwasherautomaticjumptodistrustLucius.
"Ididnotinitiateorinvitethatinanykindofway,"Luciusinsisted,withapleadingedgetohisvoice."I
sweartoyouHermione,Iwouldneverdothat."
Hermionewhippedherheadbackaround,andsawadesperateglintinhiseye.Dracowasrightbehind
him,hisbrowfurrowedwithconcernandasupportivehadonhisfathersshoulder.Sheknewifhebroke
thefidelityclauseofthecontract,shecouldvoidtheentirethingascouldtheyifshefailedtoholdup
herendaswell.
"Iknow,Lucius,"Hermionesaid,hereyeswellingwithtears."Wewalkedinandshewasstraddlingyou,
kissingyou.Ihatedseeingyouwithanotherwomanlikethat,eventhoughitjustlastedasecondandit
wasforceduponyou."
"Ididnotwantthat,orher,"Luciusrepeatedsoftly,tentativelyapproachingher.
"Iknow!"Hermionerepeatedherselfaswell,cryingnow."Iknowthatnow.Myfirstthoughtthough
myfirstthoughtwasthatyoulied,thatyoubetrayedmejusttoldmewhatIwantedtohear,thatitreally
wastoogoodtobetrue.Thosearehorriblethingstothinkaboutyou!"
"Oh,Pet,"Luciussaid,gatheringherupinhisarmsandpullingherclose."Shhh,don'tcry.Itsokay."
"Howisitokay?"Hermionesobbedsoftly."IfDracohadn'theldmeback,Iwouldhaveflownatyou
bothinarage.Iwouldnothaveseenyoupushheraway,orheardthosethingsyousaid."
"Itisokaylittleone,"Luciusinsisted,stokingherhair.Dracocameupbehindherandstartedrubbingher
back.
"Trusttakestime,Kitten,especiallywithourhistory,"Dracosaidsoothingly."Weknowthat.Andwe
knowyouwilltrustusintime.Youcertainlytrustusmorethanyoudidthistimelastweek.SoIthink
wearedoingprettywell."
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"Iknowwearedoingprettywell,"Luciusagreed,tippingHermione'sfaceupwardsandbrushingloose
strandsofhairawayfromherface.Cuppingherface,heusedhisthumbstobrushawaythetearsthat
hadfallenonhercheeks."HowcouldthatcowthinkIwouldwantanyonebesidesyou?Youare
gorgeous."
"Sheis...voluptuous,"Hermionepouted."Andtall."
"Andstupid,vain,shallowandweakwilled,"Luciusrepliedwithateasinglilt."Iwantawarrior,a
fighter.Whatfunisdominatingtheweak?Thereisnochallengethere.Nowyou,mynaughtywitch,are
achallengeandareplentyvoluptuousforus."
"Mmm,"Dracoagreed,ashebrushedherhairtothesideandlickedupwardsbetweenhershoulder
blades."YouhavewonderfulcurvesthatIadore.Icertainlythinkaboutthemoften."Dracomovedhis
handsdowntoherhips.
"Iimaginemyhandsgrippingthesehips."Hecontinuedsqueezingwithhisfingers.Heslowlyslidhis
handstoherbellyanduphertorsooverherdress."Iimaginethesebreastsbouncingasyourideme.Isee
myselfpalmingthem,suckingthem,squeezingthem."
HermionemoanedinresponsetoDracoswords.Hewassqueezingherbreaststhroughherdress,and
kissingthebackofherneckandshoulders.HermionereachedupandtookLuciusfaceinherhandsto
pullhimdowntoher.Shekissedhimhard,takinghismouthruthlessly.Hermionefelttheneedto
possesshimafterwhatthatotherwitchhadtriedLuciuswashers.Hertongueexploredhismouthand
herteethnibbledathislips.
Youareamazing,Pet,LuciusraspedwhenHermionereleasedhim.Ihavebeenfantasizingaboutyou
nakedallnight.
Youhave,haveyou?HermionearchedabrowandleanedbackintoDracosembrace.ShefeltDraco
lowerthezipperonherdress.Hermionesteppedtotheside,outfrombetweenLuciusandDraco.She
tookafewstepstowardthetable,goingtowardtheseatstheyhadbeeninallnight,thenshepausedand
letthedressfalltothefloor.Hermionelookedbackatherfiancsoverhershoulder,quirkedher
eyebrow,andcontinuedtotheheadofthetablewearingonlycreamlaceknickers,herheels,and
jewelry.
HermioneheardLuciusandDracofollowingher,quicklycatchingupwithher.
Didyoufantasizeaboutmenakedonthistable,here?Hermioneaskedassheleanedbackagainstthe
table.Luciusnoddedandshehoppeduponthetable,crossingherlegs.Bothwizardsseemedfixatedon
herbarebreasts.Andwhatwerewedoingonthetable?
Hermionelaybackonthetableandstretchedherarmsupaboveherhead,archingherback.Luciuswas
atthesideofthetableinaflash,runninghishandsalongherribcage,upthevalleybetweenherbreasts,
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andfinallytakingherbreastsinhishands.Dracopositionedhimselfbetweenherlegs.Hewrapped
onelegaroundhiswaistandliftedtheothertowardhisshoulder.Hebroughtherankletohislipsand
startedslowlykissingupherleg.
Weweredoingsomethingverymuchlikethisonthetable,Luciusreplied.Hereachedovertoabowl
offruitandremovedahandful.Luciusthenproceededtocreateatrailoffruitdownhertorso,dropping
ablueberryinherbellybutton.Tworaspberrieswereperchedonhernipples.AsLuciussetabouteating
thefruit,Dracowasrunninghishandsupanddownherlegs.Onehandwenttosqueezeherarse,lifting
herslightly,sohercorelinedupwiththehardnessinhistrousers.Hebeganrubbinghisclothcovered
cockagainstherwetknickers,makingHermionemoan.Luciusdecidedhewantedtheraspberriesand
enthusiasticallysuckedthemoffhertightnipples.
LuciusfoundaplatterofleftoverdessertsandstartedpaintingHermione'snakedtorsowithtartfilling.A
lineofchocolatefollowedhercollarbonesandwentdownherarms.Hesmoothedsourcherryontoher
bellyandribcage.Luciussmearedthebananaandcoconutoverhersternumandbreasts,pausingto
pincheachnipple.DracogroundhimselfintohercoreashewatchedLuciuswork.Althoughshestill
woreherknickersandDracohistrousers,hismassivehardnesswasrubbingagainstherclitinthemost
deliciousway.Hermione'schestwasheavingwithherrapidbreathingasshepressedherselfintoDraco,
searchingforfriction.
"Iwanttofuckyousobadly,Kitten,"Dracogroaned.Thenhebrokeoutintoadevilishgrin."Thistime
nextweek,Iwillbefuckingyou.Thistimenextweek,wewillbemarried.Ican'twaittobedeepinside
you,Kitten.Betweenthetwoofus,Iamcertainwecanexhaustyoutothepointwhereyoucannolonger
stand."
HermionefeltLuciussmileandchuckleagainstherskinashewaslickingoffthechocolate.Herorgasm
hadbeenbuildingandbuilding.Luciuslickingandbitingherallover,combinedwithDracoruthlessly
rubbingagainstherclit,wasbringherclosetotheedge.ThementalpicturescreatedbyDraco'sdirty
wordsweretoomuch.HermionewhimperedandthrustherselfagainstDraco,lookingforthatlittlebit
moresheneeded.
Dracoappearedtobeinasimilarposition.Hewaspushingagainstherhardernowandatafasterpace.
ThatnewpacewasjustwhatHermioneneeded,andsheencouragedhimtokeepgoingharder,faster.She
feltherorgasmcrashintoherandyelledout,archingherbackandtighteningherlegsaroundDraco's
waist.
"Yes,Kitten,that'sit,"Dracogruntedashecame,hisbodygoingrigidforamomentbeforeslumping
againsther.HermionewastryingtocatchherbreathasLuciuswatchedher.
"Youreallyaregloriouswhenyoucome,"Luciussmiled,swirlingafingeraroundherbellybutton,
whereherskinwascoveredinsweets.
"Youvemadeamessofher,"Dracolaughed,rubbingHermione'slimppostorgasmlegs.Lucius
laughedaloudaswell,continuingtodrawshapesinthesugarymesscoatinghertorso.
"Ohyouthinkyou'refunnydoyou?"Hermioneteased,proppingherselfuponherelbows."Gettingme
alldirtylikethis."
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"Youarepositivelyedible,"Luciuslaughed.Hermionereachedtohersideandscoopedupsome
chocolatefromatart.ShesmeareditrightdownLucius'noseandoverhismouth.Hiseyeswidenedin
surpriseandDracocackledwithlaughter.
"Thinkthat'sfunny?"LuciusaskedDraco,whowaslaughingsohardhecouldbarelyspeak.
"Thelookonyourface..."Dracogasped.LuciuspickedupatartandthrewitrightatDracoschest.
"Hey!"
Soonfoodwasflyingbetweenthem.HermionepulledoffLucius'shirtwhileDracothrewdessertathis
father.LuciusstoppedprotestingwhenHermionebeganlickingthesweetsoffhischest.Shepushed
Luciusdowninachairandunzippedhistrousers.ReachinginsideHermionefreedhisthickcockand
smearedbananacoconutdownthelengthofit,giggling.
"Mmm,bananaflavored,"Hermionesmiled,sinkingtoherkneesinfrontofLucius'chair.Draco
chuckledandsetaboutwipingdessertoffhisownface.
HermioneranhertongueupLucius'shaft,swirlingtheheadaroundinhermouth.Hewasalreadyleaking
cum,soHermioneknewhewouldnotlastlong.
"Gods,Pet,"Luciusgroaned,throwinghisheadback.Hermionesuckedandlickedallthetartfillingoff,
makingLuciuspant.Sheincorporatedherteeth,makingLuciushiss."Yessss,justlikethat."
LuciustwinedhisfingersintoHermione'shairandgentlythrustupwardsintohermouth.Hermione
foundthisanextremelysatisfyingwaytoeatherdessert,andsheimaginedLuciuswouldagree.She
relaxedherjawandswallowedhimallthewaydownherthroat,makingLuciusgaspandswear.She
lovedmakinghimforgethisgoodmannersandshemoanedcreatingawonderfulvibrationforLucius'
cocknestledinherthroat.Thatproducedheavypantingandmoreswearing.Hermioneswallowedaround
himandLuciusthrustintohermouthmoreerratically.Sheknewhewasclose,soshereachedahandup
tohisfaceandtracedhislipswithherindexfinger.Luciussuckedherfingerintohismouthand
Hermionepulleditback.Shetookherwetfingerandsnuckitdownpasthisballstohisarse.Hermione
slidherfingerinsidehimandsearchedoutthatsweetspot.Whenshefoundthesmallbundleofnerves,
sherubbedandLuciusshoutedoutastringofexpletivesashecamedownthebackofherthroat.
HermioneswallowedeverythingLuciushad,andlickedhissofteningcockclean.Shereleasedhimwitha
softpopandsatup,runningherhandsuphisthighs.
"Mmm,bananaflavored,"Hermionerepeated,grinning.LuciusandDracolaughed.Thethreesatfora
momentrelaxing.HermionerestedherheadonLucius'thighwhilehesatbackinthechair,asatisfied
smileonhislips,asheabsentmindedlysmoothedherhairback.Dracosatinhisownchairnexttothem,
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smiling.
"Comeon,Kitten,"DracosaidofferinghishandandhelpingHermioneupoffherknees."Let'sallgoget
cleanedup."
"You'vegotchocolateinyourhair,"Hermionesmiledasshestood.Shereacheduptobrushthehairoff
Draco'sforeheadandgavehimasweetkissonthelips.Luciusstoodupaswellandputhisarmsaround
themboth,ApparatingthemdirectlytoHermione'sbathroom.DracoheldhersteadywhileHermione
steppedoutofherheels.Luciuswenttoturnonthewonderfulshower.Dracounclaspedthediamondand
goldchoker,whileHermioneslippedouttheearrings.Dracosetthejewelsonherbathroomcounterand
Luciusunpinnedherhair.Hermionecaughtsightofherreflectionandlaughed.Shehadfoodsmearedall
overherandlookedamess.
Luciushassettheshowertoproducealotofsteamtoloosenupallthecakedontartfillingthethreeof
themwore.Hermionesighedandrelaxedunderhershowerhead,whiletheMalfoysdidthesameat
theirs.DracocameovertoscrubherbackandLuciussoapedupherfront.
"Youknow,Pet,"Luciusdrawledasherepeatedlysoapedherbreasts."Igottolickyou,butnotallover.
TherewasonethingIhaven'tgottentotastetonight,anditreallyismyfavorite."
Luciusdroppedtohiskneesinfrontofherandliftedoneofherlegsoverhisshoulder.Hismouthwent
straighttohercenter,histongueexploringandlappingather.HermionegaspedandfeltDracobehind
her,supportingher.
"Merlin,"Hermionegroaned."I'vealreadycomesomanytimestoday."
"Getreadytocomeagain,"Dracochuckledasheranhishandsuphersoapytorsoandpinchedher
nipples.HermioneturnedherheadandcapturedDraco'slipswithhers.Shenippedathislipswithher
teethandexploredhismouthwithhertongue.Shelovedkissingthem.Shecouldjustkissthemallnight
long.Lucius'tonguewaspressingintoherchannelandthenflickingagainstherclit.Sherotatedherhips
slightly,pressingherselfintohisface.
HermionemoanedintoDraco'smouthasLuciuslappedather.ShefeltDraco'shardnessagainstherback
andreachedaroundtogriphim.Dracogruntedhisapproval,butcouldnotsaymorebecauseHermione
wouldnotreleasehismouth.ShestrokedhiscockinthesamerhythmLuciusestablishedwithhismouth.
Ashefocusedonherclit,suckingandflickingitwithhistongue,Hermioneincreasedthepaceon
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Draco'smember.ThewaterlubricatedhimwellandHermionewasonautopilotbecauseLucius'was
drivinghercrazywithhistongue.ItsurprisedherwhenDracopulledawayfromtheirunendingkiss.
"Fuck,Kitten,"Dracogruntedashecamealloverherhandandonherhip.WatchingDracocomepushed
Hermioneovertheedgeshewasteeteringon.
"Oh,yes!"sheyelledasLuciuscontinuedtolickherthroughherorgasm.HerfingersdugintoDraco
whiletheorgasmwashedoverher.Hermionehadtositonthebenchintheshowerandcatchherbreath.
TheserompswithLuciusandDracowerewearingheroutaftersuchalong,fullday.Shesmiledasshe
watchedthemwashup.Althoughshewasexhausted,shewouldnotchangeathing.
LuciushelpedheroutoftheshowerandDracorubbedherdrywithasoft,fluffytowel.Sheputherarms
aroundthewaistsofherfiancsandwalkedthemtoherbed.Hermioneclimbedinnakedandsnuggled
intothewonderfulsheets,waitingforherwizardstojoinher.Theslippedinoneithersideandsettledin.
LuciusspoonedherfrombehindwhileDracokissedherforehead,takingherhandinhis.
"Goodnight,Kitten,"Dracosmiled."Thankyouforanamazingpartyandforsuchspectaculargifts."
"Indeed,"Luciusagreed,pressinghisfaceintoherdampcurls."Tonightwasperfect,roughpatches
aside.Thankyouforsuchthoughtfulgifts.Itmeansalottousthatyouthoughtofwhatwewouldwant."
"No,thankyou,"Hermioneyawned.Shelookedattheamulet,stilltransfiguredasacuffbraceletonher
wrist.Hervoicewasthickwithsleepandshewasnotverycoherent."Youarewonderfulwizardsandare
goingtomakewonderfulhusbands.Goodnight."
EndNotes:
Next...relaxingaftertheparty!
FYIImakeupsomespellsinthisstory,asIdidinthischapter.Iinnoway
speaklatin.IowemylatintotheUniversityofNotreDame'sonlineEnglishto
Latindictionary.Itiseasy,yetthorough!
Backtoindex
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Author'sNotes:
Disclaimer:Idonotownthis!Imakenomoneyfromthesecharacters.Ijust
lovethem,wellmostofthem.
Thankstobunnyhopsforherwonderfulbeta,whichmakesitsomuchmore
readable!
Thankstoallforthelovelyreviews!Iamgladpeoplelikethestory.
Now...somefluffyfiller.)
Chapter26
Hermionewokeuplayingonherstomach,softsunlightinherface,andsomeoneplantingkissesdown
herspine.Shehummedinapprovalasshestretchedhersleepheavylimbs.
"Goodmorning,Kitten,"Dracosaidinasingsongtone.
"Whattimeisit?"sheasked,rollingovertofacehim.Shefrownedtoseehimalreadydressedforthe
day.Lookingaround,Luciuswasmissingtoo.Shemusthavesleptverylate.
"Aroundtenthirty,"hesmileddownather."FatherisdownstairswithMadameSelwyn.Sheishereto
updateusontheweddingplansandthedressmakerishereforyourfitting.Fathermadeitapointtoask
yourparentsaboutMuggleweddingtraditions.Weweretoldthatitisbadluckforthegroomtoseethe
brideinherdresspriortotheceremony,whichseemslikeastrangebelief.Yourmotheralsoreported
thatthebride'smotherusuallyassistsherdaughterwithdresschoices.Wedecidedtoinvitesomepeople
overforbrunchsoyouhaveyourmotherandotherfemaleopinionsasisapparentlytypicalinMuggle
culture."
"Itisusualforabridetogoshoppingforaweddingdresswithhermotherandbridesmaids,"Hermione
replied,smiling.
"Everyoneisalreadydownstairsinthesmalldiningroom,"Dracosighed,SoIhadtogetdressed.I
guessyoudotoo.Butwhenwegoonourhoneymoonwearehavingentiredaysofnakedness."
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"Agreed,"Hermionelaughed,playfullypushingDracooff,soshecouldgowashupquickly.Shewasnot
goingtodisagreewithdaysofnakedMalfoys.
DracoleftHermionetohermorningritual,evenifitwasverylatemorning.Shewashedherfaceand
brushedherteeth,thenpaddedtoherwardrobetofindsomethingcomfortable.Dracohadbeenwearing
jeansandaTshirt.Hermioneopenedupthedrawersinsearchofhercomfyclothes.Afterallthe
fancinessthedaybefore,shereallywantedtobelowkey.Shefoundherfavoritepairofoldwornjeans
inadrawer,alongwithanoldshortsleevedQuidditchjersey.Hermioneputonherclothesandswepther
longcurlyhairupintoaponytail.Shedidnotbotherwithshoesatall.ThiswasherregularSundayat
homeclothes,andsheidlywonderedwhattheMalfoyswouldthink.
Hermionelookedaround,realizingshehadnoideawhereherlittleKneazlekittenwas.Shestartedto
panic,tellingherselfshewasthoughtlessandcarelesswithhernewpet.
Tinky!Hermionecalled,thepanicsharpeninghervoicesomewhat.
Theelfpoppedin,holdingthelittlekitteninherarms.
OhthankMerlin,Hermioneheavedasighofreliefandreachedouttotakethekitten.IthoughtId
lostthislittleguy.
TinkyistakingcareofhimforMissyLady,theelfassuredher,handingovertheblackandwhiteball
offur.MissyLadyisveryverybusy!
Thereisnoexcusetoneglectthislittlebundle,Hermionecuddledthekitten.Ireallymustgivehima
name.
Hermioneheadeddownstairs,kittencradledinherarm.Asshewalkedandthoughtofcatnames,she
foundherselfabsentlyrubbingheramulet,whichwasstillabracelet.Somethingaboutitmadehermagic
seemtopurr.Hermionecouldswearshefeltheramuletpurrback.Thejewelryhadanaffinityforher.
Thebraceletcuffdidnotsliparoundonherforearm,butseemedtowanttostayclosetoher.She
imaginedwhatitwouldlooklikeasasilverandgoldbandaroundherbicep.Asshethoughtaboutit,the
bracelettransfiguredandmovedtoherupperarm,likeshepictured.Hermionemadeanotetoask
LuciusorDracoaboutthatlater.
Abrunchbuffetwassetoutinthediningroom.RonandPansywerebothhelpingthemselvesatthe
buffet.LuciuswassippingteaandchattingwithherparentsandMme.Selwynatthetable.Harry,
Severus,andNevillewereeatingandchatting.Well,NevilleandHarrywerechatting,whileSeverus
lookedonwithhisusualmildlydisdainfulexpression.Dracohadaplatefulloffoodandwaslistening
intentlytoHagrid.LunawasalsoeatingandlisteningnexttoDraco.Hermionewasstarving,sowalked
overtohelpherself.
Morning,Mione,Ronsmiled.Ihavetoadmit,thereisalwaysalotofgoodfoodhere.Itreallyisa
silverliningofhavingtoputupwiththedastardlyduo.
Whatistheirsilverlininginhavingtoputupwithyou?Pansyaskedassheputfoodonherplate.
Howwasthepublastnight?Hermioneasked,rollinghereyesatthemboth.Sheheldoutherplatefor
Rontoscoophersomeeggsandsausage,sinceshewasstillholdingherkittenwithherotherarm.
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Good!Rongrinned,heapingmorefoodonHermionesplatethanshecouldpossiblyeat.Therewere
someveryfriendlywitches.
Well,thereisnoaccountingfortaste,Pansysighed.ThensheturnedtoHermione.Shecriticallyeyed
themassofeggsandsausagethenaddedfruittoHermionesplate,whichwascertainlyhealthier.
DracotellsmeMuggleshaveasuperstitionaboutthegroomseeingaweddingdressbeforethe
ceremony.Iamheretomakesureyoudontdosomethingstrangetothedress.
Gee,thanksPansy,Hermionesaid.HermionewasgladtogetanopinionfromawitchintheMalfoys
socialcircle,though."YoucanletmeknowifIambreakingsomebizarrearistocratrule.Whenwego
shoppingTuesday,Iexpectyoutogivemesomeinsideinformationaboutyouupperclasswitches.All
yourrulesseemforeigntome."
"Icanhelpyounavigatethosebitches,"Pansynodded.
HermionetookherplateandwenttositintheemptyseatnexttoMme.Selwyn,settlingthecuriouslittle
kitteninherlap.HeseemedhappytooccupyhimselfwrestlingwithHermionesclothnapkin.Mme.
Selwyn,Lucius,andherparentswerediscussingthedifferencesbetweenMuggleandwizarding
weddings.
Dracosaidyouguysinvitedafewpeopleoverforbrunch,Hermionesaidasshesat,Thisisalotof
people.
Yes,itis,Luciusagreed,eyebrowraised.Hegaveheroutfitaonceoverandshookhisheadslightly.
Weinvitedyourparentsofcourse,aswellasPansyandLunaforyourdressfitting.MadamSelwynis
hereonbusiness.HagridcametofollowupwithDracoabouthisnewpet.Therestofthesevagabonds
justshowedup.Apparentlyyourfriendsareusedtodroppinginonyouunannouncedattheirwhim.
Yup,Hermionesmiledassheslatheredjamontohertoast.Myfriendsknowtheyarealways
welcometoseemewhenevertheywish.Inanycase,dontblameSeverusonmeheisyourfriend.
AndIimagineNevillespresenceismoreforyoursakethanmine.Heisprobablymoreinterestedin
seeingyournewtreethanheisinseeingme.
Luciusrolledhiseyes,butHermionesawthecornersofhismouthturnupwardinamusement.Nowthat
Hermionehadarrived,Mme.SelwyngotDracosattentionandgaveanupdateastotheweddingplans.
Shegavethemacopyoftheguestlist,whichwouldselfupdateasmorepeopleresponded.Mme.
Selwynarrangedapreliminarytastingofthehorsdoeuvresandreceptionmenuatnoonthenextday.
Sheprovideddiagramsofhoweverythingwouldbesetupandincludeddrawingsofproposeddcor.
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Everythingwouldbedoneinivory,silver,andgoldwithlotsofflowers.Hermionewassurprisedto
learnthatonedrawingroomwouldbesetuptohouseweddingpresents,asatableortwowouldnotbe
sufficientfortheamountexpected.Anotherdrawingroomwouldhavepartinggiftsfortheirguests.
Mme.SelwynsuggestedgiftbagswithamixofwizardingandMugglethingsinside,whichHermione
thoughtwasaspectacularidea.
OnceMme.Selwyngotthemupdated,thegroupbegantalkingaboutweddingstheylikedandothersthey
didnot.Theyalsotalkedabouttheirpostbrunchplans.Hermione,hermother,Pansy,andLunawould
gowithMme.SelwyntothemorningroomwhereFortunatahadtakenherbrunchtokeepworkingonthe
dress.Draco,Hagrid,Ron,HarryandHermionesfatherwereheadedouttothebarntoseeDracosbaby
hippogriff.Lucius,Severus,andNevilleplannedtogoouttothegreenhouse.
So,Hermione,Dracosaidinanoverlycasualtone,AfanofinternationalQuidditchthen?
DracogesturedtoherQuidditchjersey.Hermionesmiledasshepouredcreamintoadishforherkitten.
Sheworethisjerseyoftensinceitwassosoft,anddidnotreallythinkaboutwhereshehadgottenit.
Notreally,Hermioneshrugged.IstolethisfromViktoryearsagowhenIwenttovisithimin
Bulgaria.Itissoftandlightweight.Inevergettoohot.IthinkQuidditchjerseysaremadespeciallyto
dothat.
Theyare,Draconodded.Ihappentohaveanumberofsoft,lightweightQuidditchjerseysfromwhen
IplayedatHogwarts.Youarewelcometothemifthatisyourpreference.Thenyoucanreturntheone
youstolefromyourfriend.
Iamsurehewouldappreciateitback,Luciusnodded,hiseyestwinklingwithamusement.Thenyou
willnolongerbeathief,justaborrower.
Iwillkeepthatinmind,Hermionelaughed.
Thegroupleftbrunchandwenttheirseparateways.Fortunatawasallsetupinthemorningroomwith
Tinky.ItlookedtoHermioneasifmuchofthedresswasfinished,butwasmissingthedetails.The
fabricwaswonderful.ShehandedoffherkittentoLunatogotryonthedress.WhileHermionestepped
behindanornamentalscreen,Fortunatashowedtheotherwomenadrawingofwhatthedresswouldlook
like.Hermioneheardthemoohingandaahingwhiletheyaskedthedressmakerquestionsaboutthe
detailing.
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HermionecameoutandputontheshoesTinkyhadbroughther,andthenstoodonthepedestalFortunata
conjured.Theshortdressmakercheckedthefitandmadeafewnotesaboutadjustments.Thebasic
shapeofthedresswasdone,aswasthelightblushpinkunderskirtthatjustpeakedouttoshowcolor.
Thepleatingatthetopwasonlypartlyfinished,asFortunatawantedtoensurethebodicefitbefore
addingthedetailing.Therewasagreatdealtoadd.Fortunatawasgoingtobeabusywomaninthe
comingweek.TheyscheduledthenextdressfittingforThursday,andHermionechangedbackintoher
jeans.
Youwilllookwonderful,JeanGrangersmiled,dabbingtearsfromthecornersofhereyes.
Alovelydress,Lunaagreed,thekittenbattingattheendsofherlongblondehair.
Makesurethedetailingisspectacular,Pansydirected.Thewitchesinthearistocracywillbe
scrutinizingyou.Thedressmustfitperfectlyandtherecannotbeabeadoutofplace.Youhavethe
beginningofanimpressivedress,soyoureofftoagoodstart.
Hermionenodded.Hermotherbroughtuptheissueofthebridalshowerandhenparty.Bridalshowers
werenotdoneinwizardingculture,neitherwasalasthurrahforthebrideandgroombeforethe
wedding.PansyandLunaencouragedHermionetohaveahenpartytheFridaynightbeforethe
wedding.TheythoughttheMuggletraditionsoundedfascinating.Hermionepromisedtothinkaboutit
andletthemknowsoon.
PansyhadplansfortheafternoonsosheusedtheFlooandleft.Mme.SelwynandFortunataleftas
well.HermioneandLunawentwithHermionesmothertogogetherfather.HermionecalledTinkyto
takethekitten,notwantingtotakehimtothebarnswithallthoselargecarnivorousThestrals.The
Grangerstoohadafternoonplansandhadtogetgoing.Itwasextremelyhotoutside,especiallyforthe
usuallymildDevonshireclimate,andHermionebegantosweatinthesummersunbythetimethey
reachedthebarn.
DracoandHagridwerecooingatthelittlehippogrifffoalwhileRon,Harry,andWilliamGranger
ambledaroundthebarn,lookingattheanimals.
Whatareyougoingtonameher?HermioneaskedDracowhilehermotherwenttocollectherfather
andLunawenttopettheThestrals.
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Idontknowyet,Dracoadmittedfromthefloorofthebarnwherehewassittingwithhisfoal.
Hmmm,Hermionethoughtasshekneltdowninfrontofthelittlehippogriff.Whataboutoneofthe
starsintheDracoconstellation,likeKumaorEltanin?
IlikeKuma,Dracosmiled.ShedoeslooklikeaKumadoesntshe?
Hagridagreedandthetwowentbacktotalkingaboutwhatthelittlefoalwouldneed.Shewouldlikely
imprintonTuesdayorWednesday,andDracohadtobewithheratalltimesstartingTuesdaymorning.
OncesheimprintedonDraco,thehippogriffwouldalwaysseehimastheleaderofherherdherfamily
andshewouldneverleave.
Iamhot,Hermionereported,fanningherself.
Wouldyouliketogoswimming?Dracooffered.Itisagooddaytogotothelake.
Thatisawonderfulidea!Hermioneexclaimed.IhavetowalkmyparentsbacktotheManor.Iwill
seeifIhaveabathingsuithere.
***
Hermionewalkedherparentsbacktothehouse.Ron,Harry,andLunawentwiththemmostoftheway,
butturnedofftogototheApparitionpoint.Theyweregoingtogettheirownbeachthings,sotheycould
comebackandgoswimming.
Hermione'sparentstookthePortkeyhomeandshewentuptosearchherwardrobe.Tinkywasinher
roomchangingthesheetsandthelittlekittenwascurleduponthechairbythewindow.Thelittleelf
assuredHermioneshewouldtakecareofhernewpet.TinkyshowedHermionewhereherbeachwear
wasinthehugedressingroom.Pullingoutthepinkandwhitestraplessonepieceshedhadforages,
Hermioneslippedonastraplessterryclothromperforhercover.Afloppystrawhattokeepthesunoff
herfaceandherbigstrawtotefinishedherensemble.Flittingaroundtheroom,shegatheredherwand,
mobilephone,musicplayerandacoupleofbookstoread,andstuffedtheminthetoteasshewalkedout
thedoor.
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HermionewalkedtothelakeandsawDracoalreadythere.Therewasalargegreenandwhitecanopyset
uponthebeach.Loungechairsweresetoutinsidethecanopyaswellasoutinthesun.AsHermionegot
closer,shesawthatatableofrefreshmentshadalsobeensetoutinthecanopy.
"Fancy,"HermionegrinnedatDraco.Shesetherbagandhatdowninsidethecanopy,andthenstripped
offherrompertofindDracostaringather.
"My,my,my,"Dracodrawledashesaunteredovertowardher."Don'tyoujustlooksweet?"
HermionechuckledasDracoranhishandsslowlyacrosshertorsoanddowntoherrear.Hermotherhad
boughtherthisbathingsuitpriortoafamilytriptoGreeceseveralsummersago.Hermionewouldnot
necessarilypickoutsomethingsojuvenileand'sweet'lookingforherselfitwaspinkandwhite
ginghamafterall.
"Didyouwantmetoeatyouup?"Dracomurmuredinherear,givingherarseasolidsqueeze."Isthat
whyyouworethissweetlittlesuit?"
"ItstheonlyoneIhave,"Hermionebreathed,leaningintoDraco'sembrace.
"Hmmm,isthatso?"Dracochuckledashenippedatherneck."FatherandIareeminentlyqualifiedto
pickoutyourswimwear.Infact,IthinkI'llgiveAnnaacallonmynewMugglephone."
DracoleanedinandgaveHermioneakiss.ShepressedherselfintohimandDracodeepenedthekiss,
histongueexploringhermouthasbothhishandsgrippingherarse.
"Oh,comeon!"Ronexclaimedashe,Harry,andLunacameuptothecanopy.
"Atleastitisn'tasbadaslasttimewewalkedinonthem,"Harrylaughed,settinghisthingsdownona
loungechair.
HermioneandDracolaughedandpulledapart,althoughDracokepthisarmaroundherwaist.Lucius
arrivedwithNevilleintow.Severushadpassedontheswimming.HermionestaredasDracoand
Luciusstrippeddowntotheirbathingsuits.Dracoworelonggreenshortsthatalmostreachedhisknees,
muchliketheotherboyshisage.Lucius,however,woremuchshorterblacktrunksthatdidnotevengo
halfwaydownhisthigh.Hermionefreelyogledbothoftheirnaked,muscularchests.
"Keepitinyourpants,Mione,"Harrylaughed,floppingdownonthechairbesideher.
"Thatdoesn'tevenmakesense,Harry,"Hermionechided,nottakinghereyesofftheMalfoys.
"Thepurposeofthemessageisthesame,"heresponded."Youareogling."
"Well,theyareminetoogle,"shegrinned."Andtheyaresoverypretty."
"Everyoneknowstheyareyours,"Lunaputindreamily,sittingontheothersideofHarry."Wordhas
spreadaboutVivienneCrabbealready."
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"Thatwasquick,"Dracoobserved.Clearly,heandLuciushadbeenattendingtoHermione'sconversation
thewholetime.Hermionecouldtell,becausetheywerepreeningallthroughthe'ogling'discussion.
"Gossiprunsquickly,"Lunanodded."IthinkSwumpertswarmsfeedoffgoodgossipandaide
transmissionofinformation.MyfatherandIareworkingonapieceintheQuibbleraboutSwumpert
swarms,soIhavebeenpayingcloseattentiontothegossip.EveryoneistalkingaboutthebaldYoana
Yaxley,andnowVivienneCrabbe,ascautionarytalesnottocrossHermioneGranger."
"WhathappenedwithMrs.Crabbe?"Ronaskedwithhisusualbluntness.
"Mrs.CrabbeshowedupatSaintMungoslatelastnight,"Lunasupplied.Hermionejustslippedonher
sunglassesandrelaxedbackintoherchair.ShehadenoughofMrs.Crabbethenightbefore."Bothher
handswerebrightreduptoherwrists.Shewasverycircumspectabouthowithappened.Allshewould
telltheHealersisthatshewascursed,butwouldnotsaywhodidit.Ofcourse,everyoneknewshehad
justbeenatMalfoyManorfortheengagementparty.ShedidsaysherecalledthecurseasRubefacio
Manifestus,whichcanbetranslatedto'caughtred'.Andofcourse,sinceitwasjustherhands,Mrs.
Crabbewasclearlycaughtredhandeddoingsomethingshewasn'tsupposedtodo.NoneoftheHealers
couldbreakthecurse,becauseitmusthavebeendonebysomeoneverypowerful.Rumorsstarted
swirlingthatMrs.CrabbemusthavetriedtotouchaMalfoyandwascaughtbyHermione."
Harry,Ron,Luna,andNevilleallturnedtolookatHermione,whowasstillrelaxingbackinherseat.
ThentheyalllookedoverattheMalfoys,whoalsoappearedverynonchalant.
"Howlongwillherhandsstayred?"Harryaskedcuriously.
"UntilshefindsanappropriatecountercurseandsomeonestrongenoughtocastitIimagine,"Hermione
said.
"I'vealwayssaidyouwerescaryhaven'tI,"Ronsaid."Brilliant,butscary."
"Actionshaveconsequences,"wasallHermionewouldsay.
LuciushadaparticularlygoodsunblockcharmthathecastonHermione.TheMalfoyporcelainskin
tendedtoburnwithoutpropercoverage.Allofthemsplashedintothelake.Nevillewasquickly
distractedbyaquaticplantlifeandLunafloatedonherback,staringupattheclouds.Ron,Harry,and
Dracoquicklystartedupaverycompetitivegametoseewhocouldfindandretrieveadiving,swimming
snitchlikeball.HermioneandLuciuswatchedthegamewithamusement,whileHermioneheldonto
Luciustokeepherselfafloat.
HermioneandLuciuseventuallywentbacktoshoreandlayoutinthewarmsun.Nevillesoonjoined
themandengagedLuciusinconversationaboutherbology.Thetwoofthemtookawalkaroundthe
shoretolookattheplantsthatthrivedintheshallows.Hermionepulledoutthebookshehadbeen
reading,thediaryofthelasttriadicLadyMalfoy.Usually,shewouldhavebreezedthroughthebookina
night,butshehadbeenbusylately.
EvonywastravelingfromFrancetoGreatBritainwithherparentsinwintertomeetherMalfoysand
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Hermionefeltexcited.Theyweresettomarryduringheryoungerhusbandsschoolbreak.Obviously,it
wouldworkoutatleastsomewhat,sinceEvonyhadseveralchildrenwithherhusbandsbutHermione
stillwantedtoseeitunfold.HermioneidentifiedwithEvony'strepidation.TheFrenchwitchenjoyed
herjourney,havingneverreallybeenoutofFrance.Portkeyshadnotbeenperfectedatthatpoint,and
Apparitionwouldonlygetapersonsofar.Evonywasanadventuroussortofwitchandlikednew
experiences.
Finally,shearrivedatMalfoyManor.Hermionewasintriguedtonotethatsherecognizedafairbitof
Evony'sdescriptionoftheManor.MeetingtheMalfoyswasaveryformalaffairthatdidnotallow
Evonyanytimealonewiththem.Evonydiddescribethemindetail.Apparently,theplatinumblond
hairwasalongstandingtraitgoingbackgenerations.EvonycalledDomitius,herLordMalfoy,formal,
stern,andimposingmakingHermionesmile.TheFrenchwitchthoughthelookeddownhisnoseat
everything.TheMalfoyheir,Hyperion,wasdescribedasarrogantandhaughtymakingHermione
smileagain.BothMalfoyswerereportedlyverybeautiful.Domitiuswastallerandmoremuscular,
whileHyperionwasleaner.Hyperionalsohadstrikingpaleblueeyesthatwereeerilylovely.
Evonydidnotfindtheotherwitchespleasantatallhowever.SheknewafairamountofEnglish,butdid
notcorrectpeoplewhentheyassumedsheonlyspokeFrench.Evonyrationalizedthat,asaforeigner
withnoknowledgeofthissocialdynamic,sheneededeveryadvantageshecouldget.Thehighsociety
witchesatherwelcomepartywerelargelyaloofandsnide.Itseemedallthesinglewitchesandwitches
withsingledaughtersfelttheyandtheirdaughterswerebettercandidatestobethenextLadyMalfoy.
Shenotedtwopleasantwitches,aLadyPotterandMissNott,daughterofaverysnottyLadyNott.
Hermionesmiledatthefamiliarnames,andtriednottobebiasedtowardthepeopleinthediarybased
ontheactionsoftheirdescendents.
ThingswereveryformalforEvony.Herfatheralreadydidthemarriagecontractandtheengagement
timewasveryshort.EvonyhadspentmostofherengagementinFranceandthentravelling.Shewould
marryherMalfoysthenextday.Theywouldnothavetimealonetogether,untilafterthebinding
ceremony.Eventhen,HyperionwouldbereturningtoHogwartsafterseveralweeks,leavingEvony
alonewithDomitiusuntilthespringatwhichtimethetriadwouldbereunited.Hermionewonderedhow
muchdetailEvonywroteaboutherweddingnightandwaseagertofindout.
Hermionefeltcoolwaterdrippingonherbackandcastabarrierspelltoprotectherpreciousbook.She
lookeduptoseeDracoblockinghersunanddrippingonher.
"Wanttogoouttodinnertonight,you,me,Father,HarryandRon?"Dracoasked."Yourfriendshave
yettoexperienceareallynicerestaurant.Plus,itwillgoalongwaytoquellanylingeringrumorsabout
themalemembersoftheGoldenTriobeingheartbrokenbyyourwedding."
"Youdon'thavetoconvinceme,Draco,"Hermioneteased."Iamalwaysupfordinneroutwithmy
favoritewizards."
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"Youin,Mione?"RonaskedashecameupthebeachwithHarry."Theferretsaysheknowssomefancy
placethatwillbethebestfoodIeverhad,whichsoundslikebollocks.NofancyfoodbeatsMum's
cooking."
"Waitandsee,Weasel,"Dracogrinned."We'llmeetyouatGrimmauldPlaceatseven.Trytoclean
yourselvesupasmuchaspossibleIknowitwillbehard,butyoushouldbepresentable."
"Itiseasyforyou,sinceyou'vegotallthecharmsandpotionsthateverywitchneeds,"Harrysmirked.
"RonandIwillhavetomanagewithoutallyourbeautyproducts."
HarryandRonApparatedawaytoGrimmauldPlacetogetready.DracosatdownandLunawandered
backtotheshore.HermioneinvitedLunaouttodinnerwiththem,butLunadeferred.Shewassupposed
tospendtheeveningwithherfathertotalkabouttheirhouserenovationsandtheirupcomingtripto
Sweden.
LuciusandNevillemadetheirwaybacktotheothers,Nevillecradlingseveralcuttingsofmarshplants.
Hermionesmirkedatthepair.NoonewouldhavethoughttheimposingSlytherinwouldhititoffwith
thesensitiveyoungGryffindor.Hermioneknew,however,thatbothwizardssharedaloveofherbology
andbothwereverybraveintheirabilitytostandupfortheirbeliefs.
NevilleApparatedhometoplaywithhisplantsandLunaleftforDevon.Hermionewalkedwiththe
MalfoysbacktotheManortocleanup.LuciuswenttoowlSeverustoinvitehimtodinneraswell.
HermionethoughtLuciusdidnotwanttobetheonlyolderwizardinthegroup,butdidnotsayanything.
Instead,shewenttotakeaniceleisurelyshowerwhileherkittenchasedacharmedfakemouseacrossthe
bathroomfloor.TinkyhadassuredHermionethekittenwouldbewelltakencareof.
Sinceshewasfinallyaloneinhershower,afterhavingseenLuciusworkthecontrols,Hermione
experimentedmorewiththevariousjetsandsteamlevel.Shefoundjetsthatshotoutofthewallsand
flooratadjustableheights.Arandomjetofwaterwentrightbetweenherlegs,makingHermioneshiver.
Shemadeamentalnotetoexplorealltheusesofhershowerinthefuture.Atthatmoment,however,she
didnotwanttobelate.
Aftershehadenoughplayingwiththeshower,Hermionewenttodress.FromwhatDracohadsaid,she
imaginedthattheywouldbeseenandphotographed.Shedidnotwanttolooklikealostlittleschool
girl,evenifshedidstillfeelthatwaysometimes.Shepickedoutasubtlymetallictankdressinvery
lightsilverandgoldwithadeeplyscoopedback.Shepairedthedresswithvibrantredstilettoheels,and
thenwenttosurveyherjewelrycabinetthatLuciusandDracohadfilledwithpiecesfromthefamily
vault.Hereyesfellonanelaboratechokermadewithhugediamondssurroundedbyacircleofrubies,
smallerdropshapeddiamonds,andgold.Itlookedslightlyprimitivewiththelarge,chunkystonesbut
itwascertainlystriking.Italsolookedwonderfulwithheroutfit.Hermioneimaginedheramuletas
braceletonherwrist,themetalcreatingawidegoldcuffandthediamondinthecenter.Astheimagined
it,theamulettransfigureddownherarmandendedonherwristlookingjustasshepictured.Shefound
apairoflonggoldearrings,putherhairupinamessybun,andwasreadytogo.
EndNotes:
Next...Hermionestepsoutwithahandfulofherfavoritewizards!
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Author'sNotes:
Disclaimer:IamnotJKR,Scholastic,Etc.Idonotownthesecharacters.Ijust
lovetoplaywiththem.
Thankstobunnyhopsforherenthusiasticbetawork!
Now...Hermionehitsthetown.
Chapter27
HermionewalkedoutofherdressingroomandfoundtheMalfoysverynicelydressed,intheirtraditional
darkcolors.Theylookedsleek,masculine,andbeautifulevenwithDracodownonthefloorplaying
withthekitten.Lookingatthem,Hermioneheavedalargesigh.
"Problem,Pet?"Luciusaskedbrowfurrowed.
"Youbothlooksogood,"Hermionepouted."Ihavealreadycursedtwowitchesinthelastweek.Idon't
wanttohavetokeepdoingitbecauseyoutwolookirresistible."
Ithinkitisusthatwillneedtobedefendingourinterests,Kitten,Dracosmiledashestoodup,leaving
thekittenwithalengthofribbontoentertainhim.BothMalfoyspuffedupandpreenedslightlyather
words,althoughHermionehadbeenpartlyinearnest.Itdidnotbotherherwhenwitcheslooked,but
therewereahandfulthatrefusedtostopatlooking.Shehadnoqualmsaboutdefendingherterritory.
Hermionewasnotgoingtobepushedaroundordisrespected.Sheknewshewasalittleoverlyvigilant
aboutbecomingadoormat.
Hermionealwayswantedtohelpothersandwhenshewasyounger,peopletookadvantageofthatfact.
Itwentfromherhelpingfriendswithhomework,todoinghomeworkforthem.Assoonassherealized
whatwasgoingon,Hermioneputastoptoit.TheexperiencemadeHermionerealizehoweasyitcould
beforhertoloseherselfinhergoodintentions.Shewenttoofarforalittlewhile,refusingtohelp
anyoneuntilHarryandRonhadaminiintervention.Hermionewasalwaysverystubborn.
Youlookstunning,Pet,Luciusadded,offeringherahand.Nootherwitchcouldpossiblycompare.
Hermioneblushedlightlyandtookhishand.Dracosnakedhisarmaroundherwaistandthethreeof
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themApparatedtothefrontstepsofGrimmauldPlace.Hermionepulledherwandoutofhersmall
clutchpurse.ShecouldnotresistthepleatedgoldfabricbagwhenshehadseenitatHarrods.Afew
tapsandHermioneletthemintothehouse.
ThetriofoundRonandHarrywaitingwithSeverusinthedrawingroom.
Youlookwonderful!Hermionesmiledatherfriends.Theyreallydiddressupwell.Ronwaswearing
new,welltailorednavybluerobeswhileHarrywasincharcoalgrey.Harryhadeventriedtotamehis
unrulyhair.Severuswasthesameinhissevereblack.
Wow,youtoo,Mione.Ivebeensayingthatalotlately,Harrylaughedashehuggedher.
Youdocleanupwell,Severusdrawled.Shallwego?Ordidyouinvitemetodinneronlytostarve
me?
Dontbedramatic,Severus,Luciusrolledhiseyes.
HermionewalkedovertothePotionsMaster,tookhisarm,andstartedwalkinghimtothefrontdoor.
Sheassumedtheotherfourwouldfollow,eventually,anddidnotlookback.Shehadherownagenda.
SoSeverus,Hermionesaidinalowtone,didyouhavefunlastnight?
Yourpartywasverynice,hereplied,browraised.Helookedsuspicious.
ThankyoufordoingmethatfavorandlookingafterFreda,Hermionesaidseriously,althoughhereyes
twinkled.Idohopethatitwasnttoomuchofaburden.
Yourfriendisperfectlycharming,youknowthat,Severuschided.Hermioneknewhewouldcatchon
toheragendaquickly.Nowthatyouarepartneredup,youaremakingityourbusinesstoplaymatch
makerforothers.Howverypredictableofyou.
Ohyes,Iknow,Hermionesmiledastheysteppedoutthefrontdoor.Iexpectmymarriageisturning
meintoevenmoreofanosybusybodythanIwasbefore.
Merlinforbid,Severusresponded,somegenuinehorrorinhisvoice.
YouknowhowstubbornIcanbe.Youmayaswelljustgiveinnow,Hermionesmirked.
Shesright,Severus,Dracoadded,asthefourotherwizardscaughtupwiththemoutside.Whatever
itisshehasplannedforyou,youshouldjustresignyourself.
Yourbrideistryingtopartnermeup,Severussneered.
WithFredaNerudaIassume?Luciusasked.Averygoodmatchactually.Youtwohaveagreatdeal
incommon.Goodidea,Hermione.
HermionesmiledbrightlyatLuciusandgavehimakissonthecheekwhileSeverussulked.
Thatisnotthepoint,Severusgrumbled.IamagrownwizardandIcantakecareofmyownlove
life.
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Ohgoforit,Severus,Harryputin.Sheisjustsettingyouup.Itwillstillbeuptoyoutowinand
thenkeepthelady.
Ithoughtweweregoingtoeat,Roninterjected.WecantalkaboutSnapestroublekeepingawitch
overfood.
Iveforgottenmoreaboutwitchesthanyoulleverknow,Mr.Weasley,Severussaid,turning
professorial.
Weaselisright,muchasIhatetoadmitthat,Dracosighed.Wedohavereservationsweneedtoget
moving.
DracopulledHermionetoohimandApparatedthemawaytoDiagonAlley.Theotherfourwizardssoon
followed.Hermionenoticedthesixofthemreceivedslylooksandstraightforwardstaresfrompeopleas
theywalkedtotheirdestination.Asusual,Hermionewasflankedbyherfiancs.
TherehadbeenanarticleintheDailyProphetthemorningaftertheengagementparty,ofcourse.It
includeddescriptionsofthedecorations,foodserved,clothingandjewelrywornbythehostsandnotable
guests,andthegiftsexchanged.Hermionedidnotbothertoreadthewholething,butLunahadinformed
herthatitwasaccurateandspeculativecommentarywasminimal.Thearticledidmakeabigdealabout
thegiftsexchangedsayingthatanewbarwassetinweddinggiftsthatnooneelsewouldmeetinthis
lifetime.
Therestaurantwasoneofthoseextremelytrendy,exclusive,andexpensiveplaces,wherethewizarding
elitewenttoseeandbeseen.HermionesighedsoftlytoherselfandLuciusgaveherhandasqueeze.
Shehadtogetusedtobeinginthepubliceye,andovertime,peoplewouldnotcaresomuch.Herfifteen
minutesoffamewouldbeover,eventuallyshehopedsoonerratherthanlater.
ReservationforMalfoy,Dracotoldthelovelylookinghostess.Hermionewonderedifallfancy
restaurantshiredridiculouslybeautifulwitchesforthesepositions.Probably.
Ofcourse,MasterMalfoy,thesnobbylookingwitchnoddedregally.Hermionesawthewitchgreedily
eyethefivewizardsinfrontofherallfamous,mostrich.WhenhereyesgottoHermione,shefroze
andpaledveryslightly.Thewitchstiffenedandavertedhereyesentirely,whichmadeallthewizards
butRonsnickerhewastoobusystaringathercleavagetonotice.Apparently,Hermionewasgetting
quitethereputationasascarywitch.Pleasefollowmetoyourtable.
Hermionesmiledatthenervouswitchandthenfollowed,fivewizardsfellinlinebehindher.
Thankyou,Hermionesmiled.Shecouldnothelpbutfeelalittlegleefulatthehaughtywitchs
reaction.Shedidlovetakingsnobbypeopledownapeg.
Itwasaverynicedinner,overall.Thefoodwaswonderful.Hercompanionskepttheconversation
goingwonderfullyandHermionewashappytoseethemallgettingalong.Theytalkedaboutthe
weddinggiftsagain,andHermionesoughtfeedbackaboutwhattodowithhercharitablefoundation.It
turnedoutthatHarryandSeverushadalreadyagreedtositontheBoardofDirectorsalthoughSeverus
haddoneitwithallthesnarkandpomphehadinhim.Hermionewasexcitedaboutitandlooked
forwardtosettingeverythingup.Shealreadyhadahalfformedplanofallthecausesshewantedto
help.Therewasalottodoandshewouldneedtohireastaff,becauseshecertainlywouldnotbeableto
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doitallonherown.Aftertheyreturnedfromthehoneymoon,Hermionewouldbeabletofocusonher
foundation.
Asthegroupate,variouspeoplecameuptothem.Therestaurantownercameoveraftertheywere
seatedtowelcomethemandoffercomplimentarychampagne.Hewasfallingoverhimselftomakethem
happy,probablyecstatictohavetheGoldenTriodiningathisestablishmentalongwiththeillustrious
Malfoysandthefamousspy,SeverusSnape.Itwasthefirsttimetheyhadallbeenouttogether,having
onlyhungoutbeforeintheprivacyoftheirownhomes.Ofcourse,theyacceptedthefreechampagne
andLuciusveryregallyacceptedtheownersattentions.
BlaiseZabinistoppedbythetabletosayhello.Therewasaverysexybutvacuouslookingwitch
hangingonhisarm.Hewasthefirstofseveraltostopbyandgivetheirregards.
Whentheplatesweregenerallyempty,andforkssetdown,thewaiterbroughtthemdessertmenus.
Hermionetookthemenu,butleanedbackinherchairandsighed.
"Dotheynothavewhatyouwant,Pet?"Luciusasked,concerned.
"Iamsurewecanmakeanythingyouwish,MissGranger,"thewaiterfretfullyinterjected,wringinghis
handswithunnecessarydrama.Hehadbeenparticularlyattentivetoherallevening,hadhoveredeven
despiteglaresfromherfiancs.
"Iamsureeverythinghereiswonderful,"Hermionesighed."Ijustcan'tkeepeatingsuchelaborate,
wonderfulmealsandstillfitintomyclothes!Theweddingdressmakerisgoinghavetoretakemy
measurementsifIkeepgoingthisway."
"Youaregorgeous!"Luciusexclaimedaffronted.Hermionegrinnedthathejumpedtodefendher,even
fromherself.
"Iamasmallperson,Lucius,"Hermionesoothed."Iwanttostayhealthy,andindulgingeverynight
wouldbeexcessive."
"FatherandIwillorderdessert,"Dracooffered,"Andyoucanhavejustabiteofours."
"Don'tyouthinkyouarebeingabittootypical,"Severusdrawled,rollinghiseyes."Yousoundlikethe
legionofshallowyoungwitchesallpetrifiedoflosingtheirfigures.Youaren'tfatnotevenclose."
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"NeedIremindyouthatIamayoungwitch?"Hermionelaughedathersnarkyfriend,whohadturned
hisattentiontohisdessertmenu."Iwillsometimesexpressfemininetraitsitcomesfrombeingfemale.
Besides,IamlessconcernedaboutvanitythanIamhealthnotunconcerned,butlessconcerned."
Allfivewizardsordereddessert,andHermionefoundherselfsamplingallaround,becauseeverything
lookedsogood.Severushuffedwithmockoutragewhenshesnaggedabiteofhischocolatecake.Ron
grumbledwhenshetooksomeofhissundae.Harrywillinggaveupasliverofhistreacletart.Dracoand
Luciusofferedforkfulsoftheirchocolatecheesecakeandlycheesorbet,respectively.Betweenallfive
desserts,Hermionepracticallyhadasmuchfoodasifshehadjustorderedherownbutshecertainly
wouldnothavehadsuchvariety.
ThegroupstrolledthroughDiagonAlleytowalkoffsomeoftheirmeal,andsoberupabitafterallthat
freechampagne.HermioneloopedherarmthroughHarry'sastheywalked.LuciusandSeveruswere
speculatingaboutsilverlimes,whileRonandDracoarguedaboutAurortrainingDracoinsistinghe
couldgetthroughiteasilyandRonassertingthatDracowastoo'soft'frombeingspoiledallhislife.Of
course,peopletooknoticeofthegroup.Therewereafewphotographers,butHermioneignoredthem.
"Happy?"Harrymurmuredtoherlowly.
"Iam,"Hermionerespondedafteramomentofcontemplation."Iamgoingtomissyouthough."
"Iamgoingtomissyoutoo,"Harryassuredher,pattingthehandsherestedonhisarmastheywalked.
TheywereattheApparitionpointandtheotherswerecatchingup."Butwehaveexcitingtimesaheadof
usandnotinabadwaythistime."
"ItfeelslikeIhavegoodthingstolookforwardto,"Hermionenodded.
"Likefinallyshaggingonyourweddingnight?"Harryteased,asHermionerolledhereyes.
"Hermione'savirgin?"Ronaskedloudlyandincredulously,whileSeverus,LuciusandDracochuckled.
Unfortunately,Hermionesawaphotographerandreporterlurking,probablyinearshotofRons
drunkenlyloudproclamation.
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"Ronald!"Hermionescolded,blushing."Thisiscertainlynotaconversationforapublicplace!"
HermioneApparatedherselfbacktoGrimmauldPlaceinahuff.Shehadherwandoutandwasopening
thedoorassheheardtheothersarrive.Shestompedinsideandwenttothedrawingroomtopourherself
adrink.
"I'msorry!"Ronexclaimedsincerely,comingintotheroom,asshethrewbackashotoffirewhiskey."I
didn'tknowyouwereavirgin!Mumsaidyoucouldn'tbe,becauseengagedvirginsinthearistocracy
needtobechaperoned."
"WellImgladMollyWeasleyistellingeveryoneheropinionofmysexlife,"Hermioneretortedasthe
otherwizardscameinandseatedthemselves.Harrytookherglassandrefilleditbeforeoffering
firewhiskeytotheothers.TheyalltookaglassandRonrequestedadouble."Ihopethatreporterdidn't
hear.Otherwise,therewillbenoendtonewspaperarticlesspeculatingonmysexualexperiences!"
Everyonejustsippedtheirdrinks,notknowingwhattosay.
"Itwillbeanicechangeofpace,"Severusbrokethesilence."UsuallytheProphetimpliesyouarequite
thelittleslag."
Everyoneelsewassilent,lookingbackandforthbetweenthelittlewitchandthedarkwizardwaiting
forhertoreact.
"Thankyoufornoticing,"Hermionefinallychuckled."Itpleasesmetonoendthatyoureadgossipabout
mysexlife."
"AndIamsurethenewslantonyourpossiblevirginitywillbeequallyasscintillating,"Severussaid
sarcasticallyashetookadrink.
"Oh,Iamsure,"Hermionegiggled."EspeciallysinceyouknowforsureIamnotavirgin."
Iknewyoutwoshagged!Ronexclaimed,gesturingbetweenthemwithhisglassofwhiskey.
Hermionerolledhereyesathertipsyfriend,whileHarrysnortedwithlaughter.Everyonewasontheir
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waytobeingnicelypissed.Itexplainswhyyouwerealwaysshutbehindcloseddoorstalking.No
onecantalkforthatlong.
No,Ronald,Hermionescolded,sittingonthesofabetweenLuciusandDraco,Youcanttalkforthat
long.
ShesnevershaggedSeverus,DracoinformedRonasheranafingerdownthesideofHermiones
neck.OneofLuciushandsfounditswaytoherknee.Hedidnegotiatehermarriagecontractthough,
sohehadtoknowifshewereavirginornot.
Well,whohaveyoushaggedthen?Ronlookedlikehewastryingtosolveapuzzle.Ibetitwas
Krum!
IneverhadsexwithViktor,Hermionereplied,takingahealthysipofherdrink.Whyareyouasking
aboutmysexlife?Areyougoingtotellusaboutyourfirst?
Sure,Ronshruggedandgrinned.Thereisntmuchtotell.ItwasLavender,whenweweregoing
out.Itwasbloodyawfulandshejustlaytherenotsayingordoinganythingatall.
Shealwaysdidseemlikealazybint,Dracolaughed.Theywerealllaughingnow.AtleastPansydid
alltheworkmyfirsttime.Youknowthatbossybitchjusthadtobeontop.
Ronstartedlaughingsohardherolledoutofhischair.EvenSeveruswassmilingbroadlyandLucius
hadhisheadthrownbackinlaughter.
Atleasttherewerejusttwoofyouthere,LuciussmirkedlookingstraightacrosstheroomatSeverus.
ThatthreesomeyouhadwithLuciuswasyourfirsttime?Hermionesmiledatherexprofessor.She
wasgladtheywerealldrunkotherwise,shewouldneverhavehadthenervetoask.Harrychokedonhis
firewhiskey.
Youalwayswereagossip,youplatinumhairedprat,SeverusgrumpedatLucius,althoughtherewas
humordancinginhiseyes.Yes,thathappenedtobemyfirsttime.
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YouhadsexwithLucius?Ronaskedfromthefloor,tryingtocatchhisbreath.
No,IhadsexwiththewitchasdidLucius,Severuscorrected,usinghisprofessorvoiceagain.At
leastIdidnthavetopaythewitchthattookmyvirginity,Lucius.
What?HermionespuntofaceLucius.TheirresistibleLuciusMalfoypaidawomanforsex?
Shewasacourtesan,thankyouverymuch,Luciusdefendedhimself,smiling.Shewasrenowned
throughoutFrance.Sheknewwhatshewasdoing,participated,andtaughtmeagoodmanythings.It
waswortheveryGalleonespeciallylisteningtoyoulotandyourhorridexperiences.
Hey,youstillneversaidaboutyourfirsttime,Ronpointedout,literallypointingafingeratHermione.
Hewasnolongerlyingonthefloor,butproppedupagainsthischair.
Itwaslovely,thankyouforasking,Hermionesmiled.
Ohcomeon,Ronadmonished.Weallsaid.
Shedoesntwanttosay,becauseshethinksitwillupsetyou,Harryputin.
Butyouknow?Ronasked.Harrynodded.Doeseveryoneknow?
Therewerenodsaroundtheroom,evenfromSeverus,whichmadeHermionecurious.
Howdoyouknow?sheaskedthePotionsMaster.
Occlumencylessons.Hewasnevergoodathidingthings,Severusreplied,grinningdevilishly.
Hermionehuffedandthrewasmallpillowathimfromacrosstheroom.
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ButyougaveHarryOcclumencylessons,Ronpointedout,lookingconfused.HelookedoveratHarry
thenbackatHermione.Harry!?YouhadsexwithHarry?
Itwasntaromantickindofthing,Hermioneresponded.Butyes,wewereeachothersfirsts.
WenevertoldyoubecauseyoualwaysgotweirdwhenitcametoHermione,Harryputin.
Well,youcouldhavetoldme,Rongrumbled.Itseemseveryoneelseknew.
Wellnowyouknow,too!DracolaughedasheAccioedthebottleoffirewhiskeyandsentitaroundto
refillalltheglasses.
Thatwasjustthefirstroundoftheembarrassingstories.EveryoneheardaboutRonsbrokenwandand
hisepisodevomitingslugs.ThenRontold,indetail,howDracoscreamedlikeagirlwhenhehadalittle
scratchfromBuckbeak.SeverusrelisheddescribinghowHermionelookedwhenthePolyjuicePotion
madeherlooklikeacat.Thankfully,LuciushadafewstoriesaboutSeverusthatmadeeveryonelaugh
aswell.Ofcourse,SeverushadtoretaliateandtellsomeaboutLucius.Hermionesmemorygot
increasinglyhazyasthenightworeon.Lookingbackontheevening,sheknewshelaughedalotand
drankjustasmuch.
EndNotes:
Next...Hermionegetsalotdone!
Backtoindex
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Author'sNotes:
Disclaimer:Idonotownthesecharacters,IamnotJKR!
Thankstobunnyhopsforherbetawork,asalways!
Now...Hermionegetsalotaccomplished.:)
Chapter28
Hermionefeltlikeherskullwasbeingsqueezedfromtheinsideandsomethingfurryhaddiedinher
mouth.SheliftedherheadtoseethatshewasonthesofainthedrawingroomofGrimmauldPlace,
lyingacrosstheMalfoys,whowereasleepateitherendofthesofa.HerheadrestedinDracoslap,
whileherlegsweredrapedacrossLucius.Lookingaround,shesawSeverusasleepinachair,Ron
sprawledoutonthefloor,andHarryhangingoffanothersofa.Hermionetriedtositup,buttheroom
spun.
Kreacher,Hermionemanagedtowhisper.Theoldelfpoppedintotheroom.EvenhisApparition
soundedwaytooloud,andHermionewinced.
YesMissytobeLadyMalfoy,bridetothelastson
Stop,Hermioneinterrupted,holdingupherhandandpressingtheothertoherthrobbingtemple.
Dontsayanything.IneedadoseofHangoverpotionimmediatelyandwater.Also,theotherswill
needthesameassoonastheywake.
Hermioneagainwincedatthesoftpopoftheelfleaving.Hewasbacksoon,butHermionedidnotmind
thenoiseofhiscoming,becausethistime,hehadthepotionsheneeded.Shegreedilytookitandgulped
theunpleasantpotiondown,chasingitwithwater.Itworkedveryquickly.BythetimeHermionehad
drainedthelargeglassofwater,shecouldopenhereyescomfortably.
TheothersstartedtostirandeitherHermioneorKreacherpliedthemwithHangoverpotionandwater.
Icantbelievewedranksomuch,Harrygroaned,waitingforthepotiontowork.Ronseemedtogrunt
inagreement.
Whattimeisit?Dracoasked,coveringhiseyesagainstthelight.
Eleven,Hermionereplied.Wehavetomeetthechefatnoon.MadameSelwynowledhisaddress.
WecanFlooover.
Idontevenwanttothinkaboutfood,Luciuscomplainedashedrainedthepotionbottle.
Giveitaminuteandyoullberightasrain,Hermionesoothed.OnlythestoicSeverussufferedhis
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hangoverquietlyuntilthepotionkickedin.Iamgoingtogoupstairsandgetcleanedup.Isuggestyou
twoFloohomeanddothesamethereisntmuchtime.
Hermionewalkedofftothesoundofgrumbles.Bythetimeshegottoherroom,shefeltnoilleffectsof
havingdrunkallnight.ItwastimeslikethisandaccesstopotionslikethatthatmadeHermione
especiallythankfultobeawitch.
ShoweringinherregularbathroomatGrimmauldPlace,madeHermionemissherfancybathroomatthe
Manor.Shescoldedherselfforbeingspoiledalready.SheevenmissedtheprettyFrenchsoap.
Hermioneshookherheadatherself.Shehadbeenperfectlyhappywithheraccommodationsat
GrimmauldPlacebeforevisitingtheManor.Shewouldhavetobevigilanttoensureshedidnotbecome
spoiledandcomplacent,asshewassureLuciusandDracowouldactivelyworktoensuretheopposite.
HermionewrappedatowelaroundherselfandperformedtheprogressivedryingcharmsFredahad
showedher.Itreallyworkedwelltokeepherhairsleekandshiny,ratherthanfrizzy.Shepickedouta
lightweightgreydresswithsmallpolkadotsandadeepvneck.Asanexperiment,Hermioneimagined
heramuletmorphingfromasilverandgoldbraceletintoalongsilvernecklacejusttherightlengthto
becenteredinthedeepvofherdress.Justasshethoughtitwould,theamuletslidupHermionesarm
andwrappeditselfaroundherneckadjustingtoexactlywhatshepictured.
HermionepickedoutapairofblackGucciheelsshegotwhenshoppingwithLuciusandDraco.They
wereveryhighandhadathickstrapthatbuckledaroundherankle.Hermionesmiledathernewshoe
collection.Shewasgladshehadcharmedalltheseskyhighheelstofeelcomfortableandkeepherfrom
stumblinginthem.Nowthatshehadstartedwearingshoeslikethis,shewasnotsureshecouldstop,
especiallysinceitgotherclosertotheMalfoyseyelevelnotequalofcourse,butcloser.Hermione
grabbedherlargeblackpurseandtransferredhernecessitiesbeforeshemadeherwaydownstairstothe
kitchen.
RonandHarrywereinthekitchen,eatinganincrediblyfullbreakfast.Neitherhadchangedtheirclothes,
stillwearingtheirrumpledfancyrobes.KreacherofferedHermionetea,whichshegratefullyaccepted.
Allrightthen?Ronaskedbetweenbites.
Noproblems,Hermionesmiled,sippinghertea.You?
ThankMerlinforHangoverpotion,Harrygrinned.Nobreakfast,Mione?
Thanks,no,shereplied.Wearesupposedtogotasteoptionsfortheweddingdinner.Iimaginewe
willbeeatingagooddeal.Ithinkafterthelunch,IwilltaketheMalfoysshoppingforelectronics.
MoreMuggleshopping?Ronlaughed.HeseemedtoberelishingthattheMalfoyshadtostepsofar
outsideoftheircomfortzone.
IfIamgoingtohaveaMuggleroomintheManor,Illneedtooutfititwithatelly,stereo,and
computer,Hermionesaid.Itshouldnttaketoolong.Whatareyouguysdoingthisevening?
FredandGeorgearehavingabitofapartytonightattheirflat,Harryinformedher,Aroundeight
oclock.
OnaMondaynight?Hermionewonderedaloudatthetwinsjudgment.
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TheyclosetheshoponTuesdays,sincetheyareopenallweekend,Ronexplained.MostoftheDA
willbethereandlotsoffolksfromHogwarts.Youshouldcome,ifyouarefree.
IthinkIwill,Hermionenodded.Ihaventhungoutwiththewholeganginawhile.Thosetreaty
negotiationstooksomuchtime,andthistimenextweekIllbeoffonhoneymoon.
Youshouldcome,Harrynodded.
Iwill,Hermionesaid,settingdownherteacup.IbetterFlooovertoseethechef.Iamgetting
hungry.
RonandHarrysaidtheirgoodbyesandHermionesteppedthroughtheFloo,loudlyandclearlystatingher
destination.Sheenteredanicefoyerandsawherfiancsalreadywaiting.TheMalfoyseachgreetedher
withakiss.Draconotsosurreptitiouslylookeddownherdress,whileLuciusgaveherrearendavery
subtlesqueeze.Hermionewonderedwhentheywouldstopbehavinglikehornyteenagersandhopedit
wouldnotbeanytimesoon.
Hullo!YoumustbeMissGrangerandtheMalfoys,saidaverylarge,burly,beardedyoungwizard
withsandyblondhair.Heshookhandswithallpresent.IamAlfredClaymorefeelfreetocallme
Alfie.Itisnicetofinallymeetyouall.MadameSelwynhastoldmesomuchaboutyouall.Please,
comeinside!
Hermioneimmediatelylikedthisbigfriendlychefandfollowedhimintoalarge,industrialkitchen.
Sitrighthere,MissGranger.Alfiepulledoutachairatanicesolidwoodtable.
Please,callmeHermione.
Asyouwish.Alfiesmiledandwinked.Gentlemen,pleasesitandletmetellyouwhatIhaveplanned
foryourwedding.
Alfieexplainedthatheplannedoneighttotenpassedappetizersfollowedbythetraditionaltencourse
mealthatLuciuswanted.TherewouldbefoodpopularinMuggleBritain,likeHermionewanted.Five
ofthetencourseswouldhavetwooptions.Guestswouldbeabletotapthemenuwiththeirwandswhen
theywereseated,tomaketheirselections.Luciuslikedhavingoptions,especiallyforpeoplethatdidnot
wanttoexperimentwithMugglefood.
TheMuggletouchesarenottoooverbearing,Alfieexplained.Someofthemostpopularfoodin
MuggleLondonrightnowisinternational,soIveincorporatedAsianandIndiancuisine.Ihavealso
includedsomepopularMugglefoodasingredients,likeintheGuinnessbraisedshortribs.Tostart
though,Ivegottwelveappetizersampleswithagoalofchoosingeighttoten.
Alfiethenproceededtoplythemwitheachwithadozenlittleplates.Hermionewasdelighted,sinceshe
wasstarved.DracoandLuciusmanagedtorestrainthemselveswiththeindifferentairofMalfoys.
Therewereafewthingsallthreeofthemagreedupon,likethelittletoastswithgoatcheeseandfigjam,
searedtunawithmisoandwasabi,andthetinylobsterfilledcrepes.Hermioneadoredthebeefsamosas
andpopcornsamplers.Luciusinsisteduponthetraditionalcaviarandfoiegras.Dracolovedthemini
fishandchipsandthefriedfarmhousecheese.Hermionethoughthejustlikedthatbothwerefried.That
broughtthemuptoninepassedappetizers.
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Hermionewasquitefull,buttherewasmuchmuchmore.Luciushadwantedtencoursesafterall.After
theguestswereseated,theywouldgetanappetizerfollowedbyasoupcourse.Next,wouldbeseafood,
pasta,andtheroastcourses.Afterthegamecourse,wouldbethesaladandthencheesecourse.The
dessertwouldbefollowedbythetenthandfinalcourseofpetitfoursandnuts.Hermioneknewshedid
nothaveitinhertotastethreeorfouroptionsforeachcourseandsaidso,makingAlfielaugh.
HereiswhatIwasthinking,Alfiesharedhisproposedmenu.Hehadverysmallsamples,butnotfull
plates.Thefirstcoursewasset,butthesoup,seafood,pasta,roast,andgamecourseswouldhavetwo
choiceseach:onemoretraditionalandtheotheralittledifferent.Hermionewasgladtoseeashrimp
curryandtandoorilambasoptions.ShereallydidmissLondonswonderfulIndianfoodwhileawayat
school.ShewonderediftheMalfoyManorhouseelvescouldlearntocookcurry.LuciusandDraco
madeafewsubstitutionsandHermioneinsistedthatdessertbeweddingcakewhichwasnotas
traditionalinwizardingculture.Ofcourse,thentheMalfoysinsistedthatthecakebeelaborateand
spectacular.Alfieassuredthemthatitwouldbe.
Everythingwaswonderful,whichHermionetoldAlfie.TheMalfoysagreedthateverythinglookedasit
should,andthatwashighpraisecomingfromthosetwo.Eitherway,Hermionewasstuffed.
***
Planstoday,gentlemen?HermioneaskedastheyleftAlfieskitchen.
Themostimportantplansaretospendtimewithyou,Pet,Luciussaidinhismostcharmingvoice,
pullingHermioneclose.Dracochuckled.
SoyoudontmindgoingbackouttoMuggleLondonwithme?HermionelookedupatLucius,
grinningashemadeasourface.YoulikedHarrods!
Idid,Luciusconceded.
Arewebuyingmoreclothes?Dracoasked,lookingexcited.
IwasthinkingwecouldApparatetomyparentshouse,borrowthecar,andgotothebigelectronics
storeneartheirhousetobuytheequipmentformyMuggleroomintheManor,Hermionesmiled.
Luciusstilllookedtrepidatious,butDracowaseager.Thethreeofthempoppedintoherparentsback
gardenandHermioneusedherkeytolettheminthehouseandtothegarage.
Whereareyourparents?Luciusasked.
Working,Hermionereplied.ItisMondayandtheyhavepatientsintheirdentalclinic.
Whoisgoingtodrivethecar?Dracowondered,lookingbetweenHermioneandherparentswagon
skeptically.
Iam,ofcourse,Hermionesaid,asshelookedthemover.Bothwerewearingclothesthatcouldpassas
Muggleclothes,althoughtheydidseemforeignsomehow.Shesnaggedthesparesetofkeysherfather
keptinthegarage.Allaboard!
Hermionegotbehindthewheel,buttheMalfoysbalked.
