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Demeter\'s Embrace	By : Frkjensen7400 Category: Harry Potter > Het - Male/Female > Draco/Hermione Views: 5268 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, nor any of the characters from the books or movies. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
- 4
- 5
Chapter 5

"You are really leaving?" Hermione couldn't believe this was happening. Why now when she had let her guard down and let him in? She wanted to beg him not to go but knew his pride wouldn't let him stay at the Burrow now. She stood in the door helpless, watching him folding his clothes neatly and placing them in his coffer.

"I'm leaving before they come back from St. Mungo's. It's for best, hate sobby goodbyes." Draco looked at the bushy haired young lady standing in the door, tears glistening in her eyes.

He wished she would ask him to stay but she didn't. Now that his sight had been restored, he had to leave. That was the deal between his parents and Mrs. Weasley.

The Ministry had let Draco�s return to the Manor under house arrest since Draco had saved Ginny. He had been made their guardian. He had to go and Hermione hated it!

"So you're running away. It would be more polite-" Hermione stopped as her throat constricted and she fought the tears not to flow. She knew it had been too good to be true; he would never love her the way she had begun to love him! She wiped away her tears angrily and wished he'd just ask her if she wanted him to stay, but he didn't.

Closing the trunk tight, Draco sighed and gave the room a final look. A small, gentle laugh left him. "I'm kind of glad I was blind till now. This room looks like the inside of Hagrid's cellar! Will you send me off?" He smiled to Hermione.

He wanted to scream for her to stop him. He didn't want to go back to the painstakingly cold manor! They walked down the Burrow's stairs in complete silence and stopped when they had reached the fireplace.

"So, what do I say to Molly, Arthur and the others when they return and you're gone?" Hermione couldn't get herself to look into his eyes; those familiar slate-grey eyes that haunted her every waking minute. The hard coldness that had been in his eyes at Hogwarts had gone.

"Give Molly this," Draco handed her a letter and her logical mind wondered when he had had time to write it. She watched as he grabbed a handful of floo-powder and followed his hand as he threw the powder into the flames, which changed to green.

He stared into the flames cursing the timing of it all and wishing he had a timeturner so he could go back just a day. "I have to go home, 'Mi. I have my family at the manor, who long to see me. Please understand," the pleading in Draco's voice made Hermione look up in surprise.

"I heard what you whispered." There was pain in his eyes. She looked away again. She felt so stupid to think that she was anything thing more than a friend to him.

In a second, he would be gone and take her happiness and heart with him. She let out a mixture of a laugh and a sob and turned to look at the young wizard standing next to her.

She let out a gasp of surprise as he pulled her close. He planted his lips on hers desperately and then let go. With a whoosh, he was gone before she had a chance to react and before he had a chance to regret.

Hermione didn't know if she should laugh or cry. She dropped to the floor, lifted a finger gently to her lips and slowly closed her eyes. Why was destiny so cruel?

Draco threw his trunk across the hall and let out a roar of frustration.
Why? Why did it have to be so bloody impossible? A former Death Eater dating a member of the Golden Trio? Tilting his head back, he began to laugh, to think he had let his guard down. "Bloody great!" he grimaced as he heard the parlour door open.

"Draco Abraxas Malfoy! Have you completely lost your mind?!" Lucius Malfoy's voice bounced off the walls as he and Narcissa came darting into the hall. "Screaming like the devil himself was torturing you!"

With his head down, Draco cast a venomous glare at his father, making Lucius stop in surprise. He wondered what the bloody hell had happened to Draco at the Burrow to make him that mad?

With poison dripping from his voice Draco hissed, "Well, I'm glad to be home, Sir. I've cherished every bloody letter you sent me asking about my health and well-being. So nice to know you care so much for me, SIR." The last word he screamed out and stormed towards the stairs wanting to be alone or he feared he would break something or someone.

"INCARCEROUS!" Lucius' growled. Draco found himself bound by a heavy rope and falling down onto the marble floor. Walking slowly with ice-cold elegance, Lucius towered over his son. Narcissa followed her husband, ready to break them apart if it became necessary. She knew their tempers well enough to know it could come to that.

Not looking at Draco, Lucius continued in a calm but dangerous voice, twirling his cane in his hand. "How dare you speak to me in that tone, boy! Howling like a banshee and scaring us like that is one thing--"

Draco rolled his eyes and let out a disrespectful laugh. Lucius' calm expression turned angry and vile as he slammed the cane into the floor next to Draco's head. "SPEAKING TO ME WITH SUCH CONTEMPT IS NOT ACCEPTABLE!"

All of Draco's spite and insolence shattered and his eyes filled with fear. As their eyes locked, a complete silence filled the room. It had been very stupid of Draco to let his frustrations out on a man who was respected amongst the Death Eaters for his gift of bringing pain to anyone who crossed him.

Even more stupid when all Draco's words had no base in reality; Draco knew his father's pride wouldn't let this one slip by, and feared that this time he had pushed it too. Lucius had never raised his voice at Draco before and he was mortified by the look of complete terror in the young man's eyes.

With a wave of his hand, the rope was gone and Lucius walked off without a look at Draco, closing the doors to his study with a single gesture.

"Draco," Narcissa looked at her son, shaking her head. "I think I'll throw in the towel this time, as I really can't see a way for me to fix this one, my dear."

Draco wondered what the hell he had been thinking as he stared at the closed door. He knew if it had been anyone else, his father wouldn't have used a mere binding spell to stop him. He slowly got to his feet and with a remorseful look at his mother; he turned and went to his room. He might be master of the manor by name, but his father was clearly still the real Lord Malfoy.

Narcissa's eyes followed her son up the stairs and frowned. She had an idea of what was the real reason behind his reaction; some girl had gotten through his barrier.

"Well, well, well, so his heart isn't untouchable as Mrs. Parkinson claimed. It just took someone else than her spoiled little princess." For the first time in months, a smile graced Narcissa's lips.

Throwing himself down on his bed, Draco closed his eyes and wished he hadn't kissed Hermione. He had been curious to how it would feel but by kissing her, he had opened Pandora's Box.

Softly he ran a finger over his lips and let out a heartbroken moan; he wanted her so bad. An image of her startled look flashed before his eyes; she had been surprised to say the least.

Slowly his mind began to transform the image; now she didn't look surprised but pleased, pulling him in to repay his kiss with another. As the images became more detailed and Hermione got increasingly undressed in his mind, his hand trailed from his lips down his torso. His hand slid lower, unbuttoned his trousers.

His head fell back with his mouth open as he pictured Hermione naked on a silk-covered bed, begging him to come to her. He moaned out in to the empty room, arched his back and called her name in deep heated passion.

His hand moved faster and faster and he felt the well-known stirring in his abdomen. Grinding his teeth together as his pulse raced, he let small gusts of breath out in whimpers.

Again, his head tilted back as he arched off the bed, trembling as the heat shot through him. As he felt his climax coming close, he let himself drown in the passion and screamed out for Hermione at the climax, leaving him gasping for breath.

With a content sigh, he cast a silent Scourgify to clean up the mess. He still hadn't bought a new wand and had wondered if he would be needing one as he now had wandless magic pretty much perfected. In any case, he would continue to learn to cast the more complex charms and spells without a wand. This power could come in handy.

Taking off his dirty shirt, he went to the wardrobe to pick out a fresh one. With a crooked smile, he looked over the shelf upon shelf with neatly ironed shirts, happy that the Ministry hadn't decided to seize the Malfoy assets to rebuild what the war had ruined. "But it might be a good gesture to give a little back," a voice whispered in his mind and he closed the wardrobe doors with a smile.

Turning to the full-sized mirror Draco's eyes caught sight of the scar running from his collarbone to his hip. In many ways it signified the day he began changing and when he ran his finger down it, he reminded himself how lucky he was.

"Dinner's on the table, Master," a small voice called from the door. Had he forgotten to close the door or had the house-elf opened it without Draco hearing it? "Be down in a minute," Draco answered with a frown, wondering how well sound travelled inside the manor.

"Master, don't worry, sound not go far in manor, Master." With a bow and a pop, the house-elf was gone, leaving a puzzled and relieved Draco.

Opening the door to the dining room, Draco's eyes were met by those of his father. A jolt of mixed emotions shot through him; fear, shame and embarrassment. He wondered if he should run, as there was still a trace of anger in Lucius' eyes.

Taking a deep breath Draco walked in and bid his parents a good evening; hoping the elf hadn't been lying about the travelling of sound in the manor. By the looks on their faces, Draco had been in luck.

He could just picture their reactions if they had discovered their son calling out a Mudblood's name in ecstasy. The mere thought made him a bit queasy to his stomach.

"Are you all right, son?" Narcissa looked at him a bit worried.

He sent her a reassuring smile, "fine, just hungry I think." Glancing at his father Draco wasn't surprised to see that Lucius was ignoring him, hiding behind an issue of the Daily Prophet.

He knew he had crossed the line and if he was to survive living at the manor, he had to make it okay between them again. "Father, please look at me." Lucius turned his head and Draco was met with an icy stare.

"You were right, I don't have the right to be disrespectful toward you or mother but you haven't got the right to stare at me in that way either!" Draco didn't know why but just being in the same room with his father made his blood boil with rage.

"Apology accepted," Lucius sighed and with a nod, he focused on his meal. Draco was enraged by his father's simple acceptance. Was that all he could muster? However, what did he expect? �It's all right my dear son! Now tell me what is really bothering you?� When had Lucius ever spoke to him like that?

"So, you have developed a habit of saving old enemies?" His mother's voice cut in to his negative thoughts just in time. "Seems like it," Draco murmured and Narcissa smiled.

"Hope Arthur learns to watch out for his children soon. I think it will devastate him to loose one of them on account of their recklessness," Lucius said with a pitiful smile. Wait! Pity? That wasn't a feeling Lucius was able to show normally.

"You would feel sorry for him, Sir?" Draco couldn't hide that he was taken aback by the tone in his father's voice. Lucius just smiled and began sipping his soup. Draco raised an eyebrow in bewilderment and looked for an answer in his mother's eyes.

He had been taught that blood-traitors were as low as Muggleborns from the same man that now showed sympathy for a former foe. "Who is this man and where is the real Lucius Malfoy?" Draco wondered.

By the look on his mother's face, she had been roaming through his thoughts at the exact moment that the thought passed through him. She had a hard time not giving in to the giggling-fit she felt pressing her throat. If her precious son knew even half of the truth behind Lucius� change, he would throw a tantrum.

All his time as a Death Eater Lucius had just talked the talk and walked the walk to save his own skin. True, he didn't really fancy any non-pureblood families but he didn't really know any.

He had a talent for the dark-arts, that was no secret, but as hard and cruel as he could be toward a target, he could be just as gentle if it struck him.

With Voldemort's death and his army spread to all four all winds, Lucius didn't need to put on an act of hardness. Narcissa could begin to see the young man she had fallen in love with come back.

With time, Narcissa hoped that he would stop being so hard on Draco and become a more loving father but she knew he only did what he had learned from his own father. Tough love was the way all Malfoy men were taught to handle an heir's upbringing so Lucius didn't know any other way.

Like all Malfoy men, Draco had a fierce temperament that only worsened when their hormones took over. But why Draco had been so careless to take it out on his father Narcissa still couldn't understand.

"You are staring, Draco. It's annoying!" Lucius sighed, "And your soup is getting cold. A shame really, it�s rather good." The last was said in a slightly surprised tone, as soup wasn't his favourite dish.

They enjoyed the rest of the dinner in quiet. Draco wondering if the change in his father was a lasting thing or if it meant Lucius was as unstable as nitro-glycerine.

Narcissa was happy to have both of the men in her life close again while Lucius, in deep thought, pondered what had his son so ticked off. He felt uncomfortable asking Draco himself so he might have to call Weasley for some answers!

Hermione sat on the kitchen floor for what seemed to be forever holding Draco's letter to the Weasley's close into her bosom, wondering what to do now.

He had kissed her and not just a peck on the cheek but a truly desperate kiss right on the lips. As happy, as she felt over the fact he seemed to like her; she was just as angry that he had waited to the last second to show it. Why didn't he just go without kissing her? Now she wouldn't be able to forget and get on with her life.

Realizing how it would look if the Weasleys found her sitting there dumbfounded, she slowly got to her feet. She dried away the tears and placed the letter on the table. Lost in her thoughts, she walked to Ginny's room, redressed, combed her hair and tied it back unconsciously. The only thing she was aware of was the feeling of Draco's lips and the flames sending him away looped. If she had asked him to stay, had he?

"Hallo? Mione? Malfoy? Where are you guys?" Fred's voice called out from the kitchen. Murmurs told Hermione he wasn't alone. With a final look in the mirror, she took a deep breath and met them. She told them Draco had returned home since the deal had ended when his sight had returned.

"And he couldn't have stayed to say a proper goodbye? What a git!" Ron slammed a portion of casserole onto his plate, annoyed that he rather missed the Ferret. It had to be because Malfoy had saved both Fred and Ginny. Yeah, he felt he owed the git something.

"He said goodbye in the letter. He couldn't leave his parents alone in the manor being their guardian and all!" Ginny snapped while she pushed her potatoes and gravy around, not really hungry.

She was disappointed with the way she had handled the fight and being the only one to crack. It wasn't like her to cave in like that; she hadn't at the fight at Hogwarts.

In addition, she was even more disappointed in the fact Draco had fled as soon as he saw the chance. She had hoped she could have thanked him in person. Now it looked like she wouldn't ever get the chance. His hasty retreat wasn't entirely his fault but he could have stopped by St. Mungo's for a minute to say goodbye.

Across from Ginny, Hermione sat drawing zigzags in her sauce. She had stayed for Ginny's sake as her friend had pleaded her not to leave that night.

When she had told them, he had left and handed the letter to Mrs. Weasley the room had exploded in questions that she hadn't been able to answer.

Harry hadn't said anything but looked every bit as disappointed as the rest. Ron had been angry. "He just used us, ungrateful little git."

George and Fred murmured something about Draco not deserving the broom after all. Molly hushed them and said he would probably stop by as soon as he had gotten things straightened out at the manor.

"He better come back. We aren't exactly welcome at Lucius'." Harry hissed and took a bit of the stew. "If he stays there too long, he'll go back to being a real Malfoy." It grew deadly silent in the kitchen for a second and then all Hell broke out.

"So we agree, we need to talk to Malfoy to let him know we don't accept him leaving like this, right?" Fred looked from person to person. Everyone agreed. Well sort of, Hermione didn't say anything.

"But how? It's not like we can just c--" Ginny was interrupted by a sudden whoosh from the fireplace demanded their attention. "Arthur? Arthur, are you there?" They couldn't believe who they were hearing.

"WEASLEY! Get yourself over here now! I can hear you are home!" Lucius Malfoy's voice boomed. Mr Weasley looked angry. To have the nerve to demand him to come was just plain rude but it was classic Malfoy.

"You yelled, Lucius? What now?" Arthur sighed. When Lucius asked if they were alone, Arthur waved the rest out of the kitchen even knowing the twins would listen anyway. He answered that Lucius could speak freely.

"What the hell have you lot done to my boy? He verbally attacked his mother and me at his arrival home," Lucius sounded angry and bitter.

"We treated him as one of our own, Lucius. I can safely say you wouldn't have done the same for my children!" To Arthur's surprise, Lucius didn't answer with his normal harsh attitude.

"You say it like Draco liked being at your house, as if he didn't want to come home." Lucius felt a little hurt and wondered if that really could be the reason. Maybe it was partly his own fault that Draco wasn't happy on his return.

"I don't know if he didn't want to return home but yes, he seemed to like being here most of the time," Arthur stated.

"Did your family enjoy having my son at your house? It wasn't a problem for anyone?" Lucius sounded amazed at the thought. Arthur reminded him that saving Fred might have had something to do with them accepting him in their home. "It has been a hectic fourteen days for everybody," Arthur sighed.

"You still work at the Ministry don't you, Weasley? Couldn't you get someone else to play jailer at the manor? I don't think it was a bright idea to have Draco assigned to guard his own parents.� Lucius said in a very low voice.

�I think he needs to know he can come and go at the manor when he wants to or he will feel punished for our crimes." There was a humiliated tone to his usual arrogant voice. "Also, if you would be so kind not to let Draco know that I called you, it will be appreciated." At that, the floo connection was switched off.

Fred, George, Ron, Harry, Ginny and Molly came tumbling into the kitchen.
"Was that REALLY Lucius Malfoy?" Ron asked. When his father conformed it, he still had difficulty believing it.
"He has a point though," Harry said, "no child should be keeper for their parents."

Draco was woken by a wonderful smell of freshly baked bread and a gentle knock on the bedroom door. "Breakfast, Master. Rise and shine." The house-elf's voice sounded so cheerful and it rung false in Draco's ears. "Your parents and Minister wait for you in parlour when you ready."

At this, Draco sat up and gaped at the young house-elf. What in the world, did the Minister want with him? Fear slowly crept into his heart; maybe the Ministry had decided that now he could see, he would be tried and sent to Azkaban?

Draco felt the blood drain from his face as he went to the wardrobe to dress. Not knowing what this could be about he decided might as well get it over with. With a quick glance in the mirror, he left the room.

It had been a month since his return to the manor. He had spent most of his time in the library studying the book he had gotten for his birthday or strolling around the gardens which finally begun to look nice again. Amazing what a little potion and a few spells could do.

He had avoided any calls on the floo addressed to him; he didn't want to talk to anyone. In a way, he felt he deserved to be locked up at the manor, running away as fast as he could, even though he didn't want to return. It seemed like he was a coward after all.

He could have argued against going home. It was as simple as saying that being at the manor would bring back too many bad memories. It hadn't though.

To his surprise, his mother had decided to redecorate the manor from cellar to ceiling. The cold and impersonal manor now resembled a country home with wooden furniture, many sorts of wacky knickknacks and flowery paintings. Every room even had its own colour scheme and theme.

"Ah, