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Lupine Dreams	By : Wolfling1972 Category: Harry Potter > Het - Male/Female > Draco/Hermione Views: 11118 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 1
Disclaimer: Disclaimer: I do not own the Harry Potter universe, that belongs solely to JK Rowling, neither am I making money from this story. I just enjoy playing in her world

Chapter List
- 14
- 15
- 16
(AN 1: Let's set sail into the realm of improbability, starting...now! Also Nari-Chan I hope this whets your appetite! Coloa-the angst had to happen!!)
Book Two Begins...
A sleepy young woman swept the mass of chocolate and copper-colored curls over to one shoulder, her dark amber gaze searching for split ends or broken strands. After a long inspection, she quickly braided her hair, bringing the long fall over her shoulder to finish it off so that the whole of it fell just above her waist. She'd been in Romania with Charlie Weasley for the last six months, had been with Bill Weasley for six months before that, in Egypt and Italy but now, today, she was going home. Giving in to introspection, the young woman allowed herself to consider the way her life had unfolded.
Hermione had kept in touch with her friends, of course, even after she pulled a runner. She had celebrated from afar when Ron and Lavender had gotten married and had laughed hysterically when she found out about Harry and Daphne Greengrass. Ginny and Theo had tied the knot almost as soon as they graduated (as everyone had expected!) and Luna was still with Blaise but she knew that would be the case before she'd ever left Hogwarts behind. Though her friends had asked, she had never told any of them the reasons why she'd chosen to skip her final year and study abroad nor why she had taken her NEWT exams, one at a time every few months for the first year of her absence. She had never told anyone of her plans to travel so that she could dip into the practical side of curse breaking, dragon wrangling and research which meant that her leaving had been a shock. However, that couldn't be helped as she was far too embarrassed by her failures.
If she allowed herself to be honest (and it was damned difficult sometimes to BE that honest) she would have to admit that she had screwed up when she had walked away from her relationship. In fact, almost as soon as she had demanded that Draco release her cuff, she had grasped the idea that (though he had messed up) she had played her part in the relationship's demise. She had been too scared to allow him to seal their bond and she had pushed him until, with one fell swoop, her happiness had been taken away. He had begged her to reconsider, for HOURS, but her damnable pride wouldn't allow it, no matter how much she wanted to. Instead, she had lost him, had walked...no ran...away.
She had continued to touch base with his mother, though, and knew that he'd taken over the family business. Narcissa had written extensively about Draco: how he'd turned the company around, how he'd retreated into himself, even with countless women trying to gain his eye (and galleons). The stately female had told her, had even asked her, to come back but Hermione had hedged her off until she couldn't anymore. Finally, just a week prior, the young woman had written to the Malfoy matriarch and asked her to arrange a portkey home. She had also added an admonishment: don't tell Draco.
At daybreak on the day of her departure, Hermione awoke to birdsong and a belly ache. Nerves? Probably, since she knew that by noon, she would be back in Wizarding London. Narcissa had been a godsend, though. The woman had located a two-bedroom apartment for rent (and furnished it after paying for the first year, out of her own money) in Diagon Alley as well as a good spot for a small bookshop which would specialize in antique wizarding books and first editions of rare muggle literature, Hermione's dream job. Hell, the stately blonde had even donated some of her rare treasures from the Malfoy library with the understanding that the two women would split any proceeds garnered from the collection.
All in all, Hermione was returning to London in better shape than she had expected.
Just before her departure time, the frazzled young woman had strode out of her tent and went to find Charlie to say goodbye. All of her things had been packed up hours before and stuffed into her small beaded bag. (Much easier that way, thank goodness for extension charms!) With only ten seconds to spare, she grabbed the old pewter teapot and was whisked away, her body turned inside out from the speed and motion. (Portkey travel sucked so much!) She arrived at the Ministry in the offices of International Travel and was greeted by her friends with much hugging and quite a few cheers. She found herself engulfed by the warmth of homecoming.
It was Luna who asked the dreaded question, "Will you see Draco?"
"Maybe, after I've settled in and gotten my bookstore ready for the public," Hermione had shakily replied.
Blaise took up the next point. "He's been waiting for you, you know. He would never admit it but Theo and I know it to be true."
Hermione dropped his gaze and gave a light shrug. "I-I am just not ready yet...I told Narcissa not to tell him."
"Well, he knows. I doubt you'll be able to avoid him for long," Theo stated with conviction. "Best you not even try."
Hermione held up one slender hand. "Just a little while." A plaintive plea followed by a slight hesitation. "I will floo call you all... later. I need to get home, see what Narcissa found for me."
The group went their separate ways and soon enough, Hermione was left alone to make her way to the Atrium and the large Floo which would carry her to her new home. (Thank Merlin Narcissa had sent along the addresses to the shop and her apartment when she posted the portkey!)
The young woman stepped from her floo into a comfortable seating area, filled with soft cocoa shaded suede furniture and dark mahogany tables. Small lamps decorated the space and added a touch of brightness to the room. Her breath caught and grew short even as she meandered through a door and stumbled upon a lovely magically run kitchen with a breakfast nook built against a wall and situated under a large bay window. The counters, table, benches, and cabinets were stained a lovely cherry color and contrasted beautifully with the kitchen's appliances.
Another arched doorway led to a short hall that contained three doors: one on the left, one on the right with a third located at the very end. She opened each one and gave a pleased smile. The largest was the master bedroom and contained a half bath. The second had been renovated into a small library and office space and the third door was a full bath done in shades of green and taupe. All in all, the apartment was perfect for her and she knew she'd have to write Narcissa to thank her.
Just then, a tiny elf with wide green eyes popped into view, large bat wing ears fluttering.
"Hello, Miss Minnie. I am Maudie, a free elf and paid weekly, one galleon and one sickle and has a small room hidden in the kitchen, okay?"
Hermione gave the little being a smile. "Hello, Maudie. Have you already been paid?"
The elf grinned. "Yes, Miss. I was Miss Cissa's house-elf. She gave me choices. Been paid for the month."
"Oh good. Were you freed before?"
"Miss Cissa freed us once the bad man was gone. I am the youngest though and wanted my own house. I will be your elf now."
Hermione tilted her head in acknowledgment. "So... what are you good at?"
The little elf beamed. "Cooking, dusting, laundry, and shopping. Not so good in big spaces so small apartment much better. Won't clean the office though...or your bedroom."
"That sounds perfect. Thank you, Maudie. If you'll excuse me I have to put my things away..."
"No, Miss Minnie. I do it. You go to Gringott's and lock your vault now. Miss Cissa said to remind you to check the balance. Meet with the agent for the book shop in two hours."
'Dammit.' Hermione groused to herself. Still, she returned to the main bathroom and took a quick shower before finding a suitable outfit for her meetings. Twenty minutes later, she was gone again, first to the wizarding bank to set up a new entrance ID (her wand was easiest) and to get her permanent key which would close the vault to Narcissa or anyone else. Next, she went over the vault's contents, which had somehow grown by another 60,000 thousand galleons during her absence. Since she'd been paying her way for the past two years, she was unsure of how THAT particular feat had occurred.
It was Preta who explained, voice devoid of all warmth. "You've been getting regular deposits from Master Malfoy, a total of 2500 galleons a month. Your exams were paid for by Missus Malfoy and you hardly touched your original balance while you were away and, as I am sure you are aware, your primary balance continued to draw interest." The goblin, a dour female who looked as if she'd rather be anywhere else, continued in her rough way. "It is good that you chose to lock your vault but by doing so you will not be able to receive the monies designated to you."
Hermione blinked. "Can I not give the money back?"
"Master Malfoy assumed that you would ask and the answer to that is no. Now, if we are finished...."
"No. I also need to set up automatic withdrawals for rent on a small shop starting next month. I will be back to do the same thing when it comes to the rent due for my apartment in a year."
Fifteen minutes later, and with all business concluded, Hermione had finished and was on her way. She chose to walk the high street to allow her mind a chance to review all that she had learned. Why would Dra...Malfoy add money to her vault? Why did Narcissa pay for her exams? Also, the building which would house her place of business had been bought outright and put in her name. Who did THAT? Hells, she was going to be paid rent since there was both a flower and a coffee shop already on the premises.
She arrived at Triton Circle, a small cul de sac just off the main drag, and turned to get her first glimpse of the building she now owned. It was located in a lovely area, shaded and cool, far enough off the beaten track that she would only have to entertain serious offers. The stone edifice that greeted her was marked by gleaming marble and she grinned as she noted the foot traffic to and from the area. Steady but manageable.
A rather dour young man stood just before the building, his features pulled into a faint frown and she assumed that he was the agent she had to meet. Half an hour later, all of the paperwork was signed, her vault number noted for rent collection, and the large main store had been shown and accepted. The space was lovely with an open floor plan and shelving that reached from floor to ceiling. A long, low counter sat in the center of the airy space and boxes were already piled up on either side of it. An old fashioned ledger and register completed the scene. All she had to do was go through the books she'd collected over the years, fill her shelves and choose a name. Some advertising in Witch Weekly, the Quibbler and The Daily Prophet would announce the opening.
Hermione's excitement grew as she dreamed of the business she would build, the people she could (and would) connect with during her search for rare tomes. It was perfect! As soon as the man (Whittleby by name) exited the shop, the young woman allowed herself a small giggle and began to set wards: Anti-Apparition, Anti-Thievery, Protection. She did not extend them beyond the doors of her shop and as soon as she was done, she headed over to the coffee shop to meet the proprietor.
All in all, she had enjoyed a productive afternoon but it had raised more questions than she had expected. With a small frown, she'd exited the flower shop (she thought meeting her tenants was only polite) and returned to the main thoroughfare, her mind still whirling. She would have to write to Narcissa and find out just what in the hell was going on.
With her thoughts racing, her eyes weren't focused so it was not a complete shock when she inadvertently ran face-first into someone's chest.
"Shit, excuse me. I wasn't..." The words were murmured as she backed away from the well-muscled chest of a tall male, a very tall male, who did not move until she met his gaze. As she allowed her eyes to rise over the lean, lithely muscled, masculine frame covered in a perfectly styled muggle suit, her heart began to race. Finally, she found the stormy gaze of one Draco Malfoy.
"Hello, Granger," he rasped, his velvety tenor just a bit husky. "Fancy meeting you here."
She could feel the blush that traversed her cheeks and knew that her eyes had widened comically but all she could do was stand there and stare at him. He looked good but she knew that he would and she was not shocked by her reaction since neither time nor distance had changed her feelings for him. She still carried a torch. Hermione felt wholly unprepared for this particular dance and found herself backing, well stumbling, away.
His brow arched in response yet his words were almost brisk. "Where do you think you're going, Granger? Still too angry to talk with me like an adult?"
"No. I-I just wasn't prepared. Um, how are you, Malfoy?" She noticed when his gaze found the silver chain that hadn't left her throat and now contained two additional charms; a running wolf in jade and a silver full moon. The pounding of her heart acknowledged the heat in the depths of his gaze.
"I'm...fine.," he practically purred. "I see you've gained some new additions."
She nodded in response and took another step back. He stepped forward, his large hand darting out to trace the silver gleam at her neck's base. "Have I remained on your mind, Granger? You've been on mine."
She said nothing, only shook against her desire to beg forgiveness; for not trying, for running, for avoiding him.
"No words? Tell me, Hermione," his voice a seductive whisper. "Are you still drawn to me?"
With that, she broke and ran.
'Fuck!'
His mocking laughter followed her all the way home.
The month of August was filled with busy work, things to get her business off the ground, shopping for additions to her small home, new clothes and the like. She felt jittery though, unable to relax whenever she was outside, almost as if she were being watched, hounded, stalked. She assumed she was imagining things, positive that her ill-timed meeting with Malfoy had thrown off her game but the feeling persisted, made her uneasy. Eventually, she decided to beard the wolf in his den, just a few days after the full moon. However, to do that, she needed to know just where he was.
Time to write to Narcissa!
Narcissa,
I was wondering if you could help me reach out to Draco? I ran into him my first day back (as you know) but I've not seen or heard from him since. I would just like to talk to him...
Thanks,
Hermione
Without a moment's hesitation, she called for Maudie who popped into view a moment later.
"Yes, Miss Minnie?"
"Could you deliver this to Narcissa for me?" She paused. "Oh wait, would that be bad manners?"
The little elf flashed her a sweet grin. "Not bad manners. You have no owl. Miss Cissa will not care. Be right back." Then, she was gone.
Ten minutes later, the elf reappeared, a rolled-up piece of parchment held in one small hand. "Here, Miss." With a small crack, she was gone again.
Hermione opened the missive with shaking fingers and found herself with a reply from Draco. Words dripped across the expanse of the page.
Granger,
Writing my mother to find me is not very courageous. Are you scared to see me? What took you so long to reach out? I've been keeping tabs on you as I am sure your own finely tuned senses have already deduced. I am having a more difficult time ignoring you than you've had ignoring me.
Should that upset me?
Anyway, I expect to meet you at the Leaky in the next half hour. Don't argue, don't return the letter with a denial, just do it.
See you soon.
Hermione grimaced at the tone of the letter as well as his admission of keeping watch over her. She did not like the fact that he had demanded she meet with him nor did she enjoy his sly remarks but...well that was the point, wasn't it? For them to meet and talk? Choosing a different place or time would only put off the inevitable and she was, quite frankly, exhausted from trying to avoid him. So, once she brushed out her mane of curls and slipped into a pair of comfortable jeans and a warm sweater, she headed for her floo.
With a precisely stated "The Leaky Caldron." she tossed the powder and then stepped into the green flames, her small frame emerging into the infamous pub a few moments later. She noticed him, immediately, and it seemed to her that his gaze beckoned her closer even as his expression became mask-like, expressionless. She moved through the crowd and stopped, just as she reached his table.
"Oh, so you didn't flake?"
She shook her head, waist-length curls moving against the motion.
"Good. Sit. Seems we have a lot to catch up on."
Well, what else could she do? She sat.
The conversation was...prickly and she felt as if she were being quietly dissected as he watched her every move. Bland pleasantries were exchanged, dumb words filling up the heated air between them even as drinks were consumed and their gazes, meshed. Was it a battle? No, just...difficult. Finally, he broached the subject.
"Have you had to deal with any changes from Greyback's attack?"
"I get a little moody, temper worsens during the full moon and I tend to like my meat a little on the rare side. My sense of smell is a bit more attuned than before but nothing else. Why?"
He shook his head, blond fringe flopping over one eye. "No reason." The young man paused, swallowed a shot of fire whiskey and then spoke once more. "Well, that's a lie. I wondered whether or not a mate mark would harm you, make your symptoms worse."
A flush touched her cheeks even as she dipped her head to break his gaze. "What makes you think the marking is going to happen?"
He growled in response, "What makes YOU think that it won't? I assume these years apart have at least gained you some experience."
Her cheeks, usually a warm golden tan, paled at his words. "I had experience when I met you. You...this...it scared me."
"You did? Who?" He sounded angry. "Someone at school?"
She nodded. "Neville. We quietly dated for most of our fifth year. There were a few others but I tried to keep my reputation clean and away from the gossips."
He poured two more shots, downed them back to back. "So, you weren't a virgin..."
She interrupted him. "I was technically still a virgin BUT based on my experiences I can say that I wasn't virginal. You just...you overwhelmed me and I couldn't THINK straight. Then we had almost a whole year apart...and then, once we were together again, not two months later I learned about Parkinson and you...it was too much after the war and everything."
"My assumption is the technicality is gone, now?"
Hermione shrugged, gulped some butterbeer, avoided his gaze but answered. "The technicality was taken care of five months ago...."
"Who," he ground out.
"None of your business, Draco. We weren't together. Don't ask questions that will only piss you off if you hear the answers. It's not like I am asking you about your return to Parkinson or your sexcapades with Tracey Davis after graduation. We weren't together and it isn't my business. Who I slept with is not YOUR concern." Hermione spoke quickly, her voice low as she tried to contain the hurt acknowledging his ability to move forward had caused her. She continued. "Anyway, it was a one time deal, not a relationship. It was a way for me to rid myself of something I shouldn't have been saving."
She felt him shudder, the entire table moving slightly as he shifted. At that point, she looked up and caught his gaze. "So, again, what makes you think that you marking me is going to happen?"
He greeted that question with a sardonic lift of one eyebrow. "It will happen because you've never stopped being mine, Hermione. Time and distance didn't change a damned thing for me. Judging by your necklace, it didn't do much to dissuade you, either."
"I trusted you and you ruined that, Draco. True, we were young and I reacted....rashly but that does not change the fact that you did not think before you acted and I caught the fall out from it." She swallowed back the need to admit her failures. "It doesn't change the fact that not even a month after my departure, you were with the woman who helped to end us. You will not be marking me...I am not your mate." She hesitated and then whispered, "I don't want to be."
He growled, low rumbling sound. "You lie. We both know it. The sooner you can admit that all of this time away was a mistake, the happier we will both be."
Hermione shoved a slender hand into the heavy curls at her temple. "But, you see, for me it wasn't a mistake. I did what I wanted, where I wanted and with whom I wanted. I dealt with the end of our relationship. Maybe you should do the same."
"We are not over, Granger. We will never be over." The irate blond rose from his seat and tossed some galleons on the table. "I will be at your shop when you close." He reached out to grasp one delicate wrist in his large hand. "Don't try to run. You won't get far." Moments later, he was gone.
(AN 2: Grumpy Draco is grumpy. Since the epilogue is shot to hell in my story, that means that my characters are behaving badly. I am trying to get them to listen to reason but they just give me the finger and ignore me. Assholes FYI: Hermione's minor changes are canon-compliant, based on Bill Weasley's reaction to his attack. The plan is to post the next chappie tomorrow...or later today, maybe.)
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Lupine Dreams