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Timeiswasting!Hermioneshouted.Idoknowhowtodriveandhavedoneitmultipletimes.Stop
beingfraidycatsandgetin!
Whichseatisthesafest?Luciusasked.Sheknewthefraidycatcommentwouldhavethemmoving.
Probablythebackseat,Hermioneshrugged.LuciusdirectedDracotothebackseat,forhissafety,and
reluctantlygotinthefrontpassengerseat.Hermioneshowedthemhowtobucklethesafetybeltsand
turnedontheengine.Neithersaidawordassheleftthegarageanddroveintothestreet.Hermione
couldseeLuciusgrippingthedoorhandle,hisknuckleswhite.
Aftershenavigatedafewintersectionsandtrafficsignals,bothMalfoysseemedtocalmdown.
Although,whenDracoaskedwheretheyweregoing,Luciustoldhimtoshushandnottodistract
Hermioneinanyway.
Icantalkanddrive,Hermionechuckled.Wearegoingtoabigelectronicsstore.Itisachainstore,
sotherearemanylocationsthroughoutEngland.Iwantedtobuyatelevision,movieplayer,stereo,and
computer.
Dotheyhavethosecamerastomakefilmslikeyourparentshave?Luciusasked,perkingup.
Yes,Hermionesmiled.Wecangetavideocamerawhilewearetheretoo.
TheypulledintotheparkinglotandHermioneledthewayintothestore.Itwasrelativelyemptydueto
thetimeofday,asmostpeoplewereatwork.
Goodafternoon,Hermioneapproachedoneoftheemployees.IdonthaveanyelectronicsatallandI
needtobuyeverythingnewtelevision,stereo,computer.
Ofcourse,thestaffwerehappytohelp,severalemployeeshelpedinfact.Hermionepickedoutavery
large,expensivetelevisionandafullentertainmentsystemsurroundsoundandmovieplayer.Shealso
gotatopofthelinestereoandimpressivespeakersthathookeduptohersurroundsound.Havingnever
seencomputersbefore,LuciusandDracodidnotreallyknowwhattomakeofthem.Hermionesent
themtogopickoutmusicandmovieswhileshechoseone.
Apparently,Hermionetooktoolongpickingoutacomputer,sincebothMalfoyshadaddedconsiderably
totheirpurchases.DracoandLuciusadmittedthattheyjustaskedthestafftoshowthemthemost
popularmoviesandalbumsthenaddedallthosetotheircart.Luciushadfoundthecamcorderhewanted
whileDracodiscoveredvideogames.SotheyaddedanXbox360andapileofgamestothepurchaseas
well.
Thetotalwasseveralthousandpounds,butHermionewassuretheyhadeverythingtheyneeded.As
usual,theBlackAmericanExpresscardwaswellreceivedandthegroupwasencouragedtoreturn.
Hermionepulledthecarupandthestafffilledherparentswagonwiththeirpurchases.
LuciusandDracowerelessnervousabouttherideback.Theyevenmanagedtolookaroundabitand
takeintheirsurroundings.Hermioneparkedthecarinherparentsgarage,butdidnotbothertounload.
ElectronicitemsdidnotfarewellduringApparitionorFlootravel.Herparentswereplanningondriving
thetwohourstoWiltshiretheFridaybeforetheweddingandhadagreedtobringwhateverHermione
needed.ThatdidnotstopDracofromlamentingthathewouldnotbeabletoplaywiththeMuggletoys
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rightaway.
DinnerattheManor,Pet?Luciusaskedasthetriowalkedtothebackgarden,eachMalfoywithanarm
aroundher.
"Iamstillstuffedfromearlier,"Hermionegroaned,rubbinghebelly."Everythingtastedsogood.AndI
reallylikedthatAlfie."
"Yes,wecouldtell,"Dracosmirked."Heisvery...Hufflepuffy."
"Hewasniceandfriendly,yes,"Hermionelaughed."Healsodidn'tseemtheleastcowedbyyoutwoat
least,ifhewas,hedidn'tshowit,whichspeakswellofhim.Nordidhetrytosuckuporkissarse,helet
hisworkspeakforitself,whichIthinkisfantastic.IfeverythinggoeswellSaturday,Icanseehiringhim
againforeventsinthefuture.Ifhehadhisownrestaurant,Iwouldcertainlygo."
Regardless,Luciussmirked.Whatareyourplansfortheevening?
FredandGeorgearehavingapartytonightattheirflataroundeight,Hermionereplied.Iplantogo
andseeeverybody.Wanttocome?
Idontthinkthatisinthecardsforme,Luciussmiled.Icantaketheeveningtocatchuponsome
business.Draco?
Sure,Dracosmiled.IveneverbeentoaGryffindorpartybefore.
Illseeyoutherethen,Hermionerolledhereyes.Shegavethembothkissesgoodbye,firstLuciusand
thenDraco.Shecertainlyhadbeenspendingalotoftimewiththem.Sheloveditandthepointofthe
engagementperiodwastospendtimetogether,gettoknoweachotherbutHermionealsomissedher
friends.
Thisseemedtobeanotherthingshewouldhavetobevigilantabout.Justlikegettingspoiledbyher
fancynewbathroom,shewouldhavetobemindfulthatshedidnotsinkintoherrelationshipandignore
herfriends.Hermionehadcertainlyseenotherpeopledothatbecomeenrapturedwithaboyfriendor
girlfriendattheexpenseoftheirotherrelationships.AndtheMalfoyswerejustsotempting.Shehad
notsleptaloneinfivenights,notthatshewascomplaining.
***
HermioneApparatedbacktoGrimmauldPlace.Itwaslateafternoonandshehadaboutfourhoursuntil
theparty.Shehadafewpiecesofpostwaitingforherinthefronthall,soHermionestoodandwent
throughthem.Pansyhadowledtoconfirm,again,theirshoppingtripthenextday.Hermionesenta
briefnote,confirmingthatshewouldmeetPansyattheLeakyCauldronateleven.Professor
McGonagallwroteherathankyounoteforthedonationherfoundationmadetoHogwarts.Thatmade
Hermionegettothinkingaboutthefoundationagainandallthegoodthingsshecoulddoifshesetthings
upproperly.Shecouldlobbyfornewlaws,raisemoneyforworthycauses,startassistanceprogramsfor
anynumberoftheneedywarorphans,magicallyinjured,werewolves.
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OithereMione,giveusahand,Rongruntedunderaloadofboxes.HewastrailingbehindHarryand
Remus.Shewasjustthinkingofwerewolvesandtherewasherwerewolffriend!
OhRemus!Hermioneexclaimedaghastatherself.Itotallyforgotyouweremovingintoday!Iam
sosorry!IfIhadremembered,Iwouldhavebeenhereearliertohelp.
Hermionefeltarushofguilt.Shealwayshelpedfriendsinneedandshehadnotevenrememberedthat
Remuswasmoving,letaloneoffertohelp.Thiswaswhatshewasafraidof,beingdistractedbyher
relationshipandnewobligations,thatsheneglectedherfriends.
Dontfret,Hermione,Remussoothed,settingdownhisbox.AndromedaiswatchingTeddywhile
HarryandRonhelpedmeshrinkmostofourthings.Wearejusttakingthemupstairs.
Somanystairs,Rongroaned.
Letmehelp,Hermionereachedforherwandtolevitatesomeoftheboxesawayfromthewizards.I
amnotexactlydressedformanuallabor,butIcanlendsomesupport.
Remusledthegroupupthesteps.Ronwasrighttherewerealotstairs.GrimmauldPlacewasa
narrow,longhouseanditmadeupforthelackofspaceinheight.Thekitchen,Floo,andstorageareas
weredownstairs.Theformaldiningroomanddrawingroomwerethereonthegroundfloorwhereone
enteredoffthestreet.UponeflightwasthemasterbedroomthatHarryhadtakentosleepingin,
Hermionesroom,ahallbath,andtheBlackfamilylibrary.Thethirdfloorhadthreebedrooms,oneof
whichRonhadbeenusing.Thefourthfloorhadtwoverylargebedrooms,whichhadbeenthechildhood
bedroomsofSiriusandhisbrotherRegulus.Thenatthetopofthehouse,wasaverylargeatticspace
mostlyfilledwithjunk.
Weareheadedallthewayupthefourth,HarrycalledbacktoHermioneasshefollowedthem.
RemusandTeddyaregoingtotakeSiriusandRegulusoldrooms.IthinkSiriuswouldhavelovedthe
ideaofTeddylivinginhisoldroom.
"Ithinkyouareright,"Hermionesmiled."Plusthefourthfloorhasthemostspaceavailable.Teddywill
haveplentyofroomtorunaroundandplaywithhistoys."
"Whichhehasplentyof,thankstohisUncleHarryandAuntHermione,whospoilhim,"Remusaddedas
theywalked.
Hermionedepositedtheboxesinthefourthfloorhallway,unsureofwhereeverythingwouldgo.From
theweight,theguyshadshrunkenandpackedaconsiderableamountintothebox.Itwasnowonder
theyweretired.Ittookalotofenergytoshrinksomuch,thenaddconsiderablelighteningcharms,and
levitatetheboxes.
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"Youalllookbeat.Whydon'tyouthreerestforaminuteandhaveKreacherbringyousome
refreshments?"Hermionesuggested."Icangochangeclothesquicklyandthenstartunshrinkingthings
foryou.I'vehardlyusedanymagicyesterdayandtoday.I'mstartingtofeelantsy."
Thewizardsnoddedtheiragreement.KreacherhadpoppedinwhenHermionesaidhisname.Hewas
quicklyofftogetdrinksandafewsnacks.Hermionemadeherwaydowntoherroomandchangedinto
anold,frayedpairofshortsandtshirt.Sheswappedherheelsfortrainersandpulledherhairupintoa
highponytail.
SoonHermionewasbackupstairs,wheretheguysweresittingonthefloorinthehallwayhavinga
picnic.Shegiggledatthesight.Herlaughterturnedintoasnortofdisgustwhensheopenedupthedoor
toSirius'oldroom.ItwasmuchtoodustyandneglectedforsweetlittleTeddytosleepin.Sheimagined
Regulus'roomwasthesame,ifnotworsebecauseithadnotbeenusedforlonger.
"Kreacher,"Hermionecalled.Theoldelfpoppedinimmediately."IfRemusandTeddyaregoingtouse
theseroomstonight,we'vegottogetthemcleanedup.YouandIcanstartnow."
KreachergrumbledsomethingaboutanimalsandtheircubsdefilingtheNobleHouseofBlack,buthe
didstartworking.Hermionewasnotsurprisedthattheoldelfknewsomepowerfulandeffective
cleaningcharms.Thedifferencewasnoticeableafteronlyafewminutes.Kreacherbanishedthe
cobwebsandlayersofdustfromeverynookandcranny.Thewoodfloorshone,thewallswerespotless,
andthewindowpanesclear,flawlessglass.
"Wonderful!IamsuretheywillbesorrytoloseyouwhenyoucomewithmetoMalfoyManorthis
week,"Hermionepraisedtheelf.Kreacherpositivelyglowedatthereminderthathewouldbeleavingto
servetheMalfoys,ashedesired."HaveyoubeenabletofindanewelfforGrimmauldPlace?"
"Kreacherdoesnotassociatewithfreeelves,"hesniffeddisdainfullysayingthewordfreeasifitwere
somedisgusting,contagiousdisease."ButKreacherisfindingoneforLordPotter.Sheishavingclothes
andiscomingforaninterviewingtomorrowwithLordPotterateleven.KreacherwillgocleanMaster
Regulus'roomandthenthebathroom."
KreacherlefttoperformhistasksandHermionelookedaround,thoughtfully.Whiletheroomwasclean
ascouldbe,itdidnotseemverychildfriendly.Shewonderedifitwastoodrab.
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"Wow,thisisclean!"Remusexclaimedfromthedoor."IthoughtIwasgoingtohavetospendtime
gettingoutallthatdust."
"Kreacherdidit,"Hermionereplied,stillcriticallysurveyingtheroom."Heisdoingyourroomnowand
thenthebathroom."
"Thanksforthat.Theelfdoesn'trespondtome,"Remuschuckled.
"Hecanbeanastyoldelf.Hewastaughtsuchprejudicedviews,"Hermionenoddedbeforebringingup
whatwasonhermind."Thisroomisn'tvery...kidlike.Didyouthinkaboutdoingsomethingdifferentto
thewalls?"
"Iguessitisabitdark,huh?"Remusagreed."Teddydoesn'tneeddarknessinhislittlelife."
"Doeshehaveafavoritecolor?"sheasked.Teddywasababy,juststartingtowalk.Hermionewasnot
sureifhehadpreferencesyet.
"Hmmm."Remusleanedagainstthewall."Whenheiscalmandcontentedhishairturnsskyblue.
Whenheisclappingandlaughingitisbrightorange."
"Calmandcontentedsoundsaboutright,"Hermionesmiled.Teddyhadinheritedhismotherstalentasa
metamorphmagus,butheonlymadeveryminorchangesinhair,skin,andeyecolorsofar.Hermione
heldupherwand."PigmentumPariesCaeruleus."
Remuslaughedaloudasthegraphitecoloredwalledturnedtoalovelyskyblue.Hermionefiguredit
shouldlastagoodfiveyearsbeforeitstartedtofadeandthecharmwouldneedtoberefreshed.
"Youareawonder,MissGranger,"hesmiledashepulledintoabig,warmhug.Hermionesmiledtoo,
happythatRemuswashappy.Shehadnotheardhimlaughinalongtime.
RemusbroughtintheboxthathadallofTeddy'sthings.Hermionestartedunshrinkingthefurnitureand
Remusarrangeditintheroom.Therewasnottoomuchacrib,dresser,changingtable,rockingchair,
hamper.HarryandRonjoinedthem,havingpolishedoffallthefood.Roncharmedaverynice,
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cartoonishmuralofaforestononeofthewalls.Therewereunicornsanddragonsrunningthroughthe
treesfromtimetotime.Harryhungthedrapes,whichHermionehadchangedtoabrightorangecolor,
andthensetupaniceplayareaforTeddy.ShelvesandbasketsheldbabybooksandtoysthatRonand
Harryhadabittoomuchfunwith.Onimpulse,Hermionecastaverymildsofteningcharmonthehard
woodenfloors.Thecharmwouldnotlasttoolong,onlyafewmonthsbutbythenTeddy'swalking
shouldhaveimprovedandhewouldbelesspronetofallingover.Herapplicationofacharm
traditionallyusedtosoftenhard,unspreadablebuttermadeRemuslaughagainandwonderatHermione's
ingenuity.
Itonlytookaboutanhourforallfourofthemtogettheroomready.Hermionesmiledinsatisfaction.
Nowitlookedlikealittlekid'sroom.TheymovedovertoRemus'roomnext,whichHermionenoted
Kreacherhadcleanedverythoroughly.AlthoughRemusinsistedhedidnotneedanydecoration,
Hermionecastthesamepaintingcharmexceptshemadehiswallsanicesagegreen.Hermione
unshrunkallofhisthings,althoughhedidnothavemuchjustabed,dresser,andbookshelves.Like
Hermione,Remushadanabundanceofbooks.Shetriedtofocusonshelvingthem,notleafingthrough
them.Remuswassuchasmart,goodheartedmanandHermioneresolvedtobemorehelpfultohim.
Hermionesurveyedtheroomwhentheyweredone.Itwascleanandbright,butlookingaround,Remus
roomseemedatbitbleak.Thepaintandchocolatebrowndrapesgavetheroomwarmth,butitstillfelt
SpartantoHermione.Remusdidnothavealotofpersonalitems,whichmadeherabitsad.Hermione
wentovertoRemusandwrappedherarmsaroundhiswaist.
Iamgladyouarehere,Hermionesaidassheleanedherheadagainsthischest.Somanythingsare
changing.
Iknow,Remussighed,huggingherback.Thatislifechangeisinevitable.Wecanallstillbethere
foreachotherthatisconstant.
Areyoucomingtothepartytonight?Hermioneasked,stillhuggingRemus.
No,hechuckled.IthinkIllleavethepartyingtoyouyoungfolks.IamgoingtogopickupTeddy,
comebackhereandlethimgetusedtohisnewroombeforebedtime.
HowaboutIarrangedinnerforusall?Hermioneoffered.WhatdoesTeddyeat?
Hesgotafairnumberofteethnow,Remusshared.Hecaneatmostthingsweeat,justcutupsmall.
HermioneandRemuswalkeddowntothekitchensarminarm,soRemuscouldFlooandHermione
couldconvinceKreachertofeedthemall.Theelfdidnotneedtoomuchcajolingandgottowork.
Soon,Hermione,Ron,Harry,Remus,andTeddyweresittingdowntodinnerTeddyinhishighchair.
Theyhadalovely,simpledinner.HermionetoldthemaboutAlfieClaymoreandhowmuchsheliked
thechef.Ronwasprettyexcitedaboutthefoodforthewedding,wellfoodingeneral.Teddywas
adorableandHermionelovedspendingtimewithhim.Hemanagedtosmearmorepotatoesinhishair
thanheactuallyate.Itwasaverycomfortableandhappydinner.
RemuswenttobatheTeddyandHermionefiguredsheshoulddothesame.Shegotabitmessyhelping
Remusbeforedinnerandshehadapartytogoto!
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EndNotes:
NextPartyatthetwins'place!
AlsoImadephotocollagesoftheoutfitsIpicturedforHermione.Iamnottoo
techsavy,butIpostedthemonFlickriffolksareinterested.Thelinkisinmy
bio!
Backtoindex
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Author'sNotes:
Disclaimer:Idonotownthesecharactersandmakenomoneyfromititisjust
fun!
ThankstobunnyhopsforcleaninguptheCormacconversation.IfIcouldgive
herherownMarcusIwould!
Now...thetwins'party!
IaddedthepictureofHermione'spartyoutfittotheFlickrgallery.Linkinmy
bio!
Chapter29
Hermionestoodinfrontofhernowoverflowingcloset,wearingherunderclothes,freshfromhershower,
wonderingwhatsheshouldweartotheparty.Shedecidedagainstadressorskirt.Herexperiencewith
theWeasleytwinshadtaughtHermioneitwassmarttowearverysturdy,versatileclothing.Hereyes
fellonapairofblackleatherleggingsandHermionegrinned.Shepulledonthelongleather,whichwas
skintight,andpairedthemwithalong,loosewhitetanktopwithblackswirlsalongthescoopneckline.
Hermionefoundapairofveryhighstilettos,whichshepreferredlately.Theywereblackfaux
crocodile.Shepulledherhairupintoanotherponytail,tuckedherwandintothesideofherpants,
grabbedherblackclutchpurse,andwenttofindRonandHarry.
Theboyswereinthedrawingroom,talkingquietlyaboutthelineofadulttoysthetwinswereworking
on.Neitherwizardhadexperiencewithanykindoftoysandwonderedexactlywhattheywoulddo.
"Iamsureyoucouldvolunteertobeproducttesters,"Hermionegiggled,makingthemjump.Both
blushed.
"Yeah,yeah,"Harrystood,stillalittlepink."Letsgototheparty."
TheyFlooeddirectlyovertoFredandGeorge'splace.TheFloowasintheoffice,behindthestore,and
thetwinshadalargetwostoryapartmentupstairs.Allofthemhadbeenovercountlesstimesandwere
veryfamiliarwiththelayout.Hermionewastheonlypersonbesidesthetwins,andLeeJordan,thatknew
howtogetintotheworkroomlaboratoryonthethirdfloor.FredandGeorge'sbedroomsandabathroom
wereupthereaswell,butthelabtookupwelloverhalfthefloor.Hermionehadbeenworriedthey
wouldaccidentlyblowthemselvesupintheirsleep,soshesetprotectivecharmsaroundthelab,in
additiontothesecurityonesthetwinshad.
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Thetriomadetheirwayuptothesecondfloor,whichcontainedthetwins'livingroom,diningroom,
kitchen,andasmalllibrary.Thespacewasveryopen.Onlythelibrarywasreallyaseparateroom,but
eventhathadglassdoors.Itwasonlyjusteighto'clock,andtherewerealreadyagoodnumberofpeople
there.Hermionesawthetwinsofcourse.GeorgewaspassingoutdrinksthatFredhadpoured.Shesaw
Luna,Neville,andChoChangtalkingwithLeeJordan,AliciaSpinnet,andKatieBell.Hermioneand
RonwentovertotalktothemwhileHarryjoinedFredinthekitchenareatogetthemalldrinks.
Hello,Ron!Hello,Hermione.Leesmiled.WewerejusttalkingabouttheshopKatieandhermother
areopening.
Oh?Ihadntheard,Hermioneresponded.
Yes,wegotanicelittleplaceoffDiagonAlley,Katieexplained.Wearegoingtosellclothesand
toysforbabiesandlittlekids.Ithinkweveworkedoutsomeprettyneatcharmsforproductsthatpeople
willlike.Wehaveclothingthatisstainrepellant,andsomeoutfitswillgrowwiththechildforayear.
Wow,thatsoundsgreat,Katie,Harrysaidjoiningthegroup,handingHermioneandRoneacha
butterbeer.IknowwhereIamgoingtoshopforTeddyfromnowon.
Katiewasnottheonlyonestartinganewventure,nowthateveryonewasfreetolivenormallives.It
turnedoutthat,likeLuna,NevillewasgoingtoreturntoHogwartsbutunlikeLuna,Nevillewasgoing
backtoapprenticeunderProfessorSprouttobecomeaHerbologyMaster.Chohaddecidedtostudyto
beaHealerandAliciawasenrollingintheAurorAcademy,whichexcitedRon.Leewasabusyman
withinvestmentsallover.HewasheavilyinvestedinWeasleyWizardingWheezes,aswellasafew
otherendeavors.HeremindedHermioneofLuciusinaway.
Astheyallcaughtup,morepeoplekeptarriving.GinnyandPercywereboththere.LavenderBrown
andPavartiPatilshowedupwithTerryBootandMichaelCorner.SeamusFinniganandDeanThomas
came,asdidJustinFinchFletchley,ErnieMacmillan,andHannahAbbot.Therewerealsoabunchof
peopleHermionedidnotknowwell,butrecognizedfromHogwartsasupperclassmen.
Hermionewashavingfuncirculatingaroundtheparty.Therewereafewquestionsaboutherfiancs,but
nottoomany.Shejustansweredthemsimplyandhonestly.No,LuciuswasnotevilYes,sometimes
shewantedtosmackDracoYes,theyhadtonsofmoneyNo,hersexlifewasnobodysbusiness.
HermionewastalkinganimatedlywithEddieCarmichaelaboutanarticleinthelatestJournalof
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AdvancedArithmancy,whenshenoticedMariettaEdgecombhadarrivedandwasglaringdaggersat
her.MariettasparentshadsenthertostaywithrelativesinAmericaasthewarescalated,butshehad
justreturned.Hermioneignoredthewitch.Sure,Mariettawasonthereceivingendofoneof
HermionesjinxesbutitwasnotasifHermionetargetedherspecifically.Thejinxwouldhaveaffected
anyonewhohadbrokentheirpromise.
Hermione,Mariettasaid,cominguptoherandEddie.Theotherwitchworeherreddishcurlyhair,
withlongbangstohidetracesofthejinxstillonherforehead.
Hello,Marietta,Hermionesaidpolitely.IunderstandyouwereoverinAmerica.Didyouenjoyit?
Youowemeanapology,Mariettainsisted,ignoringHermionesquestion.Eddiewassilentandjust
lookedbackandforthbetweenthetwowitches.
Forwhat?Hermioneasked.
Youknowwhatyoudidtome!Mariettahissed.Youcanstillseeitonmyface.Itisfading
extremelyslowly.
Ididntdoanythingtoyou,Marietta,Hermionesighed.Thejinxwassetforanyonewhobetrayedus
itwasnotmadeforyouspecifically.Youmadeyourchoice,anditisyourlottolivewiththe
consequences,liketherestofus.
Youthinkyouresowonderfuldontyou?Mariettaaskedsnidely.Well,youarentasgreatasyou
thinkyouare.YouaretalkingaboutArithmancyataparty,youlittleknowitallswot.Doyouthink
thatisgoingtomakeEddiehereinterestedinyou?Ibetyoustilldontevenhaveaboyfriend.
HermionerealizedthatMariettahadnotheardthenewsofherrelativelynewattachmenttotheMalfoys,
giventhattheotherwitchwasoutofthecountryuntilrecently.Hermionejustsighed.Mariettahad
alwaysseemedabitsillytoher,especiallyforaRavenclaw.ShewasalwaysgigglingwithCho,and
obsessedwithboyswhentheywereinschooltogether.HermionelikedtalkingaboutArithmancy,party
ornot.
WhileEddieisagreatguy,andIwouldbehappytogooutwithhimifhedeveraskedme,Iam
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currentlyotherwiseengaged,Hermionereported.ShenotedthatEddiepuffedupalittlebit.Hewasa
smart,nicelookingwizard.HermionewasprettysurehewasinamonogamousrelationshipwithJustin
FinchFletchley,butitisalwaysflatteringtohearthatpeoplefindyouattractive.Mariettajust
harrumphedandrolledhereyes.
WhowouldHolyMerlin,whataretheydoinghere?MariettawaslookingpastHermione,obviously
distractedinthemiddleofhersentence.
HermioneturnedtoseeagroupofSlytherinscominginthedoor.Ofcourse,hereyesimmediatelywent
toDraco.HewaswithBlaise,Theo,Marcus,andTraceyDavis.Dracolookedsexyashellindarkjeans
andagreenshirtthatpulledtightlyacrosshischest.Hermioneimaginedpullingthatshirtoffandusing
ittotiehishandstogether,sohewouldbeathermercy.Shewouldthenbefreetobiteandlickthose
pectoralandabdominalmusclessheknewwerehidingunderthatshirt.Hermionewaswrappedupinher
minifantasy,andsighedasshestaredlonginglyatDraco.
Oh,thatsrich,Mariettalaughedwellmorelikecackled.TheperfectlittleGryffindorPrincess
wantstheSlytherinPrince?Andyoucalledmeatraitor.Whatwouldallyourfriendsthinkaboutyou
andMalfoy?
Theydbefinewithit,Hermioneansweredabittestily.Shedidnotappreciatebeingpulledfromher
sexyDracodaydream.
Youdonthaveashotwithaguylikethat,Mariettascoffed.Youareamousylittlebookworm,no
matterhowmanypairsofleatherpantsyouvegotstashedinyourcloset.
IthinkHermioneisverypretty,Eddieinterjected.Hewasaverynicewizard.Hermioneassumedhe
noticedthedejectedlookthatflashedacrossherface,eversobriefly.Shedidnotcareonewhitwhat
Mariettathoughtofher,butthewitchdidstrikeabitofanerveregardingHermionesinsecurities.
Hermionecouldgetanynumberofwizards!
Shebetternot,Dracointerjected,ashegrabbedHermionearoundthewaistandpulledherintohim.
HehadmadeabeelineforHermioneassoonashesawher.
Oh,IdidntmeanEddiestartedtoflounder.
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Iknow,Dracochuckled.Youarentwrong.Hermionecouldgetanynumberofwizards.Shelooks
especiallywonderfultonight.Itisagoodthingwesnappedherupwhenwegotthechance.Missme,
Kitten?
Ijustsawyouthisafternoon,Hermionesmiled,slidingherarmsaroundhim.SheforgotMariettawas
eventhere.Dracoleaneddownandgaveheragood,solidkiss.Hislipsweresoftandstrong,letting
Hermionerelivepartofherdaydreamfromamomentago.
Letsgetmeadrink!Dracosaidafterhesteppedback,althoughhedidnotrelinquishhisgrasp.
Sure,HermionelaughedbeforeturningbacktoEddie,andbydefaultMarietta,whowasstandingnext
toEddie.Wemustfinishourdiscussionaboutvectoranalysisandlinearextrapolationsometime,
Eddie.
Eddiesmiledandnodded.Mariettajuststood,slackjawed,whileHermioneshowedDracotothekitchen
foradrink.DracosSlytherincohortshadbeatenhimtothedrinks.
Ah,youhavefoundourlady,Blaiseexclaimed,kissingthebackofHermioneshand.
Notours,mine,Dracopointedout,shovingBlaiseasideplayfully.
"IsaidoursbecauseHermioneisanhonorarySlytherin,"Blaiselaughed."AllMalfoysareSlytherinand
shewillbeaMalfoy."
Noneedtomakethatface,Kitten,DracochuckledatHermionesslightlysourlookattheideaofbeing
aSlytherin.
Wearentallbad,Theosmiled,handingBlaiseadrink.HermionelaughedatTheo.Marcusand
Traceycameovertoo,eachwithabutterbeer.Theowasright,theywerentallbad.Hermionestood
withDracoandtheotherSlytherinscatchingup.Theotoldthemaboutthelawschoolhewouldbe
attending.Severalfirmshadapproachedhimforapprenticeships,buthehadnotchosenoneyet.Tracey
hadanentryleveljobwithMagicalLawEnforcementworkinginthesupplydepartment.Itwasactually
amoreinterestingjobthatitinitiallysounded.TraceywouldworkonsupplyingAurorswitheverything
theyneeded,fromsurveillanceitemstoprotectionamuletstodetainmenttools.ItsoundedlikeTracey
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wouldhavetobecreative.
DracocalledRonoverandintroducedhimtoTracey.ThethreeofthemgottotalkingabouttheAuror
Department.BlaiseandTheowereengagedinaconversationwithLeeJordanaboutvariousinvestment
opportunities,includingtheadulttoylinetheWeasleyswerestarting.HermionewasrightBlaisehad
invested.Leewasworkingonproductdevelopment,whichstartedaslewofveryoffcolorsexjokes.
Hermionerolledhereyesandwanderedawayfromthegroup.Thatwastheproblemwithhangingout
withsomanyboys.Notthatgirlsdidnotmakesexjokes,Hermionejustthoughtgirl'sjokeswere
funnierbutthatmadesense,sinceshewasagirl.Shewassowrappedupintryingtofigureoutthe
variablethatdifferentiatedsexjokesmalestold,versusthosefemalestoldeachotherthatshewasnot
lookingwhereshewasgoing.
"Oof,"Hermioneranrightintoawallofman.Shestartedtoapologize,butthensawwhoitwasand
groaned.
"Nevercouldresistme,huh,Granger?"CormacMcLaggensmirked,causinghertorollhereyesfora
secondtimeinjustafewminutes.TheyhadgoneoutononedatebackinschoolandCormacthought
Hermionewasdesperatelyinlovewithhimeversincedespiteallevidencetothecontrary.Apparently,
herturninghimdownformoredatesandtellinghimshejustwantedtobefriendsmeantshewasplaying
hardtoget.Hermionewonderedhowhewouldinterprethergettingmarriedtootherwizards.
"Cormac,hello,"Hermionenodded,steppingbackfromtheverylargewizard."Howhaveyoubeen?"
"Excellent,"Cormacsmiled."IhaveapositionintheDepartmentofMagicalGamesandSportsnow.I
aminchargeofsomeprettyimportantprojects."
"Goodforyou,"Hermionesmiledpolitely."IrememberhowmuchyoulikedQuidditchinschool."
"Thingssurehavechangedsinceschool,"Cormacsaid,runningafingertipdownHermione'sbarearm."I
rememberhowmuchyouhatedMalfoyinschool."
"Hateisastrongword,"Hermioneshrugged,movingslightlyawayfromCormac'shand."Wewereon
differentsides,butnowtherearenosides."
"Thereisstillafewdaysbeforeyourweddingforustohavesomefun,"Cormacsaidlowly,leaning
towardher.Hermionewrinkledhernoseatthethought.ThenshelookedaroundforDracotomakesure
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hewasnotinhearingrange.Nothingdisruptedanicepartyfasterthanaduel.
Ialreadyhaveplentyoffunwithmyfiancs,Hermionesaidclearly,takingastepawayfromCormac.
Iamnotinneedofanymorewizards.
Comeon,Hermione,everyoneknowsyouarebeingforcedtogetmarried.Andyouvealwayshadyour
eyeonme,Cormacchided,steppingtowardherandagainrunninghisfingerdownherarm.Hermione
assumedhethoughtshewasplayinghardtogetagain.
Ireallyhavenot,Hermionesighed,exasperatedwithhisnarcissism.Shedidnotwanttohavetojinx
himtokeephimaway,butshewould.
Allofasudden,Cormacyelpedasifhehadbeenstung.Eyeswatering,hestartedfuriouslyrubbinghis
posterior.
WhatinMerlinsnamewasthat?Cormacdemanded.
Itwasawarning,mate,MarcusFlintsaid,tuckinghiswandbackintohispocketashestoodnextto
Hermione.HecrossedhislargearmsoverhisbroadchestandHermionethoughthelookedlikea
bodyguardforamoment.Keepyourhandstoyourself.
Whatsittoyou?Cormacdemandedstillrubbinghisarse.
HermionehereisanhonorarySlytherin,seeingashowsheissoontobeLadyMalfoy,Marcussaid
sternly.Also,shesthewitchofoneofmybestmates.YouarejustluckyDracodidnotseeyourlame
attemptstocomeontohisfiance,oryoudhavesomethingworsethanalittlesting.
Hermionegiggledinvoluntarily.Shecouldnothelpit.ThelookonCormac'sfacewaspriceless.Shejust
knew,however,thathewoulduseMarcus'interferencetobolsterhisideathatshereallydidwanthim
because,despiteherverbalprotests,shewasnottheonetojinxhim.Cormacwouldsayshewasplaying
coyandhardtoget,whenMarcussteppedinbeforeHermionecouldagreetoCormac'ssuggestions.
"Cormacisluckyalright,"Hermionesaid,musteringherbestevilgrin.BetweenLuciusandSeverus,she
hadplentyofexamplesofthatscarysmile."YousavedhimMarcus,butnotfromDracofromme.She
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turnedbacktofaceCormac.Iamnotinterested.Apparently,mysayingitoutrightwasnotclear
enough.Cormac,youseemtobeimmunetosubtlety.AsIamsureyoubothhaveheardIhaveneededto
teachafewerrantwitches...lessonsfortryingtointerferewithmyrelationship.Ihavenoproblem
teachingsimilarlessonstowizards."
CormachadpaledconsiderablyattheendofHermione'slittlespeech.Marcuslookedasstoicasever,but
Hermionecouldswearshesawhislipstwitching,asifheweresuppressingasmile.
"Idothankyou,Marcus,forpreventingCormacsratherunsettlinglessonfromhappening,"Hermione
continued."IhatetohexmyfellowGryffindors,evenwhentheydeserveit.Ialsodidn'twanttodisrupt
theparty,asmyhexesdon'ttendtobe...gentle."
"Anythingforyou,"Marcusnoddedseriously,thoughnowHermionewassureshecouldseemirth
dancinginhiseyes.HeremindedherofanancientRomanCenturionforsomereason.Maybeitwasthe
wayheseemedtobeguardingher.MarcusturnedtopositionhimselfdirectlybetweenHermioneand
Cormac,effectivelyshuttingCormacoutofanyfurtherdiscussion."Iwantedtotakeamomenttothank
you."
"Forwhat?"Hermionewondered.ShenoticedoverhisshoulderthatCormachadwanderedaway.
"ForaskingViktorKrumtotalktome,"Marcusreplied,lookingdowntohisshoes."Ireallydolove
Quidditchandwanttoplayprofessionally,butitallseemedsocomplicated.Viktorgavemethenames
ofafewtrustworthymanagerstointerview.HealsospokeveryhonestlyandfranklyaboutwhatIshould
expectandconsider.Heofferedtostayintouch.Ioweyouafavor."
"Iamsogladhewashelpful,"Hermionesmiled."Butyoudon'towemeanything,Marcusthatiswhat
friendsdo."
"Butwearen'tfriends,"hepointedoutlookingup,browsfurrowed.
"Aren'twe?"sheasked.
"Iguesswecanbe,"Marcusconcededafteramomentofthought."Iamnotusedtoapersondoinga
favorwithoutexpectingsomethinginreturn."
"LuciusandDracosayIamtooGryffindorish.Thatsthekindofthingwedo,"Hermionelaughed."Of
course,HarrysaysIamtoohelpful,evenforaGryffindor.IwouldntbeabletorestknowingthatI
couldhavebeenhelpfultosomeone,butwasn't.IknowDracovaluesyourfriendship,anditwillalso
makehimhappythatyouarehappyifthatmakessense."
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"YoucareforDraco,then?"Marcusasked.Asheaskedthequestion,helookedoveratDracotalking
withagroupoffolks,gesturingexpansivelyashetoldsomestoryoranother.HermionethoughtMarcus
lookedwistful,butcouldnotbesure.SheledMarcusovertoanunoccupiedbaywindowinthe
Weasleyslivingroom.Itwasfractionallyquieterandmoreprivatethere.Theapartmentwasagood
size,butwaspackedwithpeopledrinking,talkingandlaughing.Hermionehoppedupontheseat,
tuckingherlegsunderneathher,andpattedthebenchnexttoher.Marcussatdownabitstiffly.
Hermionewonderedifhewasreallynotusedtopeoplebeingkindtohim.
"IdocareforDracoandLucius,"Hermioneshared."Itsabitsurprising,givenourhistory,butitisthe
casenonetheless."
"Surprisingisputtingitmildly,"Marcussmirked,leaningbackandlookingabitmorecomfortable.
"Dracohasalwaysbeenagoodmate."
"YoucareforDraco,too,"Hermionestatedsimply.Marcus'eyeswidenedandheheldhisbreathfora
moment.Hermione'ssuspicionswereconfirmed.MarcuslovedDraco,probablymorethanDracoknew.
"Idon'thavemanyfriends,"Marcusfinallysaid,lookingacrosstheroomattheplatinumblondSlytherin.
"Ican'timaginewhy,"Hermionesaidhonestly.Marcussnappedhisheadaroundtolookather
critically.Hermionecouldseehowhercommentcouldbeinsultingifsaidinthewrongtone,butshe
wasserious.Marcuslookedtobeabitofabrute,allbigandmuscle.Hewasquiet,whichcouldlead
peopletoassumehewasdumbbutHermionecouldseeintelligenceandsensitivityinhiseyes.She
imaginedthathewasutterlyloyal,probablytoafault.Marcus'narrowedgazerelaxedandheseemedto
realizeHermionewashonestlycurious.
MarcusquietlytoldHermioneabouthimself.Whenhetoldherthatheknewhowhecameacrossto
people,HermionewandlesslyandsilentlycastaMuffliato,sonooneelsecouldhear.Hisfatherwasa
greatbruteofaman,whovaluedphysicalstrengthandtheabilitytodominateothers.Thisdirectly
appliedtohiswifeandson,whomhedominatedthroughemotionalcrueltyandphysicalpunishment.
Marcus'lifewasnotlightheartedoreasy.Hermionereachedoutandheldhishand.
GoingtoHogwarts,Marcushadachancetowatchpeoplebeingkindandfriendly,buthedidnotknow
howtojoinin.Peopleassumedhewasasbrutishashisfather,givenhissizeandhisfather'sreputation.
Notknowinghowtodispelthemofthisnotion,Marcusletpeopleassumewhatevertheywished.There
wereafewpeoplethatwerenotafraidofhimanddidnottreathimlikeathugDracoMalfoywasone
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ofthosepeople.Hermionesmirked,statingthatDracothoughttoowellofhimselftobescaredby
anotherstudent.Marcuslaughedandagreed.ItwasDraco'squintessentialMalfoyassumptionthathe
wasuntouchablethiswasbeforeVoldemort'sreturnofcoursethatlethimtreatMarcuslikehewas
justoneoftheguys.
Thesummerbeforehisfinalyearatschool,Marcus'fatherbeathimsobadlyhewasinacomafora
week,allforfailingtowintheQuidditchcup.HisfatherrefusedtolethismothertakehimtoSt.
Mungos,soshehadtohealhimasbestasshecould.Theincidentwasthelaststraw,however,forthe
normallymeek,gentlewitch.AssoonasMarcuscouldfunctiononhisown,hismotherwentafterhis
father.Shewasnotnaturallypowerfulandnowherenearasphysicallystrong,butMagnusFlint
disappearedwithoutatrace.HisbusinesspartnerscalledinAurorstoquestionMarcusandhismother,
butalltheyfoundwasaconfusedyoungwizardandasicklylooking,mousywitch.
Overtheyear,Marcus'mothergotsickerandweaker.Marcusfrequentlyhadtoleaveschooltoattendto
her.Evenwhenhewasatschool,hecouldnotconcentrateonhisstudies,notthatpeopleexpectedhimto
dowellanyways.Attheendofhisseventhyear,Marcus'motherpassedawayandMarcusfailedallhis
exams.Hermionesqueezedhishandwithhers,wipingawayhertearswithherfreehand.Hemusthave
feltsoalone.
Overthesummer,ashewasgoingthroughhisparents'things,Marcusfoundseveralbookscontaining
verydarkmagic.Therewerenotationsinthemargininhismother'sneat,eleganthandwriting.Sheuseda
seriesofdangerousspellstoamplifyhermagicanddestroyherhusband,atgreatcosttoherself.Thedark
magicsheletlooseessentiallydevouredherovertime.Healersmayhavebeenabletohaltthe
progression,butthenshewouldhavehadtoadmitwhatshehaddone.Marcuswasshocked,butapartof
himwasproudofhismotherfordoingwhatheneverhadstandingupandfighting.Heresolvedatthat
pointtoneverletanotherpersonmakehimdosomethinghedidnotwanttodo.Sometimesinschool,he
hadfallenintotheroleofthugtoappeasetheotherSlytherins,butnomore.Notknowinghowtointeract
withpeople,MarcusfocusedonQuidditchandschoolwork.Someofhisfriendshipsfellaway,butafew
friendspersistedincludingDraco.
"DidyouknowthatIloveHarry?"Hermioneaskedthewizardwhenhehadfinallystoppedspeaking.
Shewasstillholdinghishand,unnoticedbythepartywhirlingafewstepsawayfromthem.
"YoureinlovewithPotter?"Marcusaskedabitconfusedandalittlehorrified.
"No,I'mnotinlovewithhimIlovehim,"Hermionelaughedlookingacrosstheroomatherfriend.He
wasclearlytryingtoplaypeacemakerasSeamus,Ron,andDracoarguedoverQuidditch.Ginnywas
gluedtohisside,toherdismay.Hermionesighedsometimestherewasnotalkingtothatwitch."Heis
mybestfriendinthewholeworld.ThereisnothingIwouldn'tdoforhimandhewoulddothesamefor
me.Idon'tknowhowmuchyouknowaboutHarry.MostpeopleknowhewasraisedbyhisMuggleside
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ofthefamilybeforeHogwarts.Whatmostpeopledon'tknowishowawfulthosepeoplewere.Theywere
horrible.Theyabusedhim,neglectedhim.Itwasasiftheywentoutoftheirwaytomakehimfeel
unlovedateveryturn.EvenafterHogwartsstarted,hehadtogobacktothosepeopleeverysummerfor
years.Ihatedit."
Marcusnodded,eyeingHarryspeculatively.Hermioneknewthatmanypeoplefeltaloneintheir
troubles,althoughveryfewactuallywere.
"HarryalwayssaysthingsthatIappreciate,"Hermionecontinued."Hesaysthatsomepeoplearejust
dealtacraphandinlife,butthatitisstilluptothemhowtheyplaythegame.Hesaysfamiliesarenot
necessarilythepeopleyouwereborntoorthepeoplewhoraisedyou,butfamilycanbewhoeveryou
chooseittobe.Ialwayslikedthat."
Marcusjustkeptlookingacrosstheroomattheguystalking.Hermionesawthewetnesspoolinginthe
cornersofhiseyesthough.IfhelovedDracoevenhalfasmuchasshelovedHarry,thenitwasawhole
lot.
"I'mgladyouloveDraco,"Hermionewentonholdinghislargehandwithhertwosmallonesnow."We
allneedtoloveandbelovedinlife."
Theysatinsilenceforseveralminutes,watchingthecrowd,HermioneholdingMarcus'handinherlap.
"WherethedevilisFlint?"Dracoshoutedashebegantolookaroundtheroom."Hecansettlethis
asinineargument."
"Sidewithyouyoumean,"Ronscoffed.
"IthinkheisovertherecuddleduptoHermione,"Seamuslaughedpointingtothemsittinginthebay
windowbeforehedrainedhispintglassinoneswallow.
Dracolookedoveratthem,browfurrowed.Hedidnotlookangryorsuspicious,justconfused
especiallywhenhenoticedHermioneholdingMarcus'hand.HermioneheldontoMarcus,squeezedhis
handwithoneofhersandwavedatDracowiththeother.Shehadabigbeamingsmilethatmademostof
theotherpeoplelookingherwaysmile,withouteventhinkingaboutit.
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Dracomadehiswayovertothem,followedbyRonandHarry.
"Areyoutwoplottingsomething?"Dracoteased.
"Always,"Hermionechuckled."IwasjusttellingMarcusherehowhappyIamthatyouhaveafriend
likehim.Nomatterwhichteamhechoosestoplaywith,Ihopeweseehimoften."
"Ofcourse,"Dracosmiledeasily,asifitwereagiventhatfriendsneverdriftedapartorawayfromeach
other."We'llgetseasonticketsforwhateverteamhedecidestojoin."
"Iamsoglad,"Hermionesmiled.ItwasclearlysimpleforDraco.MarcuswashisfriendandMarcus
wouldalwaysbehisfriend.Therewasnoquestion.HisgettingmarriedandMarcusgoingofftoplay
Quidditchprofessionallywouldnotchangeanyofthat.
FredandGeorgespartycontinuedintotheweehours,despiteitbeingaMondaynight.Peopledrank
andlaughed.Therewasascufflehereandadisagreementthere,butthetwinshadaknackfordefusing
situations.Hermionehadalovelytime.She,Draco,Harry,andRondidnotdrinkthatmuchsincethey
hadbeenfalldown,passoutdrunkthenightbefore.EveryoneknewthatifyoutookHangoverpotions
toooften,theywouldstarttoloseeffectandnoonewantedthat.Mostotherpeopleatthepartygot
pissed,though.Soon,Hermionewasstartingtoyawn.Sheneededtogetsomerestifshewasgoingto
showPansyParkinsonaroundHarrodsthenextday.
Ithinkmytimeisup,Hermionesaid,leaningagainstDraco.
Wanttogohome?Dracoasked,pullingherintoanembrace.
IthinkIwill,yeah,Hermionereported.IcanFloobacktoGrimmauldPlace.Youcanstayandhave
funifyoulike.Idontwanttoruinthepartyforyou.
Dontbeabsurd,Dracoscoffed.Thefuniswhereveryouare,Kitten.
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HermioneandDracosaidtheirgoodbyestotheirfriends.Dracoswerenodsandtheoccasionalslapon
theback,whileHermionegaveouthugsandkissedcheeks.SheincludedMarcusinheraffectionate
goodbyes,causingthebig,stoicwizardtosmileandDracotoraiseaneyebrow.
WhathappenedwithMarcus?Dracoaskedassoonastheywereoutthedoorandheadedtowardthe
Floo.
NothinghappenedwithMarcus,Hermionereplied.Wehadalovelychatthough.Hetalkedabit
abouthimself,hisfamily.
Marcusdoesnttalkabouthimselforhisfamily,DracopointedoutastheystoodinfrontoftheFloo.
Well,hedidtome,Hermioneshrugged.ShedidnotwanttogiveawayallofMarcusconfidences.It
wasnotliketheinformationhetoldherwassecret,butHermionestilldidnotfeelcomfortablegivinga
playbyplayabouttheirconversation.ShesteppedintotheFlooandlookedbackatDraco.Beforeshe
Flooedhomeshewinkedandsaid,DontwehaveotherthingstodotonightthantalkaboutMarcus?
EndNotes:
Next...alonewithDracothenshoppingwithPansy.
Backtoindex
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Author'sNotes:
Disclaimer:IdonotownthesecharactersorHarryPotteretc.Ijustlovetoplay
withthem.
Thankstobunnyhopsforherwonderfulbetaandinsights!
Now....alonetimewithDracofollowedbyshopping.Iamjealous.
Chapter30
Hermioneblinkedhereyesagainstthemorninglight.Shelookedovertohernightstandandsawthatit
wasjustbeforetenoclockinthemorning.ShehadtomeetPansyattheLeakyCauldroninanhour.
Kreacher,Hermionecalled,pullingcoversoverhernakedbreasts.Theoldelfimmediatelypoppedin
andnoddedapprovinglyatthesightofDracosleepinginherbed.Teaplease,Kreacher.
Hermionestayedinbed,stretchingherlimbs.Dracoreallydidliketosprawl,andhardlylefthermuch
roomatall.Hewaslyingonhisstomachandthesheetcoveredhisnakedlowerhalf,justcomingup
overhislovelyarse.Hermionehadawonderfulviewofhismuscledbackandarmsthough.Shenoticed
redmarksaroundhiswristsandflashedbacktothenightbefore.
HermioneandDracohadFlooedbacktoGrimmauldPlaceandsurprisedKreacherinthekitchen.After
assuringtheoldelftheywerenotinneedofanything,Hermionestartedwalkinguptoherroomsure
thatDracowouldfollow.Asshewalked,shestuckherheadintothedrawingroomandlibrary,ensuring
Remuswasnotoutofbedatthatlatehour.
"WeleftWeaselandPotterattheparty,"Dracoloudlypointedout.
"Shhh,"Hermionehissed."RemusmovedintodaywithTeddy.Theyareallthewayuponthefourth
floor,butsoundcarriesinthisplace."
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"Thewerewolfmovedintoyourhousetoday?"Dracoaskedincredulously.
"Yes,myfriendRemus,whohappenstobeawerewolf,movedintoday,"Hermionescolded."Ispentthe
afternoonhelpinghim,Harry,andRongettheroomssetup.Wemadethesweetestroomforlittle
Teddy.Sokeepyourvoicedown."
"Whatisgoingtohappenatthefullmoon,Hermione?Haveyouthoughtofthat?"Dracowhispered
loudly.
"No.Itneveroccurredtome,"Hermionerepliedsarcastically,rollinghereyes.SheheardDracohuff
behindherastheyapproachedherroom."HarryandRemuscreatedasecureroominthesubbasement
underthekitchens.Iamhelpingthemstrengthenthewards."
"Still...,"DracobeganasHermioneopenedherdoor.
"Areyouquestioningmyabilities,MisterMalfoy?"sheaskedwalkingintoherroom.Sheturnedtosee
Dracofrozeninherdoorway.Heclearlywasthinkingofhowtoanswerherquestion.Hermione
watchedhim,eyebrowraised,asheopenedhismouthtorespondthoughtbetterofitthenclosedhis
mouthagain.
Hermionesmirkedandliftedherlongtanktopupoverherhead,tossingitontoachair.Draco'smouth
hungopen.Hetookastepinsideandclosedthedoorbehindhimself.Hermionewaswearingablack
leatherbustiertopthatmatchedherleatherleggings.Shespreadherlegsshoulderwidthapartand
plantedherhandsonherhips.Draco'sbreathcaughtinhisthroat.Hermionecalleduphermagicandletit
cracklealonghershouldersanddownherarms.Dracogroanedandtookafewstepstowardher.
Hermioneimaginedheramuletasawidesilvercollarwiththestoneinthecenter.Shefeltitslitherup
herneckandtaketheshapeshepictured.
"Iwonderifyoushouldbepunishedfordoubtingmypower,MisterMalfoy,"Hermionesaid.
"Idon'tdoubtyou,"Dracofinallysaid,hiseyeswideandgluedtoherleathercladbody.Hereachedout
totouchherwaist,butHermioneusedhermagictokeephiswonderfulfingersinchesaway.
"Areyoucontradictingme,MisterMalfoy?"Hermioneaskedimperiously,inherbestLadyMalfoy
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voice.Shereacheduptohisshoulderandpusheddownward.
"No,"Dracobreathed,droppinghisgazeashefelltohiskneesinfrontofher.Hermionereachedtothe
backofhisheadandgrabbedhishair,tiltinghisfaceupwardtowardher.Sheleaneddownsotheywere
nosetonose.
"Nowhat,MisterMalfoy?"Hermionepurred,strokinghischeekwithonehandandtighteninghergrip
onhishairwithherother.
"No,Mistress,"Dracobreathed.Hiseyeswerehalfliddedandhewasbreathingheavily.
"Goodboy,"Hermionesmiled.ShebeganunbuttoningDraco'semeraldgreenshirt."Youdressedin
Slytheringreentonightonpurposedidn'tyou,MisterMalfoy?"
Draconoddedashisshirtfelltothefloor.Hermioneranherfingersacrosshisbareshoulders.
"Solovely,"Hermionesmiled."IthinkIwantyouonthebedforyourpunishment."
Dracosmiledandscrambleduptohisfeet,jumpinguponherbed.Hermionealmostgiggledatthesight.
"Incarcerous,"shecommanded,pointingatthebed.Withinseconds,ropeshadtiedDraco'swriststoher
headboard.Dracobuckedagainstthebindingsforamoment.Hermioneapproachedthebed,hips
swaying.Shedraggedafingertipdownthecenterofhisbarechest,scratchinghimlightlywithhernail.
Problem,MisterMalfoy?
No,Mistress,Dracogroaned,closinghiseyesandarchinghispelvisupward.Hermioneeyedthe
tentinginhispants.Herlittlegamewascertainlyexcitinghim.
HermionehoppeduponthebedandstraddledDracosbelly.Sheranherfingersoverhisbroadchest.
Shefeltcompelledtotastehimandranhertongueoverhispectoralmuscles.Dracomoanedasshe
circledhisnipples,thenhegaspedassheusedherteeth.BythetimeHermionemadeitdowntohis
abdominalmusclesandwastracingtheridgeswithhertongue,Dracowaspanting.Shetuggedatthe
buttonofhispantswithherteeth,openingthefly.Shepulledhistrousersoffandthrewthemaside,then
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steppedbacktosurveyhernakedwizard.Dracowaslong,lean,andmuscular.Hispaleskinwas
flawless.Hiserectionwasmassive,pink,andstoodstraightup.Hemadehermouthwater.
Please,Kitten,hemoaned,pullingagainsthisropes.
Now,MisterMalfoy,howwouldthisbeapunishmentifyougotexactlywhatyouwanted?Hermione
chided.Youdolookdelicious.Icouldlickyouallover.However,youhavebeennaughty,
questioningmypowerandspeakingillofmyfriends.Ithinkyouneedtomakeituptome.
Anything,Dracopanted,eyesdarkwithlust.
Hermionesmirkedandvanishedherleatherensemblebacktohercloset,leavinghertotallynaked,except
forherstilettos.ShecrawledupDraco,lightlybrushingagainsthisstrainingcock,butotherwise
ignoringit.Hegroanedinfrustration.Hermionepressedhersmallframeagainsthislargerone,again
straddlinghisbelly.Shecapturedhismouthwithhers,kissinghimpossessively.Shelovedkissinghim.
Sherubbedherselfagainsthim,relishingthefeelingofhisnakedskinagainsthers.
Mmmm,Hermionesighed,movingdownslightlytodragherteethoverthestrongcolumnofhisneck.
Dracostrainedtopresshimselfintoher.Youhaveawonderfulmouth,MisterMalfoy.Maybewe
shouldseewhatelsethatmouthofyourscando.
Hermionemoveduponthebedandplacedonekneeoneithersideofhishead.Sheturnedtofacethe
footofthebedandleanedforward,presentingDracowithherverywetcore.Sheletoutagaspasshe
feltDracodraghistongueoverherslit.HelappedatherasifhewasstarvingandHermionemoaned.
More,shecommandedandDracointensifiedhisefforts.Whenhebeganfocusingonherclit,flicking
andsuckingthatsmallbundleofnerveswithhistongue,Hermioneleanedforwardfurther.Thisgave
Dracoabetterangleofattack,butalsoputhisbeautifulmemberrightwhereshecouldreachit.
Hermioneranhertongueupandlickedthethickfluidleakingfromthetip.Dracoshuddered,but
continuedwhathewasdoing.Hermionecouldtellhewasalreadyteeteringontheedge.Herdominatrix
routinehadrampedhimupandshewascertainitwouldnottakemuchtopushhimovertheedge.
Therefore,Hermionesavoredhim,rubbingthehardvelvetyskinagainsthercheekandfocusingonthe
pleasureDracowasgivingher.Shecouldfeelherorgasmcoming.
Whenshewasclose,shetookhimintohermouth,tryingtofitasmuchofhislengthinaspossible.It
washardtofocusonDracowhenhewasdoingsuchwonderfulthingstoher.Hermionewasrightitdid
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nottakemuchtopushDracoover.Sheworkedhermouthupanddownhisshaft,butthevibrations
causedbyhermoaningduetoherownimpendingorgasmweremorethanDracocouldtake.His
musclesstiffenedandhecamehard,splashingagainstthebackofherthroat.Hermioneswallowedit
downasDracoclampedontoherclit,suckingfuriouslyashecame.Thatwasallsheneededand
HermionefellofftheprecipiceDracostalentedtonguehadbroughtherto.Hisslowlysofteningcockin
hermouthmuffledherscream,whichwasfortunate,becauseHermionelaterrealizedshehadforgottento
setasilencingspell.
HermionerolledoffDraco,strugglingtocatchherbreathandlookedupathimsmiling.Helookedso
beautiful,armstiedup,skinflushedandglisteningwithsweat.Hegaveherasatisfiedgrinashepanted.
DracowasfinallyabletomuttertheFiniteIncantatemtofreehisarms.Hereacheddownandeasily
liftedthesmallwitch,pullingherintohim.HermioneburrowedintoDracoschestashestretchedhis
arms,flexinghisstiffmuscles.
Youareamazing,Kitten,Dracosmiledasheflexed.Thatwasextraordinary.
IdidntgotoofardidI?Hermionecheckedin.
Notatall,Dracoquicklyreplied.Thatsatedsmileseemedfixedonhisface.Youwereperfect.I
wouldbeopentoexploringfurtheroneday,ifyouarecomfortablewithit.
Hermionechuckled.Shewouldhavetothinkaboutthat.Sheimaginedthereweremanybookswritten
aboutdominantsubmissivesexplay,probablyevensomeintheMalfoylibrary.Dracobeganrubbing
hiswristsandHermionenoticedtheywerechafedandredfromtherope.Thecolorstoodoutagainsthis
otherwiseperfectskin.
Ohno!Hermioneexclaimed,furrowingherbrowandtakinghisinjuredwristsinherhandstoinspect
thembetter.Letmehealthese.
No,Dracopulledbackhiswrists.Thankyoufortheoffer,butIwanttokeepthemarksforalittle
while.Icanlookatthemtomorrowandthinkoftonight.
Withthat,DracotuckedHermioneagainsthimandnestledthemunderthesheet.Hermionehadno
troublequicklyfallingasleep,herheadrestingonDracoschestandhersmallbodypressedagainsthis
side.Ithadcertainlybeenalongday.
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Kreacherpoppedbackintoherbedroomwithaladenteatray,startlingHermionefromhermemory.She
hadbeendoingexactlywhatDracohadsaidhewasgoingto,lookingattherednessonhiswristsand
thinkingoftheirnight.Thismadehergigglesoftly,earningheranoddlookfromKreacherashe
arrangedthetrayonherbedsidetable.Theelfhandedheraperfectlymadecupoftea.
IfyouisneedinganymoreorifthelastsonoftheNobleHouseofBlackiswantingmoreordifferent,
Kreacherisreadyanytimejustbecalling,theelfinstructed.
Hermionenodded,sippinghertea,andKreacherpoppedaway.Bythetimeshewasfinishinghercup,
Dracowasstirring.
Wakeup,sleepy,Hermionesaidinabrightsingsongtone,causingDracotoburyhisfaceinherside
andmumblesomethingaboutsunshinebeingtoobright.Itisalreadytenfifteen.Youhavetoget
home,Draco.Kumawillbeimprintingtodayortomorrow.Youcantmissit.
ThatgotDracosattentionandheshotup,hisblondhairstickingupononeside.Thelittlebitoftea
Hermionehadleft,sloshedaroundinhercup.
Ialmostforgot!DracobeganextractinghimselffromthesheetsandHermionelaughedathis
exuberance.Theimprintingperiodislikelytooccurinthetwentyfourhoursfromnoontodayuntil
noontomorrow.Hagridandthebreederfigureditwouldprobablyhappenbetweeneightoclockand
midnight,butIwanttogetthereearly.
HermioneslidonherrobeasDracopulledonhispantsandshirtfromthenightbefore.
Iamexcitedforyou,shesmiled.IllwalkyoudowntotheFloo.
IguessIwontseeyoutonight,then,Dracolookedabitdisappointedastheyleftherroomandheaded
forthekitchen.Itwasbetterthathewasalonewithhislittlehippogrifffoal,sothattheimprintingwas
clear.DracowouldlikelyspendthenexttwentyfourhourswithKuma.MaybeyouandFathercango
outtonight,havesomeoneononetimetogether.
Thatisagoodidea,Hermionenodded.IwillbespendingthedayshoppingwithPansy,soIamnot327/521
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surewhatIwillbeuptotonight.Regardlessofhowitgoes,Iexpecttobebackbysixoclockthis
evening.
IwillletFatherknow,Draconodded.ShoppingwithPansycouldhaveanynumberofoutcomes.
Hermionemayneedastiffdrink,asoakinabath,oraheadachepotionpossiblyallthree.
TheyenteredthekitchentofindRemusgivingTeddyalittlesnack.Well,thatiswhatsheassumedwas
goingon,giventhefoodsmearedonthetoddlersface.Hermioneassumedtheyhadbeenupforhours
already.
Goodmorning,Hermionechimedhappily.Goodmorning,youbeautifulboy.Areyouhavinga
snack?
Nack!Teddyaffirmed,holdingoutasticky,chubbyhandcoveredinsomekindofpasteasevidence.
HermionelaughedandTeddygiggled,hishairturningorangeandwildlycurly,justlikeHermiones.
Hesametamorphmagus!Dracoexclaimed,enthralledbythebaby.
Hestartedwithinhoursofbeingborn,Remusacknowledged,smirkingathislittleboy.
IjustrememberedthatTeddyisyoursecondcousin,Draco!Hermioneexclaimed.Sheoftenforgot
thatTonksandDracosmothersweresisters.ItseemedstrangethatthequirkyhalfbloodAurorwas
relatedtotheMalfoysinanyway.
Thatheis,Dracosmiledatthebaby,whowassmackinghisstickyhandagainstthetable.MaybeIll
beabletogettoknowhim.
DracolookedatRemusashespoke.Theolderwizardlookedcontemplativeforamoment,butthengave
anod.
Andromedaexpressedsomeinterestingettingtoknowyoubetter,ifyouwanttothinkaboutthat,
Remusresponded.HermioneknewthatDracohadneverreallyspenttimewithhisaunt.Shewasat
theirengagementpartyofcourse,butthatwasnotavenueinwhichtogettoknowaperson.Andromeda
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wasabitbizarre,butnotatallmad,asmanyBlackwomenbecome.Hermionewonderedifherlong
estrangementfromthefamilysavedher.
Idlikethat,Draconodded.
Youbettergo,Hermioneprompted.Babyhippogriffawaits.
Right!Dracojoltedoutofhiscontemplation.HeturnedtoHermioneandreacheduptosmoothher
curlyhairback,awayfromherface.Iwillmissyou.ImightcallyouwithmytelephonethingwhileI
amwaitingfortheimprinting.
Feelfreetocallwhenever,Hermionesmiled.Dracocuppedherfacewithhishand,leanedin,and
gaveheralovelykissgoodbye.AfterhewasthroughtheFloo,Hermioneturnedtogobackupstairs.I
bettergogetdressed.IhavetobeattheLeakyinhalfanhour.
Musthavebeensomepartylastnight,Remusgrinned,tryingtospoonsomeofthatpasteintoTeddys
mouth.
Whatmakesyousaythat?Hermionewondered,stoppinginthedoorway.
ItmusthavebeenwildifDraconeededtoberestrainedatsomepoint,Remusreplied,stillgrinning
devilishly,eyestwinklingwithmischief.HelookedlikehisoldMarauderself.Thosemarksonhis
wristsseemrelativelyrecent.
Nothingwrongwithalittlehealthyexplorationbetweenconsentingadults,Remus,Hermionesaidas
shewalkedoutofthekitchen.Shetriedtosoundcasualandconfident,butknewthatshewasblushing.
HerblushonlyintensifiedwhensheheardRemuslaughingontheothersideofthedoor.
BackupstairsHermionehadaveryquickshower.Shewentthroughthedryingcharmsforherhairas
shehadasecondcupofteaandafewbitsoffruit.Hermionepickedashortshirtdressthathadwide,
colorfulstripesdownit.Shefelthappyanditseemedlikeahappydress.Shepairedthedresswithsome
strikingtealblueslingbackstilettosandherbrownleatherclutch.Hermionestowedhermobilephone,
wand,wallet,andsunglassesinherbagandrusheddownthestairstoApparateovertoDiagonAlley.
TheApparitionpointwasadjacenttotheLeakyCauldronsoHermionefiguredsheberightontime.
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***
Asshethought,Hermionesteppedintothetavernatelevenoclockonthedotonlytobeconfrontedwith
apacingPansy.HermioneshotTom,theproprietor,anapologeticglance.
Finally!Youwerealmostlate,Pansyexclaimed.
Almostlateisontime,Hermionerespondedcalmly.Whydontwesitforamoment?
Arentwegoing?Pansydemanded.TomsentHermioneapleadinglookthatwasclearlyinterpretable
as,getthiscrazywitchoutofhere.
Inamoment,Hermionesoothed,sittingatafreetableandhopingPansywouldfollowherlead.After
asecond,Pansyhuffedandsat.Hermionelookedoverheroutfit.ItwassimilartotheHogwarts
uniform,whiteshirtandskirtthoughtheskirtwassolidgreenandnotpleated.Hershoesseemedabit
odd,butthatwaseasyenoughtoexplainawayifnecessary.
Good.Iwantedtogooverafewthingsandyoudefinitelyneedtocalmdown,Hermioneignored
Pansysglareandcontinued.YouhaveneverreallybeeninMuggleLondonbefore.Iknowyouare
excited,butyouneedyourwitsaboutyou.Itisdifferentoutontheothersideofthatdoor.Itcanbealot
totakeinyourfirsttime,andweneedsomebasicgroundrules.Firstly,trynottalktoomuch.Think
abouteverythingthatyousaybeforeyousayit.Itiseasytoslipup,andIdontmuchfeellike
confoundingthenicepeopleonthestreetoratHarrods.Justtrytoholdyourquestionsandcomments
untilwegettolunchandwecancastaMuffliatoandtalkfreely.Secondly,ItoldAnnaourpersonal
shopperatHarrodsthatyourfamilywasinacult.Itoldheryourcultmadeyoudressinrobesandthat
thisisyourfirsttimeoutshopping.ThatwayifyoudosomethingthatMugglesfindodd,wecan
attributeittothecult.JusttrytowatchwhatIdoandfollowmylead.
Understood,Pansynodded,thinkingaboutwhatHermionehadsaid.Shedidnotseemoffendedbythe
cultbackstoryandshedidappearcalmer.Shehadadoptedanaloof,snobbylookthatmaskedher
excitement.HermioneimaginedthatPansyhadalotofpracticewearingthatmaskinthearistocracy.
Thenletsgo,HermionesmiledgettingupfromthetableandleadingPansyoutthedoortoMuggle
London.
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Hermionestoodonthesidewalkandpaused,takinghersunglassesoutofherpurse.Pansyhadflinched
slightlyatallthenoise,butitwashardlynoticeable.Theaveragepasserbywouldcertainlyhavenot
thoughtanythingofit.HermionewasgladwhenPansyputondarkglasses.Thewitchwouldbeableto
staretoherheartscontentwithoutpeoplenoticing.
Hermionesteppedtothecurbandraisedherarmtohailataxi.
Whatareyoudoing?Pansyaskedlowly.
GettingusaridetoHarrods,Hermioneresponded.ItistoofartowalkandIdontthinkyouare
readyfortheunderground.
Iamreadyforanything,Pansyretorted.Icanhandleanunderground,whateverthatis.
Alrightthen,Hermioneshruggedsteppingbackfromthecurb.Letsgo.
Theywalkedthefewblockstothetubestationanddescendedthesteps.Hermionepurchasedtwopasses
andtohercredit,Pansyhardlyflinchedatallwhenthetrainsweptintothestation.Hermioneboarded
andPansyfollowed.Pansywasreluctanttogripthepoll,asHermionewasdoing,butonelurchandshe
gotoverthat.HermionepolitelyrefrainedfromcommentingonPansyswhiteknuckledgripandslightly
horrifiedexpression.
Weareridingatrainthatmovesundertheground,throughdirt,PansysaidquietlytoHermione
throughgrittedteeth.Hermionelookedaround.Therewerenottoomanyotherpassengersanditwas
unlikelyanyonewaslistening.
Yes,weare,Hermioneconfirmed.Thetrainrunsinasystemoftubes,whichiswhysomecallitthe
Tube.Itisaneasy,quickwaytotravelaboutthecity.Manylargecitieshavesystemssuchasthis.
Itisdisconcerting,Pansyfinallystated."Andloud."
"Yougetusedtoit,"Hermionesmiled.
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"DidyoutakeDracoandLuciusonthisunderground?"Pansyaskedasshewatchedpeoplegettingon
andoffatastation.Severalyoungmensatclosetothem.
"No.Theyaren'tasadventurousasyou,"Hermionegrinned."Thatremindsme,herein...London,plural
marriagesarenotlegal.LasttimeIwasatHarrods,Ibroughtmyfiancandhisfather."
Pansynodded,understanding.Hermioneknewtheirconversationwouldsoundoddtoaneavesdropper,
buthopeditwouldntseemtooweird.Theydidnottalkmuchonthetrip.Pansy'squick,intelligenteyes
weretakingineverythingaroundher.HermionewouldnotbesurprisedifPansyadaptedquickly.
Theirstationwasalittlecrowded,andHermioneloopedherarmthroughPansy'ssotheywouldnotget
separated.Pansylookedatthesmallerwitch,eyebrowarched.HermioneimaginedPansywasnottouchy
andaffectionatewithherfriends,butshecouldbewrong.Eitherway,necessitydemandedcontactand
Hermioneledthesnobbyaristocratthroughthestationandbackaboveground.Hermionepretendednot
tonoticewhenPansybreathedasighofrelieftoreturntogroundlevel.
Astheyapproachedthemassive,iconicdepartmentstore,Hermionegestured.
"Well,thereitis,"shetoldPansy."Thewholebuildingischockfullofthingsforyoutobuy."
Pansy'seyesshonewithexcitementandshegrinned,staringatthebuilding.
"Notimelikethepresent,"Hermionesmiled,pullingPansytothedoor."Let'sgogetsomelunchsoyou
haveachancetotakeinyoursurroundings."
Hermionesteeredthewideeyedwitchinside,bringingthemintotheBeautyApothecary.Pansywas
mesmerizedbythecolorsandbrandnamesofproductsthatshehadonlyreadabout.Hermionetriedto
moveherswiftlythrough,butPansyrefusedtoflybythedesignerhandbagsinthenextroomwithout
stopping.Moreslowly,theymadetheirwayovertotheFoodHall.
"Japanesefoodalright?"Hermioneasked,astheysatatthecounterofPanChai.
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"I'vebeentoJapan,"Pansynodded.
PansywentaheadandorderedexactlywhatHermionehadchosenforherself,sotheybothgotsparkling
waterandtheOmakasedailyplatterofsushi,sashimi,andsushiroll.HermionehadtoldPansytofollow
herlead,althoughshehadnotmeantitsoliterally.
"LasttimeIwashere,ItoldAnnaaboutyou,"Hermionesaid,sippingherdrinkastheywaitedfortheir
food.
"Aboutthecultbusiness?"PansyquirkedhereyebrowandgaveHermioneadisapprovingstare.It
remindedhersomuchofSeverusthatHermionesmiled.
"Yes,"shereplied."ButalsothatyouhavebeenreadingVogueforyearsandareveryinterestedin
couture.Annawillselectveryhighenddesignerpiecesforyou.Justtellherwhatyoulike,whatyou
want,andIamsureshewilldoeverythinginherpowertogetitforyou."
"Good,"Pansynodded.HermionehadafeelingPansywasjustasusedtobeingcateredtoasLuciusand
Dracowere,whilesheherselfwasstillgettingusedtoit.Theychattedabitaboutthekindsofitems
available.PansywaspleasedthatHarrodshadeverything,fromshoesandaccessoriestoallmannerof
clothing.ShewantedtoleaveattheendofthedaywithcompleteMuggleensembleswithallthedetails.
Pansywantedtolooklikeshesteppedoutofafashionmagazine.Soonaftertheygottheirfood,
Hermionecastaminornoticemenotcharmsotheycouldtalkfreely.
"Sotellmeaboutthesocietywitches,"Hermioneinvited,usingherchopstickstopickupapieceof
sushi.
"Witchesinourcirclearesubjecttocertainexpectationsthatotherwitchesdon'thave,"Pansysupplied,
mimickingwhatHermionewasdoingwithhersoysauce,wasabi,andginger."Aristocraticladiesdonot
workintraditionaljobsformoney.Thatisnottosaytheydon'tkeepverybusyandlifeisnotstressful,
becausethatisnottrue."
"Whatisatypicaldayinthelifeofanupperclasswitch?"Hermionewondered.
"Hmm,"Pansylookedthoughtfulasshetentativelyatetherawfish.Herfacialexpressionclearly
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indicatedthatshewasskeptical,butupontastingthefoodwaspleasantlysurprised."Well,noteveryone
isthesame,buttherearegeneralnorms.MostLadieswakeuparoundeighto'clock.Theystartthedayby
eatingbreakfastandgettingareportfromtheheadhouseelf.Ifyouwereunaware,theLadyofthehouse
alwaysmanagestheelves.Shewillbemadeawareofanyissuesgoingoninthehouseandgiveany
additionalinstructionsregardingwhatshewantsdonethatday.ThenmostLadiesgoovertheirschedules
forthedayandtakecareoftheircorrespondence.
Lunchingwithfriendsinsomecapacityisacommonoccurrence.Smallluncheswithonesclosefriends
aretoexchangegossipandplot.LargerluncheonsareusuallyheldtomaketheLadylookgoodor
advanceherpositioninsomeway,butthosearenotdailyusuallyoneeveryotherweek.Thosearedone
undertheguiseofbeingsocial,orforcharity.Usually,afternoonsarefilledwithavarietyofacceptable
activities.Shopping,workingwithcharities,andplanningfutureeventsareverypopular.Hobbieslike
herbology,potionmaking,astrology,andsittingontheWizengamotareacceptable,aslongasyouare
notpaidforanyofitofcourse.IftheLadyhaschildrentooyoungforHogwarts,afternoonsare
sometimesspentplayingwiththem,sincemostchildrenhavetutorsinthemorning.Thefamilygenerally
dinestogetherfordinnerduringtheweekandexchangesinformationabouttheirday.Fridayand
Saturdaynightsareusuallydinnerpartieswithfriendsorspentoutatarestaurant."
"Isthatwhatyoudo?"Hermioneasked,browfurrowed.
"Inpart,"Pansyshrugged."IamnottheLadyoftheManorthatismymother.Shespendshermorning
onhouseholdissues,sendsowls,reads,andworksonprojects.WhenIamhome,Ioftenspendthe
morningwithher.Igototherequiredsocialevents,spendtimewithmyfriends,goshopping,andtryto
figureoutwhatIamgoingtodowithmyself.Nowthatthewarisover,Ishoulddosomething.Isallof
thisrawfish?"
"Yes,itis.Whatdoyouwanttodo?"Hermioneaskedbetweenbites.
"Ihavenoidea,"Pansyrepliedoffhandedly."Ilikethisrawfish."
"Itiscalledsushi,"Hermionesupplied."Whatdoyouliketodo?"
"IheardofsushiwhenIvisitedJapanwithmyfamily,butmyparentsdidnotwanttotryit.Toobad,"
Pansysaid,workingherwaythroughtheplateatagoodpace."ThereisnotmuchIliketodo.Ienjoy
beingbitchyandactingsuperiortootherpeople."
"Inoticed,"Hermionelaughed.
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Itisnotexactlyahobbyormarketableskill,Pansysmiled.Ilikefashion.
Maybeyoushoulddosomethingwiththatthen,Hermioneencouraged.BringMugglefashiontothe
wizardingworld!
Pansyrolledhereyes,butlookedthoughtfulforamoment.
Thingsarechanging,Hermionecontinued.Atthat,Pansylookedskeptical.Imjustsaying,ifa
MugglebornwitchcanbethenextLadyMalfoyinthewizardingaristocracyisntanythingpossible?
Thatistrue,Pansylaughedaloud.Ifsomeonehadtoldmethiswasgoingtohappensixmonthsago,I
wouldhavehadthemadmittedtoSt.Mungos.Maybethingsarechanging.
TheyfinishedtheirfoodandPansywatchedhowHermioneusedthecreditcardfromGringottstopay.
Shehadgoneandgotoneofherowncardsaswell,althoughPansyscarddidnotlooklikeanAmerican
ExpressBlack,butwasPlatinum.Apparently,theParkinsonshadalotofmoney,butnotquiteMalfoy
money.
HermioneledaneasilydistractiblePansyupthemainescalatortothefirstfloor.Thewitchesslowly
madetheirwayovertothepersonalshoppingdepartmentslowlybecausePansywantedtosee
everything.HermionefinallygothertotheloungewhereAnnawaswaitingforthem.
MissGranger,Annasmiled.Iamsohappytoseeyouagain!
Goodafternoon,Anna,Hermionematchedthenicewomanssmile.Thisismyfriend,Pansy.
Itislovelytomeetyou,Annanodded.Ifyouarereadyyoucanfollowme.Ithinkwehavesome
thingsyouwilllike.
Annashowedthemtoacouchandofferedthembeverages.HermioneandPansysippedonchampagne
asAnnadiscussedthelatestsummerlines,newtrends,andtimelesspiecesthateverywomanshould
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haveinherwardrobe.Herassistantsbroughtoutrackafterrackofclothing.ItturnedoutthatPansys
tastesranalittlemoretothehautecoutureandavantgarde.
PansywashappierthanHermionehadeverseenher,tryingonallmannerofclothing.Shewasalabel
snob,asDracohadpredicted.PansywantedtoseenamessherecognizedfromVogueonthelabelsofher
clothes.HermionehadtoadmitthatPansycertainlyhadaneyeforfashionevenAnnaremarkedupon
it.Pansypaireditemsandstyledherselfwithflair.Shelookedyoung,modern,andcuttingedge.Of
course,ithelpedthatnothinglookedbadonhertall,slenderframe.Pansytirelesslydevouredtheracks
thatAnnaandherteambroughther.Shefilleduponerackwithitemsshewishedtobuyandstartedona
second.Pansyhadshoesstackedupaswellasapileofotheraccessories,likehandbags,hats,
sunglasses,andjewelry.
HermionewaswonderfullyentertainedjustwatchingPansy.Sheaddedafewoutfitstoherown
collection,gettingbluntbuthelpfulfeedbackfromPansyasshetriedthingson.Pansypushedhertotry
somenewthings.Hermioneevenfoundherselfagreeingtobuyapairofextremelyshortblacksequined
shorts.Hermionealsogotsomeclothesthatmadeherfeelprofessional,butstillyoung.Astheheadof
herowncharitablefoundation,shewouldhavemeetingsandneedtodresstoherrole.Pansyhada
wonderfulinsightintowhatwouldimpressorinterestotherwitchesinthearistocracy,soshepointedout
thosethingsforHermione.
AnnaalsobroughtHermioneanarrayofbeachwearforherhoneymoon.DespiteDracospromiseof
nakeddays,shegotseveralnewbathingsuits,coverups,sundresses,shorts,andtops.Hermionealso
hadAnnasstaffbringchoicesfornewlingerieaswell.PansyinsistedonhelpingHermioneinthatarea
aswell,statingthatsheknewwhatDracowouldlikeseeingashowtheyhavesimilartastesinwomen.
EvenafterHermionewasexhausted,Pansywasstillgoing.Shejustsighedandsatbackonthecouch,
takingadvantageofthesmallteaserviceAnnasteamarranged.Hermionerecognizedthatthiswasa
firstforPansy,andshewouldneedtogoalittlewilduntiltheinitialexcitementworeoff.
WhileshewaswatchingPansy,Hermionesmobilephonerang.ItwasDracocallingashesaidhe
would.Hewascallingfromthebarn,wherehehadbeenalldaywithKuma.Thefoalwasnappingand
Dracotooktheopportunitytoplaywithhistelephone.Hermionefilledhiminonhowherafternoonwas
goingandhowwellPansywastakingtothisnewexperience.Dracolaughedseveraltimesat
Hermionesdescriptions.Beforetheyhungup,DracorelayedthatLuciuswasplanningtocomeoverto
GrimmauldPlacetoseeheraroundsixoclock.
Pansy,itispastfive,Hermionefinallyinterjected.Wehavebeenatthisforoverfourhours.You
dontneedtogeteverythingtodayHarrodsisnotgoinganywhere.Youcancomebackandshopnext
weekandtheweekafterthatandtheweekafterthat.
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Iguessso,Pansyreluctantlyagreed.AnnaofferedtomailPansynoticeswhenevernewcollections
arrivedatthestoreaswellassendcatalogsandinvitationstoevents.ThatmadePansylessresistantto
leaving.
Hermionecringedslightlyathertotal,thinkingshewouldnevergetusedtospendingsomuchmoney
eventhoughLuciusencouragedit.HermionealmostfaintedwhenshesawhowmuchPansyhadspent.
Shecrossedherfingers,hopingthatthegoblinshadgivenPansyaninsanelyhighcreditlimitonthat
card,buteverythingwentthroughperfectly.Asbefore,HermionegaveAnnaandherteamasubstantial
tip.Pansydidthesameandevenaddedabitmore,seeingastheymanagedtokeepupwithherandget
hereverythingshethoughtaboutordescribed.
AnnaarrangedfortheRollsRoycetodrivethewitcheshomeasbefore.Astheyboxedupallthe
packages,Hermionewonderedhowtheywouldfititall.Eventuallytheygoteverythingintothecarand
AnnaaskedHermionetogiveherbesttoDracoandLucius.Hermioneinstructedthedrivertotakethem
to11GrimmauldPlaceandtheywereoff.
Thisisbetterthanbeingunderground,Pansyremarked,lookingoutherwindow.Hermionejust
laughed.
Thedriverhelpedthemunloadthemassiveamountofpackagesontothecurb.Heseemedreluctantto
justleavetwoyoungladiesbythemselveswithallthosethings,butHermionenudgedhimwithasmall
distractingcharmandheleftthem.PansycastastrongcharmpreventingMugglesfromnoticingthem
andthenbeganshrinkingherpackages,soshecouldfiteverythinginherbagandApparatehome.Atthe
sametime,HermioneopeneddoortoGrimmauldPlaceandbeganlevitatingherboxesintothefronthall.
Thankyou,Pansyfinallysaidstifflywhenshewasreadytogo.Iactuallyenjoyedspendingtimewith
youaswellasalltheshopping.Maybeyouwontbesobadtohavearound.
Highpraiseindeed,Hermionelaughed.Ifeelthesameway.
Weshallhavetodoitagain,PansyofferedandHermionenodded.ThenPansywasgoneand
Hermionewentinside.
EndNotes:
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Hermione'sshoppingoutfitispostedinmyFlickrgallery.Ifyouareinterested,
linkisinmybio.
Next...AneveningwithLuciusandcompany.
Backtoindex
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Author'sNotes:
Disclaimer:Iownnothing.IamnotJKR.Imakenotmoney.ButIsuredohave
fun!
Thankstobunnyhopsforherbetawork.Shedeservesasmanyredvelvet
cupcakesasshewants!
Thisiskindofalongchapter.LuciusinsistedonbeinginthischapterandI
haven'tthehearttosaynotohim!
Chapter31
HermionecalledKreacherandaskedhimtotakeallhershoppingbagsandboxesupstairstoherroom.
Inthepast,shejustwouldhavedoneitherself,butHermionenoticedhowhappyitmadeKreachertodo
thingsforherlately.SheassumedthathewasreallyeagertopleaseLucius,whohaddirectedtheelfto
serveHermione.
Ofcourse,futureLadyMalfoy,bridetothelastsonoftheNobleHouseofBlack,Kreachernodded.
AlsotheillustriousandincomparableLordMalfoyishavingbeenarrivedandisupstairsinthelibrary.
Thankyou,Kreacher,HermionenoddedbeforesheheadeduptofindLucius.
Hermionestoodinthedoorway,smilingbroadly,asshetookinthesceneinfrontofher.Harryand
Remuswerelookingatabookontheoldleathercouch.Afewfeetawayfromthem,crossleggedonthe
floor,wasthe'illustrious'LordMalfoy.HewasbouncingacolorfulballinfrontofTeddy,whowas
mesmerized.EveryfewsecondsLuciuswouldfreezetheballinmidairandhaveitshootminifireworks,
causingTeddytoscreechwithlaughterandwavehischubbylittletoddlerarms.Hishairalsochangedto
thecolorofthefireworks.
Luciushadaneasy,genuinesmileonhisfaceandhelookedextremelyhappyplayingwithTeddy.
HermionehadnotroubleimaginingLuciuswithababyDracoorwithanyofthechildrenshemight
haveinthefuture.Afterthefireworksfizzledout,Teddysmackedhishandsonthefloor,yelling,"Mo!
Mo!"
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HermionelaughedaloudatbothTeddy'senthusiasm,andhisinsistenceformore.Veryfewpeoplehad
thegalltodemandanythingfromLuciusMalfoy.EveryonelookedupatHermione,noticingher
presenceforthefirsttime.
"Isn'tthiscozy?"shenoted,smiling.HarrychuckledandRemusjustshookhishead,smiling.Teddy
lookedupatherforamoment,andthenwentbacktofocusingonthefloatingball."IthoughtMalfoys
didn'tsitonthefloor."
"You'vefoundoneofmyweaknesses,Pet,"Luciusgrinned.HemadetheballzoominfrontofTeddy.
Thenitexplodedintoashowerofgreenfireworks,makingthebabysqueal."Ihaveasoftspotfor
children,especiallyatthisagejustlearninghowtowalkandtalk.ThattimewithDracowas
wonderful."
"LuciusMalfoyhasweaknesses?"Harryteased.RemuslaughedmakingHermionegladthatthevery
differentwizardsseemedtobegettingalong.
"Alas,itistrue,"Luciusfeigneddramatics.Teddywasdemanding'Mo,Mo'andLuciusbeganfloating
theballaroundagain.Thistimethefireworksweresilver.Hermionerolledhereyesattheblatant
Slytherincolors.Teddyjustsquealedhappily.
"Youregoingtohavetoshowmethecharmforthat,"Remusadmitted.
"Ofcourse,"Luciussmiled."DracousedtogetsofussysometimesandNarcissawasnotvery...maternal,
soIgotverygoodatlittlecharmstocalmandentertainhim.
HowwasshoppingwithPansy?Harryasked,settingasidethebookheandRemushadbeen
discussing.
Exhausting,Hermionesighedwalkingintotheroom.ShepausedbyLuciustoleandownandkisshim
hello,beforecollapsinginanarmchair.Butsurprisinglygood.Pansyisaquicklearnerwhenitcomes
toMugglethings,andshecouldwinamedalinshoppingifitwereacontest.
Whatwouldyouliketodothisevening?Luciusaskedafterhemadetheballburstintopinksparkles.
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IthinkIwouldreallylovetostayintonight,ifyoudontmind,Hermionereplied.Aquietdinnerat
homesoundsperfect.IsRonaround,orisitjustthefourofus?
IthinkRonsattheBurrowtonight,Harrysupplied.HethentossedacopyoftheDailyProphetinto
Hermioneslap.Thepartylastnightmadethepaper.Itwascharacterizedasaraucous,irresponsible
freeforall.IthinkMollywantedallherkidsinoneplacetonight,soshecouldscoldthemenmasse.
Shecanbesoridiculous,Hermionescoffed.FredandGeorgeareadults.Besides,thepartywasnot
thatwildatall.Giventhatitwasthetwins,Iamjusthappynothingblewup.Oh,unlessthathappened
afterDracoandIleftlastnight?
Nope,Harryshookhishead.Itdidntgomuchlongerafteryouleft.
IfImay,Luciussaidafteramomentofsilence.Thechefforourweddinghasseveraloptionsfor
weddingcakehehopedwecouldtrythisevening.Itoldhimwemightbeabletostopbyifwewere
goingout.WouldyoumindifheFlooedoverhere?Icaninstructhimtocomeafterdinnerandthecake
samplescanbedessertforusall.
Thatsoundsperfect,Hermionenodded.ShouldntweincludeDraco?
Icantimaginethereismuchthatcoulddraghimawayfromthatfoalrightnow,Remuschuckled.Let
alonesomethingassimpleascake.
Remusisright,Luciussmiled.Besides,Dracohasanunpardonablesweettooth.Heisverynon
discriminatingwhenitcomestosugar.
HarrycalledHedwig,soLuciuscouldowlAlfie,muchtoTeddysdismaysinceLuciusgettingup
meantastoptotheirgame.
Mo,LooLooMo!Teddyinsisted.
Later,Teddy,Remuslaughed,scoopingupthetoddler.YoucanplaymorewithLooLoolater.
Rightnowyouneedtobechanged.
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TheLooLoonicknameearnedRemusascathinglookfromLucius,butRemuskeptchucklingashetook
Teddyupstairs.Harrywasunsuccessfulinsuppressinghisowngrin,solefttogotalktoKreacherabout
dinner.
LuciuspennedaquicknotetothechefandsentHedwigonherway.ThenhecameovertoHermiones
chair.Withanimpressivegrace,hesweptherupoutofthechairandseatedhimself,sothatshewasnow
acrosshislap,herheadrestingonhisshoulder.HermionetiltedherheadupandgaveLuciusarealkiss.
Soonshehadherarmswrappedaroundhisneck,herbodypressedintohis.Heheldherclosetohimand
kissedheruntilshefeltdizzy.Toosoon,LuciusreleasedherlipsandHermionemeltedintohim.They
satcozilytogetherrelaxing,Luciusabsentlyrunninghisfingersthroughhercurls.Heseemedtohave
thathabit,andHermionesawnoreasontotrytobreakhimofit.
IamgladyougotalongwithPansytoday,Luciuseventuallysaid.Shecangiveyouguidance
regardingthearistocraticwitcheswhereDracoandIwillnotbeableto.
Iknow,Hermionereplied,leaningintohimashepettedher.ItsoneofthereasonsItookher
shopping.AndbecausesheisimportanttoDraco.Iwanttogettoknowhisfriendsbetteryourstoo.
WhoareyourfriendsbesidesSeverus?
Severusismyclosestfriend,Luciussaidthoughtfully.IadmireNott,heisagoodwizard.The
ParkinsonsandtheGreengrassesareentertainingtosocializewith.Iusedtobegoodfriendswiththe
Lestrangebrothers,particularlyRodolphus,butBellatrixImperiusedthembothonetoomanytimesand
theirmindscouldnttakeit.
Imsorry,Hermionesaid,furrowingherbrow.SherealizedthatLuciusprobablyhadsofewfriends
duetothelimitedsocialcircleheusedtoinhabit,andthenallthedeathsfromthewar.
Thankyou,Luciussaid,nuzzlingherneck.IhaveSeverus,Draco,andyou.Thatsenough.
Didyougetalotofworkdonelastnightwithoutmearoundtodistractyou?Hermionechangedthe
subject.
Forawhile,Luciusnodded.ThenSeveruscameoverratherlateandwetalkedoverbrandy.Ispent
muchofthetimebolsteringhimuptoaskoutMissNeruda.Heisnervous.Ifallhasgonewell,they
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maybegoingouttodinnerthisevening.Thatwasagoodidea,matchingthetwoofthem.
Severusdeservessomehappiness,Hermionesaid.Luciuswasrunninghisfingersacrossthenapeof
herneck.
Howisthisworkingoutforyou?heasked,pullingatheramuletchainslightly.Anytroubles
transfiguringithowyouwish?
Notatallactually,Hermionesatupabit.Iamnotthoroughlyversedwithallaspectsofprotection
bloodrites,butIdidnoticesomeoddthingsthatIwasmeaningtoaskyouabout.
Suchas?Luciuslookedabitworried.
Well,itfeelslikeitlikeitlikesme,Hermionebegantryingtoexplainherexperiencessofar.AndI
likeit.Itishardtodescribe.Itisasifmymagichasanaffinityfortheamulet.Transfiguringittoa
braceletthenightyougaveittomewasnotdifficult,justlikedoinganyothertransfigurationspell.The
nextdayIwasjustthinkingabouthowIwantedtochangeitanditwentaheadandchanged.Ididnot
intentionallyspelltheamuletordoanywandless,nonverbalmagictomyknowledge.Sincethen,Ihave
realizedthatIonlyhavetoimaginewhatIwantittolooklikeandtheamuletchanges.
Thatdoessoundalittlestrange,Luciusadmittedthoughtfully.Itsoundslikethereisankinship
there.Iwilllookintoit.
Itisntbothersomeorproblematicatall,Hermionepointedout.Ijusthavenothadanexperiencelike
thiswithamagicalobjectbefore.
Whatmagicalobject?Remusasked,returningwithafreshlychangedTeddy.
Teddysatdownonthefloortoplaywithsomeblocks,andHermionetoldRemuswhatshehadtold
Lucius.ShedidnotknowwhyshehadnotthoughttoaskRemusaboutitearlier.Hewasoneofthe
smartestwizardssheknew.AsDefenseAgainsttheDarkArtsteacher,hewouldbefamiliarwithblood
ritessincetheywereusedoftenintheDarkArts.Ofcourse,bloodriteswerenotaDarkArtinandof
themselvesitwasjustthatmanydarkspellsrequiredblood.
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Thatisinteresting,Remusobserved.Canwetrysomethingswiththeamulet?
Hermionenodded,butLuciuslookedskeptical.
Canyoushowuswhathappens?Remuscontinued.Justimaginewhatshapeyouwanttheamuletto
take.
Hermionepicturedtheamuletasathickchainlinkbraceletwithmanystrands.Asshesawitinher
mind,shefelttheamuletsnakedownherarmunderneathherdressandwraparoundherwrist.Sure
enough,whenshelookeditwasexactlyassheimaginedit.
Definitelyinteresting,Remusrespondedtakingouthiswand.Iamgoingtotrytotransfigureitback
thewayitwas,ifyoudontmind.
Feelfree,Hermioneinvited.
Remuspointedhiswandatherbraceletandsaidthespell,butnothinghappened.
Ithoughtasmuch,Remusnodded.Lucius,whydontyoutry?
LuciustookouthiswandanddidthesamethingasRemus.Thistimethebraceletunwounditselfand
turnedbackintotheoriginalnecklace.
Trymakinganewshape,somethingyouimagine,RemusinstructedLucius.Luciussaidaslightly
differentspellandHermionefeltthenecklacemovingagain.Itwentfurtherupherneckandcircledon
topofherhead.Reachinguptofeelit,Hermionerealizeditwasnowatiara,thegiantdiamondcentered
inthefront.LuciuslookedverypleasedwithhimselfandHermioneshookherheadslightly.Hereally
didtreatherlikeroyalty.
Readyfordinner,YourHighness?Harrylaughedfromthedoorway.
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Dontbeaprat,Hermionescolded,standingup.Sheimaginedheramuletbackinthenecklaceform
anditslidbackdowntoherneck.Wewerejusttryingsomething.
Harryledthemtothediningroomonthegroundfloor.ItturnedoutKreacherhadinsistedonservinga
properdinner,inaproperlocation,totheamazing,aweinspiringLordMalfoy.Harrydescribedthe
smallinvoluntaryfittheelfhadwhenhehadsuggestedtheyalljusteatinthekitchen,asusual.Kreacher
haddressedthetablebeautifully,evenmovinginTeddyshighchair.Assoonastheysat,Kreacher
broughtafirstcourseofchilledfishinalightherbsauce.HermionefilledHarryinontheamulet
curiositywhiletheyate.
Whatdoesthatmean,Remus,thatyoucantchangeit,butLuciuscan?Hermionewondered.
Bloodritesaresopowerfulbecausethebloodholdssomeofthepersonsmagic,Remusexplainedas
hesetsmallpiecesoffoodonTeddyslittletray.TheamuletliterallyhassmallamountsofMalfoy
magicinitfromLuciusandDraco.IamnotsurpriseditrespondedtoLucius.Iimagineitwould
respondtoDracoaswell.Yourmagichasattached,forlackofabetterword,totheirmagicinthe
amulet.Theirmagiclikesyou,andyourmagicisrespondinginkind.
SoHermionesmagicisharmonious,withtheMalfoymagicnotoverwhelmedorputoffbyit?
Luciusasked,lookingveryinterested.
Itwouldseemso,Remusagreed.Iimaginethebindingforyourweddingwillbeverysuccessful.
Arenttheyalwayssuccessful?Hermioneasked,confused.Kreacherbroughtinthenextcourseand
refilledglassesveryunobtrusively.
Well,peopleareboundifthatiswhatyoumean,Luciusoffered.Thebindingisnotalways
comfortableorstrongthough.Justlikesomepeopledontgetalongwitheachother,theirmagicdoesnt
alwaysmeshwell.Inthosecases,thebindingspellsforceittogether,butitisliketryingtoforcethe
wrongpieceintoapuzzle.
Orlikewearinganitemofclothingthatdoesntquitefitcorrectly,Remusadded.Youcanwearit,
butitwontbecomfortable.
IfyourmagicreallydoeshaveanaffinityforDracosandmine,Luciussaid,thatwillbodeverywell
forourunion.Itwillalsobeaverygoodsignforfuturechildren.Ourmagicmayveryeasilyblend
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togethertocreateanewmagicalbeing.
KreachertriedhardtomakeagoodimpressiononLucius.TheoldelfpuffedupproudlywhenLucius
complimentedthemeal,althoughprotocolwasforLuciustogivethecomplimenttoHarry,asthehost,
whileKreacherwasinearshot.Theytalkedaboutavarietyofthingsoverdinner.
HarrytoldthemabouttheelfheandRemushadinterviewedthatmorning,asareplacementfor
Kreacher.Luciusfoundthewholeconceptofinterviewingandhiringahouseelfutterlybizarre.Theelf
wasnamedFronsy.Thefamilyshehadservedwasnotverylargeandeventuallytherewasonlyone
wizardleft.Beforehepassedaway,hegaveFronsyclothesandfreedher.Aswithmanyfreedelves,
Harryreportedthatherfashionsensewasabitstrange.Fronsyseemedtowanttoweareverycolorinthe
rainbow,allatthesametime.Sheseemedlikeagoodfit,wasahardworker,andhadsomeexperience
withsmallchildren.Fronsywasscheduledtomoveinlaterintheweek.
RemustalkedalittleabouttheofferfromHogwarts,toreturntoteaching.HedidnotfeelthatHogwarts
wastheidealplaceforababy.Thedemandsofthejobwouldtakeuptoomuchtime,especiallyasa
singleparent.Afterteachingandgrading,professorstookturnspatrollinghalls,sponsoringclubs,and
tutoringstudents.Therewerealwaysthingstodointheeveningsonweekends,whichwouldnotbe
goodforTeddy.
IfImaymakeasuggestion,Luciusinterjected,lookingatRemus.YourassessmentoftheHogwarts
positionseemsaccurate.Thatisjustnotthebestoptionforyou,atthemoment.Hermionehasindicated
thatshehastheutmostfaithinyouandbelievesyoutobebothintelligentandcaring.Ifyouarenot
opposedtoworkingforyourformerstudent,itseemsapositionattheGrangerMalfoyFoundationwould
bewellsuited.
Ohthatisbrilliant!Hermioneexclaimed.Imean,ifyouwanttoofcourse,Remus.Iwasjust
thinkingtheotherdaythatIwouldneedstaffandapersontoruntheFoundationwhoIreallytrust.It
wouldntbeaveryexcitingjob,buthopefullyitwillberewarding.TheofficesareintheMalfoyoffice
buildingoffDiagonAlley.YoucouldevenbringTeddyintotheofficesometimesifyouwanted!
Thatdoessoundgood,Remusnodded.Letmethinkaboutit.Inthemeantime,thislittleguyhasto
getcleanedupandgotosleep.
Remuscastaquick,verygentleScourgifytogetthemostimmediatefoodoffTeddy'sshirtandhands.
Babiesweregenerallytoosensitiveforthoroughmagicalcleaning.Intheend,youhadtousegood,old
fashionedsoapandwater.
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Kreachercameandclearedtheplates.Hermione,Harry,andLuciuslingeredtalkingaboutthe
aristocracy.HarryhadbeenreadingabouttheircustomsandthehistoryofthePotterfamily.Luciuswas
happytoprovideexplanationsandofferedtoassistHarryifhereallywantedtoreclaimhisplacein
society.Harrylookedverythoughtful.
"Whatdoyouthink,'Mione?"Harryasked.
"Well,IthinkwizardingBritainwouldbenefitfromLordPotter,"Hermionesaidafterthinkinga
moment."ItwouldhelpmendtheriftcausedbyVoldemortandthewar.Thearistocracywillseethat
youbearthemnoillwillasagroupandeveryonewillseethattheupperclassisnotentirelycomposedof
purebloodsupremistsespeciallyifthehalfblood'Saviorofthewizardingworld'ispartofit.AndI'm
notjustsayingthat,becauseIhavetobepartofthatsocietyandIwantyouintherewithme."
"Iknow,"Harrychuckled."Ithinkyouareright.Myfamilywaspartofthearistocracy.Ineverhad
familytraditionsorhadthechancetoreallylearnaboutmyfamily.RemusandSeverusareabletotell
mestoriesaboutmyparents,butIdon'tknowanythingabouttherestofthefamily.Thisisawayto
honormyfathersside."
"Iamsureyourparentswouldbeproudofyou,"Luciusobserved.Harryblushedslightlyandjust
nodded,butHermioneknewhowimportantthatideawasforhim.
"MasterPotter,"Kreacherinterjectedfromthedoorway,"yourguestisnowbeinghere."
Behindthegnarledlittleelfwastheverylargechef,AlfieClaymore.ItstruckHermionehowAlfie
lookedmorelikeaprofessionalQuidditchplayerthanachef.BehindAlfiewasapileofbakeryboxes
floatingintheair.
"Thankyou,Kreacher,"Harrynodded."Pleasecomein,Mr.Claymore,I'mHarryPotter."
"Yes,Iknow,"Alfielookedabitsheepish."Youarethemostfamouswizardinthecountry,maybeinall
ofEurope.Please,callmeAlfie."
"ComeinAlfie,haveaseat,"Hermioneinvited.
"Oh,amIinterruptingyourdinner?"Alfiebalkedinthedoorway.
"Wearefinished,"Luciusnodded,revertingtohiscoolLordMalfoytone,becauseheconsideredAlfiea
strangerandanemployee.HermioneimaginedthatittookawhileforLuciustogetcomfortablewith
newpeoplehavinggrownupinasocietywherebackstabbingwascommonplace.She,ontheother
hand,waspronetogivepeoplethebenefitofthedoubtuntiltheyshowedherotherwise.Hermione
figuredshewouldhavetorethinkthatapproachdealingwiththearistocracy.
"Ihopeallthoseboxesarenotfilledwithcake,"Hermionelaughed."Thereisnowaywewillbeableto
eatallofthat."
"Iwantedtomakesureyouhadplentyofoptionsandenoughsothatyoucouldeatasmuchaswas
necessarytocometoadecisionyouwerecomfortablewith,"Alfieexplainedashelevitatedtheboxes."I
dotendtogooverboard.Onlysixoftheboxescontaincake."
Alfieopenedtheseventhboxandtookoutapileofshrunkendessertplatesandforks.
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"Wow,you'vegoteverythinginthere,"Harrysmiled.
"Nobeveragesthough,"Alfiesmiled.
"Ah,we'vegotthatcovered,"Harrysmiled.HecalledKreacherandaskedforcoffee.
"I'vebroughtsixoptionsforyoutotrythisevening,"Alfieinformedthemashemadesixstacksofplates
withforks."Keepinmindthatthecombinationsofcake,filling,andfrostingarejustsuggestions.Ifyou
loveonecake,butdon'tcareforthefrosting,theyareinterchangeable.Wehave"
"MerlinIhopehestaysasleepallnight.BeinginanewroomhasthrownoffTeddyssleepschedule,"
Remusinterruptedashecamebackintothediningroom."Oh,Iamsosorry.Ididn'trealizewehad
company."
"ThisisAlfieClaymore,thechefforourwedding,"Hermionesupplied."Alfie,thisisRemusLupin."
"OhMerlin!Areyoureallyhim?"Alfieasked,soundingawed.
"Um,yeah...nicetomeetyou,"Remussaid,hisconfusionclearinhisvoiceashereachedouttoshake
theburlywizard'shand.
"Iamsorry.Iamgushingandmakingyoufeeluncomfortable,"Alfieapologized."Ihavejustwantedto
meetyouforages,butyouareknowntobeabit...reclusive."
"WhyhaveyoubeentryingtomeetLupin?"Luciusasked,suspicionlacinghisvoice.Hermionewasalso
abitskeptical.Remus'conditionhadbecomecommonknowledgeafterheleftHogwarts.Hewasthe
mostprominentwerewolfinBritain,especiallynowthatFenrirGreybackwasdead.Thisfactmadehim
susceptibletobothwouldbewerewolfhuntersandwerewolfwannabegroupieslookingtobebitten.
Bothgroupswerezealousandwoefullymisguided.
"IreadanamazingarticlethatProfessorLupinwroteonthemeritsofcommonfooditemsthatrelieve
magicalailmentsandcanbeuseddefensively,"Alfieexplained."Forexample,Ilearnedthatchocolate
counteractstheeffectsofDementorsandthatgotmethinking.Inmysparetime,Ihavebeentryingto
developrecipesthatcombineingredientsandusecookingtechniqueswiththepurposeofhelpingtoheal,
preventmagicalmaladies,ordiminishtheeffectofsomecurses.Ihavehadadevilofatimefindingthe
rightliterature,andIwashopingtheProfessorcouldgivemesomesourcesliketheonesheusedinhis
article.Iwasneveraverygoodscholar."
"Ohyeah,Irememberthatarticle,"Harrychimedin.
"Itneveroccurredtomewhatarealchefcoulddowiththatinformation,"Remussaidthoughtfully.
"IwanttocreaterecipesforthemtoserveatSt.Mungostoaidehealinginsomesmallway,"Alfie
nodded."Well,atleastthatwastheidea.I'vetalkedaboutitwithsomeHealersIknow,andtheywantto
seemoreresearchbeforetheycommittotheidea."
"IamsureIcanfindsomeinformationforyou,"Remusnodded.Alfiejustbeamed."Inthemeantime,I
believeIinterruptedsomething."
"Oh,yes,"Alfieshookhimselfslightlyandreturnedtohistask.Hewenttothefirstbox."AsIwas
saying,Ihavesixsamplesforyouthisevening.Thisfirstoneisalemoncakewitharaspberryfruit
fillingandraspberrybuttercream.Thisnextoneisadarkchocolatecakewithacherrymoussefilling
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andachocolateganache.HereisawhitevanillacakewithstrawberriesforfillingandaFrenchvanilla
buttercream.Thisisapineapplecakewithpineapplechutneyfillingandabrownsugarflavoredfrosting.
Thefifthonehereisaredvelvetcakewithacreamcheesefrosting.Andfinallywehaveamilkchocolate
cakewithacoconutpuddingfillingandbananafrosting."
Ashewasspeaking,Alfiecutfourpiecesfromeachcakeandfloatedthemovertoeveryoneatthetable.
Thecakesandpieceswereverysmall,butitwasstillalotofdessert.Remus,beingasuckerfor
chocolate,favoredthedarkchocolatewhileHarrylikedthelemoncakebest.Luciuspreferredthevanilla,
butwastornbetweenthatandthechocolate.Hermionecouldnotgetenoughofthatpineapplecake,but
pineappledidnotseemfancyenoughforthewedding.
Luciusarguedthatshecouldhavewhateverflavorshewanted,asitwasherweddingafterall.Alfie
pointedoutthatitwouldhavetobeamassivecaketofeedalltheguests,andtheplanwasforfivetiers.
Theycouldmixandmatchwiththetiersiftheywanted.Theyfinallysettledonthechocolatecherryfor
thelargestbottomlayerandthirdlayer,thenvanillawithstrawberriesforthesecondandforthtiers,and
endingwithasmallpineapplecakeforthetop.Alfieassuredthemthatthevaryingfrostingswouldnotbe
aproblem,ashecouldcharmthecaketolookuniformfromtheoutside.
Beforeheleft,AlfieinvitedRemustohiskitchenforanytimeandanymealnextweek,sohecouldpick
hisbrain.RemusagreedtoowlAlfiewithadateandtime,intriguedbytheideaofaugmentingmagical
healthanddefensewithsomethingassimpleasdiet.
Hermionewastired,althoughitwasnotthatlatewhenAlfieleft.ShoppingwithPansyfeltlikean
endurancesportandHermione'sshouldersached.Shekeptreachinguptorubherneckandshoulders,
butitwasnotreallyhelping.
"Come,Pet,"Luciusinstructed."Saygoodnighttoyourfriends."
"Iamnotachild,Lucius,"Hermionescolded.
"Iknowhowoldyouare.Youhavenotbeengivingyourselfenoughrest,"Luciusscoldedinreturn,his
tonematchinghers."Youhavealotofthingsgoingonrightnowandpartofmyjobistothinkofyour
needs,evenifyoudon't.IfthatmeansIneedtotakeyouovermykneetoseeitdone,thenallthebetter
forme."
Remussnortedintohiscup,sendingcoffeesplashingwithhislaughteratLucius'lastcomment.
"Whatagoodidea,"Harrygrinned."Youwillneedtobecreativetomake'Mionetakebettercareof
herself.Shealwaysputsotherpeoplefirst.I'vebeentryingtogethertoslowdownandrelaxforages."
"Iamperfectlyabletotakecareofmyself,"shequipped,pouting."Thankyouallverymuch."
"Comenow,Pet,"Luciussaidashebrushedherhairbehindherear."MaybeIwanttotakecareofyou."
Luciusleanedinveryclosetoher,hishandunderthetablesneakingupherlegunderherskirt.
"MaybeIneedtotakecareofyou,"hepurredinherearwhereonlyshecouldhearit.Thetoneofhis
voicecombinedwiththewayhewasrubbingherinnerthighmadeHermionemoanslightly.Herknickers
werecertainlydamperthantheyhadbeen.
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"Allrightthen,"Hermionesaidloudlyasshegotoutofherchair."Goodnight,all.Sleepwell,Harry.
Sweetdreams,Remus."
Hermionegaveeachwizardaquickpeckonthecheek,ignoringbothoftheirteasinglooks.Shewas
surethatifshelookedback,shewouldalsoseeaverysmugLuciusMalfoygettingupfromthetable.
"Coming,Lucius?"Hermioneaskedasshewalkedoutthedoor,notwaitingforhisresponse.
"Rightbehindyou,Pet,"hepurredastheybegangoingupstairs.Hermionefelthishandsslidingoverher
hipshalfwayupthesteps.HisstronghandswererubbingandexploringalloverhertorsoandHermione
couldnotwaituntiltheyreachedtheprivacyofherroom.SometimesHermionefeltsexobsessedaround
theMalfoys.Shehadalwaysfeltlikeshewasasinterestedinsexasmostyoungwomenwere,butaround
LuciusandDracoitwasallshecouldthinkaboutsometimes.Theyfinallygottoherroomand
Hermionespunaroundtofacethetallaristocraticblond.AlthoughDracowasslightlytallerthanhis
fatherwas,Luciusseemedmuchmoreimposing.
"Sohowexactlyareyougoingtakecareofme?"Hermionechallengedinherbestseductivetoneasshe
rubbedagainsthim.
"Kreacher,"Luciuscalled,notbreakingeyecontactwithhislustful,smolderinggaze.
"Well,that'snotwhatIexpectedyoutosay,"Hermionedeadpannedastheelfpoppedintoherroom.
"RunMissGrangerahotbathusingmusclerelaxingsaltsandbubbles,"Luciusinstructed.Kreacher
boweddeeplyandwasgone.Almostimmediately,Hermioneheardwaterrunninginthebathroom.
"Iamgoingtoeasethosestiffmusclesofyours,"Luciussilkilyreportedasheundidthebeltonherdress.
"Iamgoingtowasheveryinchofyourlovelyskin,"hecontinuedasheslowlyunbuttonedherdress."I
understandyouandDracogotverydirtylastnight.Didyoulikemarkinghisskin?"
"Yes,"HermioneadmittedasLuciusdroppedherdresstothefloor,runninghiswarmhandsdownher
barearmsmakinghershiver.Shestoodbeforehimincottoncandypinkbraandboyshorts.
"Mmm,"Luciusliftedherupandsatherontheendofthebed.Hekneltonthefloorinfrontofherand
slidoffherheelsoneatatime."Thankyouforbeinghonest,Pet.Iknowyouarestillsortingthrough
yourfeelingsaboutsubmittingtomeanddominatingDraco."
Hermionejustnodded,blushing.ShehadbroachedthetopicwithLuna,whohadassuredheritwas
perfectlynormaltohavedifferentsexualresponsestodifferentpeople.Hermionestillwantedsome
readingmaterialsonthesubject,andsaidasmuchtoLucius.
"Ofcourseyoudo,"Luciuschuckled,runninghishandsupherbarelegsashestood.Thenhistone
becameharder."Youlooklikesuchasweetlittlewitchinthispinklace.Areyoumysweetlittlewitch,
Pet?"
"Itrytobe,"Hermionebreathed.Thatsterntonewreckedhavoconherlibido."Sometimesyoumay
needtoteachmelessonsonhowtobesweet.ItrustyoutoteachmewhatIneedtoknow,myLord."
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Luciusclosedhiseyesatherstatementandgroanedsoftlybeforeheleanedin,pressinghisfaceintoher
hair.
"Iwillteachyoueverythingyouneedtoknow,mysweet,sweetwitch.Icannotwaituntilyouaremy
wife,"Luciusmoaned.Luciussweptherupintohisarmsandcarriedherintothebathroom.Theroom
wassteamyandthebathfilledwithfragrantbubbles.
Luciussetheronherfeetnexttothebath.Heunhookedherbraanddroppedittothefloor.Itwassoon
joinedbytheknickershesliddownherthighs.Luciusthenremovedhisownclothing,nevertakinghis
eyesoffHermionesnakedbody.Hescoopedherupagainandcradledheragainsthimashestepped
intothebathwithher.LuciussatHermioneinhislapandbeganwettingherhair.Hermionesighedas
hewashedthenconditionedherlongcurlylocks.Shemoanedwithpleasureashebeganrubbingher
neckandshoulderswithhisstrongfingers.Thepressureofhishandscombinedwiththeheatofthe
treatedwatermadeHermionesmusclesunknot.
Luciuswastruetohiswordandwashedeveryinchofherskin,rinsingsoapoffher.Hermionenoticed
thatLuciuspaidspecialattentiontoherbreastsandthejunctureofherthighs,makingsureshewas
exceptionallycleaninthoseareas.Hewouldgiveheralittlepressure,alittlefrictiontoheightenher
arousalbutneverenoughtolethercome.Sheknewhewasteasingher,teachingherthoselessonsshe
hadmentioned.Shealsoknewshewasnotsupposedtoaskforwhatshewanted,buttrusthimtotake
careofher.
HermioneinsistedonwashingLucius'hair.Sheenjoyedtakingcareofhim.Shealsowashedhisbody,
primarilybecauseshelikedthefeelofhisperfectskinunderherhands.
"Come,Pet,"Luciussmiled.HeliftedheroutofthebathwhentheywerebothcleanandHermionewas
hopelesslyaroused.
LuciuscastaquickdryingspellonhimselfthentookafluffytoweltoHermione'sskin.Herubbedallthe
wateraway,againteasingherwithhistouches.Whenhefeltshewasdryenough,Luciuswrappedherin
thetowelandledherbackintoherroom.
"Layonthebed,"Luciusinstructedveryfirmly.Histonebrookednoargument.Hermionehesitated
automatically.Itwasalmostinstincttodiginherheelswhengivenaninstructionlikethat,whichLucius
knew."Ithoughtyouweremygoodlittlewitch.Apparently,youareinneedofalesson.
Alesson?Hermionefurrowedherbrow.Luciusnodded,adevilishglintinhiseyes.
Accioscarf,Luciussaid,notlookingawayfromHermione.OneofhernewHermesscarvesfrom
HarrodsfloatedintoLuciushand.Heusedittodeftlybindherwriststogether.Softfabricforyour
softskin.Iwilldomybestnotmarkyouwhereanyonecansee.
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Markme?Hermioneaskednervously.
Trustme,Pet,Luciussmiled.Hepulledoffthetowelthathehadwrappedaroundherandtossedit
aside,leavinghernaked.Luciusliftedherupandlaidheronthebed.Heliftedherarmsupaboveher
headandmurmuredanIncarcerouscharmtotieherscarftiedwriststotheheadboard.Hereachedfora
bottleoflotiononthebedsidetableandcastawarmingcharmonitbeforesqueezingitontohishands.
Luciusrubbedthelotionupherlegs,kneadingitgentlyintoherskin.Heagainteasedher,brushinghis
fingerslightlybetweenherlegsandghostingoverherclitinacompletelyunsatisfactoryway.Hermione
groanedandarchedherhipsupward,lookingformore.
Nownow,Pet,Luciusscolded.Beagoodgirlandtakeyourlesson.
Luciuscontinuedtorublotionintoherskin,movingupherhips,stomach,ribcage,andshoulders.He
kneadedhersensitivebreastsrelentlessly,goingsofarastoflickherhardenednippleswithhistongue.
Please,Lucius,Hermionemoaned,archingintohimagain.
Partofthelessonsweetwitch,isthatyouarenotincontrolhere,Luciussaidfirmly.Iamincharge.
Nowflipover.
Hermionetriedtoflipherself,buthadahardtimesoLuciusgaveherahand.Assoonasshewasonher
stomach,Luciusbeganrubbingthelotionintoherback,makingHermionesighwithpleasure.Hewas
thoroughandmadehiswaydowntothesmallofherback.Soonhisstronghandsweresqueezingthe
globesofherarse.
Allofasudden,HermionefeltasharpstingasoneofLuciushandscamedownonherrear.Shegasped,
morefromsurprisethanpain.Itdefinitelysmarted,butHermionehadenduredfarworse.Shehad
thoughtaboutthis,wonderedwhatitfeltlike,andwantedtogiveherselfthechancetoexperiencehis
kindofsexplay.
Whoisincharge,Pet?Luciusaskedabitbreathlessly.Beforeshecouldanswerhim,asecondslap
camedownontheothercheek.Hermionedrewinabreathandbitbackagroan.Tohersurprise,shefelt
herselfgetnoticeablywetter.
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Youare,myLord,Hermionegroaned,involuntarilyliftingherreartogetclosertohim.
Thatisright,mysweetPet,Luciuspurred,caressingherarsegently.Youarebeingsuchagood
witch.
Twomoreswatscamedown,oneoneachcheek,makingHermionemoanaloud.Shewrithedagainstthe
mattress,tryingtopressherswollenclitintothefabric.
Thatisfour,Luciusreportedsilkily.Yougetsixmoreforthislessonandyouarealreadyalovely
shadeofpink.
TwomoreswatsfollowedLuciuscomment,makingHermionegruntandpressherselfintothebed,
spreadingherthighsslightly.Shewassureshewasdrippingnow.Hermionewassurprisedtofind
spankingsoveryarousing.
Six,Luciuspanted.Merlinyouaresexy.IdonotknowthatIhaveseenanythingasperfectasthis
rosyarsebeforeme.Iamsohardforyou,sweetPet.
Luciuswaspantingfairlydeeplyforthenexttwoswats.ThestingingwascumulativeandHermiones
rearwasgettingquiteraw,butthisdidnothingtodiminishherincreasingarousal.Hermionenever
wantedtocomesobadly.FromLuciustroublebreathing,hewasgettingquiteworkedupaswellfrom
dolingoutthispunishment.Afternumbereight,LuciusranafingerupHermionessoakingslit.
Sowetforme,Pet,Luciusgroaned.HepressedhimselfintoherandHermionefelthismassive
erectionrubbingagainsthersorebackside.NexttimeIteachyouthisparticularlesson,Iamgoingto
haveyouonyourknees,soIcanbeinsideyouwhileIwatchyourbeautifulcreamyskinturnpinkand
thengotored.
Yes,Hermionemoaned,imaginingLuciusbehindherdrivinghisthickcockintoherasheslapped
herarse.Luciusspeduphisrubbingforamomentbeforehepulledaway.
Thefinaltwoswatswerenolessforcefulthanthepreviouseight.Hermioneseyeswateredandshecried
out.Luciussoundedlikehewasonthevergeofcomingfromtheerraticwayhewasbreathing.Allofa
sudden,LuciusroaredandHermionefeltwarmliquidcoatingherburningskin.Luciuscollapsedonto
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hisarms,holdinghimselfoffhertenderrear.Hisstronghandsgentlyspreadhiscomeoverherarse.
Thatwasamazing,Luciuspanted.Youareamazing,mywonderfulwitch.Icannotbelieveyouare
minemineandDracos.Youmakemesohappy.YoulikewhatIdotoyou,dontyou,Pet?
Yes,Hermionereplied,breathless.Shehadyettocomeandthoughtshemightgomad.Theburning
sensationonherrearrampedupherarousalsomehow.Itwasalltoomuchsensation.Luciusrubbedhis
comeintoherskinalittleanditfeltsotabooanddirtysomehow,butalsolikehewasfurthermarking
herinawaythatdrovehercrazy.
YoulikeitwhenItakecontrolofyoudontyou,Pet?Luciusasked,clearlyrecoveringfromhis
orgasm.
Yes,myLord,Hermionegroaned,writhingabitwildlyonthebedatthispointseekinganykindof
friction,anythingtopushherovertheedgeshewasalreadydancingon.
Thatsmygoodgirl,Luciuspurred,hishandpressinginbetweenherlegs.Hetoyedwithherslitfor
moment,spreadingherwetnessaroundbeforeplungingtwofingersintoheropening.Hermionecried
outingratitude,tearsfallingfromhereyesnow.Hepushedinandoutofherseveraltimesand
Hermionemovedherhipswithhisrhythm.Soonhisthumbbeganflickingherengorgedclitandshewas
undone.Hermioneswholebodystiffenedandsheshriekedasshefinallycame.Herorgasmseemedto
lastforeverandshefeltalittlefaint.
Nextthingsheknew,herbindingsweregoneandherarmswerelyinglimplyatherside.Luciuswas
massagingthem,astheyhadgonenumbattheendthere.Asherubbedherlimbs,hemurmuredsweet
wordsinherearstellingherhowlovelyandspecialshewas,sayingshewasmeantforthem,andthat
thethreeofthemwouldbesohappytogether.
Hermionelazilysmiledatthebeautifulblondwizard.
Thatwasintense,shefinallysaid,hervoicescratchy.Luciuswasgoneandbackinamomentwitha
glassofwaterthatheheldtoherlips.
Donotmovejustyet,Pet,Luciusinstructed.Hermionefeltadamp,softtowelonherbackside.
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LuciuscleanedherupandHermionerolledontoherside.
NowonderDracolikedbeingtiedupsomuch,Hermionesmiled.
Itcanbethrillingtogiveyourselfovertosomeoneelse,Luciussmiledback,positioninghimselfonhis
side.Hefacedhersothattheywerealmostnosetonose.Heleanedforwardveryslightlyandghosteda
softkissacrossherlips.Thankyouforgivingyourselftometonight.
Thankyouforshowingmethis,Hermionereplied,seriously.Itiswonderful.
Iamgladyouenjoyit,Luciussaid,pullingherclosertohim.Hermionepressedherforeheadtohis
chestandfeltherselfdriftofflisteningtothebeatofhisheart.
EndNotes:
Next...backovertotheGrangers!
Backtoindex
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Author'sNotes:
Disclaimer:Idonotownthesecharactersandmakenomoney.IamnotJKR.If
IwereIwouldbeagajillionaire.
Thankstobunnyhopsforhertirelessbetawork!
Thanksforthereviews.Feedbackisalwaysnice.:)
Now...HermionehassomepillowtalkwithLuciusandgoestotheGranger'sto
pack!
Chapter32
Hermionewaspulledfromhersleepbyaringingnoise.Ittookheramomenttorealizethatitwasthe
mobilephoneonherbedsidetable.Sherolledoverandretrievedit.
Hello,Hermioneanswereditinahuskymorningvoice.
Oh,Kitten,didIwakeyou?sheheardDracoask.
Draco?Hermioneasked,stillgettingherbearings.Shefeltapairofarmscircleherwaistandpullher
intoaspooningposition.Shealsofeltalittleresidualsorenessonherrear,whichmadeherwinceand
smileatthesametime.
Yes,Kitten,Dracoresponded,soundingpenitent.Imsorry.Ihadthoughtyoumightbeup.Ishould
havethoughtbetterofit.IamsureFatherkeptyouuplatelastnight.
Iamalwaysgladtohearyourvoice,Hermionesmiled,settlingbackintothepillowandintoLuciusas
sheheldthephonetoherear.Whattimeisit?
Ninethirty,Dracoinformedher.IwantedtotellyouthatKumaimprintedlastnight,alittleafter
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midnight.
Oh,Iamsohappyforyou,Draco,Hermionesmiled.Sheheardaquestioninggruntbehindherand
turnedslightlytotellLuciusthenews.Holdon,letmeputyouonspeakerphone,Draco.NowLucius
canhearyoutoo.
Itwasamazing,Dracotoldthem.Ihadfallenasleepinherstallinthebarn,sinceitwaslate.Iwoke
uptohermakingthisoddsortofhummingtrillingnoise.Itwashighpitched,butmelodicand
beautiful.
Thenwhat?Hermioneasked,curious.Shehadonlyreadaboutimprintingbefore.
Ireachedoutandstartedpettingherandshenuzzledintomyhands,Dracoresponded.Thetrilling
calmeddowntoasortofpurringandIfedhersometreatsIhadsetaside.ThenIgroomedherfora
while.Afterwards,shecurledupnexttomeandwenttosleep,asifshehaddonethatathousandtimes
before.Itwasstrange.Itwasasifshewentfrombeingthiswild,skittishanimaltobecomingutterly
tameandtotallyateasewithme.Iusedtohavetocoaxhertoeatfrommyhand,butnowthereisno
reluctanceatall.
Iamhappyforyou,son,Luciusspokeup.Iamsureyouwilltakewonderfulcareofher.Shecould
havenothaveputhertrustinabetterwizard.
Thankyou,Father,Dracosaid.Hermionethoughtshecouldhearhisproudsmilethroughthephone.
Sorryforwakingyouup.ItoldHermioneearlierthatIamsureyoukeptheruplastnight.
Iwouldsaywekepteachotherup,Luciuschuckled.Wehaveourselvesanamazingwitch.
Youdonthavetotellmetwice,Dracolaughed.Whataretheplansfortoday?
Well,Iwasplanningongoingovertomyparentshousetoday,Hermionesupplied.Istillhavealot
ofthingstherethatIwouldliketopackandbringovertotheManor.Myparentsareworking,butwill
behomeforlunch.Iwasgoingtoheadovertherearoundeleven,soIcouldmakelunchforthemand
spendsometime,justthethreeofus.
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Thatsoundsverynice,Pet,Luciussaid,nuzzlingthebackofherneck.
Makesuretogiveyourparentsourregards,Dracoinstructed.Willyoubehavingdinnerwiththemas
well?
Idontknow,Hermioneresponded.IimaginethatwilldependonhowmuchIgetdonetoday.Ican
callyouonyourmobilephonetoletyouknow,though.
Thesedevicesareratherremarkable,Luciusinterjected.Now,letussleepforanotherhalfhour.I
willseeyouattheManor,Draco.
Goodbye,Father,Dracochuckledprobablyrightlypicturingthemsnuggledupinbed.Goodbye,
Kittenseeyoulater.
Hermioneputherphoneback,butdidnotmanagetofallasleep.Luciusdozedoffforafewminutes,but
seemedmorefocusedonpressinghimselfagainstHermioneandnuzzlingherbareskinthanhewason
sleeping.
"Goodmorning,Lucius,"Hermionesmiled,turningaroundtofacehim."Sleepwell?"
"Beautifully,"Luciusreturnedhersmile."IwilladmittoyouthatIhaveoftenbeenplaguedby
nightmares,thepeakofwhichcoincidedwithVoldemort'sreturntofullpower.Theyhavebeensteadily
improvingsincehewaskilled,buttheyhavenotgone.WhenIhavespentthenightwithyou,Idon'thave
nightmares."
"Imglad,"Hermionesaidearnestly,havinghadherownexperiencewithnightmares."Myown
nightmareshaveallbutdisappeared,buttheywerefrequentwhilewewereontherunandhappened
everynightforoveraweekwhenBellatrixCrucioedme.Ieventuallyregainedmypeacefulnightsrest.
Severus'draughtsofdreamlesssleepwereinvaluableforatime."
"Iwilldestroyanyonewhoeventriestoharmyou,mysweetwitch,"Luciussaidveryseriously."Noone
andnothingcantakeyoufromusnowthatwehaveyou."
Hermionegiggled,causingLuciustoraiseabrow.
"YouthinkIjest?"Luciusasked,thateyebrowstillraised.
"Notatall,"Hermioneassuredhim."Iknowyouwoulddoanythingwithinyourconsiderablepowerto
protectmeeventhingsthatarenotentirelyokayaccordingtomymoralcompass.IguessIwasgiggling
attheturnofevents.WhowouldhavethoughtMalfoyswoulddefendandprotectmethemostwanted
Muggleborninthewar.AndwhowouldhavethoughtIwouldtrustMalfoys?"
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"YouarestillverymuchthemostwantedMuggleborn,"Luciusassuredherpullinghertightagainst
him."DracoandItookadvantageofthesituationtogetyou.Bythetimethosetreatynegotiationswere
over,wehaddecidednothingwouldstopusfromhavingyou."
"Hmmm,"Hermionemused."Iwonderwhatyouwouldhavedoneifyouhadcaughtmeduringthewar.
Itisprobablybestnottothinkofit."
"IadmitthatuntilIworkedwithyouonthetreaty,Ididnotrealizewhatatreasureyouwere,"Lucius
sighed."Beforethen,allIknewwasthatDracofanciedyouandthatyouwereapowerfulwitch,ifeven
halfoftherumorsweretrueaboutyouractivities.AfterVoldemortreturned,Ihadatalentformaking
mymissionsgopoorly.IwasonlyassuccessfulasIneededtobetomaintainmyposition,soIcould
protectDraco.Manypeopleandthingsjustslippedthroughmyfingers,likethatprophecyatthe
DepartmentofMysteries.Unfortunatelyforhim,Voldemortneededme.Duetomysocialstatus,he
couldnotkillmeformy'incompetency.'Hecouldonlypunishme.IliketothinkthatifDracoorIhad
thefortuneofcatchingyou,thatyoutoowouldhaveslippedthroughourfingers.Ifothershadfound
you,however...wellIdonotwishtoimaginewhatwouldhavebefallenyou.
"SeveruscametomewithaplanregardingyourcaptureafterDumbledoredied,"Luciuscontinued.
Hermione'sbrowsliftedinsurprisethatSeverusplannedtocaptureheruntilLuciusexplainedfurther.
"Itwasnotaplantocaptureyou,butofwhatwecoulddoifyouweretobecaptured.Ididnotquestion
Severusastowhyhewishedtodiscusssuchathing,butthenitwasjustsafertonotquestionSeverus
duringthattime."
"Whatwastheplan?"Hermioneasked,extremelycuriousastohowtheyhadplannedtohelpherifshe
hadbecomeaprisonerofwar.
"KeepinmindthatyouwereseenasaveryvaluabletrophytoVoldemort,"Luciuscautioned."He
wouldhavewatchedyoutoocloselytogiveachanceforescape.Notonlythat,buthewouldhave
wantedyourcaptivityadvertised,asashowofhispower.Severusconvincedmethat,intheeventof
yourcapture,heandIshouldpetitionVoldemorttokeepyouasaprizetobeourprivate,personal
slave.Wewouldbothputinthepetition,thusgrantingVoldemortthechancetopitusagainsteachother
atleastthatishowhewouldseeit.Wewould...imply...thatwewishedtouseyouforourownpersonal
pleasure.ForcingyoutobepubliclyknownasasexslavetoatopDeathEaterwouldhumiliateyou,
whichwouldhavebeenimportanttoVoldemortatthattimesinceitwouldservetodemoralizeyour
side.Butyouwouldstayalive."
"Thatmayhaveworked,"Hermioneconceded,restinghercheekonLucius'chest.Sheshiveredatthe
ideaofbeingcapturedbyDeathEatersduringthewarandunabletoescape.Thensheshiveredforan
entirelydifferentreasonattheideaofbeingLucius'sexslave."IcouldhavetrustedSeverusatthat
point,becauseIneverlostfaithinhim.You,however,wouldhavebeenintroubleunlessSeverus
intercededonyourbehalf."
"YouwouldhavehexedmybitsoffifIhadtoldyouthatyouweretobemypleasureslave,"Lucius
laughed.
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"ButIwouldprobablyhaveregretteditlater,"Hermionesmiledsweetly,asshebrushedhislongblond
hairawayfromhisface.
"Smallsolace,Iamsure,"Luciusdeadpanned,rollinghiseyes.
"Whatareyougoingtodotoday?"Hermioneasked,lacingherfingersthroughhis.
"Work,"Luciusreplied,liftinguptheirentwinedhands."Itisnicetobeabletogetbacktoworknow
thatthewarisover.Ihavealwaysenjoyedbusinessandinvesting.Peopledontrealizehowcreative
businesscanbe.Myprevioussuccessesletmetryoutnewideasanddothingsthatotherpeoplemight
notthinkpossible."
"Areyouworkingonanythingspecific?"Hermioneasked,sittingupanddisentanglingherselffrom
Lucius.
"Actually,thosemobilephonesyougaveushaveinspiredmetoexploreMuggletechnologyfurther,"
Luciusadmittedsittingupinbed.Hermionehadslidoutofbedandwaspullingonherrobewhenshe
spunaround.
"Iknewyouwouldliketechnology!"Hermioneproclaimedsmuglyasshetiedherrobe.
"Yes,yes,"Luciussmiledashefoundhisclothesfromthenightbefore.Theylookedfreshandclean,
thankstoKreacher.Shedidnotentirelyliketothinkoftheoldelflurkingaroundherroomwhilethey
weresleeping,naked."Youwereright.Apparently,youarealwaysright.IhaveseensomethingsthatI
thinkIcouldadapttooursociety.IamhavinglunchwithAbbottPucey,Adrian'sfather.Abbott's
companyisinthebusinessofinventingandproducingmagicalobjectsfromcommonplacehousehold
itemstorareanddelicatethings.IthinkhewillbeinterestedinMuggleideas.Abbotthasalwaysbeen
moreinterestedinmoneythanpolitics."
"Imexcitedtohearwhatyoucomeupwith,"Hermionesmiled.Shecastaquickcleansingcharm,
foregoingawholeshowersinceshehadwashedverythoroughlythenightbefore,orhadbeenwashed,as
thecasemaybe.Shepulledapairofold,wornshortsfromherdresseralongwithaGryffindorhouset
shirt.Hermionefoundherredconverseandtiedthemonaswell.Shefilledherstrawtotewithitems
wand,sunglasses,mobilephone,walletasLuciuswatched.
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"IthinkyoumaybethefirstLadyMalfoytowearshortsandatshirt,ever,"hechuckled.
IthinkIamthefirstLadyMalfoytodoalotofthings,Hermioneteasedback.Comedownstairsand
havesometeabeforeyouFloohome?
Ofcourse,Pet,Luciuswrappedhisarmaroundherwaist.Iamalwaysfreetospendtimewithmy
sweetwitch.
Dontyoutwojustlookadorable,Harrysmiledastheywalkedintothekitchen,Luciusarmstill
aroundHermioneswaist.
Morning,Harry,Hermionesmiled,ignoringhisteasingandsittingatthetable.Sittingonthehard
woodenbenchwasnotentirelycomfortableonherslightlysorerearend.Shecastasilentcushioning
spelltoimprovethesituation.Shecouldhavehealedit,butpartofherlikedthereminderofwhatthey
haddonelastnight.Shewouldlikelyhealitlater.Didyousleepwell?
Very.Didyoubothsleepwell?hereplied.
Very,LuciussmirkedandhetookthecupofteaHermionepouredforhim.
Stillgoingovertoyourparentstoday,Mione?Harryaskedsettinghisnewspaperaside.
Yes.Mostofmythingsarestillthere,Hermionerepliedsippinghertea.Shesighedhappily.There
wasnothinglikeagoodcupofteainthemorning.
MadameSelwynsentoveracopyofyourupdatedguestlistforthewedding,Harryinformedthem,
slidinganenormousparchmentacrossthetable.Thepoorowlhadtorestformorethantenminutesto
regainenoughstrengthtoleave.
Luciuschuckledandunrolledtheparchment,drinkinghisteaashescannedit.Itwasalistofeveryone
thathadbeeninvited,inalphabeticalorder.Thenamesofthosethathadacceptedtheinvitationwerein
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blackink.Peoplethathadyettorespondwereinbrightgreeninkanddeclinationswereinred.Looking
overLuciusshoulderHermionesawtherewasscarcelyanyredtobefoundandhardlyanygreen.
Well,itlooksasifourweddingistheplacetobe.Hermioneshrugged.
Ofcourseitis,Pet,Luciusrespondedsimply,asifthatwerethemostobviousthingintheworld.It
wouldlookverypoorlyonanyonewhodeclinestoattend.Membersofsocietywhodecidenottocome
wouldbeinsultingtheMalfoyfamily.
EvenpeoplefromoursideofthewarthatarenttoofondoftheMalfoyswouldnotturndownthe
invitation,Harrypointedout.Theywouldnotwanttoseemliketheywereabandoningyou,afterall
youhavedone.
Isupposethisweddingmustberifewithpoliticalunderpinnings,Hermionesighed.
Didyouexpectsomethingdifferent?Luciusasked,perplexed.Theweddingistosealatreaty,no
matterhowfondyouhavebecomeofus.Onlyourclosestfriendshaveanyideathatyouactuallikeus
quiteabit.Toeveryoneelse,thismarriageisashrewdpoliticalmoveforbothsides.
Youreright,Hermioneresponded,ateasingglintinhereyes.IdidpromiseRitaSkeeterthat
interviewthedaybeforethewedding.IcouldletitslipthatIdonotfindyourcompanyentirely
repugnant.
Howkindofyou,Luciusdrawled,thecornersofhislipstwitchingashecontinuedtoperusetheguest
list.HermioneknewnowthatLuciuswaslookingforgreenorredmembersofthearistocracy.Red
nameswillbepeoplethathavebasicallydeclaredsocialwarontheMalfoyfamily,whilegreennames
arepeoplethathavewaitedforsomereason,possiblytoexpresstheirdispleasureinapassiveway.
KreachertriedtofeedtheunparalleledLordMalfoyaswellasHermionebydefault,butbothstuck
withjustteamuchtoKreachersdismay.
Hermioneenjoyedsimplysittingandhavingtea,talkingwithHarryandLucius.ShewishedDracowas
there,butalsoknewshehadplentyoftimewithhiminherfuture.HermionefilledHarryinonKumas
imprinting.Hewassuitablyinterestedinthestrangeexperience.Harrysharedtidbitsfromthe
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newspaper,commentingonhowoddlyrationalRitaSkeeterstreatmentofhimhasbeen.Heshot
Hermioneasuspiciousglancethatsheignored.Harryalsotalkedabitabouttherenovationshewanted
todotoGrimmauldPlace,askingforadvicefromLuciussinceLuciusandDracohadmuchofthemanor
redoneafterVoldemortdied.MagicalstructuresneededspecialconsiderationsthatHarry,havingbeen
raisedbyMuggles,wouldnotthinkof.LuciusofferedtosendHarrysomenamesofreputable
contractorsandarchitects.Luckily,HarryalsohadRemustohelphim.
RemusandTeddycameintothekitchenafterawhile.Remushadbeenupforhours,asparentswith
smallchildrenareoftenboundtodo,andhadtakenTeddytoplayinthepark.Theyhadtostickentirely
towizardingareasduetoTeddyspropensitytochangehishaircolor.Hermionewonderedif,come
winter,theycouldputacaponhisheadsopeoplewouldnotnotice.
LooLoo!Teddyshouted,wavinghischubbyfistsatLucius.Hishairturnedorange,hishappycolor,
beforeitbecameaplatinumblond.Remusgrimacedalittle.
Goodmorning,MasterTeddy,Luciussmiledatthetoddlerandstandingfromthetable.Didyouhave
anicemorning?
Swing!Teddynodded.Hermionegiggledattheirstrangeconversation.
Iamgladtohearthat,Luciusresponded.Ihaveenjoyedseeingyou,butIamafraidImustgo.I
hopetoseeyouagaininthefuture.
LooLoo,Teddysaid,muchmoresedatelyasifhehadunderstoodeverythingLuciushadsaid.
Remus,Harryhaveapleasantday,LuciusnoddedattheotherwizardsbeforeturningtoHermione.
ShehadstoodaswelltowalkhimthefewstepstowardtheFloo.Hecuppedherfaceinhishands.
Dontworktoohardtoday.CallDracoorme,later.Wewouldlovetoseeyouthisevening,as
always.
LuciusleaneddownandgaveherasweetgoodbyekissbeforeFlooingbacktotheManor.
Ibettergoaswell,Hermionestretchedandpickedupherbag.Iwanttofixlunchformyparents.I
willprobablybeoverattheirhouseallafternoonifanyoneneedsme.
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Thewizardsbadehergoodbye.HermionekissedHarryandRemusontheircheeksthenplantedanoisy
kissonTeddysforeheadbeforeshewalkedupstairs.ShesteppedoutthefrontdoorandApparatedto
herparentsbackgarden.Hermionelikedthatshealwayshadthishousetovisit,tocomebackto
whenevershewanted.
***
Hermioneletherselfintoherparentshouseandlookedaroundthekitchen.Shefoundsomecoldroasted
chickenandsetaboutmakingchickensalad.Oncethatwasdoneandchillingintherefrigerator,shewent
backoutsidetothegarden.Thevegetablepatchappearedtobedoingwellandshepickedseverallovely
ripetomatoes.Hermionecutthetomatointolargechunksandtosseditwithoil,vinegar,herbs.Shethrew
insomeslicedcucumberandmozzarella,makinganeasysaladforlater.
Hermionestuckherheadinthegarage,whichwasattachedtothehouseintheback,andmadesureall
herelectronicswerestillinthecar.Shehadleftthemallinherparentscarbecausetheyinsistedthat
theywerenotgoingtodriveituntilthecomingSaturdaymorning.Then,theyweredrivingtotheManor
forthewedding.Theirdentalclinicwasclosetothehouse,sotheGrangersusuallywalkedthefive
blocks.Uponinspection,itdidlookasiftheboxesinthefarbackoftheoldcarhadbeenmovedabout.
Hermionesmiled,sureherfatherrummagedthroughalltheelectronics.
"Yourmotherwouldnotletmetakeanythingoutofitspackaging,"herfathersighedfromthegarage
doorway.WilliamGrangerlovedgadgets."Itsnotlikeyourfellowsknowaboutanyofthisstuff,sothey
wontknowifIplayedaroundwithitabit."
"Regardless,itisnotpolitetoplaywithotherpeoplestoys,"Hermioneadmonishedwithasmile."You
knowyoucancomeoveranytimetoplay.Inthemeantime,Imadelunch."
Hermione'sfathergavehershouldersasqueezeandtheywalkedbackintothehouse.Hermotherwas
pullingoutplates,glasses,andflatware.Hermionewenttotherefrigeratorandgotoutthechickensalad
andtomatocucumbersaladshehadfixed.
"Howswork?"Hermioneaskedasshesetthingsoutonthetable.
"Busy,"herfatherreplied,ashegotoutthebread."Butgood.Howiseverythingwithyou?"
"Good,"Hermionesmiled."DracoandLuciussendtheirregards.Draco'sfoalimprintedlastnightalittle
aftermidnight.NowsheisattachedtoDracoandseeshimastheleaderofherherd.Shewillbeastame
asahousecatforhimfromnowon.LuciusisexploringthepossibilityofimportingMuggletechnology
orapplyingsomeMuggleinnovationstothewizardingworld.HereallylikesthosemobilephonesIgot
them.RemusmovedintoGrimmauldPlace,whichisgoodforhimandforHarry.Ihatedtheideaof
HarryrattlingaroundthatbigoldhousebyhimselfafterImoveout."
"Harryisastrongyoungman,"hermothersoothedastheysatatthetable.
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Hermione'sparentssharedanecdotesabouttheirworkandtalkedaboutwhathadbeengoingoninthe
neighborhood.Overall,itwasaverypleasantlunch.
"TheplanistodrivedowntoWiltshireSaturdaymorning,"JeanGrangersharedastheyallclearedthe
table."Weshouldarrivearoundteno'clock,sothereisplentyoftimebeforethewedding.Allthe
securitymeasureswillletusdriveontotheproperty?"
"Yes,"Hermioneaffirmed."DracoandLuciusresettheManorwardstoallowyoutobeabletoseeand
entertheproperty.Iguessyoucandriverightuptothefrontdoor.Afterweunloadthecar,wecan
figureoutwheretoparkit.Thankyoubothforacceptingthissituationasyouhave.Iknowyoudidnot
expectmetobegettingmarriedsoyoung.Sothankyou,formakingtheefforttogettoknowLuciusand
Draco.Itmeansalottome."
"Weloveyou,Hermonica,"herfathersaid,givingherabighug."Wejustwantyoutobehappy.Ifwe
areinvolvedinyourlifeandgettoknowyourhusbands,wecanmakesureyouaredoingokay."
"Ourdispleasurewiththesituationwouldnotchangeanything,hermotheradded.Refusingtobepart
ofitwouldonlyalienateusfromyou,whichwouldbehorrible.AnditseemsthatLuciusandDraco
mightmakeyouhappy."
"Webestgetgoing,butgiveusacallattheclinicifyouneedanything,herfathersaid.Hermione
walkedthemtothedoor.We'veputsomeemptyboxesintheupstairshall,butwecanbringhomemore
ifyouneedthem.Trytoleavesomethingsinyouroldroom.Itwouldjustbetoosadiftherewasno
traceofyou."
"Understood,"Hermionelaughed.Shehuggedherparentsgoodbyeandheadedupstairs.
Pilesoffoldedboxeswerestackedneatlyinthehallnexttoherbedroomdoor.Hermionegrabbedafew
andwentintoherroom.Shepausedinthedoorwaytolookaround.Shehadhadalovelyroomgrowing
up.Itwasdoneinverylightpinkwallswithathickrosecoloredcarpetandhappyyellowcurtains.
TherewasabaywindowwithacushionedseatwhereHermioneusedtositandreadforhoursandhours.
Thesimplewhitewoodenfurniturewassturdyandhadweatheredallthebatteringofchildhoodgames
fromjumpingonthetwinbedtopullingoutthebureaudrawers,soshecouldclimbupthempretending
tobeamountaineer.Ofcourse,becauseitwasHermionesroom,therewereshelvesandshelvesof
books.
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Hermionedecidedtostartwithherclothes.Sheemptiedthebureaudrawersontothebedandbegan
sorting.Mostofherclothessheboxeduptotake,someshesetasidetodonatetocharity.Shedecidedto
leaveonechangeofclothesandonesetofpajamasinadrawerjustincasesheeverneededthem.The
vastmajorityofherthingswerethecasualclothesofateenageralongwithsomedressieritemsincluded.
Asshefilledboxes,shetookthemdownstairs,shrunkthem,andputthemintothebackseatofher
parents'car.TheywouldbringeverythingoverwhentheycameonSaturday.
Whenshemovedontohercloset,themementosandoldthingsshehadstoredinthereeasilysidetracked
Hermione.ShefoundaboxofoldschoolassignmentsandreportcardsfrombeforeHogwarts.Nextto
that,wasanotherboxwithsimilarpapersfromHogwarts.Lookingback,sherealizedshehadbeensuch
astrange,precociouschild.Shespiedabundleofnotebooksinwhichshehadwrittenadventurestories.
Theheroineofcoursewasaverysmartlittlegirlwithmagicalpowers,whichmadeHermionesmile.
Therewasaveryniceboxfilledwithletters,mostlyfromViktor,butalsofromHarryandRonwhenthey
wereallhomeforthesummer.OnthebottomwasherHogwartsletter.Hermioneprobablyspentan
hourjustrereadingoldstoriesshehadwrittenandlettersshehadreceivedbeforeshepackedupallthose
mementosandtookthemdownstairstothecar.Tacklingtherestoftheclosetwentquickerandshe
movedontostartonthebooks.
Again,Hermionewassidetrackedbythestoriesshehadreadasachild.Shepagedthroughtheold
books,rememberinghowmuchthosestorieshadmeanttoherandimaginingreadingthemtoherown
children.ShewasjoltedoutofTheWindintheWillowsbyherphoneringing.Hermionegotupto
retrieveitfromherbag.
"Hello?"sheanswered.
"ThisisLuciusspeaking,"cameLucius'voiceontheotherendofthephone.
"Hi,Lucius.Howareyou?"Hermionesmiledathisstiffphoneetiquette.Itwastobeexpected,asthis
washisfirstcall,really.
"Iamwell,"herespondedloudly."IhavepressedthatspeakerbuttonsothatbothDracoandIcanhear
you."
"Hi,Draco,"Hermionelaughed."Youdon'thavetoyell,Lucius.Icanhearyoufine."
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"Noted,"theolderwizardsaid.ShecouldhearDracochuckling."Wehavecalledyoutosayhelloand
askifyourequireanyassistance."
"Iamwell,"Hermionesmiled,mimickingLucius'formalphonespeech.Shetuckedherphoneintoher
shoulder,freeingherhandstocloseupaboxofbooksandcarryitdownstairs."Idon'thavetoomuch
lefttopackup.Ijustkeepgettingdistractedbymyoldthings,becauseIwanttolookatthemagain,
whichmakesithardtoboxthemup."
"Wouldyouliketospendtheeveningtogether?"DracoaskedasHermioneshrankherboxofbooksand
putitinthecar."WecangooutorhavedinnerattheManororGrimmauldPlace,whereveryouprefer."
"Itmightbenicetogooutthethreeofus,nowheretoofancy.Doyouwanttocomemeetmeat
GrimmauldPlacearoundseven?"Hermionerepliedassheleftthegarageandwalkedbackintothe
kitchen.Assheheadedtowardthestairs,sheheardthedoorbellringanddetouredtothefrontdoor.
"Holdon,someoneisatthedoor."
Hermionedidnotseeanyonethroughthewindow,sosheopenedthedoor.Therewasagoodsizedbox
onthesteps.
"Whoisthere?"sheheardLuciusdemandingasshesteppedoutside.
"Noone,"Hermionesaidlightly,"Someonejustdroppedoffapackage,that'sall.Iwonderwhatmy
parentsordered."
Hermionetuckedthephonebackintohershoulderasshespokesoshecouldusebothhandstopickup
thebigbox.Assoonasshehefteditupoffthestep,Hermionefelttheboxrumbleoddly.
Thenextthingsheknewshewasbeingthrownviolentlybackwards,likearagdoll.Itwasastrange
sensation.Inthatsplitsecondofdetachedclarity,Hermione'sbrainnotedthesoundofthebooming
explosion,thefeelofwhitehotburningagainstthefrontofherbodyespeciallyonherarmsandhands,
andthesightofbrightorangeflamesfillinghervision.Timeseemedtohavesloweddowninthat
instant.Everythingwentbacktoregularspeedthemomentthebackofherheadslammedintothe
doorframesendingherbodyspinningtothefloorandherheadbangingagain,thistimeagainstthetile
floor.Hervisionswamaspiecesofherparentshouseflewaroundherinthemaelstromcreatedbythe
explosion.
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Hermionelaystillonfloorstaringouttheholeinthehousethatusedtobethefrontdoor,notableto
move,butalsonotfeelingmuchofanythingasblacknesscreptintohervisionmakingitharderand
hardertosee.Aseverythingwasgoingblackwhenshesawtheshapesofthreeblurryfiguresthatmust
havebeenpeopleheadingtowardher.Theystoppedshortandturnedtofaceanotherblurred
shape,probablyalsoaperson.Oddly,oneoftheblursremindedHermioneofPansyParkinsonwithher
blunthaircutandreedythinframe.Thewaytheshapesmovedmadeitseemasiftheywerefighting.
Hermionestruggledtowatch,totrytowilltheblacknesstorecede,butitwasnotworkingandthe
darknesskeptcomingobscuringhervision.Soon,everythingwentblack.
EndNotes:
Next....theresultsofmycliffhanger!
Ijusthadtodoit!)Everybodylikesalittledrama.Don'tfretallwillbewell
intheend.
Backtoindex
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Author'sNotes:
Disclaimer:Iownnothinghere.IjustmakeJKR'scharactersdowhatIwant!
Thankstobunnyhopsforthewonderfulbetawork.
Thanksforthereviews.Iknowcliffhangerscanbedevilishbutsometimesthey
aredevilishlyfun!
Now...whathappened!
Chapter33
Hermionefeltconsciousnesstrickleintoher,likeslowdripsfromaleakyfaucetthateventually
accumulate.Thefirstdropofconsciousnesswastheknowledgethatitwasdarkandshecouldnotsee
anything.Withtheseconddrop,sherealizedthatshewaslyingdownonsomethingfirminthisdark
place.Athirddropbroughtawarenessofsoftmurmuringvoicesaroundher.Shecouldnotunderstand
anything,butwhereevershewas,therewereotherpeoplethereaswell.Finally,shewascognizant
enoughtorealizethereasonforthedarknesshereyeswereclosed.
Itfeltverydifficulttomakehereyesopenandsheregretteditimmediately,becauseitwasentirelytoo
brightwithhereyesopen.Shesquintedtotrytokeepoutthelight,whilealsotryingtoseesomething.
Hermionetriedtoliftherarmtoshadehereyes,butitfeltextremelyheavyandhurttomove.Allof
suddenthemurmuringvoicesincreasedinvolume,makingherflinchatthenoise.
"Quiet!"sheheardafamiliarvoiceshoutabovetherest.Ittookamoment,butHermionerecognizedit
asHarry'svoice."Yourealltooloud."
"Honey,canyouhearme?Hermioneheardhermotherask.Whatdoyouremember?"
Hermionegruntedherresponse.
"Whatdidshesay?"Ron'svoiceasked.
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"Boom,"Harrychuckled."ShesaidBoom."
"Wellthatiscertainlyaccurate,"Luna'sdreamyvoicepipedin.
Toobright,Hermionecroakedout,stillsquintingandwincing.Notonlydidthelighthurthereyes,but
herthroatfeltlikeitwasonfire.Sheheardscufflingandthelightintheroomdimmed.
Finally,Hermionewasabletolookaround.ShewasdefinitelyatSt.Mungos,inaprivateroom.Itwas
alargeroom,buttherewasnotalotofspace,becauseofallthepeopleworriedlookingpeople.Her
parentsweretotherightofherbed.HarryandRonweretoherleft.LunaandRemuswereatthefootof
thebed.HermionealsospiedSeveruslurkinginacorner.TheWeasleytwinshereflankingthedoorto
herroom.Twoplatinumblonds,however,weremissing.Herbrowfurrowedandshefeltalittlesad.
Shehadthoughttheycaredabouther,sowherewerethey?
WhereHermionetriedtoaskafterhermissingfiancs,butherthroatwasjusttoopainful.
Whatisit,Mione?Harryasked,leaningtowardher.
Ohbackaway,youidiots,SeverusstoodupandpushedRonandHarryaside.Theywenttostandby
FredandGeorge.Severusreachedforabottlenexttoherbedandtippedthecontentstohermouth.
Hermioneswallowedpainfullybutgratefully,theliquidsoothingherburningthroat.Itisahealing
potionforyourthroat.Youinhaledsmokefromtheblastanditdamagedyourwindpipe.
YouareatSt.Mungos,Severuscontinued,ensuringthatshedrankslowly.ItisThursdayattwo
oclockinthemorning.TheexplosionwasafterfourthirtyWednesdayafternoon,soyouvebeen
unconsciousforoverninehours.Yourskullwasfracturedintwoplaces.Yourrightfemurwasbroken.
Theskinonyourhandsandforearmswasburnedoff.YouvebeengivenSkeleGrotomendyourskull
andyourleg.TheHealershavereportedthatitisworkingasitshould.Thebonesshouldbeentirely
mendedbymorning,buttheyarentyetsodonottrytomove.Youvelostafairamountofblood,so
weregivenabloodreplenishingpotiontogoodeffect,butyoumaystillbelightheaded.
AsalvethatIcreatediscoveringyourburns,soyourhandsandarmshavebeenwrappedinfabric,
Severuscontinued.Yourarmsprobablyfeelheavysodonttrytomovethoseeither.Theskinshould
beentirelygrownback,withnoscaring,bytomorrowevening.Youreyebrowswereslightlysinged,but
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itishardlynoticeable.Yourhairdidnotburnoffeither.Youcandecideforyourselfwhetheritwas
goodorbadluckthatyouarestillinpossessionofthatmess.
HermionewasthankfulforSeverusdirectapproach.Shetriedtonodherunderstandingofthesituation,
butmovingherheadsentpainshootingthroughherskull.Obviously,headmotionswereoutofthe
question.ShehopedthatspeakingwouldbeeasieronceshefinishedthepotionthatSeveruswasstill
slowlyadministering.
DidInotjustfinishtellingyounottomove,youstubbornwitch?Severusscolded.Whatpartofyou
fracturedyourskulldidyounotunderstand?
Hermionewasonlyabletonarrowhereyesandglareatherexprofessor.Sheswallowedthelastofthe
liquidandtheburningwasalreadyfeelingbetter.
Theysaidregrowingskinandboneswillbepainful,hermothersaidfretfully.Areyouinpain?
Some,Hermionemanagedtocroak.Hervoicedidnotsoundgoodatall,butatleastitdidnotfeellike
itwasburningwhenshespoke.
Youareallowedsomepainpotion,Severusnodded,reachingforasecondbottle.Youwillnotbe
abletotakeenoughtoeliminatethepaincompletely,becausethathighadosewillinterferewiththe
otherpotionsatworkinyoursystem.Iwillonlygiveyouaminimalamountnow,whichshouldtakethe
edgeofftheworstofthepain.Ifitisnotenough,youmayhavemoreintwohours.
Hermionedutifullyswallowedtheamountshewasallowed.Thenshegritherteethandtriedtobearthe
pain.
WhereareDracoandLucius?shefinallyaskedslowly.Toomanywordsseemedtomakethe
throbbinginherheadworsen.
Ah,thedastardlyduo,Fredsmiled.Hisgrinwasdisturbinglydevilish,moresothanusual.Theyare
beingunavoidablydetained.
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Oh,butIammeanttocallthem,HarryfumbledinhispocketandpulledoutDracosmobilephone.
Hepressedafewbuttons.Itmusthaveconnectedbecausehejuststartedtalking.Yeah,sheis
awake.Iwill.ShewillYes.Goodbye.
Whatisgoingon?Hermioneasked,tryingnottomoveherjawasshespokesinceherjawwas
connectedtoherstillfracturedskull.
Whereshouldwestart?Ronexclaimed.Itisallutterlymad!
Hermionejustgotfrustratedwithhislackofactualinformation.WhenRongotoverlyemotional,hewas
hardtotalkto.
Youknowtherewasanexplosion,Remussaid.Theboxthathadbeenleftonyourparentsdoorstep
wasabomb.ItwasaMuggledevicesoitdidnottripthewardsyouhadplacedonthehouse.Asyou
know,therehasbeensomecontroversyregardingyourmarriagetotheMalfoys,becauseyouarea
Mugglebornwitch.Itseemsthatseveralindividualsbandedtogethertogetyououtoftheequation.
Hermioneliftedhereyebrowinquestion,whichdidnothurtasmuch.
YaxleyandtheCarrows,Harrysupplied,takingoverthestory.Yaxleywasalwaysasadistic
supremist,andhehashadaparticularbonetopickwithyousinceyoucursedhisdaughterbald.Yaxley
hadwantedYoanatomarryaMalfoy.HeandtheCarrows,AlectoandAmycus,hatchedthisplan.They
didnotknowiftheexplosionwouldkillyououtright,becausetheywerenotentirelyfamiliarwith
Muggleexplosives,sotheywaitedaroundtofindout.Asfaraswecantell,theyplannedtokillyou
whileyouwereincapacitated.
Hermionefurrowedherbrow.SheknewtheCarrowsweremoreinleaguewithVoldemortthanthey
claimedafterhedied,butshedidnotknowwhatpurposeitwouldservethem.Yaxleysheunderstood.
Howeverunrealistichisidea,hethoughthecouldreplaceherwithYoana.
TheCarrowsarehorriblyafraidofMuggles,Lunareported.HermionehadforgottenthatLunahadto
takeclassestaughtbythehorriblebrothersisterduo.Theydidtheirbesttoinstillthisfearinthe
studentsatHogwarts,tellingthemMuggleswereviolent,stupidpeoplethatwereouttostealmagicfrom
purebloodwizards.Ithinktheyactuallybelievedthosethings.Tothem,theideaofyoubecomingLady
MalfoywasproofthatMugglesweredeviousandbentondestructionofthewizardingworld.They
wantedtheirnieces,FloraandHestia,tomarrytheMalfoysinstead.
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Hermionemadeafaceofutterdisgust.ShehadnothingagainsttheCarrowtwinsperse.Shehad
interactedwiththemintheSlugClubtheyearbeforelast,andtheyseemedlikeniceenoughgirls,but
theywerechildren!Theycouldnotbemorethanthirteen.
Toosick,right?Ronjumpedin.Thosegirlsarejustcomingintotheirthirdyearthisfall.Thatisjust
disgusting,tryingtomarryoffyounggirlslikethat.Apparently,FloraandHestiawereputofftheidea
aswellandgotupset.SothegirlswenttoPansyParkinsonbecausetheyknewherfromSlytherinHouse
andknewthatshecouldbearightbitch.Pansydidntknowwhattomakeofwhatthegirlsweresaying.
Whentheylaidouttheplan,astheyknewit,andshowedheracopyofyouraddressthattheyhadnicked
fromAmycus,Pansywentberserk.SheApparatedrightovertoyourparentshouseandcaughtYaxley
andtheCarrowsunawares.Foryoursake,ImgladPansyissuchascarybitch,becauseshetookthem
out.
Iwishwehadbeentheretoseeit,Fredsighed.Ofcourse,wewishwehadbeentheresowecould
havehelped.PansyknockedoutAlectofirst.Thensheputsomeneverendingnightmarecurseon
Amycus.AllhewasdoingwhentheAurorsarrivedwasstaringoffatnothing,screaming.
Unfortunately,theAurorsmadeherremovethecursesohecouldconfess.Alsounfortunately,Yaxley
escapedafterhehitPansywithaCrucio.AlectocametowhilePansywasdown.TheMalfoysarrived
intimetoseeAlectoApparateaway.Theyputastasischarmonyouandbroughtyoustraighthere.I
dontenvytheHealersforwhattheyhadtodealwith.Malfoysarentnotoriouslypatientorforgiving.
Socanyouimaginedistraught,enragedMalfoys?Oneofthemstayedwithyoueverysecond.Theysent
theAurorstoyourparentsaddresstocollectAmycusandPansy.LuciusfirecalledSeverusand
demandedhebringeveryhealingpotioninhiscollection,becausehedidnottrustthestandardSt.
Mungosfare.
SnapeherecalledHarry,Georgecontinued,seamlessly.HarrytoldRemusandthenFlooedtothe
BurrowtogetRon.Ofcourse,wehadtocomeaswelltomakesureourMionewasallright.Remus
Apparatedovertoyourparentshouse,foundtheirclinic,andcollectedyourfolks.
HermionelookedoveratLuna,wonderinghowshehadheard.
Oh,IwasherelookingforSwumpertswarmsinthelobby,sincethereisalotofgossipthere,Luna
volunteered.TheMalfoysarrivingwithyourbloody,brokenbodywasexactlythekindofinformation
theswarmthrivesonandsoonitspread.
Iwanttotellaboutthedastardlyduo!Georgeexclaimed.AsLunasaid,wordspreadquicklyaswe
allarrived.Morepeoplearrivedaswell.DadandPercy,Kingsley,McGonagall,BillandFleur,Zabini,
Nott,Flint,Krumatonofpeoplecame.Thedastardlyduowaswell,murderous.Merlinhelpanyone
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thatgotintheirway!Itwastouchandgothereforthefirstfewhours.TheHealerswerenotabletoget
thebloodreplenishingpotioninyouquicklyenough,andyouwerenthealingwithoutblood.Finally,
theyweresuccessfulmuchtoourreliefandthepotionsstartedworking.Theduodemandedtosee
Kingsley,tofindouthowthishappened.Atthatpoint,alltheAurorshadwasAmycushereincustody
beingtreatedforhiswoundsandhewasnttalking,evenafterPansyliftedhercurse.Theduowentinto
hisroomandwithinminutestheykneweverythingthewholeplanandwhowasinvolved.Wedont
knowwhattheydidorwhattheysaid,buttheAurorassignedtostayintheroomtowatchAmycuscame
outwhiteasaghost.DracohandedHarryhisphonotellothingandinstructedhimtocallLuciuswhen
youwokeup.LuciusinstructedSeverusandHarrytostaywithyouatalltimes.Thentheyweregone,
takingMarcusFlintwiththem.
Mostpeoplewenthomehoursago,assuredthatyouwerehealing,Fredcontinued.Harrypointedout
thatyouwouldnotbeuptoseeingeverysingleoneofyourfriendstonight,soonlyahandfulofus
stayed.Hourspassed.TheHealerscheckedonyoueveryfifteenminutestomakesurethepotionswere
working.ThenweheardfromoneoftheAurors.Lucius,Draco,andFlintshowedupatAuror
headquartersdragginganunconscious,bloodyYaxley,aboundandburnedAlectoCarrow,andDelores
Umbridgehogtied,gaggedandcoveredinoozingboils.
HermioneseyebrowsshotupathearingUmbridgesname.
ItappearsthatMadamUmbridgehadhadaccesstoyourparentshomeaddresswhenshewasHigh
Inquisitor.Shehadkeptit,forasituationjustlikethis,Remusexplainedcalmly.Shereallydidhate
Muggles,andyouinparticular.WhentheCarrowscameasking,shereadilygaveitupknowingwhat
theyhadplanned.
ThemethodsthattheMalfoysusedtohuntdownandcapturethecoconspiratorswerenotentirely
withintheboundsofthelaw,Harrysighed.Hermionebecameveryalarmedandmusthavelookedit
becauseHarrywasquicktoexplain.Idontthinktheywillbeinverymuchtrouble,iftheyareinany
troubleatall.ImsureiftheydletmeandRoncomewiththem,neitheroneofuswouldhavestopped
themordoneanythingdifferently.
Yourerightthere,Ronsnorted.Iamstillmadtheydidntletuscome.
Mypointis,HarryfocusedbackatHermione,theyarewithKingsnow.Hehasbeengettingtheir
statement.Iamsurethewayhewritesit,everythingtheydidwillbeentirelyjustifiable.Inthenineplus
hoursyouhavebeeninthishospital,wordhasspreadlikeFiendfyre.Peoplehavesentflowers,gifts,
candy,andcards.BeforeSt.Mungosmadethemleave,therewasagroupinthelobby,chantingtotryto
aideyourhealing.Iamtellingyouthistosay,publicopinionwillnottolerateanyonegettingintrouble
forbringingyourattackerstojustice.WhenIjusttalkedtoLuciusonthephone,hesaidtheywere
finishingupandwouldberightover.
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Hermioneblinkedhardandfelttearswelling.Shewasinpainandshemissedherwizards.Shealsofelt
exhausted.
IthinkMissGrangerisuptospeed,Severusintoned.Shemustrest.Regrowingskinandbonesisnot
pleasantoreasy.
TheWeasleytwinsandLunasaidgoodbyefirst.Lunagaveherasoftkissonthecheekandpromisedto
comebyandcheckonherthenextdaywelllaterthatdaysinceitwasalreadyThursday.Thetwins
promisedthesame.Theyofferedtoscreenallofthegiftsbeingsentforherwhentheycamebackas
well,justtomakesuretherewasnothingharmfultuckedinamongthewellwishes.
RemusandRonofferedtotakethereluctantGrangersbacktoGrimmauldPlacetogetsomesleep.Their
house,ofcourse,hadalargeholeinit.HerparentspromisedtoreturnthenextdayandfollowedRemus
out.RonlingeredtotellHermionehowhappyhewasthatshewasokay.
HarryandSeverusjustsettledfurtherintotheirseats,clearlynotintendingtogoanywhere.
Dontneedtostay,shemanagedtocroak.Mustbetired.
Icansleephereinthischairjustfine,Harrysaid.Histoneleftnoroomforargument.Therewasno
wayhewouldleaveheralone.Hermionewouldhavedonethesameforhim,soshedidnotpush.
Luciuswouldcastrateme,Severussimplystated,closinghiseyes.WatchingthePotionsMaster,
Hermionenotedthathelookedwanandabithaggard.Shehopedhehadnotbeentooworriedforher.
Hermioneswholebodyfeltheavy.Shedidnothavethestrengthtomoveandithurtanyways,soshe
juststayedstill.Shehadbeenunconsciousforoverninehoursandonlyawakeforhalfanhour,butfelt
exhausted.Hereyelidsfeltasheavyasherlimbsandsoonclosed.Hermionethoughtofherfriendsand
herfiancstotakehermindoffthethrobbingpain.Soonherexhaustionoutweighedthepainandshefell
backintounconsciousness.
***
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IttookHermioneamomenttorememberwhereshewasasshewaswakingup.Shefeltaverylighttouch
strokingherforeheadandheardasofthumming.Openinghereyes,shesawDracosittingrightnextto
herhospitalbedinthedimlightoftheroom.
"Oh,Kitten,I'msorry,"hefrozewhenhenoticedhereyesopen."Ididn'tmeantowakeyou."
"Youdidn't,"Hermionewhispered,smiling.Talkingwasnotatallpainfulandhervoicesoundedalmost
normalatawhisper."Whattimeisit?"
"Alittlebeforenineinthemorning,"Dracowhisperedback,leaningintolightlytouchhisforeheadto
hers.Hewasclearlymindfulofherinjuries,butneededsomecontact."Howdoyoufeel?"
"Muchbetter,"shesaid,pressingabitagainstDracoshowinghimshewasnotentirelyfragile."Help
mesitup?"
"Maybeyoushouldjustrest,"Dracoreplied,concerned.
"Ireallydofeelbetter,"Hermioneinsisted,tryingtositupwithouthisassistance.Dracoquicklyhelped
her,adjustingthebedsoshewasalmostentirelyupright."WhenIregainedconsciousnesslastnight
everythinghurtbecausetheSkeleGrowasstillworking.Nowitisjustadullache,notpainlikebefore."
"IwishIcouldtakeawayanypain,"Dracoshared,chokingup,"Wealmostlostyou,Kitten."
Tearswelledinhiseyes.Hermionescootedawayslightlyandtriedtopatthebedbesideher,butherarms
stillfeltawkward.
"Comesitandholdme,"Hermioneinstructed.Dracohesitatedforamoment,eyeingthesituationasifhe
wastryingtoseeifshewasstableenoughforhimtotouch.Finally,heslidinnexttoher,gentlycradling
hertohim.Hermionerestedherheadbackagainsthischest.Shefinallysaid,"Youhaven'tlostme,
Draco."
Dracoburiedhisfaceinherhairandgaveherasmallsqueeze.
"We'vegotacontract,MisterMalfoy.Onelittlebombcannotstopmefromkeepingmyword,"
Hermionecontinued,tryingtolightenDraco'smood.Shedidfeelhimchucklesoftly,hisfacestillburied
inherhair.
"Idon'tknowifIhaveeverbeensoscared,"Dracofinallysaid."EvenwhenVoldemortwouldcall
Fatherormeforpunishment,Iknewhecouldn'tkillusnotonpurposeatleast.But
yesterday...anythingcouldhavehappened.Weheardtheexplosionoverthephoneandthenthephone
stoppedworking.FatherandIwerefrantic.Iamsurprisedwedidn'tSplinchourselvesgettingtoyou.
Youlookedsohorrible.Therewasbloodeverywhereandyourlegwasbentunnaturally.Youwerejust
lyingthereonthefloor.FathercastthestasisspelltostopanybleedingandIpickedyouup.Wetriedto
getyouhereasfastaspossible."
"Youobviouslydidmarvelously,"Hermionesmiled,"SinceIamjustfine."
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Hermionelookedaroundherroom,whileDracoheldontohertightly.Inthedimlight,shecouldsee
Luciussleepinginachairontheothersideofherbed.Acrosstheroom,Severuswasstilltuckedintohis
cornerfromearlier,asleep.Harrywasstilltheresleepingaswell.Apparently,LuciusandDraco
returningdidnotgivetheothertwowizardsleavetogo.Thatortheydidnotwanttoleave.
AwitchdressedinSt.Mungosstaffrobescameintheroomholdingachart,aslightlyfrightenedlookon
herface.Assheentered,HermionesawMarcusFlintfillingthedoorwayontheothersideimposing
anddangerouslookingwithhisarmscrossedandasuspiciousglareonhisfaceashewatchedthewitch.
Apparently,hehadbeenstandingguardatherdoor.HermioneimaginedthattheSt.Mungosstaffwould
beeagertoseehergosotheywouldnothavetoputupwithherprotective,demanding,orhigh
maintenancefriendsandfamily.UponseeingHermionesittingupinherbed,awake,Marcus'eyeswent
wideandhelookedrelieved.Hegaveherasmallnodthenshutthedoor,stayingontheotherside.
"GoodMorning,"Hermionewhispered,takingcarenottowakethethreesleepingwizardsintheroom
andhopingtheMediwitchwoulddothesame.Whileshehadbeenunconscious,everyoneelsehadbeen
awakeanxious,stressedandwaitingforherconditiontoimprove.Theydefinitelyneededtorest.
"GoodMorning,MissGranger,IamaHealerhereatSt.Mungos.MynameisDianaOssum,"thewitch
saidsoftlyassheapproachedHermione'sbed.DianakepthalfaneyeonDracoasshespoke,asifhe
wereasemiwildanimalthatcouldstrikeoutatanymoment."Iamhappytoseeyouareawake.Can
youtellmehowyoufeel?"
"BetterthanlasttimeIwokeup,"Hermionesupplied.
"Sheisstillinpain,"DracointerjectedsharplyandDianahurriedtomakeanoteinthechart.
"IsaidIaminlesspain,"Hermionesoothed."IwasnotdonetellingherhowIfeel.Letmetalktothe
nicewitchplease,Draco."
ShefeltDraconodstifflybehindher.Dianalookedgratefullyrelieved.
"Istillfeelthrobbingdullachesinmyheadandleftleg,"Hermionecontinued."Ithasthequalityofa
badheadache,butnotamigraine."
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"Onascaleofonetoten,tenbeingunbearablepainandonebeingnopainatall,howwouldyouareyour
pain?"Dianaasked.
"Iwouldsayfive,"Hermionesaid."WhenIwokeuplastitnightitwaseightorninesothisisdefinitely
better.AmIabletotakeapainpotion?Severusmentionedtheycaninterferewiththehealingpotions."
"ProfessorSnapeisabsolutelyright.Toomuchpainpotionwillmakethebloodreplenishingpotionand
thesalveregrowingyourskinlesseffective.Amildpainpotionshouldbefinethough,"Diananodded.
"Icangetthatforyoushortly.Howdoyourarmsfeel?"
"Frustrating,"Hermionesighed,pouting.DianalookedconfusedsoHermioneexplained."Myarmsfeel
heavyandawkward.Whyisthat?"
"FromwhatProfessorSnapesaid,thesalvehedevelopedandusedonyouisabletonumbthenerve
tissueasitregrowsskin,"Dianareportedexcitedly."Thatismuchbetterthanourstandardskingrowing
salve,whichcausessignificantstingingandburningwhiletheskinregrows.Mostpeoplesayitfeelslike
millionsoftinyinsectscrawlingandbitingontheirskin.Thenumbingagentmaymakeithardto
accuratelyfeelyourarms,soitwillbeabitawkwarduntiltheprocessisdone."
"Well,thenIwillhappilyacceptfrustratingarmsoverthemillioninsectfeeling.Thatsoundsawful,"
Hermioneshuddered."OtherthanthatIfeelfine.Ididnotgetdizzyorlightheadedsittingup.Idofeel
abithungryandthirstythough."
"Thatiswonderful.Anappetiteisagoodsign,"Dianasmiled,clearlymoreateasewithHermionethan
whenshefirstcameintheroom."Ijustneedtorunadiagnosticscantoseehoweverythingishealing
andcheckyourvitalsigns,thenIcanbringyoubreakfast.Thepainpotionwillbebetterwithfoodas
well.Um..."
Dianahesitatedamoment,lookingatalossofwhattodo.
"Whatisit?"Hermioneasked.
"Well...it'sjust...forthescantoworkproperlynoonecanbetouchingyou.Soifitisacceptableto
MisterMalfoy..."Dianatrailedoffweakly.
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"Draco,move,"Hermioneinstructedsimply.HeandLuciusmusthavereallygiventhestaffahardtime
ifthispoorwitchwassonervoustotalktohim.Dracoslidoffthebed,supportingHermionewithhis
handsandlayingherbackgently.DracoreturnedtohischairandtheMediwitchbeganaseriesofwand
movements.GlowingimagesofHermionesinsideshoveredintheairaboveherinthedimlight.
"Itlooksliketheboneshaveentirelyhealed,"Dianainformedherquietly,pointingtotheimagesasshe
continuedtoscan."Youcanseefaintlineshereonthelegandthereonyourskull,whichisexactlywhat
wewouldexpectatthisstage.Thisafternoonwewon'tbeabletoseethelinesatall.Theskinlooksto
behealingwellalso.Afteryourbreakfast,wewillunwrapyourarmsandreapplythesalve.Yourvital
signsalllookgood.Iwillberightbackwithabreakfasttrayandyourpainpotion.TheChiefHealer
willreviewyourchartandwillbeintomeetwithyoutodiscussyourdischarge."
AfterDianaleft,HermioneturnedtofaceDracoandgavehimasternlook.Beforeshecouldspeakher
mindregardinghowtotreatthestaff,shewasinterrupted.
"Youareawake!"Luciusexclaimedatseeinghersittingupinbed.ThisofcourserousedHarryand
Severusfromtheirsleep.
"Howdoyoufeel,'Mione?"Harryasked,rubbinghiseyes.
"Muchbetter,thanks,"Hermionesmiled.
Severusstoodandstretchedhistall,thinframethathadbeenfoldedintoasmallchairallnight.Afterhe
stretched,hepushedthecurtainsasidetoletinthemorninglight.Hermionesmiled,closedhereyes,and
turnedherfacetowardthesunlight.Aftershehadbaskedinthesunforamoment,sheturnedher
attentionbacktothefourwizardsintheroom.
"Lucius!"Hermioneexclaimed,distressedatgettingagoodlookathiminfulllight.Arawlookingred
gashrandowntheleftsideofLucius'face,fromnexttohiseyedownhischeek."Youarehurt!"
"Itisnothing,Pet,"Luciuswavedhishanddismissively."Howareyou?"
"IsaidIfeelbetter,"Hermioneinsisted."Ireallydo.ItcertainlydoesnotfeellikeIwasblownup.What
havetheHealersdoneforyourcutLucius?Itstilllookspainful!"
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"TheHealershavenotbeenabletotreathimatall,"SeverusdrawledbeforeLuciuscouldrespond.
"Whenoneapproachedhim,hetoldthemthat,iftheyvaluedtheirlives,theywouldstayfarawayfrom
himandtendtoyou."
LuciusgaveSeverusawitheringglare.
"WealmostlostHermione!"Luciusdefendedhimself."Mylittlecutisnotimportant."
"Ofcourseitisimportant,"Hermionesaidsoftly."Youareimportant,Lucius.IseethatIamnottheonly
victimfromthisattack.Imayactuallybetheluckiest,becauseIdidnothavetositaround,feeling
ineffectualworriedandscaredoutofmymindwhileIwaitedtoseeifsomeoneIcaredforwouldlive
ordie.Ican'tbegintoimaginethehorriblenightyouallhad.Nowthough,itistimetotakeadeepbreath
andletitsinkinthatitisoverIamfine.
"Infact,IamsofinethatIamreadytogobacktobeingmybossyselfandnagyoualltodeath,"
Hermionesmirked."Lucius,youwillgetyourcuttreatedimmediately.Iamsuretheycandowhatthey
needtohereinthisroom.Asageneralinstructiontoallofyou,whateveryoulothavebeendoingto
terrorizethestaffhere,itendsnow.Ihaveonlybeenawakeforashorttime,butIcanalreadyseethe
staffisscaredandwalkingoneggshellswhentheycomeintothisroom.AscaredHealerisnotan
optimallyeffectiveHealer."
"Welcomeback,'Mione,"Harrygrinnedatherlecture.
Diana,theHealer,returnedatthatmomentwithalargetray.Marcuslookedslightlylessintimidatingin
thedoorwayandactuallyheldthedooropenforDiana.Shepausedforamoment,takinginthebrighter
lightandfullyawakewizards.
"Wouldyouliketocomein,Marcus?"Hermionecalled.Withherspeakinglouder,thehoarse,husky
qualityofhervoicewasmoreapparent.
"Idon'twanttointrude,"thehugewizardsaidsoftly.Dianafinallydecidedtokeepcominginandsetthe
trayonaniftylittlewheeledtablethatfitovertopHermione'shospitalbed.
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"Youaren'tintruding,Marcus,"Hermioneassuredhim."Comeinside."
Marcusdidasshebidhim,andstoodinsidethedoor,lookingalittleawkward.
"Ididn'tthinkanyonewasgoingtogethimtogiveuphisgatekeeperposition,"Harrylaughed,clapping
thelargerwizardontheshoulder."IdidexactlythesamethingtoheraftershewascursedbyDolohov
fifthyear.Shehadtoforcemetostopstandingguardoverher,saidIwasdrivingherbarmy."
"Irememberthat,"Hermionelaughed.
"Hermioneisnoteating...that,"HermioneheardDracosaysternlyanddisdainfully.
"Thisisallwehavehere,"Dianasaidweakly,lookingverycontrite.
HermionelookedtoseewhatDracowastalkingabout.Thetrayhadasmallpotoftea,toast,alittlebowl
ofporridge,ananemicsliceofham,andamoundofrubberylookingscrambledeggs.Therewasalsoa
pitcherofwaterwithaglassalongwiththebottleofpainpotion.
"Thankyou,Diana,"HermionesaidsmiledgraciouslyatthestrickenlookingHealer."ShouldItakethis
wholebottleofpotion?"
"Um,yes,"Dianareported,flusteredunderthegazeoftwoverydisapprovingMalfoys.
"Hermione,youcan't..."Dracobegan,buthewasquicklysilencedbyaglarefromhisfiance.Harry
startedlaughing,butturneditintoacoughwhenHermione'sglareturnedtowardhim.
"Diana,IwouldlikeLordMalfoy'sinjurytobetreatedassoonaspossible,please,"Hermionesaid.
"Hermione,itisnot..."Luciusbegantoprotest.Hefoundhimselfonthereceivingendoftheglareand
alsodecidedtostoptalking.Severuschuckledattheblond,earninghimselfasternlook,butHermione's
scathinglookhadlittleeffectonthesnarkywizard.
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"IunderstandthatLordMalfoy's...tardinessinattendingtotheinjurymaycomplicatehowtohealit,"
Hermionecontinued,asifLuciushadneverinterrupted."Doyouthinkthatsthecase?"
"Well,"DianaclearedherthroatandcastasidelongglanceatthepoutingLuciusMalfoy.
"Lucius,comeclosertoDianasoshecanseeyourface,"Hermioneinstructed.
Luciushuffedinexacerbation,butdidasHermionetoldhim.
"Itdoeslooklikeitalreadystartedhealingsomeonitsown,"Diananotedafteraquicklook."That
meanstheremightbeascar.WedohaveseveralHealersonstaffwhodowellwitholderwounds.Ican
findone?"
"Pleasedo,"HermionenoddedandDianaleft.Hermioneturnedtofaceherfiancs."Iseemyspeech
aboutnotscaringthestafffellondeafears."
"Kitten,thatfoodlookshorrible,"Dracosaid,lookingatherbreakfasttrayandcurlinghisupperlip.
"ItcertainlydoesntlooklikethebestbreakfastI'veeverhad,"Hermionesighed."Butitsalsodefinitely
nottheworst."
Hermionejuststaredatthefoodforamoment.
"Well,Iseefivesetsofablehandsintheroom,"Hermionefinallysaid."Mineontheotherhanddonot
workwellatthemoment,sowhoisgoingtopourmeacupofteaandputsomejamonthistoast?"
"Sodemandingandhighmaintenance,"Harryteased,reachingovertopourthetea.HenudgedMarcus
towardsthetoast."BettergettoworkFlint,beforeHerHighnesshasuswhipped."
DracopickedupthepainpotionandheldtoHermione'slips.
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"Bottomsup,Kitten,"DracosmirkedasHermionetippedherheadback.
"Yuck,"Hermionegrimacedaftersheswalloweditdown.Painpotionsnevertastedgood,butpeoplein
painnevercareaboutthat."Tea,please."
Harrywasstirringinsomecreamandblowingonthehotliquid.Hetookatestsipandpasseditoverto
Draco.
"Itshouldn'tbetoohot,"HarrynotedasDracoheldituptoherlips.Hermionetookalongsipandthe
sighedhappily.Nothingbeatagoodcupoftea.Thiswasmediocrehospitaltea,butitwasgoodenough.
MarcusheldouttheplateoftoastforDraco.Hehadslatheredonstrawberryjamandcutthetoastinto
small,bitesizedpieces.Dracoalternatedsipsofteaandbitesoftoast,whichHermionehappily
accepted.Hopefully,thisdaywouldbebetterthanthelast,butitwasnotaveryhardcontest.Hermione
figuredthatifshedidnotcatchonfireorbreakanybones,thisdaywouldeasilybethewinner.
EndNotes:
Next....recuperation.
Backtoindex
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Author'sNotes:
Disclaimer:Idonotownthisstuff!Imakenomoneyfromit.
Thankstobunnyhopsforthebetaworkandfinding/destroyingthosepesky
'anyways'thatfindtheirwayintomywriting!)
Now...stillatSt.Mungos!
Chapter34
"Whatareyoutwodoingoverthere?"HermioneaskedSeverusandLuciusinbetweenbitesofher
hospitalissue,notMalfoyapprovedtoast.Dracowaspoppingpiecesintohermouth,alternatingsipsof
tea,whileMarcusheldthetoastplate.LuciuswasfacingthesunlitwindowandSeveruswaspokingat
hiscut.
"Irritatedthatwehavenotjoinedinyourlittleharem?"Severusdrawled,notlookingover,butcontinuing
tostudyLucius'face."WouldyoulikeLuciustofeedyougrapes,whileIfanyouwithapalm?"
"Thatdoessounddelightful,"Hermionesmiled."Doyouhappentohaveapalmfrondonyou,Severus?"
Marcuslaughed,butchokedonitwhenSeverusshothisformerstudentaglare.Theburleywizard
continuedtoholdherplateoftoast.
Severusmayhavesomethingorwillbeabletomakesomethingtohealthiscut,Luciusreported.
Dontyouthinkafacialscarwillmakeyoulookdashinglydangerous?Harryaskedwithmock
innocence.HewaspokingattherestofHermionesunappetizingbreakfastwithafork.Fromthelook
onhisface,thefoodwasnotwinninganyawards.
Hello?astrangewizardknockedandopenedthedoor,leaninghisheadintheroom.Marcus
immediatelyadvancedtothedoorway.
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Whoareyou?Marcusdemanded.Openingthedoorfurther,thewizardwaswearingHealersrobes,
butmadenomovetocomeinside.Marcusimposingpresenceappearedtodissuadehim.
IamHealerDanvers,themansaidcalmly,nottooflustered.HealerOssumDianaputinarequest
foraconsultationaboutawound.Thereisanothergentlemanbehindme,butIdontknowwhoheis.
Hermionetriedtostretchtosee,buttheHealerandMarcuswereblockingherview.
AlfieClaymore!avoiceshoutedfromthehall.
Oh,Alfie!Hermionesmiled.HealerDanvers,youwillfindyourpatientovertherebythewindow.
Marcus,letAlfiethrough.
DanverswenttohistaskofassessingthehugecutonLuciusface.Luciusexplainedthatitwascaused
byaslicingspellovertwelvehoursago.ThenDanvers,Lucius,andSeverusgotinvolvedina
conversationaboutthetimingofskinrepairingsalves.
GoodMorning,Alfie,Harrysmiledasthechefcameincarryingalargebasket.
Mr.Claymore,Draconodded,beforeturningtoMarcus.Mr.Claymoreisthechefcateringour
wedding.
Thisisourfriend,MarcusFlint,Hermioneintroducedthetwo.Theyweretwogiantbookendsof
wizardsandbothsosweet,notatallbrutishwiththeirconsiderablesize.Whatbringsyouby,Alfie?
Well,Ihadheardyouwereallrightaftertheattack,Alfieexplained.Everyonehasheardatthis
point.ThegeneralfactswereinthismorningsDailyProphet.Iwantedtocomedowntoseeformyself
thatyouwereokay,butIalsoknowhowpoorthefoodherecanbe.Itisedibleandtheymeanwell,but
itisnotwhatitshouldbe.SoIbroughtyousomebreakfastandlunch.
Youdidntneedtodothat!Hermionechided.
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ThankMerlinyoudid,Dracosmiled.Thisstuffishorrid.Sofarshehasjusthadteaandtoast.
ThisisexactlywhatIwastalkingaboutlastnightregardingthehealingpropertiesoffood,Alfiesaid
withexasperationasheeyedherbreakfasttray.Hesethisbasketdownatthefootofherbedand
removedthetray.Thenewspaperreportedthatyoulostalotofblood,brokeseveralbones,andwere
badlyburned,soyouneedtoregrowsomeskin.
Howdelightfullyspecificofthem,Hermionesighed.Sheknewherlifewasofpublicinterest,but
sometimesthatinterestjustseemedmorbid.ShewatchedAlfieopenuphisbasket.
Hereisafruitsaladtossedwithanorangeblossomyogurt,Alfiesaid,settingacontaineronherlittle
table.ItcontainsAcerolacherriesandmangoes,whichhaveVitaminsAandCthatarecriticalforyour
skin.Theyogurtismagicallyfortifiedwithadditionalcalciumtohelpstrengthenyourbones.
Theseareblueberrypomegranatemuffins,Alfiecontinued,settinganothercontaineronthetable.
Theblueberriesandpomegranateshelpyourmagiccirculateabitbetter,whichcansometimesbea
problemwhensomeonelosesalotofblood.Themuffinsalsohavewheatgermandflaxseedoilfor
yourskin.Ihaveacontainerofteainheretoo.Theteablendpromotesrelaxation,becausebeinginjured
isstressful.
Thisalllookswonderful,Alfie,Hermionesmiled.Dracopoppedopenthefruitsaladandyogurtand
beganofferingherpiecesoffruitonafork.Andittasteswonderfulaswell!
Healthyfoodwillnottaketheplaceofhealingcharmsandpotions,ofcourse,Alfieblushedabit.But
itcanhelpandsometimeseverylittlebithelps.
Thisfoodhascertainlydonewellformymorale,Hermionelaughed.
Iamsurprisedyouareinsuchgoodspirits,Alfieadmitted.Iburnedpartofmyarmonceinasmall
kitchenfire.Itwasnotaverybadburn,butIdidneedtoregrowalittleskin.ThesalvediditsjobandI
wasbacktousualthenextday.ButIwillneverforgethowitfelt!Merlin,itwasthesingularmost
unpleasantexperienceofmyadultlife!
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Severusovertheredevelopedthissalve,Hermioneexplained.Itnumbsnerveendingswhiletheskin
grows.Icantreallyfeelorusemyarmsbecauseofthenumbness,butthatistheonlyproblem.
Imenvious,Alfiesmiled.
"Doyouthinkyoucouldplanadietthatwouldpromotefertility?"DracoaskedafterhefilledHermione's
mouthwithalargepieceifmango.Hereyeswidened,butallshecoulddowaschewmuchtothe
delightofalaughingHarry.HermionenoticedthatLuciusandSeveruswerealsolisteningforAlfie's
reply.
"IbetIcould,"Alfiesaidlookingthoughtful."Iwouldhavetodosomeresearch."
"Draco!"Hermionefinallyexclaimedoncehermouthwasempty."Wearenothavingchildrenfora
year!"
"Iammerelyshowinganinterestinournewfriend'swork,"Dracogrinned."Additionally,fertilitycanbe
anissueforsome.MaybeIwasaskingforgeneralknowledge.Regardless,Alfie,youdowhatever
researchyouneedtoandgetbacktome.Youhaveaboutayeartogettheinformationyouneed."
Harrywasguffawingwithlaughternow,andevenMarcuswaschucklingasHermionerolledhereyes.
"Wellitwasgoodtoseeyouformyself,"Alfiesmiled."Ibettergetbacktowork.Thereisalottodofor
Saturday.Oh,Ididn'tthink.Willtherebeanychangetotheweddingdatebecauseof...allthis?"
"Idon'tseewhytherewouldbe,"Hermioneresponded,lookingbetweenLuciusandDraco."Noonehas
mentionedanychangestomeatleast.Ishouldbebacktonormalbythisevening,tomorrowmorningat
theverylatest."
"Areyousureyoudon'tneedlongertorecover,Pet?"Luciusasked,walkingtoherbed."Someonejust
triedtokillyou."
"Thisisn'tthefirsttime,"Hermioneshrugged."I'mnotgoingtosayIamusedtoit,becausenoonegets
usedtoattemptedmurder.Ihavedeveloped,however,aphilosophytodealwithit.Iliketogetbackto
mynormallifeasquicklyaspossibleoutofspitetoshowthosewouldbemurderersthattheycannot
win.Thosepeoplethattriedtoblowmeupwantedtostopthiswedding.Iwillnotgivethemthe
satisfactionofevenpostponingit."
"Hear,hear,"Harrysmiled.
"ThenIdefinitelyneedtogetgoing,"Alfielaughed."Ihavealotofworktodo.Iamleavingyouthe
basket.Ithaslunchinthereifyouwantit.Imadesalmonwithanavocadomousse.Thereisalsoagrilled
eggplantsalad."
"Thankyouagainforcomingbyandforthefood,"Hermionesmiled."Itmakesabigdifference."
"Yes,thankyou,"Draconoddedformally.
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"Mayweofferyoucompensationforyourtimeandthefood?"Luciusasked.
"Thatisnotnecessary,"Alfiewavedsheepishly."Ijustwantedtohelp."
"Wewillnotforgetyourgenerosity,"Luciusaddedroyally.TherewasanoddsortofpromiseinLucius'
words,asifhewouldreturnthefavor.Hermionerememberedreadingthatdebtwasapowerfulcurrency
inthearistocracy.Therewereanecdotesinabookshereadofpeoplerefusingassistancefromsomeone
becausetheycouldnottoleratebeinginthatperson'sdebt.Acenturyago,awizardlosthisarmfroman
infectedThestralbitethatcouldhavebeeneasilytreated,butthewizardwouldnotallowhisneighborto
ApparatehimtoSt.Mungosbecausehehatedthatneighbor.ThisseemedlikeasmallfavoronAlfie's
part,andnotonecalculatedtotrytoincuradebt,butthatwashowitworkedregardless.
"Haveagoodday,Alfie,"Harrysmiled."Ihopetoseeyouagain."
MarcusjustnoddedtothelargechefasAlfieleft.
DanverswasmakingaseriesofcomplicatedwandmovementsoverLucius'wound,whiletheblond
aristocratlookedbored.Fromhiseyes,Hermionecouldtellthathewasnot,thattheboredomwasa
facade.Thehealingwasalittlepainful,asDanvershadsaiditwouldbe.Theyhadtoreopenpartsofthe
cutthathadalreadystartedtohealnaturallyotherwise,Luciuswouldhaveascar.
Hermionepolishedofftheentirecontaineroffruitsaladanddrankallthetea.Therewerestillhalfa
dozenmuffinsandtheywerealllarge,soHermioneonlyateone.Dracowasinsistingthatsheeatatleast
twomorewhenDianacameinwithanotherHealer.
"Ohgood,adistraction,"Hermionesmiled."Iwilltalktothesepeople,andDracoyou,Harry,Marcus,
Severus,andLuciuseattheremainingfivemuffins.Youallmustbestarving."
Dracohuffed,butHarrypassedoutthepastries.HermionelookedatDianaandthenewHealer.The
newHealerwasanolderwizardwithabitofapaunchbellyandalargebaldspot.Hewassurveyingthe
roomoverhalfglassesperchedontheendofhisnose.HermioneassumedhewastheChiefHealeron
duty.Duetothewar,HermionealreadyknewabittoomuchaboutSt.Mungos.EachfloorhadtwoChief
Healersaday,onefrommidnighttonoonandtheotherfromnoontomidnight.
"Andyouare?"Hermionefinallyasked,sincethewizardwasmakingnomovetointroducehimself.
"ChiefHealerPlatt,"hereplied.Hisvoicewasnasalandhewaslookingdownather,whichHermione
didnotlike."Idirectyourtreatment.Thatdoesnotappeartobehospitalfood."
"Itsnot,"Hermionesmiled."Afriendofminedroppeditoff."
"Outsidefoodisnotpermitted,"HealerPlattsniffedhaughtily.
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"Why?"Hermioneasked,confused.
"Youdonotneedtoknowthereason,younglady,"hescolded."Itismyruleandbreakingithas
consequencesofwhichIamsureyoucannotcomprehend."
HeadssnappedtostareatthewizardwhowaspatronizingandcondescendingtoHermioneGranger.
EvenDanversgrimacedandDianalookedaway.
"MaybeitwillgiveyousolacetoknowthatthereisverylittleIcannotcomprehend,"Hermionereplied,
archingherbrowandstaringsteadilyattheChiefHealer."SoIwouldverymuchappreciateitifyou
watchyourtoneofvoice.Ifandwhenyoucanprovidemewithacogent,plausiblerationaleforarule
thenIwillfollowit."
"IamtheHealer,notyou,girl.Youmustfollowmyrules!"Plattinsistedashebecameredfaced.
HermioneheardHarrygiveasharpintakeofbreath."Anotherruleisnojewelry.Thisisahospital,not
theopera!Yourfemalevanityhasnoplacehere.Theyshouldhaveremovedthatwhenyouarrived,soit
mustberemovednow."
Plattwavedatheramulet,stillhangingaroundherneckwhereitbelonged.Hermionelookeddownatit.
Shealmostforgotshehadit,wearingitwassecondnaturenow.Itcouldnotberemovedwithouther
consent,sonoonewouldhavebeenabletoremoveitwhileshewasunconscious.
HermionenarrowedhereyesandstaredhardattheChief.Inherperipheralvision,shesawDracoand
Harrystepbackward.HarrygrabbedaconfusedMarcusandtuggedhimbackwardsastep.
"Youtrytotakeit,andwe'llseewhathappens,"Hermionesaidslowly,notbreakingeyecontactwiththe
meanwizard.Sheimaginedhernecklaceasacircletheadpiece,thestoneinthecenterofherforehead.
Shefeltthemetalmovingandtheamuletchangingshape,butshenevermovedorwaveredinhergaze.
ShesawPlatt'seyeswidenandhisfacebecameincreasinglyred.Hetookasteptowardher,which
promptedMarcustostepforwardaswellbutHarryheldthelargewizardback.Hermionefelther
magiccrackle.
"Lookhere,youuppitylittleswot,"Plattsaidpointingather."Iknowallaboutwitcheslikeyou.Youare
justalittleknowitallwhothinkssheknowseverything,butdoesn'tknowherplaceandhasletsome
celebritygotoherhead.Ibetyouarenotevenhalfaspowerfulaspeoplesay,butyouencouragethe
rumorstogetwhatyouwant.Otherwise,youwouldnthavealltheseotherwiserationalwizardsfalling
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overyou.Well,Iwilltellyou,missy,thatIamnotoneofthosewizards!"
ItseemedthatPlatttriedtotakeanothersteptowardher,butwasstuck.Hisbodytwitchedandhiseyes
widenedevenfurther.Hisalreadyredfacedeepenedseveralshadestomoreofapurpleashestrainedto
move,butcouldnot.
Hermionecouldreallyfeelhermagiccoursingthroughheratthispoint.Shewassoangryandhermagic
hadnotbeenexercisedsincethepreviousafternoon.Whatthiswizardwassayingtoher,maligningher
inthisway,wasentirelyunacceptable.Hermionewasusedtobadpressandknewthereweremany
peopleouttherewithpooropinionsofher.Thiswizard,however,wasaHealer.Hisjobistomake
patientsfeelbetter,caredforwhiletheywerehurtandscarednotpatronizeandinsultthem.Howmany
otherpeopledidhedothisto?Peoplewhoweretooscared,hurt,orweaktostanduptoabullylike
Platt.
"MaledictumInconcessus,"Hermionehissed.Bothofhernumbarmswereraised,pointingatthehorrid
Healer.Usually,nodisplayoflightaccompaniedawandlessspell,butHermione'smagichadbeenpent
upanddisruptedbyherinjuries.Additionally,herintensefeelingswereaddingfueltothemagicalfire.
StreamsoflightflewfromherbandagedfingertipsandstruckPlattsquareinthechest.
Feetstillstucktothefloor,Platt'smouthgapedopenandthenheshutit.Theopenshutprocessoccurred
severalmoretimes,Platt'seyesbuggingout.
"Ishedying,Pet?"Luciusaskedinhisusualboredtone.Plattlookedpanickedatthequestion,however
andbeganwhippinghisheadaroundbetweenLuciusandHermione,lookingforananswer."Ifyou've
decidedtokillhimforhisinsolence,IwillprobablyneedtomakealargerdonationtoSt.Mungosthis
year.Butthatisnotaproblem."
"No,"HermionesighedwhileHarryandDracochuckled."Ididn'tkillhim.Hecanspeakandmovejust
fine."
EveryoneelseintheroomwatchedPlattexpectantly.Thenastywizarddidtakeastepbackward,but
whenheopenedhismouth,nothingcameout.Hermionesighedagainandeveryonelookedtoherforan
explanation.
"YouwouldthinkthatChiefPlattherewouldhavefiguredoutbynowthatmakingrude,nasty
statementswasabadidea,"Hermioneshookherhead."Apparently,hehasn't."
"Soyoudidnottakeawayhisvoice,justhisabilitytosayrudethings?"Severusasked.
"Hasn'tanyoneevertaughtyou,Severus,ifyoudon'thaveanythingnicetosay,don'tsayanythingat
all?"Hermionewondered.
"Ofcoursenot,"Harrylaughed."IfSnapecouldn'tbemeanandsarcastic,hewouldhavenothingtosay
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atall.
"Maybeyoushouldtrythatspellonhimtoo,"Dracolaughed.
"Severusiswonderful!"Hermionedefendedherexprofessorandfriend.
"How...doIremovethis...cur...spell?"Platteventuallymanagedtobiteout.
YouarethegreatandpowerfulHealer,Iamjustasillylittlegirl,whodoesntknowanythingandis
overlypreoccupiedwithfemalevanity,Hermioneshrugged.Platttriedtorespond,butthecursewould
notallowhimtodoso.Itwontlastforever,wellatleastitdoesnthavetobutthatisuptoyou.
Whatexplainplease,Platthaltinglyuttered.
ItsalittletwistIcameupwith.Iamactuallyprettyproudofit,Hermionegrinned.Themoreoften
thespellistriggered,thelongeritwilllast.So,basically,thelessonwillkeepgoinguntilitiswell
learned.
Thisisagoodtwist,Draconoddedapprovingly.
Yes,Ithoughtso,Hermionenodded.HealerPlattlookedextremelydisgruntled.
Areyouokay,Pet?Luciuscameovertoherbed.Didcursingthisnastywizardtireyououttoo
much?Youaresupposedtoberestingyouknow.
Mymagicwasfeelingabitrestless,Hermionesaidasshestretched.Ifeelmuchbetternow.
ImsureChiefHealerPlattwashappytobeofservice,Severussmirked.
IamIdirectyourcare,Plattsaidslowly,clearlychoosinghiswordscarefully.
IthinkIwilldeclineyourservices,thankyou,Hermionesaid.Dianaisdoingalovelyjob.
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Dianaisjust.sheisanUnderHealer,Plattchokedout,thespellclearlystoppinghimfromsaying
somethingderogatoryabouttheniceMediwitch.
Well,Ihavemademychoice,Hermionesaidsimply.Thereisntmuchtodiscussanyway.The
SkeleGrodidexactlywhatitwassupposedtodo.Myafternoonscanshouldshownosignsofany
breaks.Thebloodreplenishingpotionsalsoworkedverywell.Theonlythingleftisregrowingthe
skin.IfIhaveanyquestionsaboutthat,IwillaskSeverushemadethesalveafterall.Iplantogo
homethisevening,soIcansleepinmyownbed.Ifyoucanthinkofanyobjections,HealerPlatt,that
havenothingtodowithyourego,feelfreetospeakupnow.Inthemeantime,Iwouldlovemoretea.
Marcus,closesttotheteapot,startedtopour.Plattlookedangryathisdismissal,spunonhisheal,and
walkedoutoftheroom.Assoonashewasgone,DianaandDanversbrokeoutintolaughter.
Howlongwillthisparadiselast?Dianasmiled.Thatwizardhasalwaysbeenhorrid!Pleasedont
sayhewillbebacktonormalbytomorrow.
ImeantwhatIsaid,Hermioneshookherhead.MarcushandedtheteacuptoDraco,whooffereditto
Hermione.Shetookseveralsipsbeforeshecontinued.Everytimethespellisactivatedbysomenasty
thinghetriestosay,hegetsmoretime.Ihavenothadachancetoreallystudytheseselfperpetuating
spells,soIamnotcertainhowlongitwilllast.Iwouldguessthateverytimethespellisactivated,he
getsanotherdayortwo.Sobasedonhisinabilitytospeakjustnow,inthepastfiveminutes,heprobably
earnedhimselfafewweeks.Ifhetriestosayanothermeanorrudethingtosomeoneelse,thatwillbe
anotherday.
Imallfinished,LordMalfoy,DanversnoddedtoLucius,awidesmileonhisface.Applythesalve
wediscussedbeforeyougotosleeptonightandthereshouldbenotraceofthewoundtomorrow.Thank
youallforallowingmetopresentthismorning.Icannottellyouhowmuchitmeanstome.Ibestbeoff
soIcantelleveryonewhathappened.IbetpeoplewillstartbaitingPlatt,justtogethimtotrytosay
somethingnastysothecursewilllastlonger.
DanversleftwithaspringinhisstepandDianasetaboutunwrappingHermionesarms.Itwasnota
pleasantsight.MarcusandHarryexcusedthemselves,offeringtogoandobtainbreakfastforthemselves
andtheotherthreewizards.Hermionesskinwasextremelypainfullooking,redandraw.Shewasvery
gladshecouldnotfeelit.Herhandswerethemostdamagedlookingandtheskinlookedbetterasyou
gotpastherelbows.Hermionelookedatherselfcritically.
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Ohno!Hermioneexclaimed,veryupset.
Itlooksbad,butthisiswhatisitsupposedtolooklike,Dianasoothed.Infact,youlookabitbetter
thanmostatthisstage.Maybethenumbingagentishelpingthegrowingprocesses.
Itisnotthat,Hermionelamented.Myengagementringgotburnedup!
No,Kitten,Dracochuckledashepulledherringfromhispocket.Eventhatgiantfirecouldnotburn
thisthingup.TheHealersremoveditwhenyoufirstarrivedsowecouldgetthesalveoverallyour
skin.
Oh,thankMerlin,Hermionesighed.
Dianagently,methodically,andthoroughlywashedawayalltheoldsalvewithaverymildsoapand
warmwater.Thenewskinwasverythinandfragile.Severusproducedanewjarofsalveandgaveitto
Diana,whoverythoroughlycoatedeveryinchofHermionesnewskin.ThenshewrappedHermiones
armswithnew,cleanlinen.Thebandageswerethinnerthistimetoallowinmoreair.Theywould
removethebandagesagainthateveningbeforeshewenthometomakesureenoughskinhadgrownback
thatshewouldbesafe,andnotgetaninfectionofsomekind.
Inadisplayofwonderfultiming,HarryandMarcusreturnedwithfoodassoonasthelastbandagewas
placed.TheyalsobroughtwiththemHermione'smother,Remus,andRonalongwiththem.
"Ohyouareup!Iamsoglad!"hermotherexclaimedhappily.
"Youlookloadsbetter,"Ronsmiled.
"Mostdefinitely,"Remusnoddedapprovingly.
"Ifeelbetter,"Hermionereported."Where'sDad?"
"Oh,that'sabitofastory,"hermotherrolledhereyes,letoutasighandsatonthefootofHermione's
bed.
MarcusandHarrypassedoutbreakfastsandwichesandbottlesofjuicetoSeverus,Lucius,andDraco,
whiletheytransfiguredatable.
"RemusandRontookyourfatherandIhomethismorningtogetsomethings,"hermothercontinued.
"Thepoliceweretherebecauseoftheexplosion.Ofcourse,theyhadagreatmanyquestions.Wetold
themthatwehadbeenawayandspentthenightatourdaughter'shouse.Wedidn'tneedtopretendtobe
shocked,becausewehadn'tseenthedamageyesterday.Wecamestraightherefromtheclinic.Thewhole
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frontofthehouseisgone!"
"Oh,Mum,"Hermionelookedsaddenedandembarrassed."Iamsosorryaboutthehouse!"
"Don'tbotheryourself,"JeanGrangersoothed."Itisn'tyourfault.Besides,youknowI'vewantedto
redecoratethefrontroomsforalongtime.Mypointwasthatyourfatherhadtostaybehindtodealwith
theauthoritiesandtheinsuranceadjuster.Iamsuretheexplosionwillmakethelocalnewspapers."
"IowledKingsleyandhadhimsendoversomeonefromtheMuggleLiaisonOffice,tomonitorthe
investigation,"Remussaid."ItlookslikeYaxleyandtheCarrowsusedaMuggleexplosivedevicesoit
wouldnttriggerthewardsyouhadputaroundyourparents'house.Butitisagoodideatohave
someonethere,justincasetheMuggleinvestigatorsfindanything...odd."
"Ipoppeduptoyourroomandgotthis,"Ronsaid,puttingHermione'stotebagonhersidetable.
"Ohgood,"Hermionesighedwithrelief."Mywalletandwandareinthere."
"Sohowlongdoyouhavetostayhere?"Ronaskedploppingdowninthechairnexttoherbedthat
Dracohadvacated.
"Iplanonleavingthisevening,"Hermionereported.
"Sosoon?"hermotherfretted."Youwereverybadlyinjured!"
"Thatisthebeautyofmagicalmedicine,Jean,"Remussmiled,pattinghershoulder."Itworksquickly.
Brokenbonesaremendedinamatterofhours,notweeks."
"Idon'twanttospendanothernighthere,"Hermionesaid."Mum!Youcan'tstayatyourhouse.Where
willyouandDadgo?"
"IfImayinterject,"Luciussaidfromhismakeshiftbreakfasttable."WewillbetakingHermionehome
totheManorthisevening.Youarewelcometocomeaswell.Infact,youcanstayuntilyourhouseis
ready.WewillgoonourhoneymoonSunday,buttheelveswillseetoyourneeds."
"Thatisverygenerous,butwewouldn'twanttointrudeonnewlyweds,"Jeanreplied."Iimagineitwill
takemuchlongerthantwoweekstorepairthatdamage."
"Iamsurewecangetitdoneintwoweeks,"Dracoreplied,browsknitted."Moneyisnoconcern."
"Ofcourseitisaconcern,Draco,"Hermionechided."NoeveryonehasMalfoymoney."
"Yes,weknow,"Luciuschuckled."ButyourparentswillhaveYaxleyandCarrowmoney.They
createdthedamagetheywillhavetopayforit.TheMinistrywillhaveseizedthepersonalassetsofall
thoseinvolved.Sincewehaveaconfession,IwillarrangeanaccountfortheGrangersatGringotts.
TheycanissuethoseMugglelookingcreditcardsandcheckbooksaswellasprovideMugglemoneyto
usetopayworkersandbuynewthings.WewillalsobillyourattackersandUmbridgeforthishospital
stay.Ofcoursewecouldeasilypay,butitistheprinciple."
"Well,Iguesswecancometostayforawhile,"Hermione'smotherconceded."Wehavebeentalking
abouttakingsometimeofffromworkandthisisdefinitelyagoodexcuse.Ifwewon'tbeanytrouble,
thatis."
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"Notroubleatall!"Hermionesmiled."Itwillbegreattohaveyouaround."
"Oh,Ialmostforgot!"Ronexclaimed,pullingasmallbagupontoherbed."Ialsobroughtyousome
thingsfromyourroomatGrimmauldPlace."
"Somethingsfromyourbathroom,achangeofclothessinceyoursburnedup,andsomeofthebooksyou
hadonyournightstand,"Ronexplained,gesturingtothebag.
"Thankyousomuch,Ron,"Hermionesmiled.
Lucius,Draco,Severus,Harry,andMarcusfinishedtheirbreakfastswhilehermother,Remus,andRon
sataroundherbed.
"AsmuchasIhavelovedallyoursupport,Iamsurethatyouallhaveotherthingstodobesidesspend
timesittinginthisroom,staringatmeandeachother,"Hermionefinallychuckled.
"Wecan'tleaveyou,Kitten!"Dracolookedaffronted.
"Iamnottellingoraskingallofyoutoleave,"Hermionesoothed,smiling."Ithinktheimmediatethreat
haspassed.Regardless,asevenwizardguardisstillexcessive.Whatwouldyouallbedoingtoday?
Severus?Idon'timaginethiswasinyourplans."
"IwasgoingtofinishbrewingtheWolfsbanePotionforthoseinneed,"hereported."Fullmoonisnext
week."
"Thatsoundsimportant,"Hermionenodded."Go,dothat."
Nooneelsespoke.
"Whoelse?"Hermioneencouraged."Harry?"
"Well,thenewelfismovingintoGrimmauldPlacetoday,"Harryreluctantlyreported."Otherthanthat,I
wasjustgoingtopackformytrip."
"Thatsoundslikealovelywaytospendtheafternoon,"Hermionenodded."Marcus?"
"LunchwithViktor,"hegrunted.
"Givehimmybest,"Hermionesmiled."Lucius,wouldyougototheMinistryandarrangethatmoneyfor
myparentsthatyoumentioned?"
"Iwill,"Luciusnodded."Itwillnottakemeverylongthough,andIwillberightback."
Withthefourwizardsgone,theroomseemedmuchbigger.Thatdidnotlastlong,however,because
Pansywhirledinlikeatornado,carryingMadamSelwynandthedressmaker,Fortunata,inherwake.
Fortunatalevitatedanenormousgarmentbagbehindher.
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"Getup,youlazywitch,"Pansyordered."Youhaveyourdressfittingtoday."
"Goodmorningtoyoutoo,"Hermionelaughed.
"Sheisinthehospital!"Dracoprotested.
"Yes,Iknowwhereweare,Draco,"Pansyrolledhereyes."Isawherblowup,remember?"
Hermione'smotherquicklywenttoPansyandthrewherarmsaroundtheyoungwitch.
"Thankyouforbeingthere,"Jeansaidtearfully,"Forhelpingher."
"Ofcourse,"Pansymanaged,lookingentirelyuncomfortable.Sheuntangledherselfandsteppedaside.
"IfIhadn't,Iwouldhavehadtohearthisoneherecryaboutitforever."
PansypokedDracointhechestasshespoke.
"Getout,"PansyinstructedDraco."Muggletraditionsaysyouaren'tallowedtoseethedress."
"Sheisn'tsupposedtodotoomuch,justrest,"Dracocontinuedhisprotest.
"Tryingonadressisn'ttoomuch,"Hermioneassuredhim."TheyaregoingtohavetoputitonmesinceI
don'thavehandsrightnow.AllIhavetodoisstandthere,whichisnotmuchdifferentfromwhatIam
doingnow.CallDianaandhavehercomeinifyouareworried."
"Iwill,"Draconoddedandwasgone.
MadameSelwynandFortunataweresurveyinghercritically.Hermionewassureshelookedhorribleand
realizedthatshehadnotlookedinthemirrorinages.Shecertainlyhadnotbeenuptoitlastnightwhen
sheregainedconsciousness,butnow,thankstohertea,shehadtousethefacilities.Therewasa
bathroomattachedtoherroom,whichwasconvenient.Oneofthestandardspellsforinjuredpeople
magicallyemptiesoutthebladderandcolon,butofcourse,thatonlylastssolong.
"I'mgoingtogousetheloo,"Hermioneinformedthecrowd.Shegotoutofbedfairlyeasily,but
stumbledslightly.Herlegsfeltalittlejelliedafternothavingbeenusedforsolong.Hermother,whohad
beenhovering,caughthereasilyandsupportedheracrosstheroom.Hermionewasmuchsteadieraftera
fewsteps.
Inthebathroom,Hermionefirstlookedinthemirror.Shedidnotlookquiteashorridasshehad
imagined.Hermessyhairwaspulledbackinaponytail,althoughthatlookedhopelesslytangled.She
waswearingasimplewhitesleevelesstunicthatwentdowntomidthigh.Ifshesquinted,herwhite
bandageslookedjustlikeoperalengthgloves.Theimageofherselfinawhitecocktaildressandgloves
madehergiggle.Actually,usingthetoiletwasdifficultwithoutproperuseofherhands,butwasaidedby
thefactthatsheworenounderclothesandbyasmallScourgifytocleanherselfup.
Whenshefinallyemerged,DianawaspresentandDraco,Remus,andRonweregone.
"Let'sgetgoing,"Pansyclapped."WhoknowshowlongwecankeepDracoaway."
Fortunataopenedthehugedarkpurplegarmentbagandcarefullyfloatedoutthedress.
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"Oh,itisbeautiful,"Dianagasped.
"Ithasturnedoutwellhasn'tit?"Hermionesmiled.
Allofasudden,PansyhadherwandoutandcastaquickDivestingcharm,removingHermione'shospital
gown.Hermionemovedhernumbarmstocoverherself.
"Pansy!"Hermioneexclaimed.
"Ohplease,"Pansyrolledhereyes."Putyourarmsupsothedressmakercanfloatitdownoveryour
head."
Fortunatawentslowly,butsoonenoughthedresswasonandzippedup.Fortunataconjuredthesmall
platformforHermionetostandonandMme.Selwynproducedashrunkenfloorlengthmirrorfromher
bagthenenlargedit.
"Perfect,"Hermionesmiledatherreflection.
"Ihaven'tprocuredanyglovesforyou,"Mme.Selwyninformedher."Butthatwillnotbehardtofind."
"Iwasn'tplanningonwearinggloves,"Hermionesaid,abitconfused.Thensherememberedheropera
lengthbandages."Ishouldregrowalltheskinthatburnedoffbytomorrowmorningatthelatest.My
armswillbejustfineforSaturday.Iftheyaren't,Iwillowlyoutomorrow."
Fortunatacheckedanddoublecheckedthefitallover.ShehadHermionestand,sit,andtwirlaroundto
makesureeverythingwasperfect.Finally,theshortroundwitchwassatisfiedandremovedthegown.
HermioneoptedtodressintheclothesthatRonhadbroughther,apairofyogapantsandatanktop.It
wastheperfectthingandentirelycomfortable.HermionesuspectedKreacherpackeditforher,notRon.
PansywalkedMme.SelwynandFortunataout,whileHermionesettledbackintoherbed.Draco,Ron,
andRemuscamebackinalmostimmediately,followedbyFredandGeorge.
"Lookwhowefounddownstairs!"Ronexclaimed."You'vegotafewfolksouttherereadytowishyou
well.Securityhasmadealistofvisitorsforyoutolookatandseeifthereareanyyoudontwantto
comeup."
"WewerealreadyontheruddyapprovedvisitorslistthatHarryfilledoutlastnight,"Fredgrumbled,
butwestillhadtrouble.
"IamgladIgotdressedthen,ifpeoplearehere,"Hermionesmiled."Mum,doyouthinkyoucouldbrush
outmyhair?"
HermotherfoundahairbrushinthebagRonbroughtandgottowork.
"Wereallyjustwanttocheckinonyoubeforewegotosecuritystoragetocheckyourgiftsandflowers,"
Georgeexplained."Youlookloadsbetter."
"Ifeelfine,"Hermionereported."Myarmsarestillnumb,soIcan'treallyusethem,butnumbis
preferablewhengrowingnewskinI'vebeentold.Whatisnewoutintheworld?"
"Notmuch,"Fredshrugged."Therewasquitethepublicoutrageovertheattack.Youareabeloved
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figureinwizardingBritainawarheroineandbringerofpeace."
HermionerolledhereyesatFredsdramaticlanguage,althoughsheimaginedhewasquotingtheDaily
Prophetunfortunately.Peoplevacillatedbetweencallingheraslagandasaint.Apparently,being
injuredstirredthepaperstocallherasaintthatday.
"ThatmeansYaxley,theCarrows,andUmbridgeareinforit,Georgechuckled."Thosefourhaven'ta
friendintheworldrightnow,atleastnotapublicone.NoneoftheformerDeathEaterswillhave
anythingtodowiththem,becausenoonewantstoalienatetheDastardlyDuo."
"Ishouldsayso,"Dracodrawled,smirking.
"Ron,comewithusandgiveahand,"Fredsaid,cuffingRonontheear.
"IfyouwanttobeanAurorsomeday,youaregoingtohavetolearnthesethings,"Georgeteased.
"Howdoweknowyoutwoaresogreatatdetectionandrevealingspells?"Rongrumbled."Maybeyou
shouldleaveittotherealAurors."
"IthinkthetwinshavemoreexperiencewiththosekindsofspellsthanmostAurors,"Hermionelaughed.
"Giventheirtendencytoprank,theyneedtobeconstantlyonguardforretribution."
"Precisely,"Fredboweddeeply."Noonehasbeenabletogetajinxed'gift'pastoneofussincesecond
year."
"Ifyougohelpthem,youwillbeaheadofyourclassattheAurorAcademy,"Hermionereasoned."Also,
feelfreetoeatanyofthesweetspeoplesentespeciallytheonesIdon'tlike."
Ronbrightenedsignificantlyattheideathathewouldbeabletokeepsomeofthegiftsandfollowedthe
twinswithverylittlegrumbling.
"Hereisthelistofvisitorsinorderofthearrival,"Dracosaid,pullingoutashortparchment.Heunrolled
itandfloateditinfrontofHermioneforherreview.Hermotherhadfinishedbrushingoutthetangles
andwasbraidingitupwhileHermionelookedoverthelist.Therereallywerenotthatmanypeopleon
it.Itwasjustafewofherfriends,butalsosomereporterswhoshecertainlydidnotwanttosee.
"IfyourfatherandIarecomingtoWiltshiretonight,Ibettergetgoing,"JeanGrangersighed,hugging
Hermione."We'vealreadycancelledourpatientsfortodayandtomorrow,butIwillneedtogointothe
clinictoreschedulepatientsforthenexttwoweeks.Urgentcasescanseeotherdentistsandnonurgent
casescanwait."
"Letmetakeyou,Jean,"Remusoffered."Icancheckontheinvestigation."
"Goodbye,Remus.Thankyouforallyourhelp,"Hermionesaid,smiling."Mum,IwillseeyouandDad
attheManorlater.CallLuciusorDracoifyouhaveanyproblemsorcan'tfindtheplacebycar."
Finally,itwasjustHermioneandDraco.
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EndNotes:
Next...morehospital!
Backtoindex
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Author'sNotes:
Disclaimer:Iownnothing.Imakenomoney.Allforfun!
Thankstobunnyhopsforherenthusiasticbeta!:)
Now...morevisitorstothehospital!
Chapter35
"Youknow,"Dracosaidasheslidintothebednexttoherandcradledheragainsthisbody,"youdon't
havetoseeanyoneatall."
"Iknow,"Hermionesmiled,nestlingagainstDraco.Itwasnicetofinallybealonewithoneofher
fiancs."Iappreciatethatmyfriendsareconcernedandafewshortvisitswon'tbetroublesome.Itis
onlyafewpeople."
TherewasabriefknockandMarcusstuckhisheadinthedoor.
"IthoughtIsentyoutolunch,"Hermioneteased.
"Itriedtogo,"Marcussaidsheepishly."Areyouupforcompany?"
"Sure,"Hermionenodded.Marcusopenedthedoor,revealingViktorandFleur.Thetwotriwizard
contestantshadstayedgoodfriends.
"Hello,Hermione!"Fleursang."Iranintothesetwodownstairsandtaggedalongtosayhello.Theseare
foryou!"
Fleursetabouquetoflilacsinavaseonthetable.
"Theysmellwonderful,"Hermionesmiled."Comein,comeinallofyou."
ViktorexplainedthatheveryeasilyconvincedMarcustodelaytheirlunch,sohecouldseehisHerm
ownninny.Asusual,DracobristledwhenevertheBulgarianusedpossessivenounsaboutHermione.
Theysataroundandchattedforawhile.Aftertalkingabouttheattackbriefly,Dracorelatedtheincident
thatmorningwhenHermionecursedtheChiefHealer.Everyonelaughedanddidnotseematall
surprised.
"Hermownninnyhasalvaysbeenstrongvitch,"Viktorchuckled."IamjusthappyIvasneveron
receivingendovherbadside."
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"Iamnotthatbad!"Hermionedefendedherself,grumbling."Itisn'tmyfaultotherpeoplecanbeidiots."
"Noonethinksyouarebad,Kitten,"Dracosoothed,laughing."Youmayhaveabitofatemper,butyour
actionsareusuallyjustified.Thescarypartisthatyouhavethestrengthandpowertobackupyour
righteousanger."
Fleurleftafterashortvisit,asshehadtogettoGringottsthatafternoonforwork.Marcusresumedhis
selfappointedbodyguarddutyandwenttoescortmorevisitorstoseeHermioneandViktorstayedto
chat.
MarcususheredinLuna,Cho,andNevillethenstoodinsidethedoor.Nevillebroughtalovelyflowering
plantandChogaveheraboxofchocolatefrogsandpepperminttoads.Lunapresentedherwithacharm
bracelet,smallturnipandcarrotcharmshangingoff.Theytoowerecuriousaboutthedetailsofthe
attack.ChowasinterestedinallthemedicaltreatmentsHermionehadhad,becauseshewasgoingto
studytobeaHealerinthefall.Theyalltalkedaboutinjuriestheydhadovertheyears.Someofthem
werefunnyinretrospect,likewhenLunaaccidentallycharmedawayherfingernailstryingtoturnthema
differentcolorherfirstyear.
Aftertheyleft,MarcusbroughtinBlaiseandTheo.WithViktorthereaswell,theconversationcentered
onQuidditchandMarcus'optionsforhisprofessionalQuidditchcareer.Thenoonhourcame,andDraco
pulledoutthelunchAlfiehadleftinstasisforher.BlaiseflirtedwithoneofthefloorMediwitchesand
convincedhertogofetchafewplattersofsandwichesandtwosixpacksofbutterbeerfromashop
aroundthecornermuchtoHermione'sdismay.Rightbeforethewitchreturned,theWeasleytwinsand
Roncameback,bearingpilesofgiftsthattheyhadscreened.
Lunchwasfairlyraucousduetheeightwizards,allhappytoargueaboutQuidditch,bragaboutdueling,
andmakejuvenilejokes.Hermionefeltlikeshewasintheboyschangingroomatschoolandfoundit
quiteamusing.
Hermioneatehersalmonwithavocadomousseandhergrilledeggplantsalad,whichweredelicious.
Alfiealsoincludedabottleofhomemadefizzyjuice.Ittastedlikeraspberry,lemon,andalittlebitof
blueberry.Aftershewasdone,HermionebeganlookingateverythingFred,George,andRonhad
broughtin.Therewereadozenflowerarrangements.HermioneAccioedthecardsofftheflowersand
floatedtheminfrontofhersoshecouldreadthem.
TheHogwartsstaffhadsentscarletrosesandgoldenlilies,veryGryffindor.TheDailyProphethadalso
sentoveranicebunch.TherewasasmallbouquetfromTerenceHiggsandLucius'otherassistant.The
ownersofFlorish&Blottshadalsosentflowers,asHermionewasaveryverygoodcustomer.There
wereflowersfromMrs.Longbottom,XenophiliusLovegood,andOliverWood.Somearistocratic
familiesHermionehadonlymetinpassingsentflowers,liketheGoyles,theBurkes,andthe
Macmillans.SmalltokenstendedtohaveagreatdealofsignificanceintheirsocietyandHermione
madeanoteofthekindsofflowerstheysentsoshecouldlookuppossiblemeaningslater.Anothertwo
bouquetswerefromwellwishersthatshedidnotknow.Therewereastackofgetwellcardsandnotes
aswell,soHermioneaddedtheflowercardstothatpile.
"Theseonesherearethegifts!"RonnudgedanotherstacktowardHermione.Canweopenthemup?
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"Odd,"anewvoicesaidfromthedoorway."IthoughtIwasenteringapatientroom,butnowIamnotso
sure.Ican'ttellifI'vewanderedintothegiftshoporagentlemen'slounge."
Hermionesurveyedthemiddleagedwitchinthedoorway.Marcusimmediatelystoodandpositioned
himselfbetweenthestrangerandHermione.
"MissGranger,Ipresume,"thewitchsaid."IamChiefHealerCusp.Feelfreetoinstructyourguardto
standdown."
"Marcus,"Hermionespokeup."CouldyouhelpRonputtheseboxesonthetableoverthere?Ifyouall
woulddomethefavorofopeningthegifts,itwouldsavemethetrouble.Justpleasenotewhatthegift
wasandwhoitwasfrom,thenhelpyourselvestowhateverisinside."
Ronrushedtomovethepackages,assigningNotttomakealistofgiftsandtheircorrespondinggivers.
Ronwasclearlyhappytoopenalltheprettyboxes.MarcusjustnoddedandslowlydidasHermionehad
asked,stillwatchingthenewcomersuspiciously.DracoresumedhispositionnexttoHermioneonher
bed,lookingashaughtyasonlyaMalfoycould.Thispublicpersonamadeherwanttogiggle,butshe
managedtosuppressit.
"Itisnicetomeetyou,HealerCusp,"Hermionenoddedwarily.Shedidnotknowifthiswitchwouldbe
upsetbywhatHermionehaddonetotheotherChiefHealerthathadworkedthemorningshift.
"QuitetheCenturion,isn'the?"HealerCuspmusedasshewatchedMarcuswalkacrosstheroom.
"Ihadthatexactsamethoughtabouthim!"Hermioneexclaimed,wonderingatthecoincidence.
"ItisnicetomeetotherMuggleborns,"HealerCuspsighed."Noonegetshalfmyjokesorwitty
rhetoric.Myclevernessiswastedonmostpeopleinthewizardingworld.Itisquitedisheartening.
Anyway,ontobusiness!"
HealerCuspflippedthroughthechartinherhands,noddingandmakingaffirmativesounds.
"You'reaMuggleborn?"Dracoasked.
"Isthataproblem,MisterMalfoy?"HealerCuspasked,continuingtoreadthechart.
"Ofcoursenot,"Hermioneinterjected.ShehopedDracoandLuciushadbothlearnedbythispointthat
Mugglebornscouldbejustascompetentandpowerfulaspurebloods.HealerCuspwasstudyingDraco
criticallythough,despiteHermione'swords.HermionedidnotblamethewitchtheMalfoyswere
legendarypurebloodelitists.
"Noproblematall,"Dracorespondedforhimself."Iassumeyoumustbequitebrilliantthen.St.Mungos
isnotoriouslyprejudicedagainstMugglebornandhalfbloodHealers.TohavebecomeChief,youmust
beenormouslytalentedeventhoseMugglebornskepticscannotdenybrilliancewhenitslapsthemin
theface.Iwouldventuretoguessyouaremoreskilledthanyoursuperiorsaswell."
"DamnrightIam,"HealerCuspsaidevenlyandwentbacktoviewingthechart."Well,MissGranger,I
seefromDiana'snotesherethateverythingisgoingwell.Bonesaremended,cutsandbruisesarehealed,
andyourbloodvolumeisbacktonormal.Allthatisleftisforyourskintoregrowtoanacceptable
level.Thatisontracktooccurlatethisafternoon."
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HealerCuspsaidthatlastpartwithafrustratedhuff.
"Problem?"Hermioneasked.
"Ifyoumustknow,yes,"HealerCuspfrowned."Wizardingsocietyhasverylittlerespectforscienceand
experimentalprinciples!YouaresittingbeforeusslatheredinwhatMuggleswouldcallanexperimental
drugthathasnotbeentestedatall.Wecan'tsayforcertainyoursalvewillworkthesamewayasour
salve,ormaybeitwillhavesomestrangesideeffectoursalveneverhad.Itseemsyourfriend,Mr.
Potter,isyouremergencycontactpersonandheapprovedtheuseofanonstandardsalve.Nonstandard
treatmentsaren'tallowedhere.ButwhowouldsaynotoHarryPotterbackedupbytwohysterical
Malfoys?"
"Malfoysdonotgethysterical!"Dracocorrected,affronted.Hermioneheardsomesnickeringfromthe
otherwizards.
"Soyoudisapproveofmytreatmentthen?"Hermioneasked,curiousaboutthisinterestingwitch's
opinion.
"Notatall,"HealerCuspexplained."ProfessorSnapehasnevermadeapotionthathasgoneawrytomy
knowledge.Myissueisthateverythingaboutyouruseofthissalveshouldbescientificallydocumented
andmonitored!Thereisnonoteofhowmuchwasused,nospecificmeasurementofskinregeneration.
Wedon'tgettheopportunitytodoresearchhere,becauseweneveruseanythingnew.Anewtreatment
showsupandnobodydoesanything!"
"Thatdoessoundfrustrating,"Hermionehonestlysympathized."Ihavenoticedasimilardeficitmyself.
Wizardingculturerarelytriesanewwayofdoingsomething.Itisalmostasiftherelianceonmagichas
removedtheneedforcreativity."
"Necessityisthemotherofinvention,"HealerCuspnodded,knowingly.Dracojustsatandwatchedthe
twowitches,lookingalittlelost.
"Newstridesarebeingmadethough,"Hermionereported."IthinkMugglebornorraisedwitchesand
wizardsarehelpingothersthinkoutsidethebox.Inmycase,myfiancsinsistedmytreatmentbeaspain
freeaswaspossible.Theydidnotacceptthestatusquo,becausetheyarespoiledandusedtogettingtheir
way."
"Hey!"Dracoobjected.
"Iamwrong?"Hermionechallenged.
"Well,no,"Dracoadmitted."Justsayit...nicer."
"BecauseLuciusandDracoalwaysexpecttoachievetheirdesires,"Hermionecontinued,Draco
noddingatherrephrasing,"theydon'tletlittlethingslikeimpossibilitystopthem.Skinregrowthis
painful.Thatwasnotacceptabletothem,sotheyhadaPotionsMastermakeanewpainfreesalveto
regrowskin.Theydon'tthinkofthingslikeexperimentationorclinicaltrials.Ifitdidn'twork,thefall
backwouldbethestandardsalve,whichIhearisunpleasant."
"Veryunpleasant,"HealerCuspagreed,nodding.Bothwitcheslookedthoughtfulforamoment,
absorbedintheircommontrainofthought,beforereturningtothepresent.
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"Iunderstandyouwishtoleavebythisevening,HealerCuspcontinued.Iseenoproblemswiththat.
FromwhatIknowaboutyoufromthepapers,youwillbethrowinganelaborateweddingintwodays.
Thatmeansstress.Youmaybeslightlymorefragileinthenextfewdays."
"Fragile?"Luciusdemandedfromthedoorway,havingjustreturned."Fragilehow?Whatdoweneedto
do?Wecanputheronbedrest."
"Noonesaidbedrest!"Hermioneimmediatelyandloudlyobjected.Luciuscriticallysurveyedtheroom
sevenwizardsopeningboxesandeatingcandyononesideofthesmallroom,Dracostillsittingwith
Hermioneinthebed,andanewHealeratthefootofthebed."Beforeyougojumpingtoconclusions,
comeinandsayhellotomeplease."
"Hello,Pet,"Luciussmiledafteramoment.HeadvancedtothebedandgaveHermioneasweetkiss
hello.Thenheperchedontheothersideofherbed.ShewasagainsandwichedbetweentheMalfoys,
whichhadbecomehabitshedidnotmind."So,fragile?"
"ThisisChiefHealerCusp,"Hermionesaid."Ilikeher.ShewassayingeverythingwasgoingwellandI
shouldbereadytoleavethisevening.HealerCusp,thisisLuciusMalfoy."
"Nicetomeetyou,LordMalfoy."HealerCuspnodded,seemingtotakeintherelationshipdynamic."I
wassayingthatMissGrangerwillbeslightlymorefragileinthenextfewdays.Thatmeansshemaytire
easily,needalittleextrarest,andshouldavoidexcessivestress.Sheislikelygoingtobemore
emotionallyreactiveandhermagicmaybeabitlessregulated."
"Mymagicisworkingfinesofar,"Hermionereported,herbrowsfurrowed.
"YoudidseemtogettotheexplosivepointfairlyquicklythismorningwithChiefHealerPratt,"Lucius
observed.
Platt,ChiefHealerCuspcorrected.
Right,Luciusdeadpanned.
"Hewasaprat,"Hermionegrumped.
"Hewillalwaysbeaprat,"HealerCuspacknowledged."Maybenowthoughhewilllearnhowtokeepit
tohimself.ThatisagoodexampleofwhatIamtalkingabout.Plattmadeyouangry,justifiablyangryI
amsure,andyoumaynothavehadthecontrolyouusuallydowhenyouarefacedwithasmallminded,
bigoted,littletosser.Ihearyouareverypowerful.Iassumeyouhavetoexerciseyourmagicregularly?"
"Ido,"Hermionenodded."Ihavetouseitoritwilldischargeonitsown."
"Thatwillbemoreofanissueasyoursystemrecovers,"HealerCuspsaid."Thereareafewthingsyou
candotohelpthis.Regularlyexerciseyourmagicinsmallburststhatusealotofpower.Meditationand
massagemayhelp."
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"IwillowlFredaNerudarightaway,"Luciusnodded."Sheisskilledinmagicalmassage.Canyou
arrangeforanowl?"
"Iwillsendsomeonetotakeyournotetoourowlery,"HealerCuspnodded."Inthemeantime,itwould
beadvisabletoclearoutthisroom.Thesewizardscanallgoelsewhere."
Thisideareceivedglaresfromallninewizards.Lookingaround,Hermionedidappreciatethatnine
visitorsdidseemexcessiveespeciallysince,sizewise,Marcuswasmoreliketwowizards.
"Glareawayallyoulike,"HealerCuspscoldedtheassemblyofwizards."Iamnottellingeveryonetoget
out,butninevisitorsespeciallyrowdyvisitorsisabitmuch.Ifullyunderstandthestressandfearan
attacklikethisevokesinfriendsandfamily,makingpeoplewanttostaycloseforreassurancethatthe
personreallyisfine.IhopemostofyouhavebeenconvincedatthispointthatMissGrangerisquitewell
andcoulduseafewhoursofquiet."
"Allright,youlot,"Dracospokeup,"getout."
"Noneedtoberude,Draco,"Hermionechidedbeforeturningtotheotherwizards."Thankyouallso
muchforcomingby.Iappreciateallyourhelp.Feelfreetotakesomeofthatcandywithyou."
Thewizardsmadetheirwayoutslowly,stoppingtochatbeforetheyleft.Truetoform,Blaiseflirted
lightlyandmadeafew,lessthansubtle,insinuationsthatHermioneneededtoregainherfullstrengthfor
herweddingnight.TheowasverycourteousandencouragedHermionetocalluponhimforassistanceif
itwaseverrequired.Hermioneaskedhimtorelayherbestwishestohisfather,whomshehadalways
enjoyedtalkingtoatvariousfunctions.
TheWeasleytwinsencouragedHermionetogetbackuptospeedassoonaspossiblesothatshecould
keepgivingthemfreehelpwiththeirproductdevelopment.Theyalsoassuredherthatifsheweretoget
blownupagainandlostanappendage,thattheywouldhappilymakeheranew,betterone.Hermione
rolledhereyesandlaughedattheteasingtwins,althoughtheMalfoysdidnotfindthatlastpartfunny.
Marcusdidnotsaymuchjustthathewasgladshewasallrightandlookedforwardtoseeingheragain.
Hermionerepliedthatshetoolookedforwardtoseeinghimagain.Shebeckonedhimcloserandgave
himakissonthecheek,makinghimblushslightly.Thelargewizarddidnotappeartobeusedto
displaysofaffection.
Viktor,however,wasusedtoHermione'saffectionsandleanedintokissherforeheadoutofhabit.He
steppedbackanextrastepwhenhesawDraco'shostileglare.Hermione,purposefullyignoringher
fianc,remindedViktorthattheywouldkeepuptheircorrespondenceaftershewasmarried,andthathe
mustnotforget.
Ronbroughtuptheendoftheline.Hehadlingeredoverthecandyputtingmoreinhispocketsforlater,
butthelookonhisfaceshowedhehadstayedbackforanotherreasonaswell.HermionenudgedDraco
andLuciusgently,andtheywenttolookoverwhatwasleftofhergetwellgifts.
Ronsatnexttoheronthebed,shouldertoshoulder.
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"Iamgladyoudidn'texplode,'Mione,"Ronsaid,bumpingherlightlywithhisshoulder.Theyhadbeen
throughsomanydangeroussituationstogether.Oddlyenough,theyhadbothassumedtheywereoutof
thewoodsafterthewarended,thattheirfuturewouldbefreefromhospitalbedconversations.Thiswas
afoolishassumption,especiallysinceRon'schosenprofessionwasnotexactlyriskfree.
"Me,too,"Hermionesaid,nudginghimbacklightlywithhershoulder."IfIwasn'taroundtonagyou,
whatwouldyoudo?"
"Speakingofnags,"Ronsighed,lookingabitembarrassed,"Iamsorrymymumdidn'tcomebytosee
you.Idon'tknowwhathasgotintoher.Iknowshehasnotbeenyourbiggestfan..."
"Youdon'thavetoapologizeforher,Ron,"Hermioneassuredhim.Sherestedherheadonherfriend's
shoulderandsighed."Yourerightyourmumwasneververyfondofme,butthatisbetweenherandI,
itwouldn'tbefairtoputyouinthemiddle."
"Well,Mumdoesn'tseeitthatway,"Ronsnorted."ShetriedtokeepusallawayyesterdaywhenHarry
cametotellusabouttheattack.Shesaiditwasn'tourbusiness,thatifyouandIweregettingmarried
likesheplanned,thenyouwouldbefamily,butyourenot.
HermionewincedslightlyatMolly'swords.ShefeltsoclosetosomanyoftheWeasleys.Ronandthe
twinswerelikeherbrothers,soMollysassertionthatshewasnotfamilydidsting.
"FredandGeorgeweremadandstartedshouting,"Roncontinued."Theyyelledthatyouhadsaved
Fred'slife,hadhelpedsaveGinnyherfirstyearinschool,andhadsavedmyarsemoretimesthananyone
couldcount.Dadinsistedoncomingtoo.HesaiditwasaMinistrymatter,aclearviolationofthenew
treatybuteveryoneknewtherealreasonhedroppedeverythingwasyou.PercyandBillwereright
therewithhim.MumdemandedthatGinnystayhome,butIdon'tthinkshereallywantedto."
"Shecouldhavecometodaytovisit,"Hermionepoutedabit.SheknewGinnywouldnotgoagainsther
mother,butpartofherwassadtobeprovenrighteverytime.Shealwayshopedtobewrong.
"Ithinkshesjealousofyou,whichismental,"Ronsighed,beforehastilyamendinghimself."Notthat
thereisn'tplentytobejealousof!Youarescarybrilliantandpowerful.Plus,allthewizardsthinkyou
aredeadsexy,somewitchestoo,butyouhardlynoticeorcare.Ginnycouldstandtobemorelikeyouin
thatregard,andthenmaybeshewouldn'tbesoslaggy.WhatImeantwasthatGinnyisbeingmental
becauseshesgotgoodqualities.SheisoutstandingatQuidditchandshehasawickedsenseofhumor,
whensheisn'tbeinganutter."
"Maybesheneedstohearaboutthosegoodqualitiesmoreoften,"Hermionesuggested."Anddon'tcall
yoursisteraslag."
"Ireallyamhappyyoureokay,"Ronsaid.Hekissedthetopofherheadandgotup."Illseeyou
tomorrow."
"Ilookforwardtoit,"Hermionesmiled."Giveyourfamilymybest.YoucaneventellyourmumIsaid
hello."
"I'lldothat,"Ronlaughed."She'lllovethat."
AfterRonleft,LuciusandDracocamebacktoherbed.Luciusgotinrightawayandpulledherintohis
arms,cuddlingherandnuzzlingherhair.
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"Okay,Kitten?"Dracoasked,concerned.
"Yes,"shenoddedasshenestledintoLucius."Iwon'tletMollygettome."
"Theguyscleanedyououtprettywell,"Dracogesturedtowardhertableofgifts."Theodidmakealistof
thepeoplethatsentthemthough.Itiswiththenotesandcards.Doyouwanttotakeallofthishome?"
"Ireallydon'tneedalltheflowersandwearejustgoingtogetmorethisweekendforthewedding,"
Hermionefurrowedherbrow.Shefloatedupthegiftsandtookalookatthem.Itwasmostlysweets,
somestuffedanimals,andafewbooks.Shereviewedthelistofwhosentthesethings.Unlikethe
flowers,mostofthegiftsthathadbeensenttoSt.Mungoswerefromstrangers.Thatmadesense,
becausemostofherfriendswouldhavegivenanygetwelltokentoherwhentheyvisited.Hermione
notedthatGinnyhadsentapackageofsugarquills,herfavoritecandy,whichmadehersmile.Maybe
therewashopeforGinnyyet.
"DoyouthinkanyonewouldmindifIdonatedtheflowerstothepatientsontheJanusThickeyWard
whenweleave?HermioneaskedtheMalfoys.
Thatsoundlovely,Pet,Luciussaid,kissinghernecksoftly.
Wecansendthestuffedanimalsdowntothechildrenswardaswell,Hermionereported.
Dracoputallthestuffedtoysinoneboxandtookitoutsidetheroom.Hermionesuspectedhejust
shoveditintothehandsoftheclosestHealerandgaveinstructions,sincehewasbackquickly.
Dracoexpandedthehospitalbedandclimbedin.HermionehadLuciusonherrightandDracotoherleft.
Shesighedhappilyandcozieduptoherwizards.
"Iknowwe'vesaidthisalready,"Luciussaidsoftly,"ButIamsohappyyouareokay.Iamsorrywe
weren'tabletoprotectyou."
HermioneturnedandsawanexpressiononLuciusfacethatlookedveryclosetoshame.Itwas
disconcertingtoseeaMalfoywiththatlook,unnaturalsomehow.
"Lucius,thisisnotyourfault,"Hermionesaidsternly.
"Oneofusshouldhavegoneandhelpedyou,"Dracoreported.
"No.Youcannotthinklikethat,"Hermioneinsistedfirmly."Theystillwouldhavecome.Therestill
wouldhavebeenabomb."
"Weshouldhavekilledthemforwhattheydid,"Dracogrumbled.
"Youaren'tkillers,"Hermionestatedveryseriously."Youarenotlikethem."
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"Iwantedtobe,"Luciusreported.
"IunderstandthefeelingandIappreciateyourrestraint,"Hermioneleanedintothem.Shewishedher
armsworkedsoshecouldholdthem."Ifyouhadkilledthem,youmightbeinacellinAzkabanright
nowinsteadofthem,andIwouldbealone.Idontwantyoutoleaveme."
"Wewon't,Pet,"Luciuspromised,buryinghisfaceinherhair.
"Never,"Dracoaffirmed,pressinghisbodyclosetohers.
"Let'sjustsitandenjoysomequiettimetogether,"Hermionesmiled.SheaskedLuciustoshowherthe
bookssomepeoplehadsentasgifts.Onewasacollectionofpoems.Sheenjoyedpoetryfromtimeto
time.Thesecondbookdescribedritualstopromotegoodhealth.Uponpagingthroughitbriefly,
however,theritualsdescribedseemedbizarreandshedoubtedtheireffectiveness.Thethirdandlast
bookwasanicelookingvolumeaboutinspirationalwitchesthroughhistory.Eachwitchhadashort
summarybiographyseveralpageslong.Itsoundedinteresting.
HermioneaskedLuciustoreadaloudandthensheleanedbacktojustlisten.Thefirstwitchwas
fascinating.ShewasanaccomplishedwandmakergenerationsagoandwasthefirsttouseHawthorn.
Dracofellasleepafterthesecondwitch,whoperfectedlonglastingexpansioncharms.Thebooksaidshe
wasinspiredbyhereverexpandingfathusband.Luciusreadaloudforalongtimewithoutcomplaint,
whileHermioneleanedagainsthimlisteningandwatchingDracosleep.
HermionethoughtDracolookeddrawnandpale,well,morepalethanusual.Luciushadnoticeablebags
underhiseyes.Bothwizardshadbeenthroughanordeal.Sheresolvedtothinkofsomethingthatwould
makethemfeelbetter.Inthemeantime,Lucius'smoothsilkyvoicewashypnoticallyrelaxing.
Hermioneclosedhereyes,planningtokeeplisteningtoLuciusread,butinsteadshedriftedofftosleep.
Hermioneheardsoftwhispersaboveherhead.
"Whatwouldwepossiblydowithouther,Father?"Dracowhispered.
"Ineverintendtofindout,"Luciussaidsoftlybutfirmly.
"Wewillmakeherhappy,"Dracosaidwithconviction."Happyandsafe."
"Wewilldoeverythinginourpowertomakeherhappyandsafe,"Luciusaffirmed.
"Andaconsiderablepoweritis,"Hermionemurmuredopeninghereyestolookatherfiancs.
"I'msorry,wedidn'tmeantowakeyou,"Luciussmiled.
"HowlongdidInap?"sheasked,tryingtostretchherarms.Theyfeltlessnumbingeneral,butherhands
stillfeltprettyuseless.
"Afewhours,"Dracoreplied,smoothingherhairback."Imgladyourested."
"Didyoubothnapaswell?"sheasked,lookingatLucius.Hestilllookedtired.
"WellIdid,"Dracopointedout."Fatherhasnotsleptmorethanafewhoursatatime."
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"Lucius,"Hermionescolded.
"Imkeepingwatch,"Luciusdefended.
"Thankyouforcaringsomuch,"Hermionepressedherforeheadtohischest."ButDracoandIcare
aboutyoutoo.Wewantyoutobehealthy.Youtakingcareofyourselfwillmakemehappy."
"Iwillsleeptonightwhenwegethome,"Luciusreported."Ipromise.Inthemeantime,letmeupdate
youontheresourcesIputinplaceforyourparents."
LuciusreportedthathesuccessfullyopenedanaccountatGringotts,withagreatdealofmoneyfromthe
personalaccountsofYaxleyandtheCarrowsiblings.Thefundswereconsiderable,comingtooverhalfa
millionpoundsinMugglemoney.Hermione'seyesbuggedoutslightly.Herparentscouldbuilda
completelynewhousewiththatamount.Luciusfurtherreportedthathegotcreditcardsandchecksfor
herparentsthendispatchedSeverustodeliverthem.Severuswouldalsoaccompanyherparentsontheir
drivetotheManorthateveningtomakesuretheycouldfindit.Luciushadbeensurprisedtolearnthat
hisfriendhadaMugglelicensetooperatevehicles.Hermionewasnotassurprised,becauseSeveruswas
basicallyraisedasaMuggle.Hermionewasgladherparentswouldhavesomehelp,butdidnotwantto
imposetoomuchonSeverus.
Theafternoonwasquiet,especiallycomparedtotheactivityofthemorning.LuciusandDracohelped
Hermioneopenhergetwellnotesandreadthemaloud.Theyweregenerallyverynice.Hermioneset
asidetheonesfromchildren,soshecouldrespondtotheirletters.LuciusandDracosetasidetheones
fromthearistocracy,sotheycouldrespond.Thenoteswishingherwellhaddefinitesocialsignificance
intheircircle.Itwasanacknowledgementoftheirpositioninsociety.Fromthenotes,gifts,andflowers
LuciusandDracocouldnotonlyseewhowasanally,butalsothedepthoftheirdesiretobeorstay
alliedwiththeMalfoys.TheweddinggiftstheywouldreceiveonSaturdaywouldbesimilarlyinspected
forsubtle,socialmeanings.Hermionewouldhavetolearntheserulesandrememberthatsmallthings
shemaydowithoutmuchthought,actuallyhavesocialramifications.
Dracostartedreadingonenotealoudbutstoppedafterthetoneofthewordschanged.Hisfacebecamea
maskofanger.DracosummarizedthatthispersonfeltHermionegotwhatshedeservedandmightlearn
nottoaspireaboveherstation.Itwassimplysigned'YourBetter.'Luciuslookedequallyasenraged
readingoverDraco'sshoulder.ThelookontheirfacesledHermionetobelievetheactualwordsonthe
letterwerelesspleasantthanDraco'ssummary.Shedidnotaskthemtoreadtheletteraloud,notneeding
tohearthehatemail.ThankstoRitaSkeeter'ssensationalisticwriting,thiswasnotthefirstunpleasant
lettershehadreceived.LuciusputastasisspellonthelettersotheAurorscouldexamineitlaterforany
evidenceofwhosentit.
Hermioneinsistedonputtingthenastyletteraside,notwillingtoletitruintheirafternoon.Shehad
DracoandLuciusexplaintheinformationtheyhadgatheredsofaraboutthearistocracyjustbasedon
giftsandcardssenttoHermione.Theflowerssent,forexample,toldtheMalfoysawealthof
information.Luciusassistantsbouquetwassimpleandmadeoflavender,rosemary,andyarrow.
Hermionethoughtitjustsmelledwonderful,buttheflowersalsorepresentedconstancy,loyalty,and
healthrespectively.TheGoylessentastrikingbunchmadeupofredamaranthflowers,indicating
fidelity,andbluelarkspurforhavinganopenheart.Dracoexplainedthattheyweresayingthatwantto
staytruetotheirfriendshipwiththeMalfoysandacceptHermioneopenly.Thenew,subtlelanguageshe
waslearningfascinatedHermione.
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TheMalfoysexplainedthattheBurkeshadalongstandingfeudwiththeBlacks,onethatNarcissahad
happilycarriedovertoherpositionasLadyMalfoy.SheusedhernewMalfoyinfluencetosnubthe
Burkesateveryturn.Theysentaprettyarrangementofdaffodils,iris,withsomefernstuckedamongst
theflowers.Hermionethoughtitwasbrightandhappylooking.Itturnedoutthatdaffodilswerean
emblemofregardandiriseswereusedtoletsomeoneknowhowmuchyourfriendshipmeanstothem.
Fernsindicatedsincerity.ThatcombinationoffoliagemadegoodsensewhenHermioneknewtheback
story.Obviously,theBurkeswerereachingouttothenewLadyMalfoy.Well,Hermionehadnogrudge
againstthem.Asfarasshewasconcerned,theyhadablankslatewithher.Toconveythattothe
Burkes,DracotoldhertosendacardsimplythankingLadyBurkeforherwellwishesandstatingthat
shelookedforwardtogettingtoknowherbutnottowritemorethanthosetwostatements.
DracoexplainedthattheMacmillanfamilyneverreallyheldahighstatusinthearistocracyduetotheir
associationswithhalfbloodsandMuggleborns.Theysentveryprettylightpinkroses,whichstoodfor
admiration.TuckedinamongsttherosesweresmallorangeflowersthatLuciusidentifiedaswallflower,
asymboloffriendshipinthefaceofadversity.Littletwigswithtinyleaveswerethyme,meaning
courage.Hermionelikedthemessageverymuch.SheguessedtheMacmillansadmiredhercourageand
wereofferingfriendshipinthissocialcirclewhereshewasboundtofaceadversity.TheMalfoysagreed
withherassessment.Hermioneventuredtoguesshermovewouldbetosendamoreeffusivecardof
thankstoLadyMacmillan,indicatingthatsheappreciatedtheovertureoffriendshipandwashappyto
gettogetherinthefuture.
LuciusandDracowerehappytogiveHermioneacrashcourseinthecomplicatedwebthatmadeupthe
relationshipsandalliancesofthewizardingupperclass.WhenshehadfulluseofherhandsHermione
plannedtodiagramouthowallthesefamilywereconnected.Shecoulduseredlinesforanimosityand
greenforaffiliations.TheMalfoyswentthroughhergetwellnotesfrommembersofthearistocracy
again,thistimetellinghermoreabouthowthatfamilygotalongwiththeMalfoysandfitintosocietyin
general.Hermionewaslearningtoreadbetweenthelines,buttheMalfoysstillneededtohelpherfigure
outwhatpeopleweresayingsometimes.
Forexample,Blaisesmothersentabubbly,effusivenotefullofgoodwishesandaninvitationtogo
shoppingtogether.KnowingthatLadyZabiniwaswellrespectedinthearistocracyalready,anddidnot
needMalfoyassistancetomoveup,combinedwithBlaisesfriendshipwithDraco,ledHermioneto
guessthatshegenuinelywantedtogettoknowthenewLadyMalfoymaybeeventakeherunderher
wing.LuciusagreedwithHermionesbackgroundinformationLadyZabinididnotneedsocial
assistanceandalreadyhadatietotheMalfoysthroughBlaise.Hermionesconclusionabouther
intentions,however,waswrong.DracoreportedthatBlaisesmotherwasaveryvainandselfimportant
witch.Sheresentedanyotherwitchinthearistocracythatthreatenedherpopularity,orcouldundermine
herpower.Narcissaandshehadbeengoodfriends,butinthekeepyourfriendsclose,butkeepyour
enemiescloserkindofwaywhereneitherwitchreallytrustedtheotherinanyway.Hermionecertainly
didnotwantthat.
AllthisdiscussionsolidifiedwhatHermionealreadyknew,thatbeingLadyMalfoywasgoingtobe
complicated.Therewassomuchforhertolearn,especiallyatthebeginning.Sofar,allHermionehad
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putanyeffortintowasimaginingthosenakeddaysonhoneymoonthatDracohadpromised.Hermione
voicedherideasaloud,promptingLuciustoinquireaboutthesenakeddaysofwhichshespoke.Draco
explainedthat,forsomedaysatleast,everyonewouldbeclothingfreeduringtheirhoneymoon.Lucius
laughedaloudandheartilyagreed.
EndNotes:
Next...goinghomefromthehospital!
Backtoindex
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Author'sNotes:
Disclaimer:Idonotownthisandmakenomoney!
ThankstobunnyhopsforpointingoutmyoverlyAmericansayings!
Thankstoallforthelovelyreviews!
Now...homefromthehospital!
Chapter36
JustasHermione'sstomachrumbled,andshewascontemplatingdinneroptions,ChiefHealerCusp
arrivedwithDiana.
"Let'stakealook,shallwe?"HealerCuspsmiled."KindlyuntangleyourselvesfromMissGranger,
gentlemen,andwecanbegin."
DianalookedatHealerCuspwithclearheroworship,butwasabletosnapoutofitandstartdoingthe
scanning.HealerCuspdimmedthelightsand,asbefore,imagesofHermione'sinsideswereprojected
aboveher.
"Nosignsofthefracturesatallnow,"Dianareported.Thefaintlinesthatweretherethatmorningwere
completelygone."Yourbloodpressureandothervitalsignslookgood."
"Iamgoingtotryascanofyourmagicnext,"HealerCuspinformedher."Thiskindofscancanbe
imprecisebecausenoteveryone'smagicshowsupasstrongly,butmayshowusanyblockages."
AsHealerCuspmadeaseriesofverycomplicatedwandmovements,Hermionethoughtthatsheliked
HealerCuspverymuch.
"Doyoudoanycharitywork,HealerCusp?"Hermioneaskedassheworked.
"Sure,"Cuspnodded,notstoppingherwandwork."WhenIcomeacrosspeoplethatcan'taffordaHealer
toseewhentheyleavehere,Iwillsometimesseethemforfreeonmydaysoff."
"Thatmustkeepyoubusy,"Hermionenodded."IaskedbecauseIrecentlygotacharitablefoundation
andamlookingforsmart,forwardthinkingpeopletositontheBoardofDirectors.Iwasthinkingthat,if
youwe'refree,someonescientificallymindedlikeyourselfwouldbeanasset."
"Hmm,"HealerCusplookedthoughtfulasshecontinuedtowork."Youareayoungwitchandnewto
navigatingacomplexsocialpoliticalsystem.Beforeyoumakeanyformaloffersyoushouldknowthat
positionslikethathavearatherlargecache.Youcangivethemtopeopleinexchangeforsocial
advancementorpoliticaladvantages."
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"Well,"HermionemulledoverwhatHealerCuspsaid,"IamalreadygoingtobeLadyMalfoy,soIdon't
thinkIcouldgetanymoresocialadvancement,unlessIcanbeQueenofWizardingBritain."
"YouwouldmakeafineQueen,Pet,"LuciuschuckledwhileDracolaughedaloud.
"ImsureIwould,"Hermionesmiled."Ialsodon'treallyneedanyadditionalpoliticaladvantageatthe
moment,butIwillkeepwhatyousaidinmind.Thefoundationwillhaveadozenboardmembers,
besidesmyself.Rightnow,I'veonlygotfourofthetwelvefilled,allwithwizardstwopurebloodsand
twohalfbloods.Iwanttohaveagoodbalanceofallkindsofpeople.Youareasmart,female,Muggle
bornsoyoufitthebill.Ifyouwanttotakesometimetothinkaboutit,feelfreetodoso.Youcanowl
mewithyouranswerinafewweeks."
"Iwilldothat,"Cuspnodded.
TheChiefHealerfinallycompletedherwandmotions,hereyeslitup,andshesmiled.
Therewego!HealerCuspexclaimed.
Hermionelookeddowntoseelightedtrackshoveringveryclosetoherbody.Italmostlookedlikeveins,
thereweresomanyofthemandtheywenteverywhere.Thedifferencewasthatthesetracksgloweda
verylovelygold.
Thatismymagic?Hermionebreathed,watchingthelightofhermagicpulse.Itwasamazingtosee.
Thatsit,HealerCuspnodded.Youvegotatonofittoo.Iamsuretheytoldyouinschoolwhen
youcameintoyourmagicthatyouhadalotofmagicinyou.Iveneverseenthismuchinoneperson
before.Kudostoyouforbeingabletomanageandcontrolallofthis,itmustbequitedifficult.
Well,IhadgoodinstructionatHogwarts,Hermioneblushedslightlyatthecompliment.
Seehowthelightisbrighteroveryourbandages?HealerCusppointed.Thatisyourmagictryingto
helphealyourskin.Thatisnormal,butyouhavemoremagicalenergytohelpitalong.Thatisprobably
whyyourskinisregrowingsowell,notthesalveitself,aswehypothesized.Iamnotseeingany
occlusionsorgaps.Thereissomedimminginyourlegs,whichistemporaryIamsure.Itmaybepoor
magicalcirculationfromnonuse,orjustbecauseyourmagicisfocusedonhealingyourarm.Youhave
aslightexcessthereunderyournecklace.Itlookslikeyourmagicisdrawntothatpieceofjewelry.
Thisismyamuletthatmyfiancsmademe,Hermionesaid.Ithinkmymagiclikesit.
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Iwouldsayso,HealerCuspsmirked.Letsgetthosebandagesoffandtakealookatyourskin.
DianaunwrappedonearmwhileCuspdidtheother.Hermionewasgladtheylookedbetterthantheyhad
thatmorning.Ratherthanlookingburned,raw,andpainful,theylookedsunburnedpinkandpainful
likeshehadbeenscaldedwithhotwater.
Thatdoesnotlookhealed,Luciusfurrowedhisbrowwithconcern.
Certainlynot,Dracoagreedmoreiratelooking.
IwillfindSeverusandmakehimfixthis,Luciuswenton,asheturnedtoleavetheroom.
Gentlemen,stop!HealerCuspdemandedwithauthority.ShewastheChiefHealerafterall.Thisis
whatitssupposedtolooklike.
Thatisawful!Dracoprotested.
Itsamazingiswhatitis!HealerCuspdefended.MissGrangerwasburneddowntoherbonesather
fingertips.Furtherupthearm,sheonlylostdermisandepidermis.Inthepasttwentyfourhours,shehas
regrownmuscleinherhandsandreplacedthecomplexlayeredtissuecoveringthemuscle.Herveins
andnerveendingsallregeneratedandreconnectedbackuptotherestofhersystem.Itsprettydamn
impressive.
Itis,isntit,Hermionesaid,turningherforearmsovertoinspectthenewskin.Myarmsdontfeel
numb,butIdontfeelthatIcanmovemyfingersmuch.
Yourhandswerethemostdamaged,sotheygotthemostsalve,HealerCuspnodded.Whenwe
removethesalveyouwillnothavethenumbingpropertiesanylonger.Yourhandswilllikelybevery
tender,asyourskinisnewandsensitive.
Leavethesalveonthen,Dracoinstructed.
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Wecantdothat,HealerCuspexplained.WeneedMissGrangertobeabletomoveherhandssowe
canmakesurealltheligamentsandmusclesregeneratedproperly.Hernerveendingshavetoworkas
well,sowehavetomakesureshecanfeel.
Notimelikethepresent,Hermioneofferedupherarms,resolvedtobearanypain.
Dianaretrievedabasinofsoapywater.ShetookonearmandHealerCusptooktheother.Theyvery
gentlyandthoroughlycleansedherrawskin,payingspecialattentiontoherhands.Itworkedrightaway.
Themoretheywashed,themorefeelingreturned.Itwastingly.
HealerCuspgaveheraseriesofincreasinglycomplicatedmovementstodowithherarmsandhands.
Everythingworkedasitwassupposedto.Hermionecouldbendherelbows,flexherwrists,andmake
variousshapeswithherfingers.Itfeltstrangeanduncomfortable,likeherskinwasstretchedtootight
andtoothin.HermionedidnotfeelanyrealpainuntilHealerCuspaskedhertopushwithherhandsto
testmusclestrength.
HermioneyelpedinpainasherpalmstouchedtheHealerandshequicklywithdrewherhands.Of
course,theMalfoyssprangoutoftheirseats.
"Whatisit?"Luciusasked.
"Whatswrong?"Dracoaskedatthesametimeashisfather.
"Ithurtstotouchthings,"Hermioneexplained,keepingherhandsclosetoherchest."Itisn'tthatbada
lotlikeasunburnactually."
"Fixit,"Dracodemanded,turningtothetwoHealersintheroom.
"Amildpainpotionwillhelp,"HealerCuspsoothedheriratefianc."Thisisexpectedatthisstage.We
willleavethebandagesofffromnowon,sotheskincanbeexposedtotheelements,butitwillbe
sensitive.Astimegoesonitwillbelessandlesstender.Bytomorrowmorning,therednessshouldbe
goneanditshouldfeelnormal."
"Thatwillbenice,"Hermionesighed.Itwasreallyannoyingtonotbeabletouseherhandsmuch.
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"Hereisonepainpotionnow,"Dianaoffered."Yourhandsandarmswon'tbenumblikebefore,butit
shouldhelp.Youcantakeasmallvialofmildpainpotioneveryfourhoursifyouwish."
"Thankyou,"Hermionenodded.Dracomovedtointerceptthevial,butHermionestoppedhim.Shevery
gingerlytookthepotionanddrankitdown.Therewassomediscomfortinherfingersbutnotnearlyas
muchaswhenshetriedtopushhardagainstHealerCusp."IfIdon'tusetoomuchpressureanddon'tgrip
ittightly,itdoesn'thurtthatbadly.ThatisareliefIthinkIwouldgomadifIreallycouldn'tstandto
touchanything."
"Sinceeverythingiseitherhealedorhealingasitshould,youarereadytogo!"theChiefHealersmiled.
"Iamsureyouallwillbehappytoresumetheregularstressofhealing,withoutusheremakingitworse,"
Hermionechuckled.ShecouldonlyimaginetheruckusLuciusandDracohadcausedwhileshewas
unconscious.
"Youareadelight,MissGranger.AndIamsureitswonderfultohavepeopleinyourlifethatcareso
muchaboutyou,"HealerCuspsaiddiplomatically,makingHermionelaugh.
DianaagreedtotakeallofHermione'sflowersuptotheJanusThickeyWard,exceptthelilacsthatFleur
broughtHermionewantedtoputthoseinherbedroombecauseofthewonderfulsmell.Hermione
insistedthatDianaalsotakealargeboxofsqueakingsugarmiceforherselfandtheotherHealers.Draco
gaveHermioneasugarquillthenpackeduptherestofthesweets.Luciusslidhergetwellcardsand
giftsintohertotethatRonhadretrievedfromherparentshouse.Theywerereadytoleavequickly.
Hermionewalked,flankedverycloselybytheMalfoyscloserthanusual.Staff,patients,andvisitors
watchedasthetriowalked.Therewereafewphotographersandreporterswaitinginthelobby
downstairs.Theytriedtoaskquestions,butDracoinformedthemtheyweregoingbacktotheManor
immediatelyandwouldnotbemakingastatement.Hesaidthisastheywalked,notreallypausingatall.
Hermionedidseeflashbulbsgoingoffaspicturesweretaken.
SoontheywereoutsideattheApparitionpoint.LuciuswrappedhisarmaroundHermione'swaist,
avoidingbrushinghersensitivehands.AtugofApparitionandamomentlatertheywereinthefoyerof
MalfoyManor.
"OhMissyLady!"Tinkywastherewaiting."Wehasbeenhearingyouwasinjuredveryverybadly!
Tinkyandalltheelvesisbeingsohappyyouarenotblowntobits.Tinkywillbetakingverygoodcare
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ofMissyLady."
"Thankyou,Tinky,"Hermionesmiled."IamgladIwasnotblownupaswell."
Hermione'sparentshadnotarrivedwithSeverusyet,buttheyprobablywouldnotbetoomuchlonger.
TheMalfoysinsistedthatHermionerest,sosheelectedtositinoneofthedrawingroomssoshewould
beclosebywhentheyarrived.SheaskedTinkytobringherkitten.LuciusbroughtHermioneabookon
themeaningsofflowersandDracoreaditaloudwhileHermioneplayedwiththelittlekitten.
Luciushadsomeposttorespondto,buthebroughtitdownandworkedinthedrawingroom.Hermione
askedLuciustoowlMme.SelwynandhavehersendinvitationstoherHealers,DianaandChiefHealer
Cusp.Luciusnoddedandattendedtohiscorrespondence,halflisteningtoDracoandHermiones
conversation.Tinkybroughtshacksanddrinks,makingsureHermionehadeverythingshecouldpossibly
want.
ItwasnottoolongbeforeTippyannouncedthearrivaloftheirguests.Theelfappearedveryflustered
andHermioneassumednoonehadpreparedthehouseelvesforthearrivalofaMuggleautomobile.
Hermionescoopedupherkittenwithonlyalittlediscomfortinherhandsandwenttothefronthall.
Severalhouseelveslookedoutthewindowsatthevehicle.
"Itisitanautomobile,"Hermionetoldallthoseassembled."ItiswhatMugglesusetotravel,sincethey
cantApparateorusetheFloo."
LuciushadthedooropenbeforeHermionecouldtry.ItturnedoutthatSeverushadtodrivethelastbit,
becauseherparentshadsometroubleseeingtheroadtotheManor.Luciushadonlyalteredtheanti
MugglewardsintheManor.HeredidittoapplytothewholeMalfoyManorgroundsandthe
neighboringwizardingvillage.
Hermione'sfatherhadnotreallyseenhersincemostofthehealinghadbeencompleted.Hewrappedher
upinabigbearhug,takingcarenottocrushherorthelittlekittensheheld.
"Youlooksogood,"WilliamGrangermarveledashesetherdown."Itwashardtobelieveyourmother
whenshesaidyouwereallbetter.Thatmagicalmedicineworkssoquickly!"
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"Justthislastbittoheal,"Hermionereported,holdingupherpinkhandsandarms."Skinisallgrown
backitisjustabitsensitiveyet."
"Areyourthingshere?"Dracoasked,peeringinthecarwindows.Hermionesuspectedhewaslooking
foralltheelectronicstheyhadboughtafewdaysago.
"Yes,aswellasboxesHermionepackedbeforetheexplosion,"JeanGrangerreplied.
"Pike,"Luciussummonedhishouseelf."TheGrangershavebroughtanumberofthingstogoinside."
Pikesoonhadasmallarmyofelvesattheready.NattywouldcarefortheGrangersduringtheirstay.
ShedirectedotherelvestotaketheirluggageupstairsandbegantosubtlyinterviewtheMugglecouple
abouttheirbedtimesnackpreferences,timestheysleptandrosefortheday,morningmealandbeverage
preferenceseverythinganelfwouldneedtoseamlesslycareforaguest.Tinkydirectedthecarryingin
ofHermione'sshrunkenboxes.Elvesladenwithbagsorboxeswerepoppingawayleftandright.
BothSeverusandHermionejumpedinbeforeanyoftheelvescouldtouchtheelectronicsinthebackof
thecar.
"We'vegottocarrytheseinourselves,nomagic,"Hermioneexplainedtotheelves."TheseMuggleitems
areverysensitivetomagic."
ThesixnonelvesmanagedtocarryeverythingintoHermione'ssoontobeMuggleroom.Well,itwas
morelikefivenonelves,becausenoonewouldletHermionecarryanythingexceptthatsoft,lightkitten
whojustpurredaway,seeminglyhappytobeinherarms.Thecarempty,theydecidedtoparkitinthe
oldcarriagehousethattheynolongerused.Itwasabitdusty,butfarawayenoughfromthebarnsthatit
wouldnotscaretheanimals.
"Ithinkaheartydinnerisinorder,"Dracostated."Wecertainlyearnedit."
Hermionelaughed.ThetelevisionhadbeenparticularlyheavyandtheMalfoyswerenotusedtomanual
laborofanykind.Tinkytookherkitteninsidetofeedhimhisdinner.
Theelveslaidoutawonderfuldinneronthewestterracetowatchthesunset.Severushadtriedtosneak
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off,sayingthatdinnerwasforfamily,butnoonelethimgetawaywiththat.HewasLucius'bestfriend
ifthatwasnotfamilywhatwas?
Astheyate,thewizardslaughinglytoldherparentswhatHermionehaddonetoChiefHealerPlatt.This
ledtorecapsofHermione'sother...episodesofdispensingjusticetoothersVivienneCrabbe,Yoana
Yaxley,RitaSkeeter,andMariettaEdgecombe.Hermionewatchedherparentsoutofthecornerofher
eye.Thesestorieswouldbenewstothemandshewonderedwhattheywouldthink.Shewonderedif
theywouldseeitasadarkside,asifHarrysuggested,andadmonishherforit.
"Butisn'tthatdangerous?"hermotherasked,concerned.
"Hermioneisdangerous,"Dracoteased.
"Whichyoubothfindirresistiblyattractive,"Severuspointedoutwithafauxdisdainfulcurltohislip.
"Andthatmakesyoubothbizarre."
"Youarejustjealouswehaveher,"Luciuscontinuedtheteasing.
Hermione,however,wasstilltryingtogaugeherparents'reactions.
"Isn'twhatdangerous,Mum?"Hermioneasked.
"Well,won'tyougetintroubleforcursingpeople?"Jeanasked."Isn'titillegal?"
"MagicallawisdifferentfromMugglelaw,"Severusexplained."Thereareafewillegalcursescalled
Unforgivables.Thereareillegalactions,likeMugglebaiting,tamperingwithMuggleitemstoreturn
themtoMugglesociety,andreanimatingcorpsestonameafew."
"Thereisathemethere,"Luciuspointedout."Illegalactionstendtoinvolveactingtoharmpeoplethat
cannotdefendthemselves.Mugglesdonothavetheabilitytodefendagainstmagic,andcorpsescannot
defendagainstanything.Thereislittlethatoneadultcandotoanotherthatwouldbeconsideredillegal.
Theexpectationisthatacompetentwitchorwizardcouldreversewhatevercursewascast."
"Therearealotofrestrictionsontheuseofmagic,"Hermionepointedout."Youhavetobeofagetodo
magic,getalicensetoApparate,registertousedarkmagic,orgetspecialpermissiontouseaTime
Turner."
"AndthereareitemsandbooksthattheMinistryhasdeemeddangerous,"Dracochimedin.
"NothingHermionehasdoneisillegal,LuciusassuredHermione'sparents.TheepisodewithSkeeter
inthejarisontheedge,butpassable.Besides,Hermioneisentirelytoopowerfultobescaredofwhat
othersthink,itisunnecessary.
Toopowerful?WillGrangerasked,confused.
Surelyshehasmentionedthatshehasanexcessofmagicalpower?Severusarchedabrow.
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Well,Hermionehastalkedabouthermagic,Willresponded,lookingalittlechagrinedbutIamafraid
wedontalwaysunderstandit.Weknowthatthemagicispartofher,partofherbodywithoutitshe
wouldnotbehealthyormaynotlivelong.
Thatistrue,Severusnodded.Magicalfolkfullymanifesttheirmagicshortlyafterpuberty.When
thatoccurred,itwasclearthatHermionehadmoremagicthanmost.Thereareveryfewthatarestronger
thansheis,asfarassheerpowergoes.ThismeansthatitwillbeeasierforHermionetoworkspellsand
othertasksthatrequiremagicitdoesnotrequiremucheffortforher.Hermionewillbeabletodomore
magicthanothersherspellswillworkbetter,andusuallylastlonger.
Isshemorepowerfulthanallofyou?Jeanaskedinnocently.
Notcombined,Severussmirked.
SheisslightlymorepowerfulthanDracoandmyself,Luciusadmitted.
Sheisalsomorepowerfulthanme,Severusreported.Butdonotletthatfoolyou.Icandefeatherin
aduel.Shemayhavemorebrutestrength,butIamsmarterandknowmyweaponbetter.
Youthinkso,Professor?Hermionechallenged,grinning.
No.Iknowso,MissGranger,Severusrejoined.Youareasmart,talentedwitch,butIhave
experiencesyoucannotevenimagine.
Braggart,Hermionelaughed.ShelikedthatSeveruswasnotafraidtoduelher.Heseemedtostillsee
partofhisroleinherlifeasateacher,whichHermionegreatlyappreciated.
Therewillbenoduelingatthedinnertable,Luciushaughtilyinterjected.
"SoourlittleHermonicaislikeSupergirltoyouguys?"Herfatherlaughed.
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"NoDad,"Hermionelaughed."Notquite.
"Idon'tknowwhothisSupergirlis,"Dracosaid,"butIwillsaythatHermioneisveryunique.Byvirtue
ofherpower,shewillbeofinteresttoothers.Peoplewillwanttogetherontheirside.AsSeverus
pointedout,rawpowerisnotaseffectiveasifitisdirectedwithcreativity,intelligence,andexperience.
Hermionecertainlyiscreativeandintelligent."
"Whichiswhywewantedher,"Luciussmirked."Powerful,creative,intelligent...beautiful.Hermioneis
alreadyhighlyinfluentialduetothechoices,herloyalty,andperseverancethesacrificesshemadeto
defeatthatmadman,Voldemort.MakingherLadyMalfoywillonlyincreaseherinfluenceinthe
wizardingworld."
"SoHermionewillbedeferredtoandpeoplewillnotquestionheractionsbecauseofherpower,herrole
inthewar,andherpositionasyourwife?"JeanGrangersummedupinatonewithwhichHermionewas
entirelyfamiliar.
"Correct,"Dracoaffirmed.Hermionelookedathermother,knowingwhatisgoingtohappennext.She
inhaleddeeplyhopingitwasnttooloudastoprovokethewoman.
"Well,Iamgladwearehearingaboutthis,younglady,"Jeansaidsternly,pinningherdaughterwiththe
glarethatHermione'sfriendshadallseen.Clearly,Hermionehadlearnedherglareofdeathfromher
mother."Youknowwhatthismeansdon'tyou?"
"Yes,Mum,"Hermionedeferentiallyassuredherseriousmother.
"Whatdoesitmean?"Dracoaskedcuriously.HeappearedamusedtoseeHermioneonthereceivingend
ofalectureforachangeandhewasnottheonlyone.Severuslookedpositivelygleeful.Jeanlookedat
Hermione,browraised,waitingforherdaughtertoanswer.
"ItmeansthatImustconductmyselfwell,"Hermionereported,soundingalittlebitlikeachildreciting
rulestheirparentshadtaughtthem."ImustnottakeadvantageofmypositionjustbecauseIdon'tlike
someoneoraminafoulmood.IwasntraisedtoabuseanypowerthatIamgiven.NotonlymustInot
abusemyinfluence,butIshoulduseittohelpthepowerlessandforthegoodofothers.
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Nowitallmakestotalsense,Severuschuckled.
Whatdoes?Hermioneasked,puzzled.
Yourhorriblyrigid,selfrighteousmoralcompass,Severuslaughed.Yourparentshaveclearly
instilledinyouawonderfulsenseofphilanthropyandmotivationtoimprovetheconditionofyourfellow
man.
Absobloodylutely,WillGrangernodded,smilingraisinghisglassinatoasttothewizardsatthe
table.Lucius,Draco,andSeverusalllaughed.
Hereshopingitwillruboffonherhusbands,Severustoasted.
Now,now,Dracoobjected.Letsnotbehasty.Onedogooderinthefamilyisenough.
Whydontwechangethesubject?Hermionesuggestedafterthetoast.Mum,Daddidyouget
anythingorganizedforthehouse?
Whyyeswedid!herfatherexclaimed.Icannotbelievetheamountofmoneywehavetouse.Remus
andSeverusgaveusahandcallingaround.Apparently,whenyousaymoneyisnoobject,peopleare
quitewillingtodropwhatevertheyaredoing.Ihadfourdifferentcontractorsouttothehousethis
afternoon.
Wepickedtheonewelikedbest,hermothercontinued.Theyaregoingtofixthehouseandalsoadd
onalargeporchacrossthefront.Wearegoingtohaveallnewflooringputinandthemasterbath
upstairsredoneentirely,sinceitwasalittlesinged.
Soundsgood,Hermionesmiled.
Theydiscussedideasandoptionsforherparentsrenovationastheyateawonderfulchocolateicecream
theelveshadmadefordessert.LuciusassuredtheGrangersthathecouldprocuremoremoneyifthe
halfamillionpoundswasnotenough,seeingashehadnoideahowmuchMugglehousescost.
HermionesuggestedthatherparentscallherpersonalshopperatHarrods,Anna,andcheckoutthehome
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furnishingsdepartments.Theywouldlikelygocheckonthecontractorsprogressthefollowing
Monday.
ThatremindedHermionethatherweddingwasthedayafternext.Shehadalmostlosttrackoftime.
Thetwoweeksspedbyasiftheywereaminute,althoughsomuchhadhappened.Shelookedaround
thetable,watchingherparentseating,talking,andlaughingwiththeMalfoys.Threeweeksago,
Hermionewouldhavetakenbetsthatsuchathingwouldhavebeenimpossible.Ofcourse,shewould
havebeenwrongand,foronce,washappytohavebeenincorrect.Shesmiledcontentedlyandtriedto
stifleayawn.
Tired,Kitten?Dracoasked,overattentively.
IguessIamabit,Hermioneadmitted.Ireallyshouldntbeafterhavingbeencomatoseforsolong.I
wasjustfeelingsocomfortable.
Hermioneyawnedasecondtime,unabletostiflethatoneatall.
Timetogetreadyforbed,Pet,Luciusannounced.
TheGrangersagreedthatHermioneneededherrest.Dinnerhadbeenoverforawhileandtheywereall
sittingaroundthetableenjoyingthesummernightairandhavingdrinks.Herparentswishedtoretireto
theirroomaswell,sotheyallwalkedbackintothehouse.TheGrangershadnotsleptmuchthenight
before,sincetheywerewithHermioneatthehospitaluntiltheweehoursofthemorning.Severus
wantedalookatHermionesarmsbeforeheFlooedhome.
Wewillseeyouinthemorning,Hermonica,herfatherkissedherforeheadbeforetheypartedatthe
footofthestairs.
Goodnight,Dad.Goodnight,Mum,Hermionesmiled.
Goodnight,hermotherwavedasshewalkedup.Getplentyofrest!Youvegotyourhenparty
tomorrownightyouknow!
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What?Hermionestarted.Shehadrecalledtellinghermotherandfriendsshewouldthinkabouthaving
ahennight,buthadnotmadeadecision.
Itisallworkedout,JeanGrangerassuredher,asshegotfurtheraway.Yourfriendshandled
everything.
Mum!Hermionegavealittlestompatthefootofthestairsandheardhermotherchuckleasshe
retreated.
Wecantalkaboutitinthemorning,Jeancalled.
Idonothaveallnight,MissGranger,Severusscolded.Hermionepoutedandfollowedhimtothe
drawingroom.Severusincreasedtheintensityofthelightingandtoldhertoextendherarms.Lucius
andDracohoveredathersides.Youarebothinmylight.Goaway.
WhentheMalfoysbackedupslightly,SeverusscrutinizedHermionesskin.Hegentlytookholdofher
arm.Luciusstartedtoobject,butSeveruscuthimoffwithaglare.ThedarkPotionsMasterpressed
slightly,testingthefirmnessofherflesh.Itwasonlyslightlyuncomfortablebecauseitwasstillhealing,
butSeveruswasdeftwiththosehandsofhis.
Ihavebroughtyouanothersalve,Severusinformedherpullingasmalljarfromhispocket.Your
skinhasallgrownback,butthiswillhelpwiththeremainingtenderness.Itisforverymildburns,like
sunburns.Ihavealsoaddedanintensemoisturizingcomponenttokeepyournewskinfromblisteringor
peeling,ascansometimeshappen.Rubitontonightbeforeyoutogosleep,butdonotcoveryourarms
upatall.Keepthemabovethecoversandletthemair.
Thankyousomuchforallyourhelp,Severus,Hermioneleanedherheadagainstherexprofessors
chest.Shewantedtohughim,butknewsqueezingwithherarmsandhandswasstillgoingtobe
uncomfortable.Witheverything.
Welldonotexpectiteverytimeyougetblownup,MissGranger,Severuschided,althoughhedid
wraphisarmsaroundherandhuggedhertightly.
Iwont,Hermionelaughed.Haveagoodnight.
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Goodnight,SeverusnoddedthenheadedfortheFloo.Lucius,DracoIwillseeyoutomorrowfor
thestagparty.
HermionenoticedthemischievousgrinonhisfacebeforehesteppedthroughtheFloobacktoSpinners
End.
Stagparty?HermioneaskedtheMalfoys,botheyebrowsraised.
WeunderstanditisaMuggletradition,Draconodded,loopinghisarmaroundherwaist.
NextthingHermioneknewshewasinherroom,recoveringfromthesidealongApparition.Luciuswas
rightthereaswell.ShewouldbegladwhenshecouldApparateherselfintheManor,sothesetwo
wouldstopsurprisingher.
Whatexactlyareyougoingtodoatthisstagnight?Hermioneasked,skeptically.
Fromwhatyourfathersaid,weareexpectedtoeatunhealthyamountsofredmeat,drinkexcessively,
smokecigars,andplaygamesofchancewithotherwizards,Luciusexplained.
Andheimpliedtherewouldbeinappropriatejokesaswell,Dracoadded.Weweregoingtodoithere
inthegentlemensloungedownstairs.
Makesureyoubehaveyourselves,Hermionewarnedthem.Shedidnotwanttobringupthatmany
Mugglestagnightsinvolvedwatchingwomentaketheirclothesoffanddancenaked,notwantingthem
toaddthattraditiontothemix.
Hermionelookedatherbeautiful,softbedlongingly.Thelinenslookedsocrispandfresh,butshefelt
sogrimy.
IthinkIneedashower,Hermionesighed.Ifeelfilthy.
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LuciusandDracoescortedHermionetoherbathroom.DracostartedtheshowerwhileLuciusgot
anotherdoseofpainpotionforher.Theybothhelpedheroutofherclothesandintotheshower,getting
inwithherofcourse.Hermionesighedagain,thistimeatthesightoftwonakedMalfoysandwishing
shehadtheenergytotakeadvantageofthemboth.Tomorrownighttheywouldhavetheirrespective
partiesandwouldnotbesharingabedanyways,sinceitwasthenightbeforethewedding.Thenext
timeHermionewouldbeabletohaveherwaywiththemwouldbetheirweddingnight.
LuciuswashedherhairandDracowashedeverywhereelse.Heverygentlywashedherarmsandhands,
eventhoughHermioneassuredhimthetendernesswasgoingawayasthenightworeon.TheMalfoys
thendriedherwithasmuchcareandthoroughnessastheyusedinwashing.Dracoliftedaloose,
sleevelessshirtoverherheadandhelpedherslideonapairofshortstylepants.
HermionetookherplaceinthecenterofthebedwhiletheMalfoysclimbedinoneitherside.Lucius
tookagoodamountofthenewsalveinhishandsbeforepassingthejartoDraco.Theyeachverygently
smoothedandrubbedthesalveintoanarm,gettingeveryinchandeverynookbetweenherfingers,until
shewascovered.Thentheyhelpedherlaybackandpulledthesheetupoverherchest,leavingherarms
aboveasinstructed.
Wearehappyyouarehome,Dracosmiled,layinghisheadonhispillow.Hegaveherawonderful,
soft,slowkiss.
Metoo,Hermionesaidwhenthekisshadended.
Wewillbemarriedthedayaftertomorrow,Luciusadded.Icannotwait.
Metoo,Hermionesmiled.Luciusalsogaveherasweet,longgoodnightkiss.Nowyoubothget
somesleep.Iknowyoumustbeexhaustedaftereverythingthathappened.
Hermionewatchedherwizardsclosetheireyes,thinkinghowstrangeitwasthatDracoswordshadfelt
right.Thisdidfeellikehome.
EndNotes:
Next....Hermione'skittengetsanameandsmut!
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Author'sNotes:
Disclaimer:IdonotownHarryPotter!IfIdid,Iprobablywould'vechanged
somethings.)
ThankstobunnyhopsforherbetaworkandforhelpingmekeeptheHouseelves
straight!
Now...kittengetsanamefollowedbysomesmut.
Chapter37
Hermionestretchedasherbrainslowlywokeup.Shefeltasifshehadsleptforages.Itwasoneofthose
wonderfulmorningswhenshewokeuprevivedandrefreshed.Fromthelightintheroom,shecouldtell
thatitwasveryearly.TheMalfoysstillsleptoneithersideofher,Dracosprawledoutasusualand
Luciussomehowregalinrepose.Theclockconfirmedtheearlyhour,butHermionewascertainthatshe
wasawakeandcouldnotgobacktosleep.Theyhadallgonetosleepsoearly.Shehadbeenexhausted,
andsoweretheMalfoys.Hermionewantedtoavoidwakingthematallcostsandlaystillforawhile.
Hermionefeltasandpaperytongueonherhand,andlookeddowntoseeaballofblackandwhitefluff.
HerlittlekittenwasnestledbetweenherandLucius,andseemedtobewakingupaswell.
"Hellothere,littleone,"Hermionewhispered.Thekittengaveasoftmeowandbuttedhisheadintothe
palmofherhand,makingHermionesmileandstartscratchingbehindhisears."Idoneedanamefor
you,don'tI?Whatdoyouwanttobecalled?"
Thekittenjustkeptstaringupather,withhisadorablesquishedlookingface.
"HowaboutGabriel,becauseyouareanangeliclittlething?"Hermioneoffered.Therewasnoresponse.
"No?HowaboutFluffyFluffkins,becauseyouaretooadorable?"Hermionecontinued.Shecouldhave
sworethatthekitten'slittlestareturnedwitheringandscornful.
"Toomuch?Alrightyoulittledevil,howaboutBarnabas?"Hermionescoffed.Thekittenletoutaloud
meow."YouwanttobecalledBarnabas?"
Thekittenhitherhandagainwithhishead.
"Areyousureyoudon'twantaless...demonicname?"Hermioneasked."Maybesomethinglike
Pumpkin?"
Thekittennippedherfingerathersuggestion,makingheryelpslightly.Shelookedoveratherfiancs
tomakesuretheystillslept.
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"Allright,allright!Barnabasitis,"Hermionehuffedquietly,inspectingherbittenfinger.Barnabashad
notbrokentheskinandwasnowpurringoverhisnewname.
Hermioneinspectedherhandsanddidnotseeatraceofherburns.Herskinwasnolongerpink,but
backtoitsregularcolor,ifnotalittlepalebecauseitwasnewandhadnothadanysun.Herstomach
rumbledsoloudlythatHermionelookedtoseeifithadwokenherbedmates.Happily,theyslepton
andHermionewasgladtheyweregettingmuchneededrest.Hermionepulledherselfupintoasitting
position,andslowlyextricatedherselffromthecovers,soshecouldclimbdownthefootofthebed.
Thatway,shewouldnotdisturbneitherMalfoyonherwaytotheloo.
Afterquickuseofthefacilities,Hermionewonderedwhatsheshoulddo.Standinginherbedroom,her
attentionwasdrawntotheterrace.Shehadnotreallygoneoutthereyet,justlooked.Hermionepulled
onapairofshorts,scoopedupBarnabasfromthebed,grabbedhertotebagandwentoutside.
Theterracewasquitelarge.Therewasatablewithfourchairs,aswellasseveralloungechairs.Large
pottedplantsandflowersdecoratedthemarblefloorandrailings.Therewasaseconddoorleadingto
Draco'sbedroom.HermionerealizedshehadnotreallyseeneitherLuciusorDraco'sbedroomsyetand
madeitapointtotakeatourinthenearfuture.HermionesetBarnabasdownandhebeganasystematic
attackonapottedazaleabush.
"Tinky,"Hermionecalledbarelylouderthanhernormalspeakingtone.
"Goodmorning,MissyLady,"Tinkysaidaftershepoppedontotheterrace."CanTinkybebringing
MissyLadybreakfast?"
"ThankyouTinky,breakfastandapotofteawouldbelovely,"Hermionesmiled."Imfeeling
particularlyhungrythismorning.Aremyparentsupyet?"
"No,MissyLady,"Tinkyreplied."TheGrangerMugglesarenotawakingyet."
"Okay,"Hermionenodded."Oh,canyoualsobringbreakfastforthekittenhisnameisBarnabasnow."
"Agoodkittennamingitis,MissyLady,"Tinkynoddedapprovinglyandpoppedaway.
Hermionesettledherselfononeoftheloungechairsandopenedhertotebag.Shepulledoutherwand
andcastthesunblockspellthatLuciushadshowedheratthelake,allowingsomeofthemorninglightto
lightlytanherpalearms.Hermionealsonoticedthediaryshehadbeenreading.Forsomereason,
Evony'sdiaryseemedliketooprivateabooktobereadingatSt.Mungos,withalldifferentpeople
comingandgoing.
Hermionewasthroughtheveryshortengagementperiodandwasuptothewedding.Shewaseagerto
knowhowEvony'sweddingandweddingnighttohertwoMalfoyswouldgo.Sofar,theFrenchwitch
hadnothadanyprivatetimetogettoknowtheaustereplatinumblonds.Evonyhadnotedthattheywere
attractive,butshewasnotthrilledwiththeirpersonalitiesthusfar.TheFrenchwitchalsohadtonavigate
andadjusttotheBritisharistocracy,whichwasnomeanfeat,asHermionecouldattest.
Evonydescribedthepreparationfortheceremonyindetail,includingherweddingrobesthatshehadhad
madeinFrancebeforesheleft.Apparently,itwasatadscandaloustotheBritishwitcheshelpingherget
ready,becauseoftheverylownecklineandnaturalskirtratherthanthehoopsandpuffinessthatwas
popularatthetime.Oneofthewitchesthoughtherweddingrobeslookedtoomuchlikeanightgown.
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Anothermatronlywitchtriedtoalterthegownandreceivedanastystinginghexforhereffortsto
preservedecency,makingHermionelaughaloud.
TinkyreturnedwithherbreakfastandHermionetookabreaktoprepareherteaandmoveovertothe
table,soshecouldeatbetterwhilesheread.Apparentlyhealingwashungrywork,becauseHermione
feltravenous.Tinkyhadbroughtheranenormousbreakfastoffriedeggs,bangers,friedtomatoes,toast
withjam,andfruitsalad.Barnabasalsogotlittledishes,oneofcreamandanothercontainingafish
vegetablemashheseemedtolikeverywell.Hermioneatehappilywhilesheread.
Evony,cladinherscandalousdress,enteredtheMalfoyballroomalone.Shewalkeddownathickgreen
carpettohertwoMalfoys,waitingunderthearch.TheheadoftheWizengamotwasperformingtheir
ceremony.Evonyreportedsomegaspingatherattire,butshealsonoticeddefiniteappreciationofher
gownaswellespeciallyfromhersoontobehusbands.ShealsonotedthattheMalfoyslookedgood,
paleandblondintheirdarkformalrobes.
Therewasnotalongdescriptionofthebondingceremony.Theyusedthetraditionalsevenbonds.
Whentheirmagicfullybonded,therewasashowerofgoldmagicallightaroundthetrio.Thecrowd
oohedandaahed.TheMalfoystookturnssealingtheunionwithakiss.Evonylamentedthatshedidnot
getalotofinformationfromeitherkiss,becausetheywerebrief.Regardless,theFrenchwitchwasnow
marriedtotwovirtualstrangers.
Thereceptionwaselegant,stylish,andofthehighestpossiblequality.Hermionesmirked,thinkingthat
Malfoyshadnotchangedmuchoverthegenerations.Evonyreportedsomedifficultyfindingenjoyment
inthesumptuousfood,charmingentertainment,andcloyingcompany.Herfamilywasthere,ofcourse,
butEvonystillfeltlikeakittensurroundedbyferalbarncatsherdescription,butHermionecould
relate.Evonystillwantedtoseehowshegotalongwithherhusbands,toknowiftheywerepleasedwith
her,ifshewasaspowerfulastheyhopedshewouldbe.
Finally,thereceptionended.Hermionewasthroughwithherlargebreakfast.Shereturnedtoherlounge
chair,settinguptheteapotandhercuponalowsidetable.Barnabaswassnoozingaway,havingeaten
hisfill.Hermionerefreshedherteaandsettledintoseewhatwouldhappennext.
Evony,nowLadyMalfoy,didherdutyandstoodbyherhusbandstobidfarewelltotheirguests.Asthey
watchedthelastgroupleave,Evonystartedtofeelanxious.Shenotedthatherfeelingswereirrational.
Shehadtakenseveralloversinthepastthiswouldnotbenewtoher.Despitethat,shewastrepidatious.
Sheguessedthatitwastheenormityandnewnessoftherelationship.Whileshehadhadloversbefore,
shehadneverhadahusband.Also,shehadgenerallyknownherlover'spriortotheirintimacybutthese
wizardsshedidnotknow.
LordMalfoy,Domitius,askedherifshewouldneedamomenttoherselfbeforetheyjoinedherinher
chambers.Evonyrepliedthatshewouldnot.Shehaddecidedtotakethebullbythehorns,sotospeak.
TheyallApparatedtoherroomanditwasexceptionallyawkward.Evonyreportedthattheyjuststaredat
herforever,thoughinretrospectitwasprobablyafewmoments.
Evonywastheonetomovefirst.Shebegantotakeoffallthejewelrytheheavygemencrusted
necklace,thematchingearringsandbracelet,thetiara.Sheunbuttonedthetopskirtandletitfallbefore
turningaround.Sheaskedsomeonetohelpherunlacethebodiceofherdressandwaited.Aftera
moment,shefeltstrongfingersuntyingandlooseningtheribbon.Evonyalsoletthatfalltothefloor,
leavingherintheverythinwhitesilkunderdressthatwaspartiallyseethrough.Sheendedthespellthat
washoldingupherlongblackhairinintricateswirls.
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Evonyshookoutherhairandtriedtorelax,tryingnottolettheMalfoys'silencedisturbhertoomuch.
Shefinallylookedupthem,buttheyjuststoodstaring.Shetooktheirsilencetoequaldisapproval.
Evonyspokefirst,sayingthatsheunderstoodiftheydidnotfindherappealingthatattractionwas
individual.ItwasDomitiusthatresponded,correctingher.Heandhisson,Hyperion,bothfoundher
exceedinglyattractive,butwereunclearonhowtoproceedspecifically,whatherpreferenceswouldbe.
ThismadeEvonylaugh,becausenoneofthemknewwhattodo,butalsobecauseDomitiuswasso
formal.Evonyhappilyexplainedthereasonsforherlaughterhavinglearnedthatfewwizards
appreciatedlaughterinthebedroom,unlesstheyareinonthejoke.
TheMalfoyschuckledalongwithherandacceptedEvony'ssuggestionthattheyallgetmore
comfortable.Thewizardsremovedtheirformalrobesandshoesthenallthreesatonthebedtotalk.In
private,bothMalfoysseemedtoloosenupandbemorepersonable.ShebeganreferringtothemasDom
andHyinherdiary.Evonyreportedthatshehadseveralloversinthepast,mostmalebutafewfemale,
andthatsheconsideredherselfsexuallyadventurous.ShenoticedHyblushingandrememberedhisage,
sosheaskedhimifhewascomfortablewithallthis.ItturnedoutthatHywasavirgin.Hehadsome
experience,buthadneveractuallyhadsex.
Evony'sheartwentouttoheryounghusband.Hehadonlyrecentlyturnedeighteen.Shereachedoutand
initiatedtouching,juststrokinghishand.Domexpressedthattheyknewtheywerebothrequiredto
consummatetheunionthatnight,buthehopedHycouldstart.Evonythoughtthatwasawonderfulidea.
Hyperionwasabeautifulyoungman,withalmostwhitepaleblueeyes.DomitiuspattedHy'sshoulder
andwenttositinthechairnexttothebed.
Afterlookingatherforseverallongmoments,Hyperionleanedinandkissedher.Thiskisswaslonger
andEvonyreportedthatshefeltthepassionthisyoungwizardpossessed.Shecontinuedtouchinghim
butexpandedthestrokingtohisarms,shoulders,andchest.Afterkissingandpetting,Evonyremoved
Hy'sshirt.Hequicklyfollowedherlead,removinghispants.Evonywasimpressedwithhissizeand
describedhiminenoughdetailtomakeHermioneblush.Apparently,platinumblondhairwasnotthe
onlyenduringMalfoytrait.Evonydescribedherownfeelingsofarousal.Thebeautifulwizardwas
makingherdizzywithhiskissesandtentativetouches.Notwantingtowaitlonger,sheremovedherthin
silkdressandwasnaked.Sheheardasharpintakeofbreath,andturnedtoseeDomavidlywatchingthe
paironthebed.Hisowntrouserswerebulgingandhiseyesweredilatedwithlust.Evonysmiledatthe
olderwizardbeforeturningbacktotheyounger.
Hyperionstaredathernudityforamoment,butthenreachedforher.Histallleanframecoveredhersas
herenewedhiszealouskisses.HemovedtosuckleonherbreastandEvonyreportedfeelingasifshe
wouldexplodefromanticipation.ShewasbreathingheavilyandaskedHytotakeher.Atthatpoint,the
youngwizardhesitatedandexpressedhisdesiretodoitcorrectly,topleaseherandnothurther.Being
anexceptionallywellendowedwizardwasnotalwayseasy.Evonytriedtoassurehimthathewouldnot
hurther,butHyperionremainedconcerned.
Fromhischair,Dominterjected,breathingheavily.HeinstructedHytoreachbetweenEvony'slegsto
seeifshewasready.Hyperionseemedpleasedtohavedirection,anddidashewastold.Hereportedto
Domthatshewasdrippingwet.Evonymoanedathistouch,archingtogetclosertohim.Domitiusbid
HytoinserttofingersandEvonyhappilyreceivedhislong,nimbledigits.Hemadesureshewaswell
lubricated,andaddedathirdfingeratDom'sbehest,stretchingthepantingwitch.Heworkedupasteady
rhythmwithhisfingers,drivingEvonywild.ShewantedmoreandpleadedforHyperiontogetinside
her.
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DomitiusassuredHyperionthatshewasreadyandinstructedtheyoungwizardtogoslowly,making
Evonygroanherobjection.Shewantedtofeelhiminher,pumpinghardintoherwaitingbodyassoonas
possible.Hydidasdirectedandenteredherslowly,lettinghisnewwifeadjusttohisgirth.Evonyarched
upintohim,tryingtospeeduptheprocess.Shejustwantedtobefilled.Itwassmallsolacethatshewas
notaloneinherimpatiencethatHyperionwaspantingandstrainingwiththeefforttomeasurehis
movements.Dom'svoicewasthickwithlustashepraisedHyforhiscontrolandgavehimpermissionto
startgentlythrusting.
Evonyfeltasifsheweregoingmad.ThesensationsHyperionwascreatingpushedherslowlyup,letting
wonderfultensionbuild.Sheranherhandsoverhisback,downhisarmsnevertiringoffeelinghisskin
againsthers.Shelookeddowntowatchhisthicknessenterthenretreat,shiningwithherslickness.Hy's
paceslowlyincreasedandEvonydemandedhegofaster,harder.Soonhewasplunginginandoutwith
abandon,hernailsdiggingintohisback.Evonyreportedbitinghisshoulderatonepoint.Hyperion
leaneddownandsuckedhardinhertaut,sensitivenipplespushingherovertheedge.Evonydidnot
knowifshehadeverexperiencedanorgasmthatintensebeforeandattributedittotheslowbuildup.
Hyperion'sorgasmquicklyfollowedhersandthetall,youngwizardcollapsedonher,shoutinghername.
Afteramoment,herolledtotheside,allowinghertobreatheeasierashetriedtocatchhisbreath.Evony
didnothavelongtorecoverbecauseDomitiusmovedinquickly,painfullyarousedfromhisroleasthe
directivevoyeur.HehadalreadyremovedhisclothingandEvonycouldseehewasjustasgiftedashis
sonwas.Dompulledhertowardtheedgeofthebed,herrearrestingontheedge.Hethrewherlegs
overhisshouldersandthrustintoherhard.Domwasrelentless,firm,andpurposeful.Henuzzledher
calvessoftlyasherammedintoher,makingherwholebodyshake.Evonyhadnothadtimetorecover
fromherfirstorgasmbeforeDomitiuswasdemandingshehaveanother.Shewascaughtwhollyoff
guardwhenasecond,equallyintenseorgasmsuddenlyrippedthroughher.Domitiusgentlykept
thrustingasshecame,watchingher,beforelettinghimselfgowitharoarofsatisfaction.Evonyreported
feelinghimemptyjetsofwarmthickfluidintoheralreadydrenchedcore.
"Areyouokay?"
Hermionewasstartledbythequestionandjumped,yelpinganddroppingherbook.Sheknockedoverthe
nowcoldcupofteathathadbeenrestingatherelbow.Shehadbeentotallytransportedintothedetailed
storyandforgottenwhereshewas.
"Areyouokay?"Dracorepeated,concernfurrowinghisbrow."Areyouinpain?Youlooktenseand
flushed."
"No,no,"Hermionesqueakedbeforeclearingherthroatandtryingagain."Imfine.Allhealedno
pain."
"Thenwhatisthematter?"Dracoasked,sittingonherloungechair.Hermionewassureshewasblushing
beetred.Shereacheddownforthediaryandrelocatedherpage.SheheldtheopenbookupforDraco
andhetookit.Afterreadingforasecond,hisbrowsshotupandhegrinned."Oh,Isee.Someoneis
readingverynaughtythings."
"Yourfathergavemethisbook,"Hermionedefendedherself.
"Iamsurehedid,"Dracochuckled,runninghishandslightlyupherbareleg.
"ItisadiaryofthelasttriadicLadyMalfoy,"Hermionecontinuedherdefense,strivingtopointoutthat
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shewasnotreadinglasciviousmaterialfornoreason."Thisisresearch!"
Dracothrewhisheadbackandlaughed.
"Isthatwhattheycallitthesedays?"Dracoteased."Research?"
HermioneblushedmoreandswattedlightlyatDraco'sshoulder.
"Ithinkitswonderful,"Dracocontinued,smoothinghispalmsuphershins,acrossherthighs,andtothe
hemofhershorts.Hisfingersdisappearedintohershortsandunderherknickers,lightlybrushingher
wetslit.Hermionegasped."Itmadeyouexcited.Youaresoakingwet.Tellmewhatpartmadeyouthe
mostexcited."
Dracoeasedhershortsandpantsdownherhipsandtossedthemaside.Hermionejustwatchedinalust
filleddazeashepositionedhimselfontheloungechairbetweenherlegs.Helookedheatedlyather
center.
"Tellme,"Dracorepeatedhuskily,lookingupather.
"Itwastheirweddingnight,"Hermionemanaged.
Dracoleaneddownandreturnedhisattentionbetweenherlegs.Herubbedhischeekagainstherinner
thighandhisfingersdancedlightlyoverhercore,makinghergroan.ShedidnotneedDraco'steasing
thebookhadalreadylefthermorethanwanting.
"Theyneededtoconsummatetheunion,"Hermionecontinued.SheknewDracowouldonlyteaseher
unlesssheansweredhisquestion."Hyperionwasavirgin,sohewentfirst."
Dracoincreasedthepressurewithhisfingersandbegangentlythrustingtheminsideher.Hermione
groanedandraisedherhipsinconcertwithhismovements.
"Thenwhat?"herasped,notstoppinghiswonderfulhands.
"Hyperionwasvery...wellendowed,"Hermionecontinued.Dracogaveaselfsatisfiedsmirk,proudof
hisancestors'prowess."Hewasafraidofhurtinghisnewwifeandwasreluctant.Domitiusdirectedfrom
thebedside."
"Didyoulikereadingaboutthat?"Dracopanted,increasinglyhispace.
"Yes,"Hermionemoaned,archingherback.Dracocontinuedwithhisfingersbutaddedhismouth,
flickingherclitwithhistongue."Hydidwellhisfirsttime,restrainedandgentle.Evonywassatisfied.
ShehardlyhadachancetocatchherbreathbeforeDomtookher,hard."
Dracoincreasedhisspeedandthestrengthofhisthrustswhenshesaidhard.Healsostartedalternating
betweenflickingandsuckingonherclit.Hermionewasbreathingheavilynowanddidnotknowifshe
couldcontinuethestory.
"Itmademethinkofourweddingnight,"shemanagedtogasp."Yes,moreDraco."
Hermionecouldfeeltheenormoustensionthathadbeenbuiltup,crestandpeak.Dracoslowedhishands
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downasshecame,gentlypushinginandoutwhilesheclenchedaroundhim.
"Whatabeautifulsight,"sheheardfromthedoorwayasshewastryingtorecoverherbreath.
"Isn'tshegorgeous?"Dracosmiledupathisfatherfrombetweenherlegs.
"Glorious,"LuciusreacheddownandbrushedHermione'snowsweatycurlsoffherforehead."Good
morning,Pet?"
"Glorious,"Hermioneresponded,smilingbroadly.
"Icaughtherbeingquitenaughty,Father,"Dracoteased.
"Oh?"Luciusarchedhisbrow,tryingtolooksternbuthiseyesweredancingwithmirth.
"Shewasreadingadirtybook,Father,"Dracogleefullyreported."Shesaidyougaveittoherfor
researchpurposes,butshewasgettingaroused."
"Tattletale,"Hermionemuttered.
"Ah,"Luciusnoddedwithfauxseriousness."Thatisnaughty.Howarousedwereyou?"
"Shewastense,flushed,andhadsoakedherknickerswhenIfoundher,"DracoputinbeforeHermione
couldrespond.
"WhatwouldyouhavedoneifDracohadn'tcomeacrossyouwhenhedid?"Luciuspurred."Wouldyou
havestartedtouchingyourself,Pet?"
Hermioneblushed.Itwascertainlylikely.
"Merlin,Iwouldvelovedtoseethat,"Dracosighed."Ishouldn'thavesaidanythingjustwatchedtosee
whatwouldhappennext."
"HowsadthatDracodidnotgettoseethat,"Luciusagreed."Howwillyoumakeituptohim,Pet?"
Hermionegrinneddevilishlyandgotup.Shewhippedoffhershirtandwascompletelynaked.
"MaybeDracoshouldtakeaseat.MaybethereissomesmallgestureIcanmake,tocompensatehimfor
missingoutonashow,"Hermionelaughed.Afterall,itwasclearlyDraco'sownfaultthatheinterrupted
her.Shewasgladhehad,becauseselfstimulationjustwasnotthesameashistalentedhandsandmouth.
DracotookHermione'sseatontheloungechair.ShequicklypositionedherselfbetweenDraco'sspread
legsandtookstockofthesubstantialtentinginthepajamapantshehadputonwhenhewoke.
"Iheardyousaythebookmadeyouthinkofourweddingnight,Pet,"Luciussaid,takingaseatonthe
loungechairnexttothem."Whatdidyouthinkof?"
"Iimaginedfinallyhavingyoubothinsideme,"HermionereportedasshefreedDracofromhispants.
Shecaressedhisthicklengthandsmiled.Helookedbeautifulinthebrightmorninglight.Hermione
appreciatedseeinghimbetter.Sheleanedforwardtorubthevelvetyhardnessagainstherbarebreasts
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whileshespoke."Iimaginedwhatitwouldbelike.Woulditbesweetandgentle,orfastandhard?I
imaginedbeingstretchedandfilled."
Draco'seyeswerehalfclosedashepanted,watchingherteasehiscockwithherbreasts.Beadsofcum
werewellingatthetip.Finally,Hermionebentforwardentirelyandstartedplacingsoft,wetkissesalong
hislength.
"Iimaginedthelookoneachofyourfaceswhenyoucomeinsideme,"shecontinued,punctuatingher
wordswithkisses.Dracomoanedandgaveasmallthrustupward.Hermionerespondedtohisnonverbal
pleaandswallowedhisswollenmember.Shemovedhermouthupanddown,suckinghardasshewent
up.
"Merlin,Kittenthat'sit,"Dracorasped."Keepdoingthat."
Hermionelookedupathimwhilesheworked,pleasedatthepained,helplessexpressiononhisface.She
relishedthefactthatshecouldquicklymakethisbeautifulwizardfallapart.Wantingtoseehowfastshe
couldbringhimtorelease,Hermioneincreasedherspeedandreachedahandtohissac.Onesmalltug
andDracoexplodedintohermouth,shoutinghername.Hermionegentlymassagedthebaseofhiscock
whileshelightlysuckledonhim,coaxingouteverylastdrop.
"Fuck,Hermione,"Dracogroaned,squirmingslightlyasshestillsuckedonhissensitivehead.Shewas
prolonginghisorgasmslightlyuntilshewassureshehadeverythinghehadtooffer.Thenshefinally
releasedthesuctionandmadesuretolickhimclean.
"Thisisallmine,Draco,"shesaidsternlywhenshewasdone."AndIwantedeverylastbit."
"Yes,Mistress,"Draconoddedsubmissively.
"Goodboy,"Hermionestrokedhisface."Mybeautifulboy."
Dracosmiledatherpraiseandrubbedhischeckintoherpalm.
"Youreright,Pet,"Luciussmiledcontentedlyfromhisseatnexttothem."Thisisagloriousmorning."
HermionesettledintoDraco'slapashewrappedhisstrongarmsaroundher.Shesmiledhappilyat
Lucius,reachingovertotakehishand.Hefinallylookedrestedandhadthenatural,genuinesmilehe
usedmostlyinprivate.Hermioneknewhewasjusthappytoallbetogether,everyonesafeandhealthy.
Luciusworriedagreatdeal,especiallyaboutlosingthepeoplethatmeantthemosttohim.
"Sleepwell?"Hermioneaskedhim,restingherheadonDraco'schest.
"Idid,"Luciussmiled,threadinghisfingersthroughhersandbaskinginthemorningsun.Hermione
sighedcontentedlyasDracopressedhisfaceintoherhairanddidthesame.
"MissyLady,"Tinkypoppedintotheterrace.Hermionestoppedherautomaticreactiontocoverher
nudity.ElvesdidnotcareaboutnudityatallandTinkyhadbeenaroundwhenshewasgettingdressed
oftenenough."IiswantingtobetellingyouthattheGrangerMugglesareawakeandisgoingtobe
takingbreakfastinthemorningroom."
"Thankyou,Tinky,"Hermionenodded."WillyoutellthemIllbedownshortly?"
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Tinkynoddedandwasgoneinaflash.
"Whatisplannedfortoday?"sheaskedherwizardstodelaymoving.
"TheSkeeterwomanwillbehereatelevenfortheinterviewyouagreedto,"Dracosneered.
"YouhaveamassagescheduledwithMissNerudaattwoo'clockthisafternoon,"Luciusreported.
"Ithinkyourmotherplannedyourpartytostartwithadinneratseven,"Dracoadded."Oursstartsatthe
sametime,inanotherroom.Mugglesaresostrangeinwantingtokeeppeopleapartbeforetheyjoin."
"Mugglestraditionallydidnothavesexbeforemarriage,particularlywomen,"Hermioneexplained."It
mayhavebeenawaytosafeguardthebride'svirginity."
"Howodd,"Luciusmused,liftingtheirentwinedfingersandkissingthebackofHermioneshand.
IguessIbettertakeaquickshowerandgetdressed,Hermionesighedlazilybeforesheextricated
herselffromherwizards.SheretrievedBarnabas,whohadjustwokenfromhisnapandwasstretching
onthemarbletiles.ThislittleguyinsistedonbeingnamedBarnabas.ItriedtocallhimFluffy
Fluffkinsandhetriedtobiteme.
Goodthing,Dracosnorted.Barnabasisafinename.Thatotherthingyousaidismostdefinitely
not.
Areyoubothcomingdownforbreakfast?Hermioneasked,pausinginthedoorway.
Indeed,Luciusnodded.
Wellseeyouinthemorningroomshortly,Dracoagreed.
EndNotes:
Next...areportercomestovisit!
Backtoindex
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Author'sNotes:
Disclaimer:IdonotownHarryPotter.ThatisJKRandIamnother.Imakeno
moneyhere.
Thankstobunnyhopsforhertirelessbetawork!
Now...Hermionemeetswithareporter,amongotherthings.
Chapter38
HermioneleftBarnabasfrolickinginherclothesclosetandwentforaquickshower.Hershowerswere
neverquickenough,becauseherbathroomwastooluxurioustorunthrough.Standinginhertowel,
Hermionestartedlookingforhercomfortableclothes.HeroldQuidditchjerseywasnowheretobe
found,butshedidfindnotsurprisinglyafewSlytheringreenjerseysemblazonedwiththename
Malfoyacrosstheback.Laughing,Hermioneslippedoneonalongwithherwornjeansthenmadeher
waydownstairs.
HermionerescuedaslipperfromBarnabasandtookthetinytroublemakerwithher.Herparentswere
havingbreakfastinthemorningroom,gushingquietlyoverthehouse,thefood,andtheservants.
"Goodmorning,Mum.Goodmorning,Dad,"Hermionesmiledandtookaseatatthesmalltable.It
facedoneofthelargeeastfacingwindowsintheroomandtherewasalovelyviewofthegardensbathed
inmorningsun."Sleepwell?"
"Thisplaceisamazing,"hermothergesturedaroundtotheroom,theview,andthenemphaticallyatthe
breakfastspread."Thoseelvesareamazing!"
"Theyreallydogoodwork,"Hermionenodded.
Asiftoillustrateherstatement,anelfpoppedintotheroom.
"IisbeingcalledSippy,MissyLady,"theelfsqueakednervously."CanIbebringingyouany
breakfast?"
"Justteaforme,Sippy,thankyou,"Hermionesaid,settlingBarnabasinherlap.Hemeowedloudly.
"AndsomemilkforlittleBarnabashere.'
Sippynoddedandwasgone.
"Noteating,Hermione?"Herfatherasked,takingabigbiteofahamquiche."Thefoodhereisgreat!"
"Iknow,"Hermioneagreed."IwokeupearlyandTinkybroughtmebreakfastontheterraceoffmy
room."
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"Goodmorning,Grangers.Helloagain,Kitten,"Dracokissedhercheckashejoinedthematthetable.
SippyreturnedwithafreshpotofteaanddeftlypouredHermioneacup,fixingitexactlyassheliked.
ShethenmadeDracoacupandsetitbeforehimaswell.
"Breakfastplease,Sippy,"Dracoinstructedtheelf."Ifeellikeabigbreakfast.Imfamished.Andhave
someonebringinthepostifyoudon'tmind."
"Rightaway,MasterDraco,"Sippynoddedandwasgone.
"Whatwouldyouliketodotoday?"DracoaskedtheGrangers,sippinghistea.
"Ithoughtwecouldhelpsetupalltheelectronicsandshowyouhowtousethem,"WillGrangerreplied.
"Soundsgreat,"Dracoagreedenthusiastically.Hermioneknewhewantedtoseethatvideogamein
action.
Soonanotherelfpoppedin,bringingwithhimthepost.HeintroducedhimselftoHermioneasPapp.He
wasinchargeofmaintainingthemorningroom,alongwithsomeoftheotherfirstfloorrooms.Shemade
anotetoherselftocreatealistofalltwentyhouseelves,alongwiththeirpositions.Sheseriously
doubtedherabilitytorecalleveryname.
"Papp,Iwouldliketoowlanote,"Hermioneinformedtheelf."MayIhavepieceofparchmentandquill,
please?"
Pappavidlyassured'thenewMissyLady'hewouldprocurethoseitemsimmediately.Hermionechatted
withherparentsaboutthehistoryandrollofmagicalcreatures,suchashouseelveswhileDracosorted
thepost.Hermionehadsomeadditionalgetwellnotes.
Hermione'sfatherwasenthralledwiththeDailyProphet,particularlythemovingphotos.Therewere
severalofHermioneandtheMalfoysleavingSt.Mungosthepreviousevening.WillGrangerwas
readingthearticlealoudtothetablewhenLuciusentered,immaculatelygroomedasusual.Hekissed
Hermionehelloandseatedhimself.HermionepouredhimacupofteaasDracohandedhimthepost
addressedtohim.PappbroughtHermioneherwritinginstrumentsandofferedtowaitsohecouldtake
hernotetotheowleryassoonasitwasready.
"I'minvitingFredatocomeoverearlyforlunch,ifsheisfree,"Hermioneinformedeveryoneandshe
jottedaquickinvitation."Sheissuchanicewitch."
AssoonasPappleft,SippyandTupparrivedwithahugeamountoffoodforDracoandLucius.Itwas
suchacompanionablemorningandmadeHermionehappy.TheMalfoysate,hermotherlingeredover
herownbreakfast,andherfathercontinuedtoreadsnippetsofthepaperaloudashedrankhistea.Her
parentsaskedquestionsabouttheitemsinthenews,especiallywonderingiftheproductsin
advertisementsdidwhattheyclaimedtodo.
Finally,thegroupadjournedtothenewMuggleroom.Itwasstilljustabarewoodfloorandcolorless
walls,exceptnowtherewasastackofboxesinthecenteroftheroom.Hermionethoughtforamoment.
"Well,wearegoingtoneedacarpet,furniture,anddrapes,"JeanGrangerpointedout.
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"Wehaveafairamountofextrafurnitureinstorageintheattics,"Dracooffered.LuciuscalledPiketo
theroomandtheheadelfappearedalmostimmediately.
"Whydon'tyoupickoutwhatweneed,Mum?"Hermionesuggested."Youknowthekindsofthingswe
shouldhave."
"Pike,escortMrs.Grangertothefurniturestorage,"Luciusinstructed."Bringwhatevershewishesback
here.Youwilllikelyneedtoenlistseveralotherstohelp.Wewillneedcarpetsanddrapesaswellas
furniture.Ifthereisanythingwedonthave,wecancertainlypurchaseit."
Hermione'smotherleftwiththeheadelfandherfathersetaboutorganizingtheboxes.Hermionegotout
herwandandcastaspelltomakethewallsadarkred.
"VeryGryffindor,"Dracosnorted.
"Itismyroom,"Hermionesmirked.Herfatherjuststaredathowquicklyshehadaccomplishedcoloring
thewalls.
Hermioneandherfatherstartedopeningboxes.Theystartedwiththetelevision.Asherfatherunpacked
theinstructionsandparts,HermioneshowedtheMalfoysthecharmsshedevelopedtoconvertmagical
energyintoelectricalenergyandtoensureasteadystreamtothemachines.Shealsoshowedthemthe
necessarywardstouse,sothatonlythelittlemagictoprovidepowerwastheonlymagicgettingin.
LuciusandDracoweresuitablyimpressedatthecomplicatedoriginalspellsshehadcreated.Hermione
blushedattheirpraiseandtriedtobrushitoffremindingthemshewentthroughseveralradios,CD
players,andoneothermobilephonebeforeshefiguredeverythingout.
Despitetheirprideinherabilities,bothMalfoysdidwonderifHermioneshouldberestingandnot
exhaustinghermagic.Hermionereassuredthemthatshehadplentyofmagicandwasnotatallfatigued.
ShealsoremindedthemthattheHealershadtoldhertomakesuretoexercisehermagicverywell.
Pikereturnedwiththeheadfirstfloorelf,Tippy,andalovelyoldarmoireforthetelevision.Afewsmall
adjustmentsandthebottomdrawerswerethenewquartersfortheDVDplayerandDraco'snewvideo
gamesystem.Papparrivedshortlywithaverynice,smalldeskforthenewcomputer.Roon,theother
firstfloorjuniorelfwithPapp,broughtanumberofshort,wideshelvingunitstoholdmovies,music,and
justaboutanythingelse.
ItdidnottakelongbeforealltheMugglemachineswereproperlycharmed,warded,andplacedaround
theroom.Finally,Hermione'smotherreturnedwithyetanotherelf.Thisone,calledGogo,lookedasold
asKreacher.Shewasinchargeoflaundryandsewing.ShehadbeenhelpingJeanGrangerchose
carpetinganddrapesfromstorage.TherughadatraditionalEnglishrosepatternthroughout.Theredin
themulticoloredrugwentwellwiththewallsanddidnotlooktoobusy.Thedrapeshappenedtobe
primarilygoldwithsomegreenaccents,makingtheroomveryGryffindorlookingindeed.
Theelvesleft,butsoonreturnedwithaworn,chocolatebrownleathersofaandseveralnice,mismatched
chairs.Hermionegatheredtheelvesandtoldthemtheymustnottrytouseanymagiconthesenew
Muggleitems.Electronicsreallyonlyneededdusting,buttheelveswouldhavetoeitherdoitwithout
magicorletHermionedoitherself.Thelatterwasnotanoption,fromthehorrifiedlooksontheelves
faces.
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Hermione'sparentswereshowingtheMalfoyshowtouseeverythingwhenTippypoppedintoannounce
thatMs.SkeeterhadarrivedtointerviewHermione.
"Showhertothemorningroomandofferherabeverage,butnothingtoeat,"Hermioneinstructed.She
didnotwantthereportergettingtoocomfortable."Illbethereshortly."
"Wouldyoulikeuswithyou,Kitten?"Dracoaskedstoppinghisperusalofthealbumshehadboughtfor
thenewstereo.
"Oh,no.Thereisnoneedforthat,"Hermionewavedhimoff."IcanhandleSkeeteronmyownjust
fine.Sheonlybargainedforaninterviewwithme,Idon'twanttogivehermorethanweagreedto."
"Doyouneedanemptyjar?"Luciusasked,smirking.
"Notyet,"Hermionechuckledasshelefttheroom.
Inthehallway,Hermioneassessedherappearance.Herwornjeanswereverymuchher,andshesawno
reasontochange.Draco'soldSlytherinjerseydemonstratedheralliancetotheMalfoys,asdidher
engagementringandamulet.Hermionemadesureheramuletwasfrontandcenterasapendanthanging
aroundherthroat.
Hermionetookadeepbreathandthenbreezedintothemorningroomasifsheownedtheplace,head
heldhighandreadyforanything.
"GoodMorning,MissSkeeter,"Hermionegreetedthereportergraciously.
"MissGranger,"RitaSkeeternodded."Thankyouforseeingmetoday,sosoonafteryourattack."
"YoumayletyourreadersknowthatIamwellhealedandfullymended,"Hermionerepliedasshesat
acrossfromtheotherwitch.
"Arethereplanstodelaythebondingceremonybecauseoftheincident?"Ritaasked,leaninginasif
preparedtohearasecret.
"Nonewhatsoever,"Hermionereported."ImetwithMadameSelwynyesterdayatSt.Mungos.Ialso
hadmyfinaldressfittingthereandconfirmedtheeventwiththechef,AlfieClaymore.Everythingison
schedulefortomorrow,asfarasIknow."
"Ifyoucouldsaysomethingtoyourattackersnow,whatwoulditbe?"Ritapoisedreadytotakedown
exactlywhatHermionesaid.SheheldherquillatthereadywhileshesatprimlyfacingHermione.It
wasstrangehowoddshelookedwithoutherQuickQuillhangingnearher,sinceHermionehadbanned
theiruse.
"Iwouldprobablyaskthemwhatdeludednotionintheirminisculebrainsgavethemtheideathatthis
wouldbeagoodidea,"Hermionesighed."Eveniftheyhadsucceededinkillingorpermanently
incapacitatingme,didtheythinkIwassofriendlessnottohaveothersseekretributiononmybehalf?
DidtheythinktheMalfoysweregoingtoforgive,forget,andthenacceptasubstitutewitchnotoftheir
choosing?Ifthatwasthecase,thentheydonotknowLuciusorDracoverywell.Malfoysareusedto
gettingwhattheywant,andMerlinhelpthosethattrytotakeitaway."
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"ReportisthatYaxley,AlectoCarrow,andUmbridgewereinverybadshapewhentheyweredelivered
totheauthorities,"Skeeterstated,lookingtoHermionetocomment.Ofcourse,Hermionewasseton
onlyansweringquestions,andthiswasnotaquestion.Finally,Ritarealizedshewasgoingtohaveto
ask."Whatareyourthoughtsonthat?"
"Iwasnotthere,soIcannotcomment,"Hermioneoffered."Imsurethereportgiventotheauthorities
explainswhatoccurred.Ihavenotseenthatreportyet.Generally,Icansaythatwhenpeoplearestupid
enoughtotrytodowhatthisgroupdid,theycanhavelittlehopetheywillescapeunscathed.Iknowthat
ifanyoneattemptedtoharmmyfiancsorotherpeopleIcareabout,Iwouldhavemyvengeance."
"Speakingofvengeance,"Skeeterlitup,"Youaregettingquitethereputation.YoanaYaxleyclaimsthat
youmadeherbaldaftershechallengedyou.AlsoVivienneCrabbearrivedatSt.Mungoswithastrange
cursenoonecouldremoveafterattendingyourengagementparty.EvenoneoftheChiefHealersatSt.
Mungoswas...alteredduringyourstayforchallengingyou.Wouldyoucharacterizeyourselfasa
vindictivewitch?"
"Hmmm,"Hermionewasthoughtful."Iwouldsaysometimes,Iampronetoseekvengeance
particularlyinthemoment.Ihaveatemper,asmostwhoknowmewillsurelyattest.Iamfirminmy
beliefthatactionsshouldhaveconsequences.Peoplecannottrytotakethingsthatdonotbelongtothem
ortreatothersunfairlywithoutconsequence.IliketothinkthatIamnotvengefulinspirit,buttake
opportunitiestoeducateothersabouttheerrorsoftheirways.Idotrytobemindfulofthatpurposeand
notletmypersonalfeelingsswaymetoobadly.Ofcourse,itwouldprobablybeworsefortheother
personiftheymakemeverycross."
"HowdoyoufeelaboutthefactthattwoSlytherinswereinstrumentalinaidingyou?"Skeeterpointed
out."PansyParkinsonpreventedtheattackersfromtakingyouafteryouwereinjured,andMarcusFlint
helpedcapturethoseresponsible."
"PansyandMarcushavebeendearfriendstotheMalfoyfamilyforyearsandIhopewillcontinuetobe,"
Hermionenodded."Iowethembothadebtandamhappytodoso.BotharewonderfulpeoplethatI
havehadtheprivilegeofspendingtimewithrecently.Infact,PansyandIhadlunchandwentshopping
thispastTuesday.IwouldliketopointoutthatHogwarts'houseaffiliationdoesnotneedtobeaboneof
contention.IamproudofbeingaGryffindorandwillalwaysrootformyhouse.ButthatdoesntmeanI
canthavefriendsinotherhousesorthatIcan'tunderstandwhymyfriendsareproudoftheirhouses.I
amnotsimplemindedenoughtobelievethathouseaffiliationalonemakessomeoneagoodorbad
person."
"So,howdoyoufeelthedaybeforeyourweddingtotwoofWizardingBritain'smostdesirable
bachelors?"Ritaasked,changingthesubject.Hermioneknewthereporterwasnotgoingtoletherstay
onhersoapbox,talkingaboutunityandpeacefortoolong.
"Excited,"Hermionegrinnedgenuinely."Fewwitcheswouldn'tbe.Igettohaveaoneinamillion
weddingandIgettomarrytwoofthemostwonderfulwizardsI'veevermet."
"Thisisachangefromseveralmonthsago,youropinionoftheMalfoys,"Ritapointedout."What
causedthischange?"
"Itisn'tanentirelynewopinion,"Hermionereplied."Evenwhenwereonoppositesidesofawar,I
recognizedthatbothMalfoyswereintelligent,powerful,talentedwizards.AndsinceIhadeyes,Icould
acknowledgethatbothwerealwaysverygoodlooking.Ithoughtitwashorriblydisappointingtheywere
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ontheotherside.Workingonthetreatywiththemshowedmethattheycouldchallengemeintellectually
andkeepmeonmytoes.Itwasinfuriating!HarrypointedoutlastweekthathethoughtIfanciedthem
duringthetreatynegotiations,becauseofhowfrustratedtheymademe.Sincebecomingengaged,we
havetakenthetimetogettoknoweachother,bothoneononeandallthreetogetherthathasmadea
largedifference."
"Canyouwalkmethroughyourdaysofar?"Skeeterasked."ThepublicwantstoknowwhatHermione
GrangerdoestoprepareforherweddingtotheMalfoys."
"Well,IwokeupearlyandhadbreakfastontheterraceoffmyroomhereattheManor,"Hermione
smiledrecallingwhatelsehadhappenedontheterrace."TheterracealsoconnectstoDraco'sroom.He
cameoutsideandjoinedmewhenhewokeup,followedbyLucius.Wesatontheterraceforawhile,
enjoyingthequietuntilTinky,oneofthehouseelves,letusknowmyparentswereupandhaving
breakfast.Wewentourseparateways,gotdressed,andreconvenedhereinthemorningroom,wheremy
parentsweredining.Ionlyhadtea.Wewentthroughthepost.Peoplehavesentlovelygetwellnotes,
flowers,andgifts.Ireallyappreciatethesentiments.MyfatherreadusinterestingbitsfromtheProphet.
AsaMuggle,hefindsthewizardingnewsfascinating.ThenallofuswenttosetupmyMuggleroom
hereintheManor.ThatiswhereIleftthemalltocomehereandtalktoyou."
"WhatisaMuggleroom?"Skeeteraskedwithaslighttwingeoffearanddisgustinhereyes.
"ItistheroomwhereIkeepmyMuggleelectronics,"Hermioneexplained,smirking."AsyourMuggle
bornandmanyofyourhalfbloodreadersknow,Muggleshavecompensatedfornothavingmagicin
wonderfulways.Mugglemusic,televisions,andcomputersareenormouslyentertaining,aswellas
educational.LuciusandDracoboughtallthesenewelectronicswithmethisweek.Luciusisespecially
interestedinthetelevisionandvideocamera,whereasDracoverymuchlikesthestereoandvideogames.
Myparentsdon'tknowtoomuchaboutthosegamesandIhaventplayedthemmuch,soDracoisgoing
tohavetowaitforHarry."
"Whatdoyouhaveplannedfortherestoftheday?"Skeeterasked,writingfuriouslysinceHermionehad
forbiddenherusualQuickQuills.
"Lunch,"Hermioneshrugged."ThenamassagewiththeverytalentedFredaNeruda.TheHealer
recommendedmassagetohelprealignmymagicaftersuchseriousinjury.Iplanonrelaxingall
afternoonbeforemyhenparty."
"Henparty?"Ritaaskedconfused.
"Muggleweddingtradition,"Hermionesmiled."Thebridehasahennightwithherfemalefriendsand
familywhilethegroomhasastagnightwithhismalefriendsandfamily.Theycelebratetheendoftheir
single,unattachedlivesusuallywithawildparty."
Ritaaskedmorespecificquestionsabouttheweddingdecor,herdress,wheretheywillbe
honeymooning,andhowHermioneanticipatesacclimatingtolifeasLadyMalfoy.Hermionegaveshort
answers,oftenbecauseshedidnotknowthingslikewheretheywillhoneymoonorhowshewillfitinto
thewizardingnobility.Ritaaskedabouttheengagementpartyandallthegifts.Hermionedidrevealthat
DraconamedhishippogrifffoalKumaandthatsheimprintedonhimjustafewdaysago.Shealsoletthe
reporterknowherlittlekittenwasnamedBarnabas.
"Timeisup,Pet,"Luciussaidfromthedoorway.Asheopenedit,Barnabastumbledin."Thisminibeast
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waslookingforyouanditisalmosttimeforlunch."
HermionewalkedovertoBarnabasandscoopedhimuplaughing.
"WoulditbepossibletoseethisMuggleroomyouspokeof?"Ritaasked.Hermioneponderedfora
moment,scratchingBarnabas.
"Sure,itsrightdownthehall,"Hermionefinallydecided.Shewantedmorepeopletoknowandbe
curiousaboutMuggleculture.Also,ifLuciusreallydidinvestinsomeMugglethingsadaptedtothe
wizardingworld,itmightbegoodadvertising."Itisonyourwayoutanyway."
HermionecuddledBarnabasinthecrookofherarm,loopedherfreearmintoLucius,andleftallowing
RitaSkeetertofollow.TheygottotheMuggleroomandstoodinthedoorway,lettingRitatakeinthe
scene.MorepeoplehadarrivedandweremakingthemostoftheMuggleroom.
"That'sit!"DracoshoutedtoHarryastheyplayedsomeshootingvideogame."Iamgoingtokillyou,
Potter!"
HarrycackledmaniacallyandopenedfireonDraco,muchtoRon'sdelight.Ronhadseenvideogames
beforeandwasalreadycallingnextgame.
SeverusandFredaweresittingwiththeGrangersaroundacirculargametablethathadnotbeenthere
before.TheywereplayingScrabbleonthesetHermionehadpackedfromherroomatherparents'
house.
"Skrewtisnotaword!"JeanGrangerwaschallengingFreda,laughing.
"Itishere,"Severuschuckled."Itisakindofanimal."
KingsleyShackleboltandArthurWeasleyweregoingthroughthealbumnexttothestereo,debating
whichMugglerockbandwasbettertheBeatlesortheRollingStones.
"Areyoudonewithyourinterview,Hermonica?"WillGrangeraskedhisdaughterabsentlyashesorted
hisScrabbletiles.
"Prettymuch,"Hermionesmiled."MissSkeeterwantedtoseewhataMuggleroomlookedlike.She's
neverseenatelevisionorvideogamesystembefore."
"Ah,"WillnoddedsagelywhileHermionepulledupaseatnexttohimandsurveyedhisgamepieces.
JeanGrangerprotestedatWillgettingextrahelpfromtheirdaughter,butdidagreewithHermionethat
hewascertainlytheworstplayer.ThatlefthimfreetofocusonRitaSkeeterstillinthedoorway,alone
nowthatLuciuswenttositbySeverustowatchthegame.
"Soyouarethesensationalistreporterwiththepedestrianwritingthathasbeenpanderingtothelowest,
mostcommonelementbyslanderingmydaughterinthepapers?"Willaskedcalmly,surveyingthe
witch.
"Well,Iwouldn'tputitthatway,"Ritadefendedhaughtily.
"Iwould,"Luciusagreed,narrowinghiseyesatthereporterinthedoorway.
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"Metoo,"Severuschimedin,neverlookingupfromhisownScrabbletiles.
"Thisissomeprettydistinguishedcompanyyoukeep,"Ritaobserved,noddingtowardthestereowhere
KingsleyandArthurwerestilltalking.
"Wehaveallsortsoffriends,"Luciusdrawledwiththatboredtoneheusedinpublicsooften.
"DidyouhavequestionsaboutanyoftheMugglethingsintheroom?"HermioneaskedRita,spellinga
wordforherfather.
RitaSkeeterlookedaroundattheunusualthings.Hermioneimaginedwhatitmustlooklikefromher
pointofview.Figuresonascreenwererunningaround,fireandexplosionsallaroundthem,asthey
werecontrolledbyDracoMalfoyandHarryPotter.Agroupofpeople,includinginfamousDeathEaters
SeverusSnapeandLuciusMalfoy,staredatlittletileswithlettersinsomeMugglespellinggamewith
tworealliveMuggles.TwoofWizardingBritain'shighestrankingofficials,includingthecurrent
MinisterofMagic,wereputtingrounddiscsintoamachine.Soonmusicwasplayingintheroom.
"Oh,IlovetheBeatles,"Fredasmiled.
"Questions,MissSkeeter?"Hermionerepeatedgrinning.Ritajustshookherheadasshecontinued
lookingaround.Thestrangethingsintheroomwerethrowingthenosyreporteroffsomewhat,butitwas
howcomfortablealltheseformerenemieslookedaroundeachotherthatwasprobablythemost
disconcerting.
"Tippy,"Luciuscalled.Theheadfirstfloorelfarrivedimmediately."MissSkeeterhasfinishedher
interview.PleaseshowheroutandmakesureshegoesdirectlytotheApparitionpointwithoutincident."
TheelfveryefficientlywhiskedawaythereporterandHermioneremindedLuciusthathehadsaid
somethingaboutlunch.ScrabblewasputonholdandHermioneofferedthesmallportableCDplayerto
KingsandArthursotheycouldhavemusicwiththeirlunch.ItwasmuchhardertopryDraco,Harry,and
Ronawayfromthevideogameasisoftenthecasewithboystheirage.
Itwasalovelydayoutsideandabuffetwassetuponthelawn.Alargetablewassimplydressedandhad
pitchersofvariousdrinks,aswellasfreshflowersfromthegarden.Therewasenoughfoodtofeeda
smallarmyontheplattersofsandwiches,bowlsofsalads,andabundanceoffreshfruit.Kingsleyand
Arthurhadcomeoveronbusinessbutwerehappytohavelunchaswell.Theywantedtoupdate
Hermioneonthestatusofherattackers.AllfourweresafelyawayinAzkaban,wheretheywouldremain
untiltheirtrials.KingsleyhaddecidedthatthetrialswouldstartthreeweeksfromMondaysoitwould
notinterferewithHermione'shoneymooninanyway.Arthurwasplanningonusingpartsofthenew
treatythatmakesitacrimetotargetapersonbecauseoftheirbloodstatus.Thatwouldbeaddedtothe
chargesofAttemptedMurder,ConspiracytoCommitMurder,andViolatingaMarriageContract.
Hermionewasinterestedtoseehowthenewhatecrimelawsweregoingtowork.
Harry,Ron,andSeverushadcomeovertocheckonHermionetomakesureshewasrecovered,although
allhadbeenquicklydistractedbyotherthings.HarryandRonwereeagertogetbacktoplayingvideo
gamesandSeveruswassittingnexttoFreda,actuallysmiling.
Afteraverynicefriendlylunchfilledwithlaughterandgoodconversation,HermioneandFredawent
upstairsforthemassage.TinkyhadsetupFreda'stableontheterraceoutsideHermione'sroomsothey
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couldhavesomeprivacy,butstillenjoythewonderfulsummerday.
"Thankyouforcomingonsuchshortnotice,"Hermionethankedtheotherwitchastheywalked.
"Itismypleasure,"Fredaassuredher."Iamhappytodoanythingtohelpafterallthathashappened.
Severussaidthatyoualmostdied."
"Iguessso,"Hermioneagreed."Iwasn'tconscious,butfromwhattheytellmeitwasverydireforatime
whenthebloodreplenishingpotionsweren'ttakinghold.Itmusthavebeenhorribleformyfriendsand
familytohavetoexperiencethat,beingscaredthatIwoulddieandnotknowingwhattodo.Iamafraid
itwasveryhardonLuciusandDraco,soIapologizeifLucius'requestforyourservicestodaywasmore
ofademandthanarequest."
"Don'tworryaboutthat,"Fredalaughed,makingHermionesureshewasrightinherguessaboutLucius'
tone."LikeIsaid,IamhappyIcanbeofhelp.TheHealerwasrightinrecommendingmagicalmassage
aftersuchanevent.Injurylikeyourscandisrupttheflowofmagic.Wewillmakesuretherearen'tany
smallresidualblockages."
HermioneundressedinherroomandputonherrobewhileFredamadesureeverythingwassetup
properly.Comingoutside,Hermionenoticedasmallcanopywasplacedoverthetable,creatingalovely
shadedspot.DroppingherrobeandgettingunderthesheetFredaheldupforher,Hermionegiggled.
"What?"Fredaasked.
"IjustthoughtitwasfunnythatthisisthesecondtimeI'vebeennakedonthisterracetoday,"Hermione
chuckled.
"SothingsaregoingwellwithyourfiancsItakeit,"Fredateasedlightly.
"Very,"Hermionesighedhappily.HerhappysighturnedintoahappymoanasFredabegantowork."Do
youmindifIaskhowthingsaregoingwithSeverus?Iunderstandyoutwohaveseeneachotheronceor
twicesincethepartylastweekend."
"Youunderstandcorrectly,"Fredashared."Heissuchaninterestingwizard!Idon'tthinkIcould
possiblyhaveadulltimeinhiscompany.Heisalsostraightforwardandhonest.Ilikehimverymuch."
"Iamglad,"Hermionesaidblissfully."Helikesyoutoo."
"Ihopeso,"Fredasighed."Youhushnowandconcentrateonrelaxingeverymuscleinyourbody."
SoonHermionewassorelaxed,shefeltlikejelly.Fredausedlavender,vanilla,andmintmassageoil
thatsmelledwonderful,relaxedhermuscles,butalsostimulatedhermagic.Thetalentedwitchhadbeen
rightaboutrelaxingeverymuscleinHermione'sbody.Fredamassagedeverypartofherfromhertoesto
herscalp.HermionefelthermagichummingcontentedlyandthankedFredaforherhelp.
HermionedecidedtotakeanapafterhermassageandFredasaidgoodbye,althoughshewouldbeback
thateveningfortheparty.Hermionedidnotevenchangeoutofherrobe,butgotintobedanddriftedoff
tosleepontopofhercovers,wonderingwhatkindofpartyhermotherhadplanned.
Hermionefeltherrobebeinguntiedandhernakednessexposedtotheair.Herskingoosebumpedand
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hernipplestightened.
"Sobeautiful,"sheheardLuciuswhisperashesmoothedhislarge,stronghandsoverherribcageand
sternum.
Hermionesmiled,butdidnotopenhereyes.
"Yourskinisglowing,"Luciusobserved,runninghishandsbackdownhertorso.Thistimehecaressed
bothherbreastsbeforemovingdowntoherstomach.
"Itisthemassageoil,"shesaid,eyesstillclosed.Shefelthistongueflickoneofhernipplesandgasped,
archingherbackupwardsintothesensation.Hequicklymovedontotheothernipple,flickingitwiththe
tipofhistongue.
"Icameuptoseeifyouwerestillsleeping,becauseitissixo'clock.InsteadIsawthiswonderfulpresent
onthebed,justwaitingtobeunwrapped,"Luciuspurred,dragginghisnoseupthevalleybetweenher
breasts.
"Howluckyforthebothofus,"Hermionebreathed,craninghernecksoLuciuscouldcontinuehistrek
uphersternum,neck,andtoherears.Sureenough,shefelthisteethgentlygripherearlobe.
"Youevenhavetheoilhere,"Luciussaidbeforelickingupherneckwithaflattongue.
"Fredawasthorough,"Hermionegroaned,wrappingherarmsaroundLucius.Thesolid,talllengthofhis
clothedbodypressedagainsthernakedone.Therewassomethingthatfeltnaughtyaboutbeingtotally
nude,whileLuciuswasfullydressed.
"Howthorough?"Luciusaskedasheleanedtothesidesohewasnolongerfullyatopher.Hishand
snakedinbetweentheirbodiesandrubbedherinnerthigh."Thereisoilheretoo.Doesitgofurther
up?"
Hermionemoanedashepushedhishandslowlyupherthigh,finallycomingtothejuncturebetweenher
legs.
"No,myLord,"Hermionemoaned,spreadingherlegsapartsothatLuciuscouldtouchherthewayshe
wanted."NooneisallowedtotouchmethereexceptforyouandDraco."
"Yes,"Luciushissed.Hisfingersbrushedoverherslit,spreadingthewetnessaround.Thenheteased
herentrancewithhisfingers."Thatsmygoodgirl.Aftertomorrowyouwillbeallours,forever,andwe
willbeallyours."
Luciusstartedpumpinghisfingersinandoutofher.Theyglistenedwithherwetnessandhebrushedher
clitwithhisthumbeveryotherstroke.Hermionereacheddownandfoundhishardnesspressingagainst
herhip.Shemanagedtoworkherhandintohistrousersandgriphiscock.Hewasthickandrockhard.
Hermionebeganspreadingaroundthedropsoffluidonthetip.
Luciusnippedandsuckedonherneckastheydroveeachotherhigherandhigherwiththeirhands.
HermionethreadedherfreehandintoLucius'longblondhairandguidedhimtohermouth.Hislips
crashedintohersandtheykissedeachother,asferventlyastheirhandsmoved.Hermionecamefirst,
tearingherlipsawayfromLucius'andscreaminghisnamewithherrelease.Herbodytensedandshe
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tightenedhergriponhisthrobbingshaft.Hethrustafewtimesintohertightenedholdandgruntedhis
ownrelease.Hermionefeltwarmliquidcoverherhand.
"Ithoughtyoujustcameuptocheckonher,Father,"HermioneheardDracochucklefromthedoorway.
"Ourwitchisirresistible,"Luciussmirkedasherolledawayontohisback,catchinghisbreath.
Hermioneproppedherselfuponherelbows,andlookedatDracointhedoorway.Neverbreakingeye
contact,sheliftedupherwethandandslowlylickedoffLucius'come.NexttoherLuciusgroanedatthe
sight.Dracowalkedintotheroom,staringathermouth.
"Youlookallshinyandoiled,"Dracosaidhuskilyasheneared,nowfocusedonherbare,gleaming
chest.
"Massageoil,"Luciussighed."Itmadetheirresistible,totallyimpossibletowalkawayfrom."
"Iwillpacksomeofthatforourtrip,"Dracosaid,sittingonthebednexttoHermione.
"Whathaseveryonebeenuptothisafternoon?"Hermioneasked,recliningbackonherpillow.
"YourmothertrouncedeveryoneinthatScramblewordgameafterlunch,"Dracoreplied,runninghis
fingertipsoverHermione'sbarelegstillfocusedonheroiledskin."Harrybeatmeatthevideogame,
butitwasmyfirsttimeplaying.HemassacredWeasleythough,whichwasjustexcellent.Thenyour
mothergotwithTinkytofinishorganizingyourpartyforthisevening.YourfatherandSeverus
organizedthisstagpartyforus.HarryandRonsaidthemostinterestingthing.ApparentlytheseMuggle
stagnightsoftenincludenakedormostlynakedfemalestodanceforthegroom."
"Ohtheydid,didthey?"Hermionenarrowedhereyesandcrossedherarmsoverherchest.
"Indeed,"Luciussmirked.
"Well,ifyoudohavestrippersIpreferifyoudonottouchorallowthemtotouchyou,"Hermione
huffed."Idon'twanttothinkaboutsomeonetouchingmywizards."
"Thereisnootherwitchthatcouldbegintocomparetoourwitch,"Luciuspuffedupwithpride.
"Especiallyallnakedandoileduplikeyouarenow,"Dracoadded,lustroughinghisvoice.Hewasstill
dancinghisfingersupanddownherleg."Thisrighthere,iswhatIwillbethinkingabouttonight."
"Thisandtomorrownight,"Luciusagreed."Icannotwaitforourweddingnight."
"Youarenttheonlyone,"DracosaidemphaticallybeforeturningtoHermione,aconcernedlookonhis
face."Haveyougivenmorethoughtaboutwhatyouwanttodotomorrownight,Kitten?"
"Youmeanbesidesshagyoubothstupid?"Hermionesmiled.TheMalfoyschuckledandnodded."Well,
weonlygetonefirsttimetogether.IknowIwantyouboththere,nothaveonepersonwaitalonewhileI
amwiththeother.Ireadthatinoneofthetriadmarriagebooks,butitseemedverysad.Thequestionis,
doyoutaketurns?Ifso,whoisfirst?Wedonthavetodecidewhoisfirstifyou...bothgoatthesame
time.Honestly,thathasmeabitnervous.I'veneverdonethatbefore."
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"Whydon'tyoustopthinkingaboutit,Pet?"Luciusoffered."Weknowwewillallthreebetogether,that
isallweneedtoknowfornow.Thespecificsofhowwewillconsummateourmarriagemightbebetter
lefttoaninthemomentdecision.Tomorrownightyoucandecidetodowhateverfeelsrightatthe
time."
"Thatsoundsentirelyreasonable,"Hermionesmiled.
"Fatherisasmartwizard,"Dracogrinned,kissingHermioneonthelips."Youbettergowashthatoiloff
beforeIravageyou,strangeMuggleweddingpartiesbedamned."
Dracogotupwithanotherpartingkiss.Luciusalsokissedhergoodbye.
"Begood!"Hermionecalledoutafterthem,andthenthoughtbetterofit."Well,beasgoodasMalfoys
canbe!"
HermionerestedamomentandthoughtoverwhatLuciushadsaid.Shewouldlistentohergutontheir
weddingnight.Ithadservedherwellsofar,andsheknewneitherMalfoywouldpressurehertodo
somethingsexuallythatshewouldreallyregretlater.Bothpushedherboundariesinverydifferentways,
butshehadthoroughlyenjoyedthetimetheyspenttogethersofar.
EndNotes:
Next...abacheloretteparty!OrhenpartyastheBritssay!Naughtinessensues.
Backtoindex
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Author'sNotes:
Disclaimer:IdonotownHarryPotterandmakenomoney!
Thankstobunnyhopsforthewonderfulbetawork.ShefindsallthecommasI
miss!
Now...preweddingdebauchary!
Chapter39
Afterafewminutesoflounging,Hermionewenttoshower.Shequicklywashedoffthemassageoilfrom
herskinandthebitsthathadgotinherhair.Freshandclean,shestoodinherexpansivedressingroom
thinkingofwhattowear.Sheknewthepartywouldstartwithdinnerandthenhadnoideahowitwould
proceed.TheywerestayingattheManor,shehadbeenassured,sofeltcomfortablegoingoutsideher
usualcomfortzone.
HermioneslippedonthecottoncandypinkdressthatPansyhadpickedoutforherwhentheyhadgone
shopping.Itwasstraplessandveryshort.Alargebowmadeupthebustlineandtheribbonswerethe
frontofthedress.Shelookedlikeapresenttobeunwrapped,whichmadehergiggle,sincethatiswhat
Luciussaidshelookedlikeinherrobe.HermioneopenedherdrawersofjewelrytheMalfoyshadfilled
forherandfoundalarge,wonderfullyostentatiouslookingsetofpinkdiamondssetinacascading
necklaceandmatchingearrings.Sparklingsilverypinkpeeptoeheelswerethefinishing
touch.Hermionepinnedherhairupandimaginedheramuletasasimpleheadband,thelargediamond
invisible.
TinkyinformedherthateveryonewasinthelargedrawingroomandHermionemadeherway
downstairs.Standinginthedoorway,HermionesawthatTinkywasrighteveryonewasinthedrawing
roomminglingandhavingdrinks.LuciusandDracowerethere,lookingimpeccablytailoredasalways,
alongwiththeirstagpartyguests.Hermione'sfatherandSeveruswerethereofcourse,alongwithHarry
andRon,FredandGeorge,BillandPercyWeasley,aswellasNevilleLongbottom.Blaise,Marcus,
TheoNott,AdrianPuceyandGregGoylewerepresent.Kingsley,Remus,andtheelderNottwerealsoin
attendancealongwithsomemembersofthearistocracywhoHermionedidnotknowaswell.She
recognizedLordsGreengrassandPucey.ItappearedthattheMalfoyshadabouttwentyguests.
Intermingledwithallthosewizardswereafairnumberofwitches.Hermionesawhermotherofcourse,
alongwithLuna,PansyandPadma,GinnyWeasley,LavenderBrownandPavarti,aswellasFleur
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Weasley.DaphneGreengrass,TraceyDavis,andChoChangwerealsopresent.Hermionewashappyto
seeFredaandwassurprisedtoseebothAndromedaTonksandMinervaMcGonagall.
Predictably,theMalfoysspiedherfirst,andmadeabeelinetoher.Intandem,theyeachkissedoneofher
cheeks.DracowrappedhisarmaroundherwaistandpressedhisfaceintoherhairwhileLuciustookher
handandhelditout,steppingbacktotakeanotherlookather.
"Imustwasmistakenearlier,Pet,whenIsaidyouwereapresentthatneededtobeunwrapped,"Lucius
purred."NowyoulooklikeChristmasandmybirthdayallrolledupinone."
"Gorgeous,Kitten,"Dracomurmuredinherear,"Justlikeaprincess."
"Allright,knockitoff,"Pansyinterjected,reachingoutandgrabbingHermione'sfreehandandpulling
herawayfromherfiancs."Youcanbedisgustinglyadoringtoyournewwifetomorrownightandthen
fortwoweeksonyourhoneymoon,wherenoonehastowatch."
"Attention,please,"WillGrangersaidloudly,clinkinghisglasswithafork."Forthoseofyouwhodon't
know,IamWillGrangerandthisismywife,Jean.WeareHermione'sparents.Wehaveorganizedtwo
partiestonight,asisMuggletradition.Muggleshaveanallmalestagpartyforthegroomandanall
femalehenpartyforthebride.Itisatimeforthefolksgettingmarriedtocelebrate,ormournasthecase
maybe,theendoftheirsinglelifeandtogetadviceintheirupcomingmarriage."
"Thebride'sparties,inMuggleculture,tendtobequiteraucous,"JeanGrangerexplained."Thereisalot
ofdrinkingalcoholandsometimesdancing.Therearealsosexthemedjokes,decorations,games,
entertainment,andgifts.Thegoalistoembarrassthebrideandprepareherfortheweddingnight.It
usedtobeverycommonforMugglebridestobevirginsuntilmarriage,butthathaschangedsomewhat
inthelastseveralgenerations."
"Groom'spartiesinMuggleculturearealsoraucous,butinadifferentway,"WillGranger
explained."Mugglemenspendtheeveningdoingallthethingstheirnewwivesarelikelytofrownupon
oncetheyaremarried.Theydrinkexcessively,smokecigars,gambleandtraditionallywatchstrange
femalesdancenude."
Severaloftheyoungerwizardswhoopedandcheered,whilePansyaskedifshecouldswitchparties
earningherselfaswatfromPadma.
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"Theladieswillstartwithdinnerintheconservatory,whilethegentlemenhavetheirsinthedining
room,"JeanGrangercontinued,ignoringtheyoungwizards."Thentheladieswilladjourntothegold
drawingroom,whilethegentlemenwillgotothegentlemen'sloungefittinglyenough.Inthemean
time,mingleanddrink."
"Itoldyouthisdresswouldbeperfectonyou,"PansysmirkedtoHermioneasshehandedheraglassof
pinkchampagneandwhirledherfurtherawayfromtheMalfoys.
Hermionelaughedandallowedherselftobepulledaway.Shemingledhappilywiththeguests,making
suretoseeallofhermalefriends,sinceshewasnotlikelytoseethemagaintherestofthenight.Blaise
tooktheopportunitytohitonheronelasttime,earninghimawallopfromMarcus.FredandGeorge
hintedthattheycontributedsomepartyfavorstoherhennight,makingHermioneinstantlywary.Harry
andRonbothgotanelbowintheribsfromHermionefortellingtheMalfoysaboutstrippers.
Soonitwaseighto'clockandthegroupswenttheirseparateways.Dinnerintheconservatorywas
lovely.Freshflowersandcandlesdecoratedtheroom.Theelvesbroughtincourseaftercourseoflight,
deliciousfood,andthewineflowedfreely.ThewitchespresentwerecuriousaboutMugglewedding
traditionsandHermione'smotherfieldedmanyquestions.Thewitchesseemedtowanttodothehen
partytherightway,togetintothespiritofit.TheyquicklybeganteasingHermioneandmakinglewd
jokes,particularlyasmorewinewasconsumed.
Everyonewasnicelytipsywhentheylefttohavedessertinthedrawingroom.Dessertwasthemost
bountifulcoursewithallsortsofsweets,tarts,cake,andicecream.Tablesweresetwithtiersofthe
dessertsineveryimaginableflavor.Thenormallyornategolddrawingroomwasevenmorevividwith
metallicpinkandgoldstreamers.Goldtwinklelightsslowlyfloatedoverhead.
Alltheladiesseatedthemselvesonthecouchesandchairssetaroundtheroom.Hermione'smotherstood
upwithLunaandthankedeveryoneforcoming.Lunareportedthattheyhaddevelopedathemecocktail
thattheelveswouldbepassingaround.Tinkypoppedinwithalargetrayfilledwithgreenandpink
cocktailsinmartiniglassesrimmedwithsparklingsugar.Tinkyalsoworeasmallplastictiarawithpink
plasticstones.Onthetraywasastackofmoreplastictiarasforeachguest.
"Thesearesweetandsourlimeadeandpinklemonademartini,"Lunasaidwithasmile."Thepinkand
greenrepresentsthetwoschoolhousesofthebrideandgrooms.Thesweetandsourissupposedto
representtheirpersonalitiesbutIveforgottenwhowassupposedtobewhich."
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SeveralwitchesgiggledatLuna.Tinkysetextradrinksoutinaprettydisplayonanemptytable.
"First,wewillplayagame,thenHermionewillopenpresents,"Lunahappilyannounced."Oh!Thereis
anothergameforustoplaythroughoutthenight.ItiscalledLooseLips!Therearefiveforbiddenwords
nooneisallowedtosaytonight.Ifyousayone,sparkswillshootupfromyourtiaraandyoumusthave
thisthingMugglescallaJellOshot.Itisagelatindessertmadewithalcohol.TinkyputtheJellOshots
overthere."
Hermioneandtheotherwitchescranedtoseethetable.Sureenough,therewasatrayofverysmallclear
glassesfilledwithalldifferentcolorsofJellO.
"Whatarethewordswecantsay?"McGonagallasked.
"Malfoy,bride,wedding,fianc,andthree,"Lunaresponded."Nowwepinthepenisonthewizard!"
LunapointedtotheotherendoftheroomwhereHermione'smotherwasstandinginfrontofaposterofa
naked,wellmuscled,attractivemanmissingoneveryimportantappendage.JeanGrangerheldupa
goodsizedpenisandasparklingpinksleepmask.
"Whoisfirst?"Jeanasked.Laughing,LavenderandPavartipushedHermionetowardthetarget.Her
motherhandedherthecardboardphallus,smilingasifthathappenedeveryday.
"Howaboutit,Hermione?IstheMalfoyequipmentsmallerthanthat?"Lavendercalledout.
BeforeHermionecouldsayanything,pinksparklesshotupfromLavender'sheadlikeminifireworks.
"Yousaidaforbiddenword,"LunasangasTinkypresentedatrayofshotstoLavender,soshecould
pickherflavor.Lavenderpickedupredandtriedtodrinkit,buttheJellOstayedinthecup.
"Youhavetoswirlyourtonguearoundtheedgetoloosenit,"Hermione'smotherpipedin."Thatispart
oftheobscenefun."
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Lavenderdidasinstructedandtheotherwitcheswatchedinanticipation.Lavenderatethesweet
alcoholictreatandsmiledbroadly.
"Thatsgood!"shetoldtheothers.
Gettingbacktothegame,HermioneslippedontheblindfoldandLunaspunheraroundthreetimes.
Disoriented,Hermionetriedherbest,butendeduppinningthepenistotheman'sabdomen.Ginnyand
Chowerefurtherofftarget.Daphnewastheworst,stickingitonhisneck.AndromedaandMinervaboth
gotcloseandclaimedthatagehadmadethemexpertsatwhereallthebitswerekept.Lavender,Pavarti,
Padma,andFredagotaboutascloseasHermionehad.Pansyabstained,reportingthatshetriedpenisthe
onetime,andreallydidnotfindittoherliking.Fleurwonthegame,gettingthepiecealmostexactly
whereitwassupposedtogoleadingtoafewjokesaboutBillbeingluckythathiswifecouldfindwhat
sheneededtogetthejobdone,evenblindfolded.Forhertriumph,FleurwonasetofMugglesexgames,
includingsexdicewithinstructionsandanaughtycardgamedesignedtoleaveplayersnaked.
Inthecourseofthegame,sixmorewitchesspokeforbiddenwordsandhadtodoashot.Hermionewas
sureshewouldneverforgetthesiteofhersternexprofessorsuckingagrapeJellOshotfromacup.The
pinklemonademartiniswerealsoflowingandmosteveryonewasrathersauced.
Hermionesattoopenpresentswhiletheguestswatchedwithdrunkenlyraptattention.Theyhadbeen
informedthatgiftsattheseeventsweregenerallylittletokensthatwerefunnyand/orsexualin
nature.Theylaughed,squealed,oohedandaahed,andmadejokesasHermioneunwrapped
gifts.HermioneopenedediblebodyglitterfromLavenderandakittopaintchocolateonanotherperson
fromPavarti.Fredagaveherabasketofbathsaltstorepairsoremusclesandmassageoils.Hermione
exclaimedhowhandythosethingswouldbe,makingtheothersbreakoutinlaughter.Andromeda
giggledthatwithtwowizardstohandle,especiallyMalfoyswhowererumoredtobequitegifted,
Hermionewouldcertainlyneedtorelaxhermuscles.Thisledtoanotherroundoflaughterand
AndromedahavingtodoaJellOshotforsayingMalfoy.
PansyandPadmawentintogetheronsomevery,verynicelingeriethatwasalsovery,verynaughty.It
wasnotmadetobeunderclothesitwasclearlyjustforsex.Therewasaseethroughminidresswitha
corsetedtopalongwithgarters,nylons,andaverytinythong.Thewholeensemblewasawonderful
goldenhue.Minervagaveherabookontriadicsexualpositionswithmovingsketchesthatmade
Hermioneblush.SheblushedevenharderwhensheopenedLuna'sgiftof'ABeginnersGuideto
DominationandSubmission'pairedwithsoftrestraintsandaridingcrop.Thewitchesdemandedthat
bothbooksbepassedaroundsoeveryonecouldlookthroughthem.Pansysnatchedupthebooksand
castaprotectionspell,tokeepthedrunkenwitchesfromdamagingbyspilling.Pansythenpassedout
littlepiecesofparchmentsoeveryonecouldmarkpositionsandtechniquesforHermionetotryonher
honeymoon.
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Andromedagaveherapairofcandlescharmedtosmelllikewhateverapersonfindsmostsexually
appealing.Ginnyhadgivenheradaydreamcharm,setuptobeadirtydaydreaminwhichtheMalfoys
wouldbepiratesandHermione'sshipwouldbeboardedamongotherthings.Hermionecackled
drunkenly,imaginingtheMalfoysaspiratessailingthesevenseas.Shewonderedaloudifoneofthe
Malfoyswouldhaveaneyepatch,triggeringtheJellOshotgame.Hermionetookalimeshot,laughing.
ShewashappyGinnywashereandhavingagoodtime.Hermionereallydidhopesheandthefemale
Weasleychildcouldbefriends.Atthispoint,peopleweresotipsytheyhadforgottenwhichwordswere
forbidden.ThatmeanttiaraswereshootingoffsparksandTinkywaspoppingupwithatrayofshots
everyfewminutes.
HermionewentontoopenaphrodisiacchocolatesfromCho.Theyweresupposedtoprovidepeople
withamild,temporarylustwheneaten.DaphneandTraceysaidtheyhadcoordinatedtheirgifts,one
wrappedinsilverandtheotheringold.Openingthesilverfirst,Hermionefoundtwooutfits.One
lookedlikeascantyharemgirlcostumeprimarilymadeofaredbikiniwithgoldsheerpanelsthat
balloonedoverthelegsleavinghertorsoandarmsbare.TheotheroutfithadHermioneabitconfused
sinceitlookedjustlikeaHogwartsSlytherinschooluniform.HoldingitupHermionesawthisskirtwas
significantlyshorterandthewhiteblousewasmissingbuttonsatthetop,makingitsothatherrearwould
bebarelycoveredandhercleavagewouldpracticallyhangoutofthething.
"Ohmy!"Hermionemarveled,holdingitup.
"Nowyoucanplayslavegirlornaughtyschoolgirl!Howlovely,"Lunalaughedclapping.Alltheother
witcheslaughedandurgedHermionetoopenthegoldbox.
Sureenough,thegoldboxalsocontainedtwooutfits.ThefirstwasamuchmodifiedAuror'srobethat
wasveryshortandsheerinseveralplaces,justcoveringtheimportantbits.Thesecondoutfitlookedjust
likeaHogwartsGryffindorschooluniform,andwasmodifiedinthesamewayastheSlytherinone.
"Iwonderwhichschooluniformtheywouldchooseforyou?"Pavartigiggled.
"MymoneyisontheGryffindor,"Fleurlaughed."TheMalfoyshavetheirfieryGryffindorandtheydon't
wanttogivethatup."
HermioneopenedabeautifulrobefromFleurandthelastgiftwasfromhermother.Itwasaverynice
redleatherjournalthathermothersuggestedcouldbeaplacetowriteabouthermarriage.Drunkand
happyHermionehuggedhermotherhard.
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Lunaannouncedthatthenextgamewouldbeaworstdatecontest.Everyonewithabaddatewasinvited
toshareandthewinnerwouldgetaprize.HermionecontributedheronedatewithCormac
McLaggen.PansytoldaboutadatewithawitchwhoaffectedafakeFrenchaccentallnightandkept
mispronouncingactualFrenchwords.Daphnecameinsecondwithastoryofawizardwhoarrivedlate,
insistedondividingthebillfordinnerbasedonwhattheyeachordereddowntotheknut,andthen
flossedhisteethatthetable.FirstplacewenttoAndromeda,whohadonceagreedtoadatewitha
wizardwhobroughthismothertodinner,wasveryattentivetohismotherallthroughthemealwhilehe
ignoredAndromeda,thentriedtomakeoutwithAndromedainherfamilydrawingroomalsointhe
presenceofhismother!Hermione'smotherpresentedAndromedawithherprize,abrightpurpledildo
andasmallbookentitled'TheIndependentWoman'sGuidetoSelfSatisfaction.'Ofcourse,thismade
theroomeruptwithlaughter.
TheybrokeintothreeteamsoffivefordirtyPictionary.ItturnedoutthatFredahadarealflairforthe
gameandledherteamtovictorydrawingMultipleOrgasms.Thewinningteameachgotacopyofthe
KamaSutra.Hermionehadadifficulttimewithherclue,SexKitten,becauseshewasahorrible
artist.Ginny'srenditionofForeplayhadeveryonerollingwithlaughter,asdidLuna'sBondagebut
thatwasbecauseitwascompletelyunintelligible.
TheywerestilllaughingatLuna'sattemptsatdrawingwhentherewasaknockonthedoor.
"Hermionedear,seewhoitiswontyou?"hermothergrinnedmischievously.
"Okay,"Hermioneagreedskepticallyandgotuptoopenthedoor.OntheothersidewasTinkyanda
veryhandsomewizardwearingformalrobes.Hewastall,tanned,hadbeautifulcheekbones,andhad
neatblackhair.
"CanIhelpyou?"Hermioneasked,confused.
"Iamhereforzeeparty,"thewizardsaidinaFrenchaccenteventhickerthanFleur's.Thegentleman
strodepastHermioneintotheroomwherethesurprisinglyquietwitcheswatchedhim.
"Iamafraidyouhavethewrongparty,"Hermionetriedtoexplain."Thewizard'spartyisdownthehall."
BythetimeHermionefinishedtalking,hewasinthecenteroftheroom.
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"Itinkzisiszeerightplaceforme,"thewizardsaid,winkingatHermione.Next,hehadhiswandout
andthumpingdancemusicfilledtheair.Thestrangewizardtwirledoffhisrobeandbegandancing.
Theroomeruptedinsquealingandshrieking.Hermionewasdraggedovertoachairfrontandcenterto
theaction,herjawstillhangingopen.Thedancergyratedhishipsasheslowlyunbuttonedhisshirt.His
barechestwastannedandrippledwithmuscles.HewentuptoMinervaanddraggedherhandacrosshis
hardpectorals.Hermionecouldhaveswornshesawtheolderwomanblush.Finally,aftertheshirtwas
totallyoff,heunbuttonedthetopofhistrousers,teasingthewitcheswhoweregenerallydrunkand
screamingformore.Severalothersgavehimagoodrubdown.HermionethoughtshesawLavender
pinchhisrear.Ofcourse,Pansylookedgenerallyindifferent,butsurveyedthescenewithamusement.
HespunandthrusthiswayovertoHermione,butsherefrainedfromrubbingthestripper,sinceshehad
askedthatherfiancsalsolookbutnottouch.ThestrippersteppedbackfromHermione,rubbedhis
handsdownhisthighsseductivelyandrippedhistrousersrightoffleavinghiminverybriefskintight
pants.Theroomcollectivelywentwild.
Hermioneappreciatedtheveryattractivemostlynakedwizardrightalongwiththeotherwitches,buthe
didnotmovehertoexcitementthesamewayherwizardsdid.Someofherguests,however,seemed
veryexcitedmakingHermionelaugh.Thewizarddidaverygoodjobofflirtingandlightlytouching
hisdrunkenfans,withoutstayinginonespotfortoolongorpayingmoreattentiontoanyonewitch.
Eventuallythesongendedandthestripperbowedtocatcalls,whistling,andcheers.
"Hello,"Hermionesaid,walkinguptothewizardhandoutstretched."ImHermioneGranger."
"Enchant,Mademoiselle,"hetookherhand,bowedslightly,andkissedtheback."IamAlaine."
"Youdidawonderfuljob,Alaine,veryentertaining,"Hermionesmiled.
"I'llsay,"Daphnegiggled."I'mDaphne."
Thewitcheswentaroundtheroomandintroducedthemselves.AlaineandFleurspokebrieflyinFrench
andChoaskedhimtoshowherhowtodothespinningmovehehaddonetowardtheend.Cho'squestion
turnedintoaveryspirited,impromptustripclassthathadthewitcheslaughinguproariously.Soon
everyonewasparticipatingandtryingoutvariousdancemoves.Hermionegotparticularlygood
feedbackfromAlaineonthemovewhereeveryonebentover,grabbedtheirankles,andslowlydragged
theirhandsuptheirlegs.Infact,shewasrightinthemiddleofpracticingthatmove,withAlaine'shand
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onherbackguidingherspeed,whensheheardvoicesfromthedoor.
"Uhoh!"onevoicesangout.
"Whatdowehavehere?"asimilarvoicechuckled.
Hermionelookedupsidedownbetweenherspreadlegstoseethedoorfilledwithwizardsfromtheother
party.IthadbeenFredandGeorgewhospoke.InfrontofthemweretwoskepticallookingMalfoys,
eyeingthescantilycladFrenchmanwithhishandonthesmallofHermione'sback.
"Werelearningtodance,"Hermionedrunkenlylaughed."Watch!"
Hermioneranherhandsupherlegs,slowlyreturningtoastandingpositionbeforeshedidaswishanda
spin.Shesawseveralmouthsagapeinthedoorwayand,inherdrunkenhaze,didnotunderstandwhy
theywerejuststaringinsteadofapplauding.Maybetheyhadntseenit.
"Wanttoseeitagain?"Hermioneaskedinnocently.
"Yes!"Fred,George,Blaise,andAdrianshoutedinunison.
"No,no,"Dracorushedovertoher."Thatwaswonderful,Kittenyoudon'tneedtodoitagain."
ThereweresomeboosandhissesfromtheotherwizardsandHermionelookedtoLuciusfor
confirmation.
"Verygood,Pet,"Luciuschuckled,takingherhand."Whydon'tyoulettheotherladieshaveaturn?"
Pissedwizardsstartedcominginandminglingwiththedrunkenwitches.Itwasnotthesameamountof
wizardsasbefore,asseveralappearedtohaveleft.Therewerestillaboutadozenthough.
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"Hey!"Hermioneexclaimedleaningonherfiancs."Yourpartyissupposedtobeseparate!"
"Itisoneo'clockinthemorning,Kitten,"Dracoassuredher."Timeforthepartytoend."
BillWeasleyhadcomeforFleursotheycouldFloohometogether.RonwastheretoescortGinnyback
totheBurrowandHermione'sfatherwastheretowalkhermotherupstairs.LuciusandDracowantedto
seeHermione.Theothersmostlyhadnogoodreasontobethere,exceptthattheywantedtoseethe
witches.HermionesawBlaiseandAdriantalkingtothestripper,impressedthathegotpaidtotakehis
clothesoffformoney.
"Didyouhavefun,Pet?"Luciusasked,nuzzlingherneck.
"Somuchfun!"Hermionesmiled."Imverydrunk.Igotpresentsyouaregoingtolove!"
"Icantwaittosee,"Dracochuckled."Didyoumissus?"
"Somuch!"Hermioneexclaimed.ShepulledDracoinforakissthatgotmuchdeeperasHermione
forgotwheretheywere.ThenshewaskissingLuciuswithequalfervor.
"IthoughtItoldyoualltostopthat!"Pansyscolded."Breakitup!"
Hermionegiggledandkeptherlipstoherself,butstayednestledbetweentheMalfoys.
"Thankyouallforcoming!"JeanGrangershoutedabovethedin."Wehavepartyfavorsforeveryone
furnishedbyFredandGeorgeWeasley.Thebagsarefilledwithproductsfromtheirnew,yettobe
named,adultline."
Tinky,Tippy,andPapparrivedwithlargegoldbagsadornedwithscarletribbons.Eachwitch,including
Hermione,gotabag.Theygathereduptheirthings,prizestheyhadwon,lastJellOshots,andbegan
tricklingout.Hermionesaidgoodbyetoeveryone,thankedthemforthegiftsandforcoming.Shealso
saidgoodbyetothenowfullyclothedAlaine,whoHermionewassurehadbeenslippedcontact
informationfromseveralwitchesthatnight.
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Finally,everyonewasgoneandHermionewasleftwithherMalfoys.
"Whoa,"Dracosaidfrombehindher."Father,lookatthis."
HermioneturnedtoseeDracolookingatheropenedgifts.HewasholdingupthesluttyGryffindor
schooluniform.
"Thatisspectacular,"Luciusgrinned,goingtojoinDraco."Look,thereisaSlytherinonetoo."
"Kitten,youmustbringallofthisonourhoneymoon,"Dracogrinnedashereadthelabelonthe
chocolatebodypaintingkit.
"WhatsintheWeasleyspartyfavorbag?"Luciusaskedcuriously.
"Idon'tknow,"Hermioneresponded."Let'slook!"
Hermioneuntiedthescarletribbonholdingthegoldgiftbagshut.Uponopening,thebaggaveoffa
smallfountainofredandgoldwhizzedbangs.Thethicksparklinggoldcardboardbagwaslinedwith
scarletvelvet.Hermionereachedinsideandpulledoutthefirstthingshetouched.
"Ohmy,"Hermionesaid,eyeswide,assheheldupapackagecontainingabrightpinkphalluscharmed
tovibrateatsixdifferentspeeds,twirlinthreedifferentpatterns,andthrustatfourdifferentspeeds.It
wasalsocharmedtolevitateandwasadvertisedastotallyhandsfree.
"Wow,"Dracotookthepackageandinspectedit."Ifthisworks,thoseWeasleysmightbeonto
something."
"Blaisewassmarttoinvest,"Luciusnodded,lookingoverDraco'sshoulderatthevibrator."Anything
elseinthere,Pet?"
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Hermioneturnedbacktothebagandpulledoutanotherbox.Thisonewassmallerandheldthree
differentcockrings.Onewascharmedtogentlyvibrate,anotherhadlittlenubsaroundthering,andthe
thirdwassmoothmetalbutwasselfadjustingtostopthewearerfromejaculatinguntilapredetermined
wordisspokenbywhoevercharmedit.
"Nice,"Dracogrinned.
Therewasstillmoreinthebag.Hermionegotoutamediumsizedboxlabeled'TheAnalFunPack'
makingHermionegiggle.IntheFunPackweretwoanalplugsofdifferentsizesaswellasapearl
coloredanalstimulatorwithahandlethatallowedanotherpersontodirectit.
"Doyoutwowanttotrythesethingsinthefuture?"Hermionewondered.
"Iwouldwelcomethissortofplayfromtimetotime,"Luciussmiled.
"Definitely,"Dracosmirked.
BothMalfoyswerestaringatherveryheatedlyandsteadily,makingHermioneblush.Sheturnedbackto
thegiftbag,whichcontainedonelastbox.Thisonewasfilledwithsixdifferentpotionbottles.There
werevariouslubricants.Onecausedawarmingsensation,whiletheotherswereflavored.Theother
threepotionswereforwizardstodrink.Thelabelreportedthatwithinthreeminutesofingestingthe
potion,thewizardsejaculatewouldbeflavored.Thethreebottleswerethreedifferentflavors
chocolate,strawberry,andvanilla.
Well,thatisthoughtful!Hermionesmiled.Notthatittastesbad,butthiscouldbeaspecialtreat.
"Pike,"Luciuscalledout,stilllookingatHermionewithlustfilledeyes.Theelfcameimmediately,as
usual."PleasecoordinatewithTinkyandpackallofMissGranger'sgiftsforthehoneymoon."
"Youneedyourrest,Kitten,"DracopulledHermioneintohisarms.ShefeltthepullofApparitionand
openedhereyestofindherselfinherbedroom.Luciuswasrightbehindthem.
"Thisisthelastnightyoueversleepalone,Pet,"Luciuspurredinherearfrombehindher.Hegently
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removedherlittleplastictiaraandunzippedherpinkpartydress.ThedressfelltothefloorandLucius
rubbedhisfaceagainstherbareshoulderblades.
"ThistimetomorrownightyouwillbeLadyMalfoy,"Dracosmiled,guidingHermionetostepoutofher
dress."AndIwillburymycockbollocksdeepintomysweetwife."
Hermioneclosedhereyesandmoaned,herknickersgettingdampimaginingwhatDracohaddescribed.
"Itisaftermidnight,"Hermionepanted."Itstechnicallyourweddingday.Let'sstartnow."
Dracochuckledandbentdowntoslideoffhershoesoneatatime.
"Ah,ahnotsofast,Pet,"Luciuspurredasheunclaspedherheavypinkdiamondnecklace.Heranhis
tongueacrossthenapeofherneck,makingHermioneshiver.Hethenslidherearringsoffandnibbled
oneachearashewent."Youwantedtowaituntilourweddingnight,sowewait."
"Nowyourebeingmean,"Hermionepouted,leaningagainstLuciusandrubbinghercalfagainstDraco's
cheekashekneltinfrontofher.
"Wecouldneverbemeantoyou,Kitten,"Dracosmiledashestoodup,runninghishandsupherbare
legsandoverhersimplecottonknickerstorestonherhips."YouareverydrunkandIwantyouto
remembereverysecondofourfirstnighttogether."
LuciushaddisappearedforamomentandreturnedwithoneofHermione'ssoftsleepshirts.He
unclaspedherstraplessbraandDracohappilypalmedherbarebreastsuntilLuciuscoveredherwiththe
shirt.EachMalfoytookahandandledherovertoherbed.LuciuspulledbackhercoversandDraco
gaveheraboostintoherbed.
"Goodnight,Pet,"Luciussaidthengaveherasweetlingeringkiss."Sleepwell.Nexttimeweseeyou,
youwillbewalkingdowntheaisletowardusforourbonding.Idon'tknowthatIhaveanticipatedany
oneeventsomuchinmywholelife."
HermionerubbedhercheekagainstLucius'andsqueezedhishand.
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"Goodnight,Kitten,"Dracosmiled."Dreamofustonight.IfIcanmanagetofallasleep,whichwillbe
difficultbecauseIamexcitedfortomorrow,Iwillcertainlydreamofyou."
HermioneleanedinandkissedDracogoodnight,lingeringonhissweet,softlips.
"Goodnight,mywizards,"Hermionesighedhappilyasshelaybackonherpillowandclosedher
eyes."Thankyoubothforbeingsowonderful.Imhappytobemarryingyoubothtomorrow."
"Werehappytoo,Pet,"Luciusmurmured,brushingastraycurloffherforehead.
"Extremelyhappy,"Dracoagreed,liftingHermione'shandtohislipsandkissingthebackbeforehe
flippeditoverandkissedherpalm.
HermionegaveacontentedmurmurandpressedherhandintoDraco'sface.Thenshedriftedofftosleep
whereshedid,indeed,dreamofMalfoys.
EndNotes:
Next...Hermionegetsreadyforthewedding!
Backtoindex
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Author'sNotes:
Disclaimer:Idonotownanyofthesecharacters,Imakenomoney!Ijusthave
fun!
Thankstobunnyhopsforallhertirelessbetaworkandfeedback!
Thankstoeveryoneforthelovelyreviews.Itrytokeepupandanswer,butI
knowIfallbehind.Idoappreciateallthethoughtsandfeedback!
Chapter40
Hermionewokeupbecauseherheadwasthrobbingandhermouthfeltdry,tastedhorrible,and
somehowfeltfurry.ShegroanedandTinkyappearedatherbedside.
"MissyLady,TinkyisbringingyoutheHangoverpotion,"thesmallelfwhisperedholdingupavial.
Hermionereachedoutclumsilyandgrabbedthevial.Themovementmadehernauseated,butsheknew
itwouldbeworthitintheend.Hermionedownedthepotionandwaitedamomentforittostartworking.
Whenshewasabletositupwithouthorridpain,shetookalargeglassofwaterfromTinkyanddrankthe
wholethingdown.
"Whattimeisit?"Hermionecroaked.
"Veryearly,MissyLady,justafterseveninthemorning,"Tinkywhispered."Youhasnotbeengoingto
sleepuntiljustbeforetwo.MissyLadyisneedingtobesleepingmorehours.Tinkycanbewaking
MissyLadybynoono'clocksoyoucanbegettingreadythen."
"Thankyou,Tinky,"Hermionegratefullylaidbackdownandclosedhereyes."Iappreciateyourhelp."
***
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Hermionestretchedlanguidly,hermindwakingupslowly.Shesmiledandopenedhereyes.Itwasher
weddingdayandshefeltwonderful.Thehangoverpotionandextrasleepmadeallthedifference.A
glanceattheclockshowedheritwasabouthalfpasteleveninthemorning.Somehow,shecouldnot
keepthegrinoffherface.Shewouldbewalkingdowntheaisleatexactlysixthirtyandthebonding
wouldbecompleteatseveno'clock,astronglymagicaltimefortheseventraditionalweddingbonds.She
hadsevenlonghoursuntilthen,althoughHermionehadafeelingtheywouldflybysoonenough.
TinkypoppedintotheroomquietlyandsawthatHermionewasawake.
"GoodMorning,MissyLady!"Tinkysmiled.Thelittleelfwaspracticallybouncing."Mrs.Granger
MuggleiswantingtoknowwhenMissyLadyisbeingawakesoshecanbecomingtovisit."
"Goodmorning,Tinky,"Hermionesmiled."PleaseletmymotherknowthatImawake.Also,doyou
knowtheschedulefortoday?"
"MadamsSelwynhasbeenheresincethesunwasrising,arrangingalltheprettythingsforthewedding.
MisterChefAlfieisalsobeingbackandforthtothekitchen.MissyLadyissupposedtoberelaxing,"
Tinkysaidassternlyasahouseelfcanbe."MissFredawasleavingamixofoilsandsaltsforMissy
Ladytohaveanicelongbath.MissFredawillbebeinghereatthreethirtywithanassistanttobe
helpingMissyLadywithhergettingready.Thedressmakingladyisgoingtobeherebyfiveo'clock,but
MissyLadyisnottobegoingintothedressuntilsix."
"Well,itlookslikeIwillhaveplentyoftimetorelaxthen,"Hermionesmiled,leaningbackintoher
pillows."Iwouldlovebreakfastplease.Imveryhungry.Also,acopyoftheDailyProphetandany
postIhavewhenyouhavetime."
"Rightaway,MissyLady!"Tinkybouncedaway.
Hermionewenttoherbathroomtotakecareofbusinessandtotrytobrushthetanglesoutofher
hair.SheputonthenewrobeFleurhadgivenherthepreviousnightandwalkedbackoutintoherroom,
notentirelysurewhattodowithherself.TinkywasbackandsettingupaveritablefeastinHermione's
sittingarea.
HermionetuckedherselfintooneofthepurplewingbackchairsandpouredacupofteawhileTinky
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finishedarrangingfruit,pastries,abowlofyogurt,severalsmallquiche,andsausages.Inadditiontothe
teawasapitcherofalight,slightlycarbonatedcitrusdrinkstheelvesmade.
"Thisisperfect,Tinky,thankyou,"Hermionesmiled,sippinghertea.
"Goodmorning!"JeanGrangersangoutassheenteredtheroom.Shegaveherdaughterakissonthe
cheekthensatinthechairacrossfromHermione.
"Youreinagoodmood,"Hermionesmiled.
"IfeltlikeIwasdyingseveralhoursago,butthenNattybroughtyourfatherandIthismagicalpotion
thattookthehangoverrightaway!"Jeansmiled.
"Well,Imgladithelped,"Hermionechuckled."PotionsarehitormisswithMuggles.Mostdon'twork,
butafewwillworkhalfthetimeonsomepeople."
"Iameternallygratefulthiswasoneofthosetimes,"hermotherlaughed.
"Yes,inthelastyearIhavecometofirmlybelievethattheHangoverpotionisoneofthetopfiveperk's
ofbeingawitch,"Hermionegrinned."Tea?Breakfast?Thereisplentyhere."
"Ohno,thanks,"Jeanwaved."Ijusthadafullbreakfastwithyourfatherandfiancsdownstairs.Iwill
haveaglassofthisjuicethough.ItremindsmeofOrangina!Didyouhavefunlastnight?"
"Idid,"Hermionenodded."Thankyoufororganizingthat.Idon'tknowwhenIhaveeverlaughed
harder."
"Ihardlydidanything.ItwasLunaandTinkythatdidthehardwork,"Jeanreported."AllIhadtodo
wastellthemhowhennightsusuallygo,pickuptheprizes,andgetboxesofJellO.Lunainvited
everyoneandfoundAlain.Tinkydidthedecorationsandfood.Youdeservetohavefun,beyoungand
sillyforachange."
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"FromwhatIsawlastnight,youdon'tneedtobeyoungtobesilly,"Hermioneteased.
"Howdoyoufeelthismorning?"Jeanasked,ignoringherdaughter'sribbing."Readytoget
married?Wow,IdidnotthinkIwouldbeaskingyouthatforyearstocome."
"Thankyouforthat,"Hermionesaidseriously."YouandDadhavebeenwonderfulaboutallthis.I
knowthisisn'thowyouenvisionedthishappening."
"Notexactly,"Jeanagreed."Butitisn'ttotallyoff.Weknewthatyouwoulddecidewhatwasrightfor
you,andyouhave.Wehopedyouwouldhaveapartnerinlife,someonewhocaresforyoubutalso
challengesyousomeonewhowouldmakeyouhappy.Bombingsaside,youhavebeenhappierrecently
thanIhaveseeninawhile.IthinkyouhavefoundthatpartnerIdidenvision,wellpartners."
"ItisnotwhatIimaginedeither,butIthinkyoureright,"Hermionechuckled."Ifyouwouldhavetold
mesixmonthsagothatIwouldmarryDracoandLuciusMalfoy,Iwouldhavecheckedyouintothenut
house.Nowthough,Iamprettyexcited."
"Havingneverbeenmarriedtotwohusbandsatonce,ImafraidIcantgiveyoutoomuchmotherly
advice,"Jeansighed."AllIcansayisthatitcanbeeasytotakeyourpartnerforgranted,astheyears
passby.Marriageisnotalwayseasyandwilltakeeffortattimes.Iimaginewithtwodifferentpartners
thatwillrequiremoreeffortandbalanceonyourpart,butifanyonecandoit,youcan."
"Thatmeansalottome,Mum,"Hermionesaid,hereyesmistingslightly."I'vehardlyhadtonsof
experiencewithrelationships.SoIhopeyoudon'tmindbeingmysoundingboardfromtimetotime."
"Always,"hermotherassuredher,squeezingherhand."Inthemeantime,doyouhavesomethingold,
somethingnew,somethingborrowed,andsomethingblue?"
"Oh!Iforgotaboutthat!"Hermioneexclaimed."Well,mydressisnew.Igotthisamuletlastweek,can
thatcountasold?"
"Iguessso,"hermotherchuckled."Ididhavesomethingforyoutoborrow,ifyouwantedthem."
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JeanpulledasmallvelvetpouchoutofherpocketandhandedittoHermione.Hermioneopenedthebag
andfoundapairofsimple,elegantpearldropearrings.
"Thesebelongedtoyourgreatgrandmother,"Jeanreported."Herhusbandgavethemtoherasa
weddingpresentandsheworethemonherweddingday.Shegavethemtomymotheronherwedding
day,andmymothergavethemtomewhenImarriedyourfather."
"Theyareperfect,"Hermionesaid,hereyesgettingmistyagain.
"Theyareoldnowandborrowed,sothatistwo!Well,theyareborrowedfortoday,"Jeanamended."As
oftomorrow,theyareyourstokeep,wearifyouwant,andpassdowntoyourdaughteronherwedding
day."
Hermionewipedathereyesandnoticedthathermotherwasalsotearyeyed.Theytookafewmoments
toquietlydrytears,beforeHermioneswitchedtoalightersubject.
"Ijustneedsomethingblue,"Hermionethought."IbetIcanhaveablueribbonbraidedintomyhair!"
"Soundsperfect,"hermothersmiled.JeanpouredherselfanotherglassofjuiceandHermionewentback
toherbreakfast.Shehadeatentwoofthelittlequiche,hadalotoffruit,anddrankalmostawholepotof
teawhiletheyhadbeentalking.
"Ihatewaiting,"Hermionepoutedafteramoment."Itisonlyjustafternoonandtheceremonyisn'tfor
hours!"
"Itwillgetheresoonenough,"Jeansmiled.
Hermioneaskedhermothertotellheraboutherrenovationplans,whichJeanwashappytodo.Shehad
wantedtoredecoratethathouseforages,butnevergotaroundtoit.Nowtheyhadto,andJeanGranger
hadanalmostunlimitedbudget.Shewasgoingtomakethemostofthesituationandupgradethemaster
bathroomsoitrivaledHermione's,asmuchasthatwaspossible.Jeanwasalsogoingtoholdoutand
waituntilshefoundthemostperfectpiecesoffurniturethatsheloved.
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JeanGrangertalkedaboutherplannedcolorpalettesandthedecoratorsshehadlineduptointerviewthe
comingMonday.TheyhadengagedaprojectmanagerbeforetheycametotheManor.Hewas
responsiblefororganizingthecontractors,inspectors,andanyotherpeoplethatneedtobeinvolved.
AsHermione'smotherdescribedhervision,TinkypoppedinwithKreacherintow.Theelvesbrought
HermioneacopyoftheDailyProphetaswellasherpost,bothtotheManorandtoGrimmauldPlace.
"Kreacher!"Hermionesmiled."Haveyoumovedin?"
"Yes,MissSoontobeLadyMalfoyandBridetotheLastSonoftheNobleHouseofBlack,"thegnarled
oldelfnodded.Tinkylookedathimwithsomeawe,probablyduetohisnicknamingabilities.Kreacher
handedherthepostandpaper.
"Areyousettlinginokay?"Hermioneasked."TheMalfoyshavesomestrangerulesthatyoumaynotbe
usedto,likedaysoff."
"KreacherwilldoastheillustriousMalfoyfamilyiswantinghimtobedoing,"Kreacherbowed
lowly.HedidlookhappierthanHermionehadeverseenhim.Shenowunderstoodthatelvestendedto
liveinsocialclustersandimaginedthatheappreciatedhavingotherelvesaround,especiallyinhisold
age.
"ImayaswellmakeuseofmytimeandsendsomethankyounotesforthegiftsthatIreceivedafterthe
accident,"Hermioneshrugged,flippingthroughherpost.Therewasnottoomuchthere."Tinky,canI
havesomestationery,aquill,andsomeink?Kreacher,canyoubringmethatboxoverthere."
Hermione'smotherstartedleafingthroughtheDailyProphetwhiletheelvessetabouttheirtasks.
"Kreacher,canyouhelpmeorganizethese?Ineedyoutohelpmewiththeetiquettestuff,"Hermione
said."Wewrotethegiftgivenorthekindofflowerssentonthebackofthecard."
Kreacherhadreluctantlylearnedtoread,outofnecessity,whenhewastheonlyoneatGrimmauld
Place.Wallberga'sportraithadwantedtoknowthenewsandKreacherhadtoreadhersectionsofthe
DailyProphet.
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Tinkyreturnedwithsomeverynicemintgreencoloredstationeryedgedinsilver.Sheapologized
profuselythatMissyLady'spersonalizedstationarywouldnotarriveuntilthefollowingweek.Hermione
hadnotevenknownshewasgettingpersonalizedstationary.TinkyassuredherthattheMalfoyshad
orderedanarrayofstationary,everythingfromsmallnotecardstorollsofparchmentforlonger
letters.TinkyfurtherreportedithadtheinitialsHGMembossedingoldleafoncreamcolored
parchment.
HermioneaskedTinkytostartpackingforthehoneymoonwhilesheandKreacherwroteoutnotes.Jean
GrangerreadRitaSkeeter'sinterviewwithHermionealoudfromtheDailyProphet.Theinterviewcame
outallright,albeitalittlefocusedonsensationalistdetailssuchaswhatHermionewaswearingandwho
washangingaroundherhouse.
RitanotedthatHermioneappeared'entirelyathomeinfadeddenimsandDracoMalfoy'soldQuidditch
JerseyfromHogwarts.'ShealsoreportedeverypersonattheManorforlunch.Freda'sspawas
mentioned,whichwasnice.TheMuggleelectronicswerementioned,whichHermionealsoappreciated.
Thearticleendedwithagreatdealofspeculationabouttheweddingandaboutwhethertheapparent
domesticfelicitywasgenuine,implyingthatanyaffectionbetweenthebrideandgroomswasfor
show.Hermionehuffedandrolledhereyes.AtleastthistimeSkeeterwasclearthatherideaswere
speculation,notfacts.
KreacherlefttoowlHermione'snotesandhermotherlefttotrackdownherfather.Itseemedlikeagood
timetotakeherbath.TinkyaskedHermionetocheckoverthethingsTinkyhadsetouttopackwhile
Tinkyranthebath.Hermionewentintoherdressingroomandsawadarkpurpleleatherluggageset
readytobefilled.TinkyhadsetoutHermione'snewbeachwearsundresses,bathingsuits,andcover
ups.ShehadalsosetoutHermione'slingerieandeverythingshehadbeengivenatherpartythenight
before.TinkyevenstackedthebooksHermionehadbeenreadingormeaningtoread.
AfteraffirmingthatTinkydidawonderfuljobarrangingthepacking,Hermionesunkintothefragrant,
relaxingbath.WhateversaltsandoilsFredahadgivenTinkywerewonderful.Hermionesubmerged
herselfthensatbackwithacontentedsigh.Itwasnotquitethreeo'clock.Fredaandherassistantwould
betherewithinthehour.
Hermioneclosedhereyesandsoakedinthehotwater.Shewasalittlenervousformanydifferent
reasons.Therewereliterallygoingtobehundredsofpeoplewatchingherthisevening,manyofthem
criticallywaitingforhertodoorsaysomethingwrong,tryingtofindfault.Well,Hermionefigured
thatshecouldnotcontrolwhatotherpeoplethoughtordidsoshewouldfocusondoingwhatshe
thoughtwasbest,whatfeltrighttoher.
Hermionewasalsonervousbecauseshewantedeverythingtogowell,theweddingandthe
marriage.Shewasgoodatmanythings,anddidnotlikeitwhenshedidnotdowell.LuciusandDraco
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hadbecomeincreasinglyimportanttoherandshecaredagreatdealforthem.Itwaseasytoseeloving
them,whichwasabitscary.Theywouldbecentraltoherlifeandeventually,shewouldnotbeableto
imaginelifewithoutthem.Thatwasthepartthatfeltscary.Theywouldhavesuchpoweroverher
feelingsandsenseofwellbeing.Hermionewouldjusthavetotrustthattheywouldnothurtherand,as
muchasshecaredforthem,shewasnotthereyet.Whatifsheendeduplovingthemmorethanthey
lovedher?Theyhadmovedfromadversariestoromanticpartnersjusttwoweeksago.Twoweekswas
notenoughtimetodevelopthekindoftrustthatallowsyoutocompletelyfall,knowingtheotherperson
willcatchyouinsteadoflettingyoushatter.
Hermioneshookherherselfoutofhermusings,shampooedherhair,andassuredherselfthatthethreeof
themwoulddevelopthetrusttogetherandprobablythelove.Theydidhavetherestoftheirlivesafter
all.Hermionewashedherselfthoroughly.Shethoughtthetrustandcaringthathaddevelopedinthepast
twoweekswasprettyextraordinary.Ithelpedthatshewassophysicallycompatiblewiththemboth.
Allclean,Hermionerelaxedbackandfloatedwithhereyesclosed.Shereplayedeveryphysical
interactionshe'dhadwithherfiancsfromtheirfirstkissesafterthemarriagenegotiationstowhatshe
couldrecallofthenightbefore.SherememberedbeingwithDraco,beingwithLucius,andwhenthe
threeofthemwerealltogether.
Tinkyrappedonthesideofthetub,joltingHermioneoutofhereroticreverie.
Hermionepeekedupovertheedgeofthetub,blushingalthoughnoonecouldknowwhatshehadbeen
thinkingabout.TinkywastherewithFredarightbehindher,smirkingasifshedidknowwhatHermione
wasimagining.
"Yourmindcertainlyseemedelsewhere,"Fredateased,makingHermioneblushevendarker.
"Hello,Freda,"Hermionegrinned.Shewasnottooembarrassedatgettingcaughtdaydreaming.Itwas
herweddingdayshewasentitled.
"Readytogetstarted?"Fredaasked,holdingoutatowel.
"Absolutely,"Hermionenodded,wrappingupinthetowel."Whatstheplan?"
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"Well,letmetellyou,MissGranger,"Fredagrinned."Wewillputamasqueonyourfaceandneck.
Whilethatworksonyou,Iwilldoasugarscrubtoexfoliateyou.Thenwewillmoisturizeyou.Youare
gettingamanicureandapedicure.ThenIwillarrangeyourhairandmyassistantwilldoyourmakeup
sheisbetteratthatthanIam.Wewillgetyouinyourdressatsixandyouwillbereadytogo!Iwould
startyouoffwithaTondeocharm,butyoursisbetterthanmine.Whydon'tyoucastthecharmwhileI
gogetmyassistantandoursupplies?"
Hermionecastherhairremovalcharm,makingherunderarmsandlegsassmoothasababy.Shethought
foramomentthengrinnedasshecharmedawaythehairbetweenherlegs,leavinganMshapefor
Malfoy.
Fredareturnedwithaquiet,mousylookingwitchwhowasintroducedasPeri.Fredasetupatableand
Perimixedabluepasteinabowlatthecounter.FredahadHermionedropherrobe,hopupontothe
table,andcoveredherwithasheet.PerispreadthebluepasteevenlyonHermione'sfacewhileFreda
beganscrubbingHermionedownwithasugarscrub.Whilethebluemasquewasdrying,Periapplieda
deepmoisturizingcreamtoHermione'shairthenbounditupoutoftheway.Fredascrubbedvery
thoroughlyanditfeltwonderful.PeriappliedoiltoallofHermione'snailssotheywouldbemoisturized
too.Hermionedidnotevenknowyoucouldmoisturizenails.Finally,Hermionegottorinseoffinher
shower.Shefeltamazingandherskinhadaverysubtleglowtoit.
AfterHermionewasthoroughlydry,Fredaappliedalightlyscentedlotionthatsmelledsimilartothe
bathproductstheMalfoyshadgivenher.Backinherrobe,HermionesatwhileFredadriedherhair.Peri
paintedHermionesnailsinaslightlyopaquemotherofpearlsheen.ThenPeriwenttohelpHermione's
motherwithherhairandmakeup.HermionelearnedthatFreda'sspawasbookedsolidallday,because
witcheswantedtolooktheirbestforherwedding.TheGrangerMalfoyweddingwasdefinitelythe
placetobe.Fredahadeverysinglepersononherstaffworkingandhadscheduledappointmentsstarting
atdawn.ItwasthecaseforsalonsalloverWizardingBritainthatday.
OnceHermione'shairwasdriedintothosesmoothwavingcurls,Fredapulledoutasmallcrown.Itwas
delicatesilverandgoldentwinedseamlessly.Diamondsstuddedthebottombandwhilepearldropshung
betweenthetopandbottom,additionallargerdiamondsdottingthetop.Itwasgorgeous.
"IamguessingthiscamefromtheMalfoys?"Hermioneasked.
"Whereelse?"Fredasmiled."Theyaskedmetoshowittoyouandgiveyouthisnote."
HermioneunrolledthesmallparchmentFredaheldout.ItwaswritteninLucius'tightscript,butsomeof
thewordchoicesletherknowDracocoauthoredthenote.Theyexplainedthatthistiarawasinthe
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Malfoyfamilyasfarbackastheyhadrecords.ItwaswornbytheveryfirsttriadicMalfoybrideever,
buthadnotbeenwornforseveralgenerations.Itwasonlywornbybridesinweddingswheretherewas
genuineaffectionandesteembetweenallparties,notacommonoccurrenceinthearistocracy.They
offeredittoherasasignoftheirfeelingsforherandhopedthatshewouldchoosetowearit.
"Well,Ihopethehairstyleyou'veplannedgoeswellwithacrown,"HermionetoldFreda,wipingthe
wetnessfromhereyes.
"Ofcourse,"theotherwitchsmiled,brushingoutHermione'slonglocks.
"Oh,Ialmostforgot!"Hermionestarted."Ineedtoworkinsomethingblueinmyoutfittodayitisanold
Muggletradition.Iwasthinkingyoucouldbraidasmallblueribbonintomyhairsomewhere."
FredaagreedandtheycalledTinkytohaveherfindathin,centimeterwideribbon.Hermionecharmedit
theshadeofroyalblueshehadimagined.Theyhaddecidedonasimplehairstyle,uponthesidesand
cascadingdownherback.Apparently,simplelookingdidnotmeanitwassimpletoachieve.Fredaput
inagreatdealofwork,butintheend,itlookedperfect.PerireturnedtodoHermione'smakeup.Freda
wasrightPeriwasverygood.ShemadeHermionelooklikeherself,exceptglowingandgolden.
WhenFredawenttochangeintoherowndressforthewedding,Tinkybroughtbeveragesandsnacksand
insistedthatHermioneeat,sinceshewillnotbeabletodosointhenearfuture.Hermioneappreciated
thebreak,eventhoughshedidnothavealargeappetite.
Soonitwassixo'clockandFortunataarrivedwithHermione'sweddingdress.Itlookedspectacular.It
waseverythingthatHermionehadaskedfor.Slippingiton,Hermionefeltlikeaprincess.
"Oh,youlooksowonderful,"Hermioneheardhermothersayfromthedoorway.Hermioneturnedto
smileathermother.JeanGrangerwaswearingalovelygoldeveninggownandlookedveryelegant."I
wantedtocomeseehowyouwere.Iwentdownstairsandeverythinglooksperfect.Guestshavebeen
arrivingsincesix.MadamsSelwynhastheseatingsectionedoff,sothatyourclosefriendsandimportant
guestswillbetowardthefrontwhileotherswillbefurtherback.Shedidsaveseatsforyourfatherand
meinthefrontrow.Ifyoudon'tneedanythingatthemoment,Ineedtogofindthevideocamera.Your
fatherandLuciusgotitintotheirheadsthattheyshouldbefilmingthis."
Hermioneassuredhermothershewasfineandtoldhershewouldseeherdownstairs.AsHermione
stoodsurveyingherreflection,Harrycamein.
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Wow,Mione,Harrybreathed,comingupbehindher.Youlookgorgeous!Imean,youarebeautiful
allthetime,butnow.wow.Howdoyoufeel?
Hermionesmiledweaklyatherfriend,wholookedquiteniceinhisblackformalrobes.Hisuntamed
mopofblackhairmadehersmileabitmore.TherewasonlysomuchonecoulddotomakeHarrylook
fancy.Hermionetookadeepbreath,steelingherselffortheupcomingevents.
Imokay,Harry,really.Hermionedidherbesttoprojecttheconfidencethatshedidnotreally
feel.Ithasallhappenedsoquickly.Twoweeksisnotalotoftimetogetaccustomedtothe
situation.Itstilldoesnotseemrealsometimes.IdofeellikeIveagoodideaofwhatIamin
for.Besides,youareright.Idolookgorgeous.Itisamazingwhatunlimitedfundscandoforagirl.
Ohplease,Harrysmiledgenuinely.Allthisonlyhighlightsyournaturalbeauty.Youaretheonly
personIknowwithenoughbrains,guts,andhearttopossiblymakethisworkoutokay.Besides,thinkof
allthegoodyoucandowithaccesstothosevaults.YoucanpourGalleonsintoanycauseyourheart
desires.Youllhaveyourowncharity!YouaregoingtobethebestLadyMalfoyever.
Harryheldopenhisarms.
HermionesteppedintoHarry'shugandtheystoodthere,armswrappedlooselyaroundtheother.
"Wearestartingoffonnew,excitingadventuresinourlives,"Harrysaid."Weareoldprosat
adventure."
"Yes,butwe'vealwayshadeachother,"Hermionemurmured,herheadrestinglightlyonthefrontof
Harry'sdressrobes.Shelookedupathimandgrinned."Wanttogetboundwithmeandthenthefourof
uswilltraveltheworld?"
Harrythrewhisheadbackinlaughter.
"AsmuchasI'vegrowntoliketheMalfoysinthepastfewweeks,Idon'tlikethemthatmuch,"Harry
chucked."Ithinktheywouldprefertohaveyoutothemselvesaswell."
"Iknowwecan'talwayslivetogetherandhaveinstantaccesstoeachother,"Hermionepouted."Butthat
doesn'tmeanIhavetolikeit."
"Iwillmissyoutoo,'Mione,"Harrysaidseriously."Butwearefamily.Wewillalwaysbebestfriends."
"Youbetternoteverforgetthat,"Hermionedemanded,wipingafewstraytearsawayfortheumpteenth
timethatday.ShewasgladPerisetacharmtomakehermakeupwaterproof,fadeproof,andsmudge
proof.
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"Thatwouldbeimpossible,"Harrygrinned.
Hermione'sparentsreturnedwithMme.Selwyn.TheweddingplannereyedHermionewithacritical
eye,aswasherjob.Thesilkandchiffondresshadcomeoutperfectly.Itwasstunninglyelegantand
simple.ThestraplessstyleshowedoffHermione'stannedshouldersandcollarbones.Thepleateddesign
onthebustwasperfectinitsdetailandhadrealgoldthreadglintingquietly.Thereweresilkchiffon
flowersandclustersoftinyseedpearlssubtlyinthedetailsandgoingdowntotheempirewaistline.The
skirtwasvoluminouswithoutbeingoverlypuffy.Thetoplayerwasthesamegorgeouscreamsilkthat
thewholedresswasdonein.Thentherewasseveralunderlayers,includingalightgauzyfabricina
verylightblushpinkthatjustpeekedout,addingahintofcolor.
Hermioneliftedtheskirttoshowoffhershoes.Theywerepinkchampagnecoloredhighheelswith
strapsaroundtheankle.Rightdownthecenter,overtopofHermione'sfootwerewavesoffabricthat
lookedjustlikeflowers.HermionehadlearnedfromAnnaatHarrodsthatthesewereverypopular
weddingshoes,butsincethatwasintheMuggleworld,fewpeopleherewouldhaveseenthembefore.
Mme.Selwynnoddedherapprovalandcontinuedherperusal.
Hermioneleftherhandsandarmsfreefromdecoration,wearingonlyherengagementring.Heramulet
hungasasimplependantnecklacearoundherneckthechainathin,delicatelookingbraidofsilverand
gold.Shehad,ofcourse,hermother'spearldropearringsinherears.Herhairwassweptupartfully,the
crowncenteredbeautifullyinherhead.
Asheersinglepaneoffabricflowedfromthebackofthecrown.Hermionehadnotwantedalongtrain
onherdressbecauseoftheimpracticalityofthethings,buthadcompromisedwiththeveil.Itlooked
simplebutwasnot.Thesheerfabricwasedgedwithmultiplelinesofgoldthreadingandtinypearlsall
around.Vinesandflowerswereintricatelyembroideredthroughoutthesheerfabricwithsinglelinesof
verythingoldthread.Itwaslikeaghostofapattern,butvisibleifyoulookedcloselyandwhenhitby
light.Theveilwentdownherback,fannedout,andtrailedadozenfeetonthegroundbehindher.The
lastsixinchesoftheveilwasagoldband,onwhichthevineandflowerpatternwascontinuedinpearls
anddiamonds.
Hermionehadtoadmitthattheveilwasstunning,despiteitsunwieldylength.Fortunatahaddone
amazingwork.Allthedetailswereperfect,nomatterhowcloseyoulooked.Itwouldbenicetowalk
downtheaislewiththisworkofarttrailingbehindher,butHermionewasgladshewouldbeableto
detachitbeforedinneranddancing.
MovingontoHermioneherself,Mme.SelwyncouldseethatFredaandPerihaddoneawonderfuljob.
Herskinlookedflawlessandglowedwithgoodhealthandalighttan.Hermakeupwasnaturaland
highlightedherfeaturesbeautifully.Herhairwassmooth,shinywavesofcurls.Shewasthepictureof
youthandbeauty.
"Perfect,"Mme.Selwynfinallydeclared."Witcheswillbeattemptingtoreplicatethislookfor
generations,butnonewillbesuccessful."
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"Fewwitcheswillhavesuchawonderfulteamandsuchvastresourcestoaccomplishthis,"Hermione
blushedslightlyatthepraise.Shewantedtomakesurepeopleknewthatwork,effort,skill,and
creativityfromothersmadeallthispossible.
"Dropthemodesty,MissGranger,"Mme.Selwyninstructedimperiously."Youareabouttobecome
LadyMalfoy.Yourfirstresponsetosuchacomplimentwillbetosmileandnodasifyouwerewell
awarethecomplimentisatruefact,andthatyouhearsuchstatementsasamatterofcourse.Thenyou
saythankyou,andthenifyoumustgivecreditwherecreditisdue."
"Thankyou,MadameSelwyn,"Hermionegiggled.
"Itissixfifteen,"Mme.Selwynreported."Wemustbeheadingdownstairs.Alltheguestshavearrived
andhavebeenseated.First,LordPotterwillescortyourmotherdowntheaisletoherseat.Theywillsit,
andthenyourfatherwillescortyoudowntheaisletotheweddingarch.LordMalfoyandMasterMalfoy
willbewaitingwiththeofficant."
"Ready,'Mione?"Harryasked.
"AsreadyasIlleverbe,"Hermionenodded.ShesilentlyAccioedherwandandslippeditintothe
invisiblepocketFortunatahadincludedintheskirtofherweddingdress.
EndNotes:
Next...somepeoplegetmarried.Iwonderwhoitcouldbe?)
Backtoindex
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Author'sNotes:
Disclaimer:Iownnothing!Imakenomoneywell,nothereatleast.Idomake
moneyinlife,soIcanlive.)
Thankstobunnyhopsforhertirelessbetaing,thisturnedouttobealongstory!
Thanksforthekindreviewsandenthusiasm!
Now...marriage.
Chapter41
Thegroupmadetheirwaydownstairs.TinkywalkedbehindHermione,holdinguptheveil.TheManor
felteerilyquiet,becauseeveryonewasoutside.Hermioneknewtherewerehundredsofpeoplethere,but
shecouldnotseethem.Astheygotcloser,sheheardsomelovelyclassicalmusicbeingplayedanda
smallhumthatmustbethewhispersofthosehundredsofpeople.Theystoppedinasmallsittingroom
thathadFrenchdoorsleadingoutsidetothegarden.Thickgolddrapescoveredthedoorsonoonecould
seeinside.Theaislewasjustafewstepsoutsidethatdoor.
Mme.Selwyndidonemoreoverviewofeveryone.ShestraightenedJeanGranger'snecklaceand
refoldedthecollaronWillGranger'stuxedo.Sherefreshedthecoolingcharmsovereveryone,sonoone
wouldgettoowarminthewarmsummereveningair.Finally,Mme.SelwynhandedHermionea
gorgeousbouquetofverylightpinkpeonies,thestemswrappedinsilverandgoldbraidedribbon.Not
onlyweretheyHermione'sfavoriteflower,butshehadlearnedtheysymbolizedromanceandprosperity.
Peonieswereanomenofgoodfortuneandahappymarriage.
Itwasnowsixthirty.HarryheldouthisarmforHermione'smotherandtheysteppeduptothecurtained
door.Hermionestoodofftotheside,welloutoftheway.TinkypartedthethickgoldcurtainandHarry
lookedovertoHermioneandwinked.Thenheandhermotherwereoff.Hermioneimaginedthem
slowlywalkingdowntheaisletothefront,passingrowsofchairs,filledwithaseaofpeople.
Shortly,thesoftclassicalmusicstopped.Tinkyheldthecurtainopenagainandthemusicchanged
dramatically.HermionehadchosentheGrandMarchfromAidatoplaywhileshewalkeddownthe
aisle.Itwasaheavypiecewithtrumpetsandfanfare,whichHermionefeltmatchedthepompand
circumstanceofthisweddingMalfoysweregrandpeopleafterall.Shealsothoughtitquiteapretty
pieceofmusic.
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Hermionesteppedtothedoorwayandtookherfather'swaitingarm.Mme.Selwynmadesuretheveil
wasstraight,trailingbehindherasitwasmeantto.Hermionetookadeepbreath,steelingherself,and
herfatherreachedoverandsqueezedherhandthatwasrestinginthecrookofhisarm.
"Ready,Hermonica?"hesmiled.
"Absolutely,"Hermionesmiled,butterfliesswarminginherstomach.
Theysteppedpastthecurtainandwalkedthefewstepstothefrontoftheaisle.Pillarsandatrellis
coveredinflowersobscuredthemfromfullview,untiltheyturnedandsteppedontotheplushivory
carpetoftheaisle.Hermioneandherfatherpaused.
Hermione'simaginationofthescenedidnotcomparetowhatshesawbeforeher.Shewasrightthat
therewasaseaofpeopleinrowsofchairs.Nowtheyallstoodandfacedher.Thechairswerewooden
ivorychairsandtheseatcushionsalternatedbetweengoldandsilver.Attheendofeachrowwasathick
braidofsilverandgoldribbonseparatingtheseatsfromthemainaisleandhangingfromtheribbonin
everyotherrow,wasaballofwhiteandgoldenroses.Whatmusthavebeenthousandsofsmallglobes
ofgoldandsilverlightswerefloatingstationaryabovetheguests,bathingthecrowdinsoftlight.
Lookingahead,Hermionesawtheweddingarchattheendoftheaisle.Itwascoveredingreenleaves,
whiteandpinkpeonies,goldenlilies,andsilverroses.Theliliesandrosesglintedinthelight,lookingas
iftheywerereallymadeofthepreciousmetals.
Standingunderthearchwasaveryold,wizenedwizardwithanimpossiblylongbeard.More
importantly,infrontoftheoldwizardstoodLuciusandDracoMalfoy.Hermione'sbreathcaughtinher
throat.Theylookedmarvelous.Bothworenewformaldressrobesinslightlydifferentstylesandboth
werelookingatherwithwonder.
Hermionesmiledandstartedtowardherwizards.Herpausehadonlylastedaboutfiveseconds,andnow
shewantedtogettothefrontoftheaisleasquicklyaspossible.Herfather,however,keptHermioneata
reasonable,ceremonialpaceastheyprocesseduptowardthearch.Sheforgotaboutthehundredsof
peoplewatchingandfocusedonLuciusandDraco.Bythetimeshereachedthem,theirexpressionsof
wonderhadchanged.Theylookedslightlyawestruckandwerebothbeaminghuge,proudsmiles.
Hermioneknewhowtheyfelt.Shefeltpossessivelyproudofherbeautifulwizardsaswell.
Finally,theyarrivedatthefront.Hermione'sfathergaveherakissonthecheek,shookLucius'then
Draco'shand,andwenttositinthefrontrowofseatsnexttoHermione'smother.ThatleftHermione
standingbetweentheMalfoys,facingtheoldwizard.Luciushadmentionedthathewantedavery
powerfulwizardtodothebinding,soHermionefiguredthismustbehim.
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Theofficiatecastanamplificationcharmandbeganspeaking.Despitehisslightlyfrailappearance,his
voicewasstrongandsteady.HealsospokewithwhatsoundedlikeaRussianaccent.Heintroduced
himselfasKonstantinGrigorovichGlinkaandHermione'seyeswidenedslightly.Apparently,shewas
nottheonlyoneimpressed,becausetherewereseveralgaspsfromtheaudience.MasterGlinkawasa
worldrenowned,semireclusivewizardwhorarelylefttheSiberianSteppesthatwerehishome.Hewas
aPotionsMaster,TransfigurationMaster,aswellasaCharmsMasterwhohadpublishednumerous
booksandjournalarticlesoverhisverylonglife.
"Welcomeall,"MasterGlinkasmiledandheldhisgnarledhandsouttothecrowd."Iambeyondhappy
tobeheretodaytobindHermioneGrangertoLuciusandDracoMalfoy.Iamhappybecausethisismy
firsttripbacktothispartoftheworldinmanydecades.Iampleasedtoseethewizardingworld
reunitingandhealingaftersuchadifficulterahereinBritain.Now,itissafeforthosesuchasmyselfto
returninpeace,toshareknowledgeandtorenewoldfriendships.
Iamalsohappytoperformthisbindinginparticular,sincemyfriendshipwiththeMalfoyfamilyisan
oldoneindeed,MasterGlinkacontinued.Asayoungman,Iwasprivilegedtoknowandworkwith
LadyEvonyMalfoyandhertwohusbands,DomitiusandHyperion.Shewasabrilliantandpowerful
witchandthelastwitchtomakeatraditionaltriadicMalfoymarriage.Iknewthethreelaterintheir
lives,whentheirchildrenweregrown.Theysponsoredthisyoung,poorRussianscholar,invitinghim
tostayhereinthisveryManorsohecouldstudytheadvancesbeingmadeinWizardingBritain.They
mademepartofthefamily,andIhavealwayskeptacorrespondencewiththeMalfoyssincethattime
exchangingideasandnewsfromourcornersoftheworld.WhenLuciusandDracowrotetotellmethey
hadfoundabride,Iknewnothingcouldstopmefrommakingthejourneyforthiswedding.Whenthey
thenaskedmetoperformtheunionmyself,Icouldnotrefuse.TalesoftheenchantingMissGranger
reachedmeallthewayinmyisolatedareaofRussia.ShesoundsmuchlikethelasttriadicLadyMalfoy
brilliantandpowerful.Nowmyoldeyescanalsoseethathersisanunparalleledbeautyaswell.This
union,whilebeneficialforallthree,isalsoabalmonyoursocietyawaytounitetwowarringfactions
andfosterpeace.Withpeacecomesprosperity.Nowyourpeoplearefreetolive,freetolearn,andfree
towork.Iamtrulyhonoredandhumbledtobepartofthispeace."
HermionestifledherurgetoreachoutandhugMasterGlinka.Shedidwipeawaythetearsthathad
collectedinhereyesathisspeech.MasterGlinkasmiledwarmlyatherandHermionereturnedthe
smile.
"Nowwehavethevowsbeforethebindingsareputinplace,"MasterGlinkacontinued."Wewillhear
fromtheelderMalfoy,thentheyounger,andfinally,fromMissGranger."
HermioneturnedtofaceLucius.
"I,LuciusMalfoy,vowtoabidebythesevenbondsofmarriagetoHermioneGranger.Iwillcherishyou
aboveallothers.Iwillvalueourpartnershipandseekyourcouncil.IwillprotectyouwitheverythingI
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have,allofmyresourcesandpower.Iwillbefaithfultoyou,youwillbemyoneandonly.Iwillhonor
youandtreatyouwithrespecteveryday.Iwillsharemyfamilywithyou.ThesethingsIvowtodofor
therestofmylife."
HermionesweptawayanothertearandleanedintoLucius.Shepulledhisfacedowntohersandkissed
hislips,thenpressedherforeheadintohis.HermionecouldhaveswornshesawLucius'eyeswellup
also.AfteramomentwithLucius,HermioneturnedtofaceasmilingDraco.Hermioneeasilyreturned
hissmile.
"I,DracoMalfoy,vowtoabidebythesevenbondsofmarriagetoHermioneGranger.Iwillcherishyou,
eventhatwonderfultemperofyours.Iwillvalueourpartnership,evenwhenyouarebeingbossy.Iwill
protectyouwitheverythingIhave,evenwhenyouwanttodoityourself.Iwillbefaithfultoyou,which
willnotbedifficult,sinceyouaretheonlywitchIsee.Iwillhonoryou,evenwhenyouarebeing
difficult,andtreatyouwithrespectevenwhenweargueanddisagree.Iwillsharemyfamilywithyou
andhopetoincreaseitwithyou.ThesethingsIvowtodofortherestofmylife."
Hermionethrewherheadbackinlaughterathisvows,againwipingtearsfromhereyes.Shekissed
Draco'slipsandrubbedhercheekslightlyagainsthis,stillsmiling.
HermionetookastepbacksoshecouldaddressbothMalfoys.
"I,HermioneGranger,vowtoabidebythesevenbondsofmarriagetoLuciusMalfoyandtoDraco
Malfoy.Iwillcherishyoubothaboveallothers.Iwillvalueourpartnership,seriouslylistentoyour
adviceandconsideryourpointsratherthanautomaticallydoingwhatIthinkisbest.Iwillprotectyou
witheverythingIhave,soletthatstandasawarningtoothers.Iwillbefaithfultoyouboth,andwillnot
wantanyothersbesidesyou.Iwillhonoryoubothasindividualsandtreatyouwiththerespectyou
deserveeveryday.Iwillsharemyfamilywithyou.Youwillbemyfamily,alongwiththechildrenwe
willshare.ThesethingsIvowtodofortherestofmylife."
LuciusandDracosteppedclosetoherandpressedthemselvesintohersides.Eachoneplacedasweet
kissonhercheeks.
"Thevowshavebeenexchanged,"MasterGlinkadeclared."Iwillnowbeginthebonding."
HermionepassedherbouquetofpeoniesovertoHarryinthefrontrowandjoinedhandswithDracoand
Lucius.TheoldRussianwizardpulledoutawandofdarkwoodandbeganthecomplicatedwandwork
necessarytocreatethebonds.
Colere.Conparis.Defensus.Fidelitas.Honoris.Sanguinis,MasterGlinkastatedfirmlyandclearly
ashecontinuedtheintricatewandmotions.Hermionecouldfeelthemagicchurningaroundthem.She
feltherownmagicreachingout,connectingtothewizardsoneithersideofher.Finally,onthestrokeof
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sevenoclock,MasterGlinkacompletedthefinalbond,Infinitas.
Ashowerofgoldandsilvermagicallighteruptedfromthetrioandcreatedacascadeofsparkles.
Hermioneliftedherface,smiling,andletitshoweroverher.Sheheardgaspsandoohingfromtheir
guestsastheywatchedthemarriagemadefireworks.Hermagicfeltlikeitwasrightonthesurface,but
notbubblingandsparkingpurring.Italmostseemedlikeshecouldfeelthreadsofmagicconnecting
hertoLuciusandtoDraco,liketheywereliterallyboundtogether.Hermionewonderedhowlongthat
connectedfeelingwouldlast.
DracocapturedherlipsinhisandgaveHermioneadeepkiss.Shebarelycaughtherbreathbeforeshe
waswhirledaroundandpulledintoanotherequallypassionatekiss.
Youarenowbondedforlife,MasterGlinkadeclared,smilingatthetrio.Heflickedhiswandand
threeweddingringsappearedoneinfrontofeachofthetrio.Anotherwandmovementgentlysentthe
ringsontoeachpersonsringfinger."Theseringsareasymbolofyourunionwherethemproudly.I
tookthelibertyofplacingaprotectioncharmoneachone.Theseringswillletyouknowifanymember
ofyourtriadisindangerandcanbeusedtolocatethem."
Highoverheadadisplayoffireworksstarted.HermionerecognizedtheWeasleyWhizBangsasthe
multicoloredflamesdartedthroughthesky.
Luciusreachedoutandgraspedthehandofthesmalloldwizard,shakingit.ThenDracoshookhishand,
thankinghim.Hermionedecidedtohugoldwizardandtriedtobegentle,givenhowfrailhelooked.
MasterGlinkagaveheragoodsqueezethough,indicatinghestillhadplentyofstrength.
Turningbackaround,HermionesawLuciusandDracoreadytoescortherbackdowntheaisle.Sheput
herhandsontheirwaitingarmsandthethreewalkedbacktowardtheManor.Thistimethroughthe
aisle,Hermionewasabletotakeinthecrowd.ShesawtheMalfoyManorhouseelveswatchingfrom
theperimeter.Hermionehadinsistedthattheyattend.Thecentaursandpartgiantfolkswerealsoeasy
tosee,asweretheGoblins.Hermionesawmanysmilingfacesalongwithafewstonyexpressions,but
shewasentirelytoohappytocarewhatanynaysayersthought.
Lucius,Draco,andHermionefoundthemselvesbackonthesmallsittingroomwhereHermionehad
started.Thethreestoodforamomentandlookedateachother.
"Wearemarried,"Dracofinallygrinned,causingtheothertwotochuckle.
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"Weremarried!"Dracorepeated,grabbingHermioneandspinningheraround.Hermioneshriekedwith
laughterasherveilwrappedaroundthem.
"I'mstuck,"Hermionelaughed.
"That'sright,Kitten,"Dracosmiled."Youarestuckwithusnow."
"Wearetiedtogether,"Hermionesmiled,lookingbetweenLuciusandDraco."AndIamthrilled."
DracokissedHermione,histonguelightlycaressingherlipsandhishandsgraspingherrearendthrough
herdressholdinghertohim.Lucius,stillchucklingatDraco'senthusiasm,untangledtheveilthathad
twistedaroundthem.
AssoonasDracoreleasedher,Luciusscoopedherup.Hecrushedhislipsagainsthersthennippedher
gently.
"Youlookamazing,Pet,"Luciussmiled,"Likeagoddess,aqueen.Therearenowordsgoodenoughto
describeyou.Seeingyouwalkingdowntheaisle,wewerestruckdumb."
"Youbothlookamazingyourselves,"HermioneblushedslightatLucius'compliment."Ifeltproudto
marryyoubothtoday.Ithinkthebindingwentwelldidn'tyou?"
"Well?"Dracoaskedincredulously."Itwentspectacularly!"
"Itdid?"Hermioneasked.Shehadonlybeentoonewizardingweddingbefore,BillandFleur's.Itwas
notexactlythesame,becauseitwasnotatriadunionandtheydidnotuseallseventraditionalbonds.
"Pet,wehadtheMagusBeatitas,"Luciusreplied."Don'tyoufeelit?"
"Ifeeladifference,"Hermionenodded."Thatisthebondingright,thatismakingmefeelaconnection
toyouboth?AndIdon'tknowwhataMagusBeatitasis."
"MagusBeatitasmeansthatourmagicishappywiththeconnection,hasblessedussotospeak,"Draco
explained."Thatiswhattheshowerofmagicallightwas.Didn'tyouthinkthatwasodd?"
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"Well,no,"Hermionedefended."ThatiswhathappenedinthediaryIhavebeenreadingwhenEvony,
Domitius,andHyperionwerebonded.IhaveonlyseenonewizardingweddingwhenBillandFleurgot
married.Therewasnoshowerofmagicallight,butIthoughtmaybeitwasatriadthing."
"No,Pet,"Luciuscorrected."Itmeansthatourmagicisexceptionallycompatibleandishappytobe
bondedtogether.Itrarelyhappens.Mostpeoplehavenotseenitoccurorhaveonlyseenithappenonce
before.Ittendstoindicatehappinessandfertility."
"Oh,"Hermione'seyeswentwide."Thenitdidgoverywell!WhataboutthisnewfeelingIhave,asif
therewasalinegoingfrommetoeachofyou?Thatisnormalbinding,right?"
"Yesandno,"Luciusanswered."Bondingeffectspeopledifferentlyandisprimarilyrelatedtothe
qualityofthematch.Mypreviousbondingcreatedatemporaryfeelingofconnectionthatonlylasteda
fewhoursandwasnotverystrong.Ireallyhadtoconcentratetofeelit.Otherpeoplehavereported
feelingconnectedthroughouttheirliveswiththeirpartnersatvaryinglevelsofstrength.Some
peoplehavetobestillandmeditatetofeeltheconnection,whileothersfeelitstronglyallthetime.We
willhavetowaittosee.Atthispoint,Icansaythatitfeelsverystrong."
"Whataninterestingsubject,"Hermionemarveled.
"Youcanreadallaboutitlater,"Dracoteased.Hermionejustsmiledandnodded.Shedidplantoread
allaboutitlater.
"Shallwestartthereceivingline?"Luciusreluctantlysuggested.Hermionegiggled.Luciuswasthe
responsibleone,alwaysmakingsurethatdutywasbeingupheldevenwhenhedidnotreallywantto.
"Weshall,"Hermionenodded,kissingLucius'cheekandheadingoutoftheroom.TheMalfoysfellin
stepathersidesandthetriowalkedintotheballroom.Mme.Selwynwasatthedoor,waitingforthem.
Sheexplainedthatshewouldannouncethemintotheroomandtheywouldtakeuptheirpositionson
aslightlyraiseddais,wheretheirguestswouldcometogreetthem.
Mme.Selwyncastanamplificationcharmandswungopenthewidedoubledoors.
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"LadiesandGentlemen,EsteemedGuests,"Mme.Selwynannounced."Presenting,Lord,Lady,and
MasterMalfoy."
Thetriosteppedintothemassiveroomtorollsofthunderousapplause.Mme.Selwynswiftlyledthem
totheirspot.
"Theywillnowreceivetheirguests,"Mme.Selwyncontinued,noddingtothecrowd.
Hermionesurveyedthesetup.Thedaishadthreestepsupononesideandthreestepsdownontheother,
sonoonehadtobacktrack.Hermioneandhernewhusbandsstoodwiththeirbackstothewall,facing
thecrowd.Alineofguestshadalreadyformed,andsheonlyhadamomenttotakeinhersurroundings.
Atemporaryexpansioncharmhadmadetheballroomlargerandtheattachedmusicroomwasopenand
filledwithpeople.Thewallsoftheballroomweredrapedinabeautifulivoryfabriccoveredwithan
intricatesilverandgoldfloralpatternthatremindedHermioneofherveil.Eightverylargecrystal
chandeliersfloatedabovetheguests,castingbrightlight,whileseveraldozensmallgoldenorbsfloated
lazilyaroundtheroom.Therewereseveralloungeareaswherepeoplecouldsitonelegantlooking,
creamcoloredtuftedsatincoucheswithfatgoldpillowsorinwingbackedsilverarmchairs.Therewere
alsooveradozenhightablesaroundtheroom,eachcoveredwitheitheragoldorasilvercloth.Theyall
hadstoolsmadeofdarkchocolatewoodandtoppedwithivorytuftedseats.Stationarygoldenorbs
hoveredovereachtable,castingasoftglow.
Hermionewasgladtheyhadgonewiththesimple,relativelyneutralivory,gold,andsilver.Itprovided
anelegant,sparklingbackgroundtoallthebrightcolorswornbytheirguests.Thereweresome
impressivegownsanddressrobesinthecrowd.Everyonelookedtobemingling,eating,anddrinking.
ShenoticedMme.MaximewithHagridandhisbrotherGrawpstraightaway.Alsoeasytospotinthe
crowdwasFirenze,aglassinhishandandtalkingtoagroupofpeople.Hermionesmiled.Shehadto
stopherpeoplewatchingtoattendtotheguestscomingthroughthereceivingline.
Hermione'sguestsonlymadeupaquarterofthetotal,butshedidrecognizemanyoftheothers.Every
singlepersonmadetheirwaythroughthelineinordertosaycongratulations,givebestwishes,ortojust
sayhello.Hermionequicklysawthesubtledifferencesingreetings.Whilenoonewasovertlyrude,
somewereclearlylessenthusiastictotalktoherortotheMalfoysdependingontheirwartime
affiliations.Hermionemettheselessenthusiasticfolkswithacivilsmileandnod.Shehuggedher
friendsandfamilyandshookhandswithmostpeople.Severalpeoplethankedthemfortheinvitation
especiallysomeofHermione'sguests,likeMrs.Figg,theWeasley'sAuntMuriel,aswellasHealer
OssumandChiefHealerCusp.
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"There'sourlittleHermione,allgrownup,"Hagridsniffled,engulfingHermioneinabigbearhug.She
squeezedhimbackashardasshecould.Helookedabituncomfortableinhisshaggybrownformal
robes,hishairslickeddown.HagridsteppedasidetoallowGrawpthrough.
"Hermy!"thegiantexclaimed,reachingforthetinywitch.LuciusandDracosteppedinfrontofher,
blockingGrawp.Thegiantjustlookedatthemconfusedastowhyhewasnotallowedtopickup
Hermione.Hermioneusedamodifiedmobilicorpustofloatherselfupsothatshewasateyelevelwith
thesixteenfootgiant.
"Nowthat'sbetterisn'tit,"Hermionesmiled.Grawpsmiledbackandnodded.
"Hermypretty!"Grawpexclaimed.
"Whythankyou,Grawp,"Hermionegrinned."Itisaprettydressisn'tit?"
HermionespunaroundintheairandGrawplaughed.
"MadameMaximeandmeweregonnatakeGrawphomeafterhesaidhishellos,"Hagridreported."We
willbebackfordinner,butheisn'tonefortablemanners."
"Thankyouverymuchforcoming,Grawp,"Hermionenodded.Sheheldoutherhandtohim.Ihope
youhadfun.
Thankyouforfunparty,Grawpsmiled,liftinghissubstantialhandtomeetHermionessmallerone.
Smiling,Hermionegraspedhishandwithbothofhersandsqueezedit.
Hagrid,Grawp,andMaximemadetheirwayoutandHermionewentbacktothereceivingline.There
wasalargegapbetweenthegiantsandotherfolk.Manyofthearistocraticsetseemedtogivewideberth
toanyonethatwasnotentirelyhuman.Firenzewasnotquitesoostracizedbecauseofhisintelligence
andpositionatHogwarts.TheGoblinsweregivenspace,butthatwasmorelikelyduetotheirchurlish
attitudesthananyotherissue.
MollyWeasleycontinuedherfrostyattitude,butArthurwassweet.HermionewasthrilledtoseeCharlie,
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infromRomanianfortheoccasion,andpracticallypouncedonhim.Abouthalfwaythroughtheline,
TinkybroughtHermioneaglassofchampagne.ItdidnotseemquitefairtoHermionethattheirguests
gottodrinkandeatAlfie'swonderfulhorsd'oeuvreswhileshe,Lucius,andDracohadtostandinone
spot.Itwasnicetoseeallofherfriends,though,evenjustforamoment.
Finally,theyhadgreetedeverysingleguestanditwastimetogotothediningroom.Mme.Selwyn
madetheannouncementandinvitedeveryonetofollowthenewlywedMalfoys,wholedtheway.
EndNotes:
Next...areceptionandtrouble!
Onlythreechaptersleft!
Backtoindex
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Author'sNotes:
Disclaimer:Iownnothing!IamnotJKRorhaveanyassociationwithher
whatsoever!
Thankstobunnyhopsforthebetaandthesuperquickturnaroundinreadingthis
story!
Thankstoallthereaderswhoarefollowingthisstory.
Now...areceptionandtrouble.
Chapter42
Anotherexpansioncharminthealreadylargediningroommadespacefortheapproximatelythirtyfive
tablesthatallsattwelve.Liketheballroom,thewallsweredrapedwithfabric,butthesewallswere
coveredingoldrawsilkthathadsilverthreadingrunningthroughit.Everytablewascoveredwithivory
clothandwassetwithgoldchargers,shiningsilverware,andcrystalstemware.Eachtablealsohadan
amazingfloralcenterpiece.Lowsilverovalbowlswereartfullyfilledtooverflowingwithwhiteflowers
ofallsizesandsoftgreenery.Smallcrystalchandeliersfloatedaboveeverytable,givingtherooma
warm,supperclubkindofglow.
Thecenteroftheroomhadatablewithagoldsilktablecloththatmatchedthewalls.Theflowersinthe
centerofthistableweresimilartoalltheothers,butdarkmagentapinkpeoniesgaveasplashofcolorto
thewhiteflowers.LuciusandDracoleadHermionetothatmiddletableandtheysat.
Mme.Selwynandherassistantshelpedseveralpeoplefindtheirseats,butmostusedalocatorcharm.
SeatshadbeenassignedandMme.Selwyncharmedthetablessothatnoonecouldsitatthewrongone.
Hermione'sparents,HarryandRon,SeverusandFreda,PansyandPadmawereallsittingwiththetrioat
themaintable.MasterGlinkatookthelastseat,whichmadeHermioneveryhappy.Shewantedtohave
achancetotalktotheoldRussianscholar.
Menuswritteninshinygoldparchmentwereaboveeachplate.ItlistedalltencoursesthatLuciushad
wanted.Mostofthecourseshadtwooptionsthatguestscouldchoosefrom.Alltheyhadtodowasuse
theirwandstoputachecknexttothedishtheywanted,andthatwouldbetheonethatappearedattheir486/521
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plate.
Wheneveryonesatdown,thefirstcourseacoldappetizerappeared.Inthiscase,itwasIndianpotato
pancakeswithalightcurrylimeyogurtsauce.HermionegrewupeatingIndianfood.TheGrangershad
oftengonetoasmall,familyrunIndianrestaurantneartheirhouseinLondon.Alfiehadmadeitapoint
toincorporateIndianflavorsandMugglebrandsoffood.Hermionethoughtthatthepotatopancakes
weredelicious.Whileeveryoneate,theymadetheirotherdinnerselections.Attheirtable,Dracoand
HarryhelpedHermione'sparentscheckofftheirselectionssincetheyhadnowands.Hermionenoticed
Mme.Selwynandherassistantscirculatingaroundtheroom,offeringassistanceandanswering
questions.
Averitablearmyofhouseelvesfilleddrinkrequestsateverytable.TheymostlyusedtheManorelves,
butAlfieemployedanadditionalfiveelves.AnotherdozenelvesfromHogwartsvolunteeredtoassistat
theeventaswell.
"MasterGlinka,"Luciusturnedtowardtheoldwizard."PleaseletmeformallyintroduceLadyHermione
GrangerMalfoy."
"OhLucius,stopbeingsillyandcallmeKostya,"MasterGlinkachided."Ihaveknownyousinceyou
weretoddlingaroundchewingonyourfist.ButIamveryhappytomeetyourwife."
"Iamanardentadmirerofyourwork,MasterGlinka,"Hermionegushed."IhavereadyourPrinciplesof
AdvancedTransfigurationatleastthreetimes.Itisoneofmyabsolutefavoritebooks."
"Highpraiseindeed,givenyourreputationforlovingbooks!"MasterGlinkalaughed."Youmustalso
callmeKostya,youarefamilynow,Madam."
"AndyoumustcallmeHermione,"shesmiled.Thetwoconversedabouttheintricaciesofhuman
Transfiguration.KostyawasanaccomplishedAnimagus,takingtheshapeofapolarbearahandyskill
inSiberia,andheencouragedHermionetodeveloptheskillaswell.Therestofthetabletriedtofollow
theirconversation,butsomewerelostandothersgotboredwiththecomplicatedminutiaethatHermione
andGlinkafoundsointeresting.
"Allrightyoutwo,"Harryinterrupted,laughing."Yougeniuseshavelosttherestofus."
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"Oh!"Hermioneblushed."Iamsorry."
"IdoapologizeformonopolizingHermione,"Glinkachuckled."Wemustcontinueourdiscussionina
moreappropriatetimeandplace.MyonlyexcuseisthatIhavebeenrelativelystarvedforintellectual
conversationoflate."
"Wemustrectifythatwhileyouaretown,"Severusnodded.
ThesoupcoursehadarrivedwhileHermioneandGlinkaweretalking,sosheturnedherattentiontothe
coldcherrysoupinfrontofher.Luciushadthesamething,butDracohadoptedfortheroastedtomato
andredpeppersoup.
"Howlongwillyoubeinthearea,Sir?"PadmaaskedGlinka.
"SeveralmonthsIthink,"Glinkasaidthoughtfully."IhavenotleftSiberiaindecadesandIbelieveIam
nearingmyend.IthinkIwouldliketolectureandwritemorebeforeIgo.Maybetheywillletanold
manteachafewclassesatHogwarts."
"Theywouldbefoolishiftheydidnot,"Severussnorted.
Hermionesigheddeeplyandlookeddowntohersoup.Itwasdelicious,butshewasgladitwasasmall
bowlbecausetherewereeightmorecoursestogo.
"Whatswrong,Kitten?"Dracoasked,browfurrowed.Luciusalsolookedonwithconcern.
"Nothing!Itssilly,"Hermioneshookherhead."Foramomentthere,IwishedIwasgoingbackto
HogwartsthisyearsoIcouldtakehisclass."
DracoandLuciuslookedthoughtfulforamoment,asiftheywerethinkingofawaytogetherbackinto
Hogwarts.
"Itsfine!"Hermioneinsisted."Imnolongerastudent."
"LadyEvonyusedtosaythatsmartpeoplearelifelongstudents,Hermione,"Glinkainterjected."Thatis
whyshesponsoredscholarssuchasmyself.Shewasagreatbenefactorforacademics.Forexample,she
organizedalectureseriesgivenbybothwellknownMastersaswellasnewinnovatorsintheirfields."
"Whatawonderfulidea!"Hermioneclapped,hermindnowspeedingalong.Shewasthinkingoftopics
andspeakersshecouldasktotalkatsuchaseries."IwonderifIcoulddosuchathing."
"Thereseemstobeverylittleyoucan'tdo,"Pansysmirked.
"Iwouldlovetoseealectureserieslikethat!"Padmaadded."Imgoingtomissbeinginschool,too." 488/521
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"Itwon'tbemandatorythough,right?"Ronaskedhopefully,makingthetableeruptinlaughter.
"Ofcoursenot,Ronald,"Hermionerolledhereyes."Butitwouldbegoodforyou."
Thesoupcoursewaswhiskedawaybytheelves.Thethirdcourse,seafood,replacedthebowls.
HermionehadchosentheShrimpCurrywhileboththeMalfoyshadtheredmulletwithbeefmarrow
toastandshallotsauce.
Thetalkturnedtotheweddingdecorationsandceremonyastheyate.Hermione'sparentsmarveledat
themagicalcreatures,havingneverseenarealgiantorcentaursbefore.Thewholetablealsotalked
aboutthefabulousclothespeoplewore.Ronwasparticularlyproudofhisnewdarkbluedressrobes.
Soonthefourthcourseofpastawasuponthem.HermioneandDracohadbutternutsquashravioliwhile
Luciuschosethelasagna.
"So,Kostya,LordPotterhereisplanningontravelingtheworldinthenextfewmonths,"Lucius
reported."Youhavetravelledextensively.Anytips?"
"Oh,travelissuchawonderfulidea!"Glinkasmiledoverhisravioli.HegaveHarryafewpointsabout
lesstravelledplacesandpeopleheshouldstoptosee.Glinkaevenofferedtowriteafewlettersof
introduction,tellingpeopletokeepaneyeoutforHarryaswellasgiveHarryalistofpeopleand
addresses.
Everyoneatthetablehadtravelstories,bothgoodandbad.RonencouragedHarrytoseeEgypt,while
PadmadescribedsomeofIndia'swizardingcommunities,wherehergrandparentsstilllived.Hermione's
parentsofferedsometipsaboutMuggleGreece.
ThefifthcoursewastheroastcourseofeithergrilledtandoorilamborGuinnessbraisedshortribs.
Hermionehadahardtimechoosing,butwentwiththeshortribs.
"Areyouexcitedtoopenallyourpresents?"Pansyaskedexcitedly.
"Ididn'tseeanypresents,"Hermionesaidoffhand."Thisisamazingfood."
HermioneofferedabitetoLucius,whogotthelamb.
"Theweddingpresentsareinthelargefrontdrawingroom,Kitten,"Dracoreported."Guestsdropped
themoffpriortotheceremonyandtheroomiswarded.Theelveswillhavebeennotifiedofanything
perishableorinneedorsomespecificcare."
"Care?"Hermioneaskedsurprised."Whatkindsofthingsdopeoplegiveinwizardingweddings?
Mugglesgivelinens,kitchenware,anddecorativeitemslikevasesandsuch."
Howdull,Pansywrinkledhernose.
MostMugglesneedthosethingstosetuptheirnewhouseswiththeirnewspouses,JeanGranger
laughed.Itcanbefairlydull,butveryuseful.
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Wizardingweddinggiftscanbethosekindsofthings,Luciusexplained,Justnotinthearistocracy.
Theytendtogiverareobjects,piecesofart,magicalitems,sometimesanimals.Myparentsweregivena
matchedsetofThestralsattheirwedding.
Butnotallofourguestsareinthearistocracy,Hermionepointedout.
Sowhoknowswhatyouwillget!Harrysmiled.Whatdocentaursgiveforweddingpresents?
Whoknows?!Pansygrinned.ThatswhyIwasaskingifHermionewasexcitedtoopenthe
presents.
Well,IguessIamthen!Hermionelaughed.Itwillhavetowaituntilwegetbackfromour
honeymoonthoughbecauseweareleavingtomorrow.IfthereareThestralsinthefrontdrawingroom,
theywillhavetowaittwoweeks.
Yes,whereareyougoing?WillGrangerinquired.
Theywontsay,Hermionehuffed.
Surprisesarefun!Glinkasmiled,thiseyestwinkling.
MasterGlinkascommentkickedoffadiscussionofvariousfunandnotsofunsurprisespeoplehadin
theirlives.Thesixthcourse,thegamecourse,arrived.Hermionehadtheteasmokedduckbreastwith
pearsandblueberries.Onlyafewpeopleoptedfortheroastedvenison.
Hermioneswitchedfromchampagnetosparklingwater.Shedidnotwanttogettootipsy,likeshehad
thepreviousnight,andalcoholmadehersleepy.Hermionewantedtorememberherweddingnightand
thenightwasstillyoung.Whileatencoursemealwascertainlytraditional,itwasalsoverylong.It
wouldlikelybepasttenthirtywhentheyfinallygotaroundtocuttingthecake,whichwasntuntilthe
ninthcoursethedessertcourse.Shehadknownitwastimetostopthealcoholbecauseherhands
begantowanderunderthetable.Shealsofoundherselfleaningintohernewhusbands.Theywereno
better,alwaystakinganyopportunitytogivesmalltouches.Iftheyhadadifferentdish,eachmadeita
pointtogiveHermioneasampleoftenwiththeirfingers.
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MasterGlinkawasaskingRonaboutthecurriculumattheAurorAcademy,againsparkingDracoto
insistthathecouldeasilypassAurortraining.Everyoneatthetablebegandebatingaboutalternate
careerstheyfelttheycouldeasilydo.Hermionelearnedthatherfatherthoughthecouldwritechildrens
storiesifgivenenoughfreetimeandhermotherthoughtshecouldhostoneofthosetelevisionprograms
wherepeoplegointohomesandtelltheownerswhattheyhavedonewrongtothedcor.Pansythought
thatwasawonderfulideaforashowandalmostbouncedoutofherseatwhenshewasinformedthereis
asimilarshowwherepeoplecritiqueyourclothing.Hermionehadtopromisetofindoutwhenthat
programairedandinvitePansyovertowatchitonthetelly.
Thesaladcourse,theseventhoftheevening,wasthesameforeveryone.Itwasamixedsaladofbaby
greenswithwalnuts,strawberries,andotherfruit.Itwastossedwithaverylight,tartvinaigrette.Glinka
wasinterestedinMuggleelectronics,andHermionepromisedtoshowhimaroundherMuggleroomas
soonasshereturnedfromherhoneymoon.
Theeighthcoursewasthecheesecourse.Hermionegiggledwhenitappeared.Sixsmallturntables
appeared,evenlyspreadoutonthetable.Oneachturntablewerethreesmallfonduepots,bubblingaway
withthreedifferentcheeses.Therewereskewersnexttoplatesofbreadsandvegetablesfordipping.
"Whatisallthis?"Dracoasked.
"ThisisthefonduethatAlfieandItalkedabout,"Hermionesmiled."Youwerethere."
"Whatdoyoudowithit?"Fredaasked,staringatallthecomponents.
"Youdon'thavefondue?"JeanGrangerasked,amazed."ItwasextremelypopularinMuggleculturein
the1970s,butit'smakingacomeback."
"Ihaveavaguerecollectionofthat,"Severussurveyedthesetup.
"Stabapieceofbreadoravegetablewiththisskewerhere,"Hermionedemonstrated.Severalfolksat
othertablescranedtheirneckstoseewhatshewasdoing."Thenyoudipitinthecheese.Becareful,it
willbehot.Thenyoueatit!"
Hermioneblewonherpieceofbreaddippedincheesebeforepoppingitinhermouth.Itwasaclassic
SwissandGruyerefonduewithnutmegandwhitewineandquitegood.Hermionetriedthesecond,
IrishcheddarwithIrishstout.ThethirdwasaBriewithwildmushrooms.Thewizardshadagoodtime
withthefondue,thrilledwiththenovelty.RonproclaimedthatMugglesmustbegeniusesiftheycan
comeupwithadishmadeupprimarilyofmeltedcheese.
Mme.Selwyncameoverandletthemknowitwastimeforthepresentationandcuttingofthecake.The
threenewlyboundMalfoyswouldcutthecake,andfeedbitstoeachotherasasymbolofthesweetness
theywouldshareinlife.Thentheywouldgenerouslysharethatsweetnesswiththeirguests.
"LadiesandGentlemen,EsteemedGuests,"Mme.Selwyn'samplifiedvoiceannounced."Itistimeforthe
cake."
HermionewalkedwithDracoandLuciustoasmallemptytable.Alfieappeared,levitatingamassive,
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gorgeouscakeinfrontofhim.Itwasfivetiersofivorycoloredfrosting.Threeofthetiershadwide
goldbandsaroundthebaseunderanartisticscatterofgoldandpearldots.Thetwotiersinbetween
thosewerecoveredinanintricatesilverswirlingpattern,punctuatedwiththepearldots.Itwastopped
withmetallicsilverandgoldflowers.AlfiehandedHermioneajeweledsilverknife.DracoandLucius
eachaddedtheirhandsandtheycutittogether.Hermionecutouttwobitesizedpiecesanofferedthem
toherhusbands,gettingapiecefromeachoftheminreturn.
Piecesofcakewerethencutfortherestofthecrowd.ThebigcakewasjustasgoodasthesamplesAlfie
hadbroughtby.EveryoneatHermione'stablelovedit.
Apparently,cuttingthecakewasasignthateveryonecouldgetupandmingle.Therehadbeenalittleof
thatbefore,butnotmuch.TheWeasleytwinscameoverandleanedonRon,muchtohisirritation.They
complimentedthefood,madeafewjokesthenwenttopreyonanothertable.Kingsleyalsocamebyto
chat.HermionehadsathimnexttoHealerCuspandhediscretelyaskedHermioneifsheweresingle.
Aboutadozenpeopledriftedpasttheirtable,mostlytheirclosefriends.
Mme.Selwynannouncedthatthefinalcourse,thetenthcourseofpetitfoursandnutswouldbepassedin
theballroom,whichLadyMalfoywouldnowopenfordancing.HermionetookLucius'andDraco's
armsandthethreeledthewaybackintotheballroom.Theroomlookedthesameexceptthechandeliers
shoneabitsofterandmusiciansweresetuponthedaiswherethereceivinglinehadbeen.Asthey
entered,themusiciansbeganaveryclassicwaltz.
LuciusliftedHermione'shandtohislips,bowedslightlytoherandDraco,andthensteppedback.Draco
twirledHermioneoutintothemiddleoftheroom,makingherlaugh.Smiling,DracowaltzedHermione
aroundtheroom.Shetriedtokeepup,andsilentlythankedhermotherforinsistingondanceclasses
whenshewasachild.HermioneappreciatedthewayDraco'shandfeltonherwaist,howwarmhefelt
andhowgoodhesmelled.Shewasstartingtofeellikethepartycouldnotbeoverfastenoughsoshe
couldbealonewithhernewhusbands.Theclassicalmusiciansweregoingtoplayforaboutfortyfive
minutes,followedbyabandthatDracohadchosenthatwouldalsoplayforfortyfiveminutes.That
meantshehadanotherhourandahalftowait.Hermionesighedwhensherealizeditwouldbealittle
aftermidnightuntilshecouldhaveherwaywithherwizards.
"What'swrong,Kitten?"Dracolookedconcernednowastheydanced.
"Ohnothing!"Hermioneassuredhim."Youareawonderfuldancer.Ijustrealizedthispartywillgoon
foranotherhourandhalf,soIhavetowaitthatlongbeforewecan..."
"Bealone?"Dracogrinned.
"Exactly,"Hermioneblushed.
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"Wewillmakeitworththewait,"Dracoassuredher.
"Iamsureyouwill,"Hermionenodded,takingamomenttoimaginewhatshewaswaitingfor.
"MayI?"Luciuscutin.
"Certainly,Father,"Dracosmiled."Dancewithyournewwife.Sheis...eagerforourcompany."
HermioneblushdarkenedslightlywhileLuciustookupwhereDracoleftoff.Dracowalkedaway,
chuckling,andwenttoappealtoPansyforadance.Hermionenoticedthatothersbegantojointhedance
flooraswell.Herparentstwirledby,asdidSeveruswithFredaandHarrywithLuna.Hermionelooked
atHarryandLunathoughtfully,hermindturningoverafewthings.
"Iambeginningtorealizethatisadangerouslook,"Luciusobserved,pullingherabitcloserand
returningherattentiontohim.
"Ohdon'tbesilly,Lucius,"Hermionescolded,grinning."IwasmerelylookingatHarryandLuna
dancing."
"Andthinking..."Luciusprompted.
"Thattheymakeanintriguinglookingcouple,"Hermioneadmitted."IamgladHarryisgoingoffto
travel.Heneedstotaketimebyhimselftosorthimselfout,nowthatheisfreefromcrazywizardsand
horridprophecies.Nevertheless,whenheisreadytodate,IthinkLunawouldmakealovelymatch.
Theyarebothloyal,caring,lowkeypeopleuninterestedinthespotlightorwhatstrangersthinkof
them.Asstrangeassheis,Lunaisaverybrightwitch."
"Iamsure.Sheisquitestrangethough,"Luciuslookedovertothedancingcouple.
"Quite,"Hermioneagreed.
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EventuallythesongendedandHermione'sfatherclaimedherforadance.Dracodancedwithhermother
whileLuciustookaturnwithPansy.Hermionehadahardtimegettingoneofherhusbands,asothers
keptclaimingher.ShedancedwithHarrytwice,Rononce,FredandthenGeorge,Marcus,Blaise,
Charlie,Bill,Remus,Viktor,andevenPercy.Pansyinsistedondancingwiththebrideaswelland,
thankfully,Pansyled.LuciusandDracowerekeptsimilarlybusydancingwiththeirguests.
HermionewasadmiringhowgracefullyProfessorMcGonagalldanced,whichmadesensesinceshe
taughtthemallatHogwartsbeforetheYuleBall,whenshenoticedsomethingodd.Harrywastalking
withGinnyclosetooneoftheloungeareas,whenHermionesworeshesawHarryreachdownandgrab
Ginny'sarsethroughherscarletredgown.Hermioneshookherhead.Harryhadnotseemedthatdrunk
whentheydancedtogetherjustafewsongsago.AndshedidnotthinkhewouldgoafterGinny,
knowinghowmuchtheyoungerwitchardentlywantedhisaffection.Evendrunk,Harrywouldneverbe
socallousastotoywithher.GinnyseemedtoglacearoundfurtivelyandtugHarryoutoftheballroom,
backoutsidewheretheceremonywasheld.Hermionedecidedtofollow,becausesomethingjustdidnot
seemright.
"Wouldyouallexcusemeforamoment?Allofthisdancingistaxingmycoolingcharms.Imgoingto
takeastepoutside,"HermioneinformedLordsPuceyandNott,withwhomshehadbeenspeakingabout
wardsthatcouldprotectMuggleelectronicsfrommagicalinterference.Theynoddedandgraciously
offeredtoescorther,whichHermionedeclinedequallyasgraciously.
Outside,HermionelookedaroundbutdidnotseeHarry.Thensheheardanoisenearthebondingarch
andshemadeherwaydowntheaisleforasecondtimethatnight.
"Harry,thisisnottheplace,"Ginnywasprotestingasshegiggled."Wehavetohurryandgetbeyondthe
Apparitionboundary."
HermionegotclosertothearchandsawHarrypressedupagainstGinny,suckingonherneckwithhis
handtryingtofindawayupherdress.
"WhatinMerlin'snameareyoudoing?"Hermioneblurtedout,shocked.ShewonderedhowHarrycould
besomeantogiveGinnyhope,whenHermionewasabsolutelycertainhehadnofeelingsforthewitch
otherthanabrotherlyinterest.
"Buttout,Hermione,"Ginnyglared.
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"Weareeloping,'Mione!"Harrygrinnedstupidly."Isn'titwonderful?!"
"Eloping?!?"Hermionewasthunderstruck."Whatonearthareyoutalkingabout,Harry?"
"Isaidbuttout,Hermione!"Ginnybarkedlouder.
"Iamtalkingaboutlove,'Mione,"HarrynuzzledGinny'sneck."GinervaWeasleyisthemostamazing,
lovelywitchIhaveevermetandwearegettingmarried.SheknowsaplacewecanApparatetothatwill
usetheInfinitasbond,noquestionsasked.Isn'tthatlucky?Wewillbetogetherforever!"
"Harry,youaren'tmakinganysense,"Hermioneshouted,asshepulledHarryawayfromGinny.He
lookeddazedaswellasabitpaleandsickly.Hiseyesalsohadaglassysheen.Shewhirledaroundto
Ginny."Whatdidyoudoto"
BeforeHermionecouldfinishhersentence,GinnythrewastunningspellrightatHermione'schest.
Ginnywasagoodwitchanditwasastrongspellatverycloserange.Hermionewasthrowntothe
ground.Thespellonlyglancedher,asitwasdeflectedbyheramulet,whichwashangingaroundher
neck,soshewasnotcompletelyknockedout,asGinnyintended.
"Harry,let'sgo!"Ginnyimplored,whileHermionetriedtoshakeoffthestun.
"Butlovely,Ginerva,'Mionefelldown,"Harrywassaying."Weshouldhelpherup.Shecancomewith
us!Shesmybestfriend.Shecanwitnessourwedding!"
"Shecan'tcome,"Ginnywaspleading."Shes...uh...sheisbusy.Ifyouloveme,you'llcomewithme
now."
"Ofcourse,Iloveyou!"Harryexclaimedadoringly."Yourhairshineslikefireandyoureyessparkleas
blueasthebluestsky.Youareenchanting,mywonderfulGinerva."
"Stoptalking!Let'sgo,"Ginnyshrieked.
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Hermionewaspullingherselfupwhenshefelthandsassistingher.
"Hermione,whathappened?"Dracowondered."Whyareyouontheground?Ourringsstartedburning,
tellingusyouwereintrouble."
HermioneshookherheadandsawDracoandLuciuscheckingherover.Acrowdwasstartingtoform
aroundherandHermionesawGinnypullingHarryaway,tryingtotakeadvantageofthechaos.
"STOP!"HermionescreamedstaringatHarrygettingfurtheraway.Everyonearoundherfrozeand
Hermionehadherwandinherhandinaninstant.
"ArestoMomentum!"Hermioneyelled.AstreamoflightshotoutofherwandandhitbothGinnyand
Harryaboutthirtyfeetaway.Theystoppedinplace.
"Hermione,haveyougonemad?"Ronexclaimed.
Hermioneignoredhim.Shewassoangryhermagicwassparkingaway.Itdidnotfeelquiteasoutof
controlasitusedto,though.Shealsonoticedthatshewasnowhoveringaboutthreefeetofftheground.
Hermionefiguredshemusthavedonethatunconsciously,inordertoshootoverthepeoplethathad
begunsurroundinghertoseeifshewasokay.
"Mobilicorpus,"Hermioneseethed.HarryandGinnybeganreturningtowardher.Ginnystruggled
againstHermione'sspell,butshewasnotstrongenoughtofightit.Harryjustblissfullywent
along,gazingoveratGinny.Whentheygotcloser,HermioneaimedherwandatGinny."Incarcerous!"
"Oh,'Mione,youaccidentlytiedupthelovelyandwonderfulbeautiful,GinveraWeasley,"Harrypointed
out.
"Youcan'tdothistome!"Ginnyyelled."Harryissupposedtobemine!"
"Severus!"Hermioneshouted,nottakinghereyesoffGinny.
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"Youbellowed,myLady?"sheheardhimdrawlnexttoheramomentlater.
"GinnyhasgivenHarrysomesortoflovepotion,"Hermionereported,brieflyglancingdownatthe
PotionsMaster."Fromhissicklycomplexion,IamguessingAmortentia,butitcouldbeanynumberof
things.Pleasehelphim."
"Oh,Ginnyhowcouldyou?"Rongasped.
"Harryissupposedtobemine,Mumsaidso!"Ginnydefendedlamely.TheyoungestWeasleywas
cryingnow.
"Don'tbesad,mybeauteousGinerva,"Harrytriedtosoothe.
"Harry,gowithSeverus,"Hermioneordered.
"ButImustalwaysstaywithGinerva,"Harrylookedconfused."Isn'tthatawonderfulname?Iam
tryingtowriteherasonnet,butitsdreadfullyhardtorhyme.Itsuniquenessjustaddstothebeautyof
thenamethough!"
"Comeon,mate,"GeorgeurgedHarrysadly,puttinghisarmaroundhisshoulders."FredandIare
brilliantatsonnets.WecangowithSnapetocomeupwithadoozythatGinnywilljustlove."
"Whatagreatidea!"Harrylitup."Farewell,myillustriousGinerva.Iwillreturntoyoushortlywitha
sonnetworthyofyourbeautifulname."
FredandGeorgeeachtookasideandtookHarrytofollowSeverus.SeverustappedFredaandshe
followedaswell.Hermionewassurethosefourpeople,withtheirvastpotionexperiences,couldundo
whatGinnyhaddone.ThismadeHermionecalmdownsignificantly.Shefloatedbackdowntothe
ground.Lucius'handimmediatelywenttohershoulderandDracosqueezedherfreehand.Hermione
stillheldtightlytoherwand.SheleanedhercheekdowntohershouldertopressitagainstLucius'hand
whileshesqueezedDraco'shand.
"I'mfine,"HermionesaidsoftlybeforesteppingawayfromherhusbandsandtowardthetiedupGinny497/521
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Weasley,cryingontheground.Hermionekneltdownnexttoherandwipedthetearsfromherface.
"Youcan'tforcesomeonetoloveyou,Ginny.Itisn'tfair."
"Buthessupposedtobemine,"Ginnyhiccupped.
"Buthe'snot,"Hermionesaidsoftly,brushingherhairoffherface."Harryisnottheoneforyou.It
wouldnotbeagoodmatch.Thereissomeoneelseoutthereforyou,someonewhowillloveyouand
wantthesamethingsinlifeasyou."
"Youletmydaughtergothisinstant!"MollyWeasleyshrieked,pushingthroughthecrowd.Arthur
trailedafterher,lookingveryconcerned.
"Ginny!"Arthur'sfacedrained.HermionefeltverysorryfortheWeasleypatriarch.Hewassuchanice
man,withsuchanastywife.
NotmovingfromthegroundnexttoGinny,HermionenarrowedhereyesatMollyWeasleyandlifted
herwand.Thatstoppedthewitchinhertracks.Herfacewasbrightredandshelookedenraged.
IfIfindoutthatyouhadanypartinthis,MollyWeasley,mywrathwillhavenoend.Youcannoteven
imaginewhatIwilldotoyou,Hermioneseethed.Mollysputteredhereyeswidewithfear.Arthur
placedahandonherarmandkeptherclose,probablysoshedidntdosomethingstupid.
Hermioneturnedbacktotheyoungwitch,sobbingontheground.Inaway,Ginnywasavictimof
Mollyspoisonedideas.ShewasspoiledandgroomedtobeexactlywhatMollyWeasleywanted.Her
mothermoldedhertogetthepowerandprestigesheherselfhadneverhad.Ginnyhadneverbeenfreeto
justbeherself,todevelopherowngoalsanddesires.Ginnydidhappilyfollowalong,becauseshefelt
shewasentitledtothecelebrityandthewealthhermotherhadpromisedasanincentive.Forthat,Ginny
hadtopayaprice.Shehadtolearnherlesson.Hermioneferventlyhopedthat,thistime,itwouldbe
wellandtrulylearned.ShesmoothedGinnyshair,pettinghersoftly.
Dontworry,Ginny.Itwillgetbetter.Youwillfeelbetter,eventually.Youwillfindyourway,
Hermionewhispered,beforeaimingherwandattheredhead.MagusConstringo.
GoldlightleftHermioneswandandbathedtheyoungwitch.Herbodywastautforamomentandher
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eyessqueezedshut,grimacing,thenshewentlimpontheground.Evenwithhereyesclosed,shewas
stillcrying,tearsleakingfromherlids.Hermionestoodup,pocketingherwand.
Iboundhermagic,Hermioneexplainedtothesilent,expectantcrowd.Shewillbeallowedto
performmagicinHogwartsforschoolpurposes,butthatisall.WhenshegraduatesfromHogwarts,her
magicwillbefreeagain.
Youcantdothat!Mollyprotested.IllcalltheAurors!IllcalltheMinister!
Andsaywhat,Molly?Kingsleyasked,steppingoutofthecrowd.Thatyourdaughtertriedtodrug,
kidnap,andforciblybindherselftoanunwillingwizardforalleternity?Notonlyanunwillingwizard,
butHarryPotter,SavioroftheWizardingWorld?
Mollysmouthgapedopenandshutseveraltimes,notknowingwhattosay.
WecanhopethatHarrydoesnotfilecharges,Arthursaid.Heshookhishead,lookingheartbrokenat
hisonlydaughter.HemayfeelthatHermionesactionsareasuitablepunishment.Thatwayshecan
avoidAzkabanandfinishschoolassheplanned.Untilschoolstarts,shewillremainathome.
ButArthur,Mollystartedtoprotest.
Stop!Arthurshouted,quiteforcefully,surprisingthecrowd.Hisvoicebecameveryfirm.Youwill
stopyourtongueandshutyourmouth.Iloveyou,Molly,butyouvegottoacceptthissituation.You
needtostopandthinkofhowyourinfluencemayhaveencouragedthissituation.Ihavetolivewiththe
factthatIdidntspeakup,didntputmyfootdown,whenIfeltyouwereleadingGinnydownthewrong
path.
"GinnyisnotbeyondhopeIamsure,"HermionerestedherhandonArthursarm."Shehaslovelytraits
andisreallyagoodperson,deepdown."
"Thankyou,"Arthurnodded."Iapologizefordisruptingyourreception.IwillbetakingGinnyhome
now."
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"Thankyouforcoming,"Hermionenodded.
"Pike,"Luciuscalled.Theheadelfarrivedimmediately,asifhehadbeenveryclosebyandreadytobe
ofassistance."AssistMr.Weasleyplease.Andmakesurehiswifegoeswithhim."
"Iamsosorry,'Mione,"Ronshookhishead."Ican'tbelieveGinnywoulddothat!"
"Don'tapologize,Ron,"Hermionehuggedherfriend."Youdidn'tdoit."
Hermionesawthatpeoplewerestartingtogobackinside.HerhusbandsandtheremainingWeasleys,
however,werehangingback.
"Maybeweshouldallbegoing,"Billsuggested,shiftingabit.
"Ifyouwant,"Hermionerepliedslowly,holdingontoRon'shand."Butyoudon'thaveto.Ifyoufeel
likeGinnyoryourparentscoulduseyoursupportnow,thengo,byallmeans.Familyshouldcomefirst.
Ifyoufeelyoushouldleavebecauseofwhathappened,butyouwanttostayabitlongerthenplease
stay."
"ItmightbegoodforMumandDadtohavesomespacetohashitout,"CharlieWeasleysuggested."And
IimagineGinnyisgoingtowanttobealonetonight."
"Thenpleasestay,"Hermioneurged.
"Letusgoandhavemanydrinks,"Fleursuggested.
"Brilliantidea,"Charliesmiled.Percylookedlikehewasgoingtosaysomething,butCharlieushered
himbackin.BillandFleurfollowed.HermionekeptaholdofRon'shandandlookedatherhusbands.
Theynoddedandthegroupallwentin.
EndNotes:
Next...themarriedtriofinallygetstobealone!
Backtoindex
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Author'sNotes:
Disclaimer:Iownnothing!IamnotJKR.IfIwere,I'dhavehermoneyand
wouldbelivingonmyownprivateisland.
Thankstobunnyhopsfortheexcellentbetawork,asalways.
Now...the'weddingnight'begins.
Chapter43
Thefirstsetofmusicianshadleft,andthesecondbandDracochosewassettingup.
"WheredyouthinkSnapetookHarry?"Ronwondered.
"Oneoftheelvescantakeyoutothemifyouwant,"Hermioneoffered.
"Bunny,"Dracocalled.SheappearedshortlyandwashappytoescortRon.
LuciussteeredHermionetowardoneoftheloungeareasandaskedapassingelfforaglassofwater.
"Areyousureyouareokay,Pet?"Luciusasked,sittingwithHermioneononeofthecouches.Dracosat
verycloselyonherotherside.
"I'mfine.Thestunnerjustglancedme,"Hermioneassuredthem."I'mjustsad.Ginnyismyfriend,
generally.Well,ifnotafriendreally,she'sbeenafixtureinmylifeforyears.Thatwassostupidofher.
Ihadhopedshewouldhavetakenmyadviceandsethersightselsewhere.Harrywillbeokayright?"
"Thebestpossiblepeoplearereversingit,"Luciussoothed.
"Thatwasscary,"DracofinallysaidgrippingHermione'shand.
"ItwasonlyGinny,"Hermionesaidperplexed.
"Ourweddingringsstartedheatingupourfingers,"Luciusexplained."IwasdancingwithAndromeda
andDracowastalkingwithMarcusandViktor."
"Weknewyouwereintrouble,butnotwhatkindoftroubleorfromwho,"Dracoexplained.
"TheringssortofguidedusoutsideandIsawyoulayingthereontheaislerunner.AllIcouldpicture
wasfindingyouaftertheexplosion,bloodyandbroken."
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"Oh,Draco,"Hermionecuppedhisfaceinherhandsandkissedhimgently."Iamsorryaboutthat.I
hopethatimagewillfadefromyourmemory."
"Idon'tthinkthat'spossible,"Dracopressedhisfaceintooneofherhands.
"Everythingisfine,"HermioneassuredhimwhilesheleanedintoLucius."Wearetogetherandnothing
isgoingtoseparateus."
"Promise?"Luciusmurmured.
"Forever,"Hermionesmiled.ShegaveLuciusakissandpressedherforeheadintohisbeforeturningto
nuzzleDraco'sneck.
"Ahem,"someonediscretelyclearedtheirthroatnexttothetrio.
Luciussnappedhisheadup,readytoglareatwhoeverhadthegalltointerruptthem.
"Iknow,Iknow.Interruptioninthesecasesisunforgivable,"MasterGlinkaapologized."ButIhadnews
ofLordPotterthatIwantedtoconvey."
"Oh!Youdo?"Hermionewenttostandup,jostlingherclinginghusbands.
"MasterSnapeenlistedmyassistance,"Glinkaexplained."Ibelievehiswordswere'Wehavetheworlds
leadingMaster,wemayaswellconsulthim.'Therefore,Ihelpedthembrewanantidote.Thosetwinsare
forcingyourfriendtotakeitnow."
"Forcinghim?"Dracoasked.
"Itlooks,smells,andtastesextremelyoffputting,"Glinkashrugged.
"Ah,"Hermionenodded.
"Oncehegetsitinhissystem,hewillberightasrain,"Glinkaassuredher.
"Thankyou,Kostya,"Hermionesmiledandhuggedtheoldwizard,whochuckledinresponse.
Thebandcameonstageandtheroomeruptedinapplause.ItseemedthatDracohadbookedtheWeird
Sisterstoplay.Thegroupintroducedthemselvesandsaidhowhonoredtheywereathavingthe
opportunitytoperformforthenewMalfoytriad.Theyannouncedthat,attherequestofoneofthe
grooms,theywouldbeplayingamixoftheirownmostpopularsongsaswellasMugglerocksongs.
"Comeon,Draco!"HermionesmiledandpulledonDraco'shand."Let'sdance!"
Mostoftheolderguestschosetousetheloungeareasortomovetothemusicroom,whichironically
hadnomusicatthatmoment.Hermionefounditalittledifficulttodancearoundtothefastmusicinher
weddingdress,butshefigureditout.ShegotLuciusoutonthefloorforafewsongs,butthatmusicwas
nothiscupoftea.Hebeggedoff,optingtogominglewiththeirguestsand'savehisenergyforlater.'
Hermionehadawonderfultime.ThebandhadlearnedafewMugglesongs,whichseemedtogoover
wellalthoughonlyacoupledozenpeopleactuallyknewthem.TheywereinthemiddleofDancing
QueenbyABBA,whichhadmadeHermionelaughwholeheartedly,whenHarrycamebackinwith
Severus,Freda,andtheWeasleyTwins.Thetwinsimmediatelyjumpedintothefray,leavingHarrya
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fewstepsintheroom.SeverusclappedhimontheshoulderandescortedFredatogogetadrink.
HermioneranuptoHarryandlaunchedherselfathim,knockingthebreathoutofhimforamoment.
Hermionehadalwaysbeenenthusiastic.
"Youokay?"sheasked,armswrappedaroundhisneck.
"Allbetter,"Harrynoddedsheepishly."Embarrassed.Theyshouldmakelovepotionssoyoudon't
rememberwhatyoudoafteryouarefreefromitsinfluence.Writesonnets?Ican'twritesonnets!"
"YourpraisewasrivalingKreacher'sadjectivesforDracoandLucius,"Hermioneteased.Harryjust
shookhisheadandHermionetookhimbythehand."Comedance!"
"IsthattheWeirdSistersplayingABBA?"Harryaskedabovethenoise.
"DracoaskedmyparentsforsomepopularsongspeopleplayatMuggleweddings,"Hermioneexplained.
Harryjustnodded,asifthatmadeallthesenseintheworld.
Hermionedancedforalmostthewholefortyfiveminutesthebandplayed.Shehadbeenworriedabout
thetimedraggingon,butsoonenoughtheWeirdSistersweresayinggoodbye.
"Youlookedlikeyouhadfun,Pet,"Luciusobserved,wrappinghisarmsaroundher.
"Idid!"Hermionesmiled."Thewaltzingwasfunandthiswasfun,too!"
"Readytobidourguestsfarewell?"Dracoasked,cominguptothepairandtakingHermione'shand.
"Absolutely,"Hermionenoddedemphatically,makingtheMalfoyschuckle.
Aswiththeengagementparty,thearistocraticsetwereloathetooverstayawelcome.Theyallvery
efficientlyfinishedwhateverdrinkortreatwasintheirhand,gatheredtheirbelongings,andwereready
togo.DracoandLuciuswalkedHermionetothemainfoyer.Thedoortothefrontdrawingroomwas
openandHermionecouldseethatitwasfulltoburstingwithshiny,wrappedgifts.
TherewasaverylongthintablealongoneofthewallsintheManor'sgrandentryway.Itwaslinedwith
rowsofgiftbagsforeachweddingguest.Therewasacadreofelvesreadytoreplacebagsasthoseon
thetableweretaken.Thebagswereivoryandmadeofthicksailcloth.Theyhadbraidedsilverandgold
ropehandlesandwaseachaboutthesizeofaMugglepapergrocerybag.Hermionethoughttherewas
eitheranexpansioncharmoneachoneortheywereverywellpacked.
Hermionekneweachbagheldanimpressivearrayofgifts.Therewasadarkpurplevelvetbox
containingjarsoflotion,bathsalts,hairconditioningpotion,andmassageoilfromFreda'ssalon.There
werethreecupcakesinthesameflavorsasthetiersoftheweddingcake.Onewasdarkchocolatecake
withacherrymoussecenterandchocolateganache,thesecondwasvanillacakewithFrenchvanilla
buttercreamtoppedwithfreshstrawberries,andthethirdwasapineapplecakewithapineapplechutney
centerandbrownsugarflavoredfrosting.HermionewantedtoincludesomeMuggleitemsaswellso
therewereMugglefoods.TheyhadincludedtwokindsofMugglebeer,anale,andastout,aboxofPG
Tipstea,avarietyofCadburychocolatebars,andafewkindsofMugglecheese.Eachbagcontaineda
bottleofwhatLuciuscalled'afineFrenchwizardingwine'aswellasastationaryset.Itwasagrand
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stationarysetinatanleatherboxwiththickivoryparchmentandtwoquills,oneofrealgoldandthe
otherofrealsilver.
Sayinggoodbyetotheirguestsdidnottakeaslongasthereceivinglineaftertheceremonyhadsince
theyweregoingbyingroups.Hermione'sparentsandGlinkasimplyretiredupstairs,sincetheywereall
stayinginthehouse.GuestswerethankedforcomingandHermionehuggedherfriends.Pansyinvited
Hermionetolunchandshoppingaftershewasbackintown.Lunapromisedtokeepintouchand
instructedHermionetocometoHogsmeadesomeweekendsinthefallsotheycouldcatchupinperson.
HermioneremindedRemusthattheyhadbusinesstodiscusswhenshegotback.
HarryassuredHermionehewouldcomebymidmorningthenextdaytosaygoodbye.Hermionewas
adamantthathedothatsinceshehadpurchasedhimamobilephonetotakeonhistravelsandstill
neededtogiveittohim.HermioneinsistedthatRontakeafewextragiftbags,atleastoneforArthur,
sincetherewereenoughforeachguest.McGonagallandtheotherHogwartsstaffinvitedHermioneto
comevisitheralmamaterwhenevershewished.FirenzetookamomenttothankHermioneforthe
invitation.Hewasnotoftenincludedandrarelyacceptedinvitationswhenhewas,buthehopedfor
strongercooperationbetweenmagicalhumansandmagicalcreaturesinthefuture.
Asniceasitwastotouchbasewitheveryoneandsaygoodbyebeforetheirhoneymoontrip,Hermione
wasgettingrestless.LuciusandDracoweremakingitworsebybrushingagainstherorlightlystroking
heronherarm,shoulder,orthebackofherneck.Hermionetriedtofocusontheirgueststodistract
herself.ItwasbecauseofthatfocusthatshenoticedMarcusFlintandViktorKrumleavingtogether,
holdinghands.SheknewViktorwasbisexual,butshehadreallynotknownanythingaboutMarcus'
preferences.ThatlittlescenemadeHermionemorevigilanttotryingtospotothercouples.Itseemedall
weddings,Muggleorwizard,madeguestsfeelromanticwelleithertheweddingsorallthefree
alcohol.SeverusandFredalefttogetherofcourse,butsodidAndromedawithXenophiliusLovegood
whichwassurprising.
Finally,everyonewasgone.Hermionestartedtofeelalittlenervous,whichseemedsilly.
"Ready,Kitten?"Dracoasked,pullingherclose.ShewaitedforthepullofApparitionbutnothingcame.
ShelookedbetweenDracoandLucius,confused.
"YoucanApparateyourselfnow,LadyMalfoy,"Luciussmirked.Hermione'seyeslitup.Shewasa
Malfoynow.ShecouldApparateontheManorgroundsnow.
HermionereachedoverandgrabbedLucius,stillholdingontoDracowiththeother,andApparatedthem
toherroom.ThethreeofthemappearedatthefootofHermione'sbed.Hermionehesitated,not
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knowingexactlyhowtoproceed.Shedidnothavetothinkforverylong,becauseLuciuspulledherinto
adeep,lustykiss.ShefeltDracounzipherdressandslideitoffsoitpooledonthefloor.
"Ihavebeenimaginingwhatwasunderthisdressallnightlong,"Dracomurmuredhuskilyinherearas
Luciusreleasedherfromhiskiss.
Hermionestoodbetweenthem,wearingherstraplessbraandFrenchcutknickers.Bothwerelightpink
andmadefromaseeminglyinsubstantialgauzylace.ShestillhadonherheelsandtheMalfoycrown.
"WhileIfeelwonderfullyregal,Ishouldprobablytakethisoffaswell,"Hermionesmiled,reachingupto
thecrown.
"AsIhavesaidbefore,Iwillbethrilledtofuckyouwhileyouaredrippingwithjewelsthiscrown
included,"Luciussmirkedashereachedupandbeganunpinningthecrownfromherhair."ButIam
happytowait.Wehavetherestofourlivesforthat."
DracochuckledashekneltdownandslippedoffHermione'sshoes.LuciusmovedbehindHermioneto
getthelastofthehairpins.Heremovedthecrownandwenttoplaceitoutofthewayonthelowtablein
Hermione'ssittingarea.Dracowasstandingup,runninghishandsupherlegstoherhips,overherwaist
andtoherlacybra.HermionepulledDracoinforakisswhilehepalmedherbreasts.Amomentlater,
shefeltLuciusatherbackagain.Heunclaspedherbraandrubbedhisfaceagainstthespotonherback
betweenhershoulderbladesbeforehebegankissingalongherneck.
HermionebegandivestingDracoofhisdressrobes.Shefumbledquiteabit,butfinallygothimdownto
justhistrousers.Itwasunreasonabletoexpecthertobesmoothgiventhelevelofdistractionshehadto
contendwith.Draco'sdruggingkissesweremakingherdizzyandmakingitveryhardtoconcentrateon
anythingbesidesthefeelofhislipsandhistongue.Luciusjustaddedtoherdistractionbynibbling
alongherneck,teasingherearlobes,andreachingaroundtopluckinghernippleonthebreastthatDraco
wasnotkneading.HavingdisrobedDraco,Hermione'shandshadaccesstothehardplanesofhischest
andabdomen.Hermionefeltlikeshewasdrowninginsensation,butshewantedmore.
HermionereachedbehindhertofeelLucius.Shetuggedathisrobes,makinghimchuckle,butshecould
notgettherobesoffhim.ShefeltLuciusstepawayforamomentandwhenhereturnedhewasdownto
justhistrousersaswell.Hermionehappilyrubbedhiswarm,barefleshandgroanedintoDraco'smouth.
Shewassoreadyforthemanddidnotwanttowaitanylonger.Luciusreachedaroundanddeftlyslipped
hishandintoherwetknickers.Hefoundhercenterandbeganspreadingaroundalltheslickness,taking
theopportunitytoflickherclitafewtimesandmakingHermioneshudder.
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"Ourwifeissowetforus,aren'tyou,Pet?"Luciuspurred.Hermionejustmoanedherresponse,although
Dracochuckledthroatilyandbroketheirverylongkiss.
"Ithinkweshouldmovethistothebed,"Dracosmileddevilishly.
"Iagree,"Luciusgrinned."Idon'tthinkIcanwaitanothersecondforourwitch."
HermionewhimperedwhenLuciusremovedhishandfromherdrippingcenterandbroughtittohis
mouthsohecouldlickhisfingersclean.Sheshookherheadclearanddecidedtotakecontrolofthe
situation.Hermionewasthroughwithforeplay.Itfeltlikeshehadbeeninsexualsuspenseforthepast
twoweeks.Itescalatedallnightlong,becauseofallthelingeringtouchesinthereceivinglineandthe
quasiinappropriategropesunderthedinnertable.
"Let'sgetgoingthen,"Hermionesmirked.Sheshimmiedoutofherknickersandsashayedovertothe
bed.Sheturnedtofacethem,leaningagainstthebed.Theireyesrakedoverhernakedbodyandthey
bothbegantochuckle.
Oh,Pet,thatisperfect,Luciussmiled,staringattheMshapedpatchofhairbetweenherlegs.
MforMalfoy,Hermionegrinned.Isn'tthatwhothisbelongstonow?
"Yes,myLady,"DraconoddedenthusiasticallyandrushedovertoHermione.Hepickedheruparound
herwaistandthrewherintothecenterofthebed,makingHermionegiggleespeciallywhenheeagerly
doveintobednexttoher.ShelookedupatLucius,whowasstandingatthefootofthebedhiseyes
darkwithlust.
Howdoyouwanttodothis,Pet?Luciusaskedhuskily,rubbinghischestlanguidly.
"Iwantbothofyou,"Hermionetoldthemabitshyly.Shelookeddown,notentirelysureofherselfin
thisnewexperience."Iwantbothofyouinsidemeallthreeofus,together."
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"Thatisawonderfulwaytostartourweddingnight,Kitten,"Dracosmiled,pullingHermione'sfaceto
him.HekissedhergentlyonthelipswhileLuciusslidintobedbehindher.
Iagree,LuciuswhisperedinHermionesear.It'sperfect.Wewilltakecareofyou,begentlewith
you.
Dontbetoogentle,Hermionechided,turningherheadtokissLucius.Hislipswerefirmandwarm.
Asusual,LuciustookcontrolofthekissandmadeHermionedizzy.Dracoranthetipofhistongue
downHermione'snecktoherchest.Hebeganflickinghernipplewithhistonguethensuckeditintohis
mouth.Hermionegroanedandarchedherback,adoringthefeelingscausedbyherhusbands.Shedid
notwanttowaitanylongertoreallyconsummatethisunion.Thelasttwoweekshadbeenmuchmore
frustratingtoherlibidothanshewouldhaveeverguessedwhentheMalfoysproposed.Luciusand
Dracohadanamazingeffectonher.
"Please,"Hermionemoaned."Idon'twanttowait!"
"Hearthat,Father?"Dracosmiledagainstherchest.
"Ithinkourwifeisgettingimpatient,"LuciusgrinnedasHermionepressedherhipsforwardintoDraco.
ShereacheddowntopulloffDraco'strousers.
"Now!"Hermionedemanded.
"Yes,myLady,"Luciusaffirmedhuskily,usingDraco'swordsfromearlier.
Dracopushedhistrouserstherestofthewayoffandrolledontohisback.Hiscockstoodupproudly,
thickandlong.Hermioneeyedithungrily,admiringhowperfecthelookedtall,lean,andmuscled.
"Whatareyouwaitingfor,Pet?"Luciuspurredinherear,runninghishandsoverherback."Heisyours.
Takehim."
"Iwasjustadmiringtheview,"HermionesighedwhileLuciusnippedathershoulder."Youareboth
...impressivewizards."
"YetanotherMalfoygift,"DracosmiledwhileLuciuschuckled.
HermioneslidovertopofDraco,straddlinghishipsjustbelowthatimpressiveerection.Shelightlyran
herfingersupanddownhisshaft,makinghimshiver.Afteramoment,Dracostoppedherhand.
"Ifyoukeepdoingthat,Iwontlast.IwanttocomeinsideofmywifethefirsttimeIcometonight,"
Dracopanted.
Withoutwarning,Hermioneliftedherselfupandsankdownonhim.Dracogaspedandhiseyesrolledup
intohishead.Hermionewincedandsqueezedhereyesshut.
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"Areyoualright,Pet?"Luciusasked,concerned.
Hermioneopenedhereyestoseetwosetsofconcernedeyes,onegreyblueandtheothersbrightblue.
"Ohno!Ihurtyou!"Draco'sbrowsfurrowedandhetriedtopullout.
"Stop!"Hermioneclampedherthighsaroundhimtighter."I'mokay.I'mnothurt.It'sjustabittight.Give
meaminutetoadjust.You'reverybigandithasbeenawhile."
HermionerestedherhandsonDraco'schestandadjusted,feelingherselfstretcharoundhisgirth.
"Takeallthetimeyouneed,Kitten,"Dracosaid,grittinghisteeth.
"Howdoeshefeel?"Luciusasked,kneelingbehindherandkissingalonghershoulders.
"Wonderful,"Hermionegroaned."Ifeelsofull."
Shestartedmoving,slowlyslidingherselfupanddownDraco'smassivecock.Shewasgladshehad
beensowettostartwithotherwise,itwouldhavehurtandnotjustbeenuncomfortable.Hefeltsogood
movinginandoutofher,glisteningwithherwetness.
HermionefeltLuciusrubbingherbacksidewithhishands.Shefelthimteaseherrearentrancewitha
fingerandtensed.
"Relax,Pet.Iwilltakecareofyou,"Luciusmurmured.
Hermioneconcentratedonrelaxing.LuciuswhisperedOleariusandshefeltherotherentrancegetslick.
Onceshewaslubricated,Luciusinsertedafinger.Itfeltstrange,butnotbad.
"Howdoesshefeel?"Luciusaskedhisvoicehuskyandhisfingermovinginandout.
"Amazing,"Dracorasped.Hewasclearlytryingtorestrainhimself,butHermionecouldnotstopmoving
hefelttoogoodinsideher."Sheissowetandtight.I'venever...feltanythinglikeit.Soperfect."
"Ican'twaittobeinsideyou,"Luciusbreathedheavily.Headdedasecondfingerandstretched
Hermioneabitmore.Hepistonedhishandinandout,makingHermionegasp.Shefoundherself
enjoyingtheunusualsensation."Howareyou,Pet?"
"Sogood,"Hermionegroaned.ShewantedtopickupherpaceandrideDracofaster,butsheknewhe
wouldnotlast."Iwantmore."
Luciusaddedathirdfingerandthrustthemallinandout,makingcirclesandstretchingherentrance.
"Wewillgiveyoumore,Pet,"Luciuspanted.HemurmuredOleariusagainandHermionefelthisoiled,
engorgedcockpressingagainstheropening.Lucius'handswenttoHermione'shipsandheldherstill.
"Leanforwardabit,Pet."
Hermioneleaned,makingherbehindraiseupslightly.Dracoduckedhisheaddownandcapturedoneof
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Luciuspushintoherandgasped.Hefeltenormoustoherthisway.
"Trytorelax,Pet,"Luciuspurred.
Hermioneharrumphed.Itwasnoteasytorelaxinthisnewposition.
"Itcan'tbeeasytorelaxatthismoment,"Dracosmiled."Ifithelps,pictureusingoneofthosenewtoys
ofyoursonhimandtellhimtorelax."
HermionegiggledasshepicturedbuggeringLucius.
"Anytime,Pet,"Luciusraspedashefinallypushedallthewayin."Anytime."
Hermioneclosedhereyesandconcentratedonthefeelingofbothoftheminsideher.Noonewas
moving.Hermioneknewtheywerewaitingforhertogivetheokay.
"Iwaswrong,"Hermionegasped.
"About?"Dracoasked,concerned."Isittoomuch?"
"No,"Hermionepanted.Itwasjustshyoftoomuch.Itfeltforeign,butalsoexhilarating."EarlierwhenI
saidIfeltfull,thisisfull."
"Asfullasitgets,Pet,"Luciuschuckled.
"Youready,Kitten?"Dracoasked,givingashallowthrust.
"Soready,"Hermionegroaned,grindingdownagainstDracosoherclitrubbedagainsthim.
Withthat,herhusbandsstartedmoving.Ittookamomentforthemalltofindagoodrhythm.Hermione
figuredoutthatitfeltbestwhensherelaxedallhermusclesandbecamearagdollthatLuciusandDraco
passedbackandforth.AsDracopulledout,Luciuspushedinandviceversa.Hermionehadneverfelt
anythingsosinfullywonderful.Herwholebodywassinging.Everytoucheveryinchofherskin
seemedmagnified.Luciushadreachedaroundandwasplayingwithoneofherbreastsashekissed
alongherneck.Dracosnakedhishanddownbetweenthemandwasplayingwithherclit.
"Yes,faster,"Hermionepanted."I'msoclose!"
"ThisisthebestthingIhaveeverfelt,"Dracogaspedastheypickedupspeed.
"Merlin,yes,"Luciusgrunted.
"Ohgod,"Hermionewhimpered."Iamgoingtocome.Comewithme."
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Hermionefeltherorgasmslamintoherhardandshescreamed.Herwholebodytensedandclamped
downonthetwowizardsinsideofher.
"Ohfuck,Hermione,"Dracogaspedandwentrigid.
"Hermione!"Luciusbellowed.
Herhusbandscamerightalongwithher,asshehadasked.Itwasthestrongestorgasmshehadeverhad
andherskinfelttinglyallover.Hermionefeltlikeshewasgoingtopassout.Theroomseemedoddly
brightandHermioneblinkedrapidlytryingtofigureoutwhy.Itwasher.Herskinwasglowinggold
withhermagicandtherewasanotherMagusBeatitasshoweringdownonthethreeofthem.Hermione
wasstillpressedbetweenherhusbands.Shefeltbonelessandherbodylaylimply,sandwichedbetween
DracoandLucius.
Dracoghostedsoftkissesalonghercheeks,eyebrows,andnose.Luciuswasrunninghisnoseupher
spineandtothenapeofherneck.Hermionecouldstillfeeltheminsideher,althoughtheywere
softening.
"Thatwas..."Hermionejustsighedcontentedlyinsteadoffinishinghersentence.
"Spectacular,"Luciussaid.
"Amazing,"Dracoadded."I'venever...Amazing."
Thethreelaidthereforamomentandbaskedintheliteralafterglow.Eventually,theybegantountangle
themselves.Hermionegavealittlewhimperastheypulledout.Shereallylikedhavingtheminsideher
andmissedthemwhentheyleft.
"Don'tfret,"Luciussmiled."Wearegoingtospendthenexttwoweeksinsideofyouinsomefashionor
another."
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"There'snoplaceI'dratherbe,"Dracogrinned.
Theeachrolledslightlyaway,givingHermioneroomtolieonherback.Dracokeptahandsplayedon
herbellywhileLuciusplayedwithherhair.
"Youokay,Kitten?"Dracoasked.
"Neverbetter,"Hermionesmiled.
"Restup,"Luciusgrinned."Wearen'tnearlydonewithyouyet."
EndNotes:
Next...thelastchapter.Puresmut.
Backtoindex
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Author'sNotes:
Disclaimer:Idonotownanyofthis!
Thanksagaintobunnyhopsforthewonderfulbetaworkonthisstory.Sinceit
wasmyfirststory,thereweresomekinkstoworkout.Shedidafabulousjob.
Athousandthankyoustothosewhohavereadandathousandmoretothosehave
reviewed.Ihaveappreciatedallthecomments,support,andfeedbackimmensely.
ThiswasthefirstfanfictionI'veeverwrittenanditwassomuchfunIdon'tknow
thatIcanstopnow!
Now...thelastchapter.Itisentirelysmut.
Chapter44
Luciuswascertainlytruetohisword.Afteranotherfewmomentsofrest,Lucius'handwasslidingupher
thigh.Hepulledhertowardhimandkissedher,histongueexploringeveryinchofhermouth.His
fingersexploredhercenterandtappedhersensitizedclit,stillswollenfromearlier.Hermionefeltherself
beingwoundupagainandsoonLuciushadherpanting.Rightwhenshewasafewsecondsawayfrom
comingonhisfingers,Luciusrolledheronherbackandslammedintoher.
"Yes,"hehissed.Hegentlyrubbedhischeckagainsthers,atoddswithhowfirmlyheenteredher.
"ThereisthatsweetlittlecuntIhavebeenwaitingfor.Ihavefantasizedaboutpoundingintoyouforso
long,Pet."
Hermioneyelledoutathisfirstthrust,becausehehitherclitagain.Itonlytookafewplungesin,tapping
againsthersensitiveclittomakehercomeagain.HermioneclenchedaroundhimandLuciuspowered
through.Soonheexplodedinher,shoutinghernameandcollapsingonher.
HermionelookedovertoDraco,nottoofarawayonthebed.Hewassittingupagainsttheheadboard,
staringatherwithlustfilledeyes,andstrokinghimself.Hewasdefinitelyreadytogoagain.
"Doesn'tshehavethetightestlittlepussy,Father?"Dracoasked.
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Luciuspulledoutslowlyandrolledofftotheside.
"Ourwifeisperfect,absolutelyperfect,"Luciusgaveasatedgrinandworkedtocatchhisbreath.
AssoonasLucius'weightwasliftedoffher,Draco'sstrongarmspulledherintohislapanddownonhis
waitingcock.Hermionewrappedherlegsaroundhimandlockedheranklesatthesmallofhisback.
Shebracedherhandsonhisbroad,musclesshoulders.
"Perfect,"Dracogroanedbeforehecaughthermouthinakiss.Histonguecaressedandpushedagainst
hers.Hishandswenttoherwaistandhebeganliftingherupanddown,slidinginandoutofher
channel,nowdrenchedwithDraco'scome,Lucius'come,andherownwetness.Hermionejustenjoyed
feelinghimashebouncedherupanddown.Dracoshiftedheraroundonhislapafewtimesuntilone
anglemadehercryout.Hehadtiltedhersothethick,ridgedheadonhispenisrubbedagainsthergspot
overandoveragain.Hermionewasmoaningandcryingouteverytimehepulledherdownonhim.
"Lookather,Father,"Dracopanted."Lookhowherperfecttitsbounce."
"Theyareperfect,justtherightsize,"Luciussmiled,languidlystrokinghimselfthoughhewasonlyhalf
hard."Makehercome,Draco.Ilovewatchinghercome."
DracopickedupthespeedslightlyandHermionewasgoingmad.Ittookherlongertocomefrom
stimulatingthegspot,butitwassoworththeextrawork.
"Doyoulikeit,Pet?"Luciuspurred."DoyoulikebouncingonDraco'scock?"
"Yes!"Hermioneshouted,tryingtogofaster.
"Iwanttoseeyoucomealloverhim,mysweetwife,"Luciuscontinued."Iwanttohearyouscream
yourrelease."
Justafewmoretimesupanddown,andHermionewasscreechingherorgasm.Herwholebodyshook
andthenshecollapsedagainstDraco'schest.Hekeptliftingherupanddownafewtimesbeforehe
roaredhisownrelease.Recovering,Dracocradledhertohimandstrokedherhair.Afterafewmoments,
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DracoliftedheroffhisspentshaftandHermionefeltatrickleoffluidrundownherthigh.
"Canyouwalk?"Luciusaskedloungingproppeduponhiselbowwithhisheadrestinginhispalm.
"Idon'tknow,"Hermioneadmitted.Herlegsfeltlikejellyatthemoment.
"Let'salltakeashowerandfindout,"Luciussmiled.
Luciusslidoutofbedandstretchedinallhisnakedglory.Hermioneventuredtostandupaswell.She
wobbledforasecond,butherfootingwasfirmandshetookafewstepstowardthebathroom.
"Ah,Iseewehavemoreworktodo,"Luciusgrinned.Hermionelookedathimconfused."Draco
promisedyouwouldn'tbeabletowalkaftertonight.Clearlythathasn'thappenedyet."
HermionesmiledandheardDracochucklefromthebed.
"Coming?"Hermionecalledtohim.
"Youtwogoonwithoutme,"Dracosighed,smiling."Istillneedtocatchmybreath.Iwillbeinina
minute."
Hermionesmirked,proudthatshehadexhaustedtheyoungwizardandwalkedtotheshower.Lucius
followedherandgaveheraswatontherear,laughing,whichmadeherjumpandsqueal.
"Hey!"HermioneprotestedwhileLuciussmileddevilishlyandwentpasthertostarttheshower.The
showerchamberfilledupwithsteamalmostinstantly.Shecaughtaglanceofherselfinthemirrorand
chuckled.Heronceelegantlyarrangedhairwasindisarray.Therewerebitemarksonherneckand
shouldersaswellasfingershapedbruisesonherhipsfromDraco'shands.Shesmiled.Shehadbeenso
engrossedintheiractivitiesthatshehadnotevennoticed.
"Gorgeous,"Luciussmiled,comingupbehindherandtrailinghisfingersalongallthemarks."Let'sget
youallcleanedup."
LuciusledherintotheshowerandHermionesteppedunderthespray.ShelookedoveratLucius,who
wassittingonthebenchwatchingher.
"Areyoubeingavoyeur?"sheasked,smilingoverhershoulder.
"HowcouldInotwatchthemostalluring,exquisitewitchIhaveeverknown?"Luciussmiledlustily.
Hermionescoffedandrolledhereyesathisflattery,butshealsocouldnotsuppresshergrin."What,you
don'tbelieveme?"
"IknowIamprettyandIknowyoufindmeappealing,butthemostexquisitewitchyouhaveever
known?"Hermionelaughed."Ihaveseenyourlastwifeyouknow.Wearemarriednow.Youdon'tneed
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"Don'tmentionNarcissa."Luciusmadeasourface."Thinkingaboutherwillmakemegosoft.Youare
exquisite,Pet.Iknowyoudon'tbelieveme,butmaybeyouwillsomeday.Whenyouwalkeddownthat
aislethisevening,manywizardsandsomewitchesardentlywishedtobeinourplace.Youdon'thave
tobelieveittomakeittrue."
Hermioneblushedandwashedherhair.Shedidunderstandthatshewasprettywhenshedressedup,but
shestillthoughtLuciuswasoverstatingthings.
"Now,"Luciusdrawledaftersherinsedtheconditioneroutofherwetcurls."Ifwearegoingtoplay
voyeur,let'smakeitabitmorestimulating."
Luciusactivatedseveraloftheshower'swaterjets.Twospraysofwatershotrightbetweenherlegs,
makinghergasp.Hermioneclosedhereyes,leanedbackagainstthetile,andletthewaterlapgentlyat
herswollencore.Itfeltamazing.
"Whatabeautifulsight,"sheheardDracomurmurfromtheshowerdoor.
Hermionelazilyopenedhereyestoseehimstandingtherenaked,watchingher.Luciuswasalso
watchingher,stillsittingonthebench,butnowstrokinghisstiffcock.Dracosteppedinsideandshutthe
showerdoor,leaningbackupagainstitandtakinghimselfinhandaswell.
Hermionemovedherhipssothewaterwentbackandforthacrossherclit.Sheranherhandsupher
torsoandsqueezedherbreasts,pinchinghernipples.Shemoanedandarchedherback.
"Spreadyourlegs,Pet,"Luciusrasped."Iwanttoseeyou."
"Yes,myLord,"Hermionepurred,makingLuciusgroan.Shewidenedherlegsandtiltedherhipsso
theycouldbothseewherethewaterwashittingher.Shecontinuedtoplaywithherbreastsandmoaned
throatily.Hermionetrailedonehanddowntohercenter.Sheusedherfingerstospreadherselfopen,
allowingonejetofwatertoshootupintoheropeningwhiletheothersprayedlightlyatherclit.Her
moaningintensified.Hermionewasgettingsoclosetocoming.PerformingforLuciusandDracothis
waymadehersomuchmoreexcited.
"Youlikethisdon'tyou,Pet?"Luciusasked,rubbinghimselfabitfaster."Youlikespreadingyourlegs
forus,showingusthatdeliciouscunt."
"Yes,"Hermionemoaned,drawingouttheword.
"Youareourdirtylittlewitch,aren'tyou?"Luciuspanted.
"Yes,"Hermionerepeated,lockinghereyeswithLucius.Shelovedhowunhingedhelookedwatching
herpleasureherself,panting,andpullingonhiscock."Iamyours,yoursandDraco's,myLord."
Luciuswasupoffthebenchinaflashandhoistedherup,hishandsgrippingherarseandherknees
bendingoverhiselbows.Hepushedhisorganintoherwaitingchannel.Havingoneofherhusbands
insideherwassomuchmoresatisfyingthanthewaterjets.Hermione'sbackwaspressedagainstthe
cooltilesasLuciusthrustintoherrepeatedly.Hefeltamazingbuthewasnotquitegoingfastorhard
enoughtomakehercomeandshehadbeensoclose.
"Faster!"Hermioneurged,tryingtothrustherpelvisintohim.Thewayherlegsweredrapedoverhis
arms,herbodyalmostbentinhalf,madeitimpossibleforhertocontrolthepace.
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"Now,now,Pet.Bepatient,"Luciuschided."Youareoursnow.Wegettosaywhenyoucome,naughty
littlewitch."
Hermionewhimperedinprotest.
"Iknowwhatyouweredoing,teasingmesoIwouldcomeoverandfuckyou,"Luciussmiled,still
keepinghissteadybutsomewhatsedatepace."Youwantedmycockinthatsweetcuntofyours,didn't
you,Pet?"
"Yes!"Hermionegroaned.Shewasrightontheedgeandwantedtocomesobadly.Shelookedover
Lucius'shouldertoseeDracostrokinghimselfintently,smirkingather.Hermionetriedtothinkofwhat
todotomakeLuciusgofaster.Thensherememberedthejets.
"Yes,myLord,"Hermionerepeated.ThenshelockedeyeswithDraco."Iwantedyourcockinme.I
can'tgetenough.IwantyouandDracotofillmeup,soI'mdrippingwithyourcome."
Draco'seyesrolledupintohisheadandherubbedhimselfquicker.ShefeltLuciusfalterandthenstart
tospeedup,beforehecaughthimselfandwentbacktohisoriginalpace.
"Youareanaughtywitch,"Luciusbreathed.
"Icouldbenaughtier,"Hermionepurred,nippinghisearlobehard.Shewandlesslyactivatedthejet
underLucius,sendingastrongjetofwatertohisrearentrance.Shesimultaneouslydidthesameto
Draco.BothMalfoysgaspedandDracoletforthofswearwords,hisfistworkinghispulsingcocklike
lightening.
"Sonaughty,"Luciusgrunted,finallyincreasinghisspeed.Hermionesetthejettofollowhismovements
andLuciusletoutalonggroan.
HermionedecidedtomakethejetspulsateandaddedasecondtoDraco,hittinghimrightunderhisballs.
"Fuck!"Dracoshoutedasacame,shootingallovertheshowerflooranddrippingdownhisfist.
"Ohyouareinsomuchtrouble,Pet,"Luciuspanted,rammingintoherandgivingherexactlywhatshe
needed.Hermionefinallyfeltherlongdeniedorgasmripthroughher.Shedugherfingernailsinto
Lucius'shouldersandscreamedherhardwonrelease.ShefeltherselfclenchingaroundLuciussohard
hehadtroublethrustingthroughherorgasm.Hereachedup,graspedahandfulofherwethair,and
tuggedsothatherfacewastiltedtohis.Lucius'lipscapturedhers,histongueandhisteethdominating
hermouth.Hedidnotlethergountilhecame,roaringhernamehishandsqueezingherrearendso
hardHermionewassurehewouldleaveamark.Luciusslumpedagainsther,tryingtocatchhisbreath.
"Imayhaveunderestimatedyou,Pet,"Luciusraspedwithasatedgrinonhisface."Youarenotjust
naughty,you'reawickedwitch.IcanseenowthatIamgoingtohavetoteachyoumanylessons.
However,wewillhavetoputoffthelessonforthewaterjetstuntuntilIhavemoreenergy."
HermionegaveanexhaustedgiggleandLuciusdelicatelysetherdown.Herlegswobbled,butshe
remainedstanding.
DracowasrinsinghimselfoffandHermionewentovertohimunderthesprayandwrappedherarms
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aroundhimwhileLuciussoapedup.
"StillstandingIsee,"Dracosmiled,leaningdowntokissthetipofhernose."Iguessourworkisn'tdone
yet.Thatwaterjetbytheway,brilliant."
"Iamgladyoulikedit,"Hermionesmiled,rubbinghercheekagainsthiswetchest.
"Betweenhearingyoutalkdirtyandthosejets,Icouldnotcontainmyself,"Dracogrinned,huggingher
close."Fatherisright,youarewicked,andthat'swonderful."
"I'vesaiditbefore,butIwillsayitagain,"Luciussaid,rinsingoff."Hermioneistheperfectwitchfor
us."
"Sheisabsolutely,"DracosqueezedHermionetohim.
Theyshutoffthewaterandlefttheshowerchamber.DracoandLuciustookturnsdryingher.Draco
lamentedaboutthebruiseshecausedonherhips,butHermionedismissedhisconcern,insistingthatshe
wasperfectlyfine.Sometimesgood,athleticsexlefttelltalesigns.Truetohispersonality,Lucius
admiredthehandmarkheleftonherarsewhenhecamesoenthusiastically.
Hermionefeltabitunsteady,butcouldstillwalkbacktothebedentirelynaked,butnowclean.Draco
scoopedherupwhentheygotnearthebedandtossedherinthecenter.Hernakedhusbandsstoodatthe
footofthebedandstared.Hermionestartedtofeelalittleselfconscious.
"Arewestartingournakeddaysnow?"Hermioneaskedproppingherselfuponherelbows,crossingher
ankles,andarchingabrow.
"Thatmightstartleeveryonewhocomestobrunchtomorrowtoseeusoffonourhoneymoon,"Lucius
laughed.
"Especiallyyourparents,"Dracochuckled.
TheMalfoyscrawledontothebedoneithersideofHermione.Thebothlookedpredatory.
"Whatdoyouwant,Kitten?"Dracoasked,lookingsinfullygoodashetrailedhisfingertipsoverher
torso.
"Hmmm,"Hermionestretchedout,testinghermuscles.Shewinced.Shewassureshewasgoingtobe
soretomorrow.Shereacheddownandstartedstrokinghim."Nothingtooathletic.I'vebeenvery
thoroughlyshaggedandIdon'tknowhowmuchmoreIhaveinme.Fromthelookonyourface,I
imagineyoualreadyknowwhatyouwant."
"Ido,"Dracoadmitted."Iwanttotrythattightlittlearseofyoursbutonlyifyouwant,ifyoulikedit
earlier."
"Itwas...different,"Hermioneadmitted,runningherfingersoverDraco'slength."ButIdidlikeit."
HermionelookedoveratLucius,whowasleaningupagainsttheheadboardwithhisarmscrossedbehind
hishead.Helookedhappy,relaxed,andtired.
"IwanttowatchDracofuckthatbeautifularseofyours,"Luciussmirked,adjustinghissemihardcock.
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Hermionerolledontoherbellyandstretchedlikeacat,archingherbackandliftingherbackside.Draco
positionedhimselfrightbehindherandslowlyrubbedhishandsupanddownherspine.Heleanedover
her,spooninghercoveringherentirelywithhisbody.Henuzzledthenapeofherneckandreached
aroundtopalmherbreasts,pinchinghernipples.
Mmmm,Dracohummed.Yourskinissosoftandwarm.
HermioneturnedherheadandfoundDracoslips.Shelovedthewayhefelt,moldedagainsther.Draco
begankissingthesideofherneckthenplantedkissesallthewaydownherspine,tothesmallofher
back.Nextthingsheknew,histonguewaslappingathercore,andHermionegasped.Shelookedupto
seeLucius,smilingcontently,lazilyrubbinghisnowstiffcock.
Hermionecrawledthefewfeetthatseparatedthem,positioningherselfbetweenLuciuslegs.Draco
sooncaughtupandresumedlickingher,makinghermoan.Hebeganrubbingherbackentrancewitha
wetfinger,stimulatingandstretchingher.Shehadneverhadsomuchsexinonenightandhadlost
countofhowmanytimesshehadcome.Everythingbetweenherlegsfelthypersensitized,sosimple
littleflicksofDracostongueonherclitmadeHermioneclosetocoming.
HermioneleanedforwardandtookLuciusinhermouth.Hegroanedhappilyandthreadedahand
throughherhair,notguidinghermovementsatall,butstrokingherhair.Hermionemoanedaround
Lucius'cock,overwhelmedbyDracosuckingdirectlyonherclitandtwoofhisfingerspushinginand
outofherrear.Shecamequiteunexpectedly,cryingoutandshuddering.
DracosatupandmurmuredtheOleariuscharm,lubricatingherfully.Hermionefelthisbluntheadpush
againstherandsheconcentratedonrelaxing.DracopushedinslowlyandHermioneranhertongueover
Lucius'strainingmember.WhenDracowasfullyseated,sheswirledLucius'ridgedcapintohermouth,
makinghimgroan.
"Okay,Kitten?"Dracochecked.Hisvoicesoundedlabored,strained.Hermioneknewhewastryingtobe
gentlewithherandholdback.SheletLuciusgowithawetpop.
"Fuckme,Draco,"sheraspedturningbacktolookathimoverhershoulder.
"Ofcourse,mysweetwife,"Dracopantedwithaglintofamusementinhiseyes.
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Dracobeganpushinginandoutofher,lookingforagoodpace.HermionereclaimedLucius'cockand
exploredhimwithhermouth.SoonDracodevelopedastrong,fastpacethatwasalsoservingtopush
Hermione'smouthonandoffonLucius.Hermioneconcentratedonsuckingontheupstroke,whenDraco
pulledback.Dracobuggeringherfeltdifferentsinceonlyoneofherholesdowntherewasbeingfilled.
Hermionedecidedthatshequitelikedit.Itfeltalittletabooandnaughty,whichsheenjoyed.Sheknew
shewasdrippingwitharousal.
"Feelsgood,doesn'tshe,Draco?"Luciuspanted.
"Sotight,Father,"Dracogrunted."Sogood."
HermionelookedupandsawLuciusstaringdown,watchinghisshaftdisappearingintohermouthand
comingbackoutslickwithherspit.Hiseyeswerehalfclosedandhewasbreathingheavily.Hermione
managedtoreachhisbollockswithherhandandbeganmassagingthem.Sheextendedonefingertorub
thespotrightunderneath,makingLuciusbuckupintohermouthandshouthisencouragement.Atthe
sametime,DracoreachedaroundandbeganfuriouslyrubbingHermione'soverworkedclit.
"Oh,Pet,I'mgoingtocome,"Luciuswarned,straining.Shecouldfeelhisballsdrawupandhislength
starttothrob.Hiscomehitthebackofherthroatandkeptshootinginthickjets.Shedidnotknowhow
hehadthatleft,giventhathehadcomesomuchalready.
WhileLuciuswasstillcoming,Draco'srubbingpaidoffandHermionecamehard,yetagain.Shewailed
herreleaseandLuciusfelloutofhermouth,splashingacrossheropenmouthanddownherchin.Draco
followedrightbehindthem.Hepulledoutandcameacrossthesmallofherback.Shecouldfeelit
drippingdownhercheeks.
HermionecollapsedwithherheadrestingonLucius'thighandworkedtocatchherbreath.Lucius
strokedherhairoutofherfaceandDracofloppeddownonhisbacknexttothem,pantinghard.
"ThatwasoneofthesexiestthingsIhaveeverseen,"Luciussmiled."Mycomesplashedacrossyour
faceanddrippingoutofyourmouth."
"You'vebothmademeallsticky,"Hermionemanaged."Ineedanothershower,butIdon'tthinkmylegs
workanymore."
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"Missionaccomplished,"Dracogrinned."Sorryaboutthemess,butIcouldn'thelpit.Iwantedtoseeyou
coveredinmycome."
Thethreeofthemrestedforamoment.DracocastaScourgifyoverthemallandHermionecrawledupto
apillow.Shewasutterlyexhaustedandcouldnothavebeenhappier.Luciuslaiddowntoonesidewhile
Dracowasontheother.Dracoleanedoverandkissedherswollenlipsgently.
"Goodnight,mywife,"Dracosmiledanddrapedanarmoverherwaist.
"Goodnight,myhusband,"Hermionerespondedbeforeturningherhead.Luciusgaveherasweet,soft,
lingeringkiss.
"You'vemademesohappy,"Luciuswhispered.Hetookherhandandheldittohischest.
"Youbothhavemademehappy,"Hermionesmiled."Happyandexhausted.Bestweddingnightever."
Hermioneclosedhereyes.Shelistenedtoherhusbandsbreathingandfelttheirwarmthonherskin.A
contentedsmiledriftedacrossherfaceasshefellasleep.BeingLadyMalfoyandmarriedtothesetwo
wouldnotalwaysbeeasily,butitwouldcertainlynotbedull.
EndNotes:
Thanksagainforreading.Itwassomuchfunwritingthisstory.
Ihopetowriteasequelinthenearfutureandmymuseisstartingtochurnwith
whispsofideasthatwillhopefullygrowtobecomeawhole,newstory.Ialready
knowthatthetitlewillbe"BeingLadyMalfoy"sincethisstorywasabout
BecomingLadyMalfoy.
Backtoindex
Disclaimer:Allpubliclyrecognizablecharactersandsettingsarethepropertyof
theirrespectiveowners.Theoriginalcharactersandplotarethepropertyofthe
author.Nomoneyisbeingmadefromthiswork.Nocopyrightinfringementis
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intended.
Thisstoryarchivedathttp://www.grangerenchanted.com/enchant/viewstory.php?sid=4770
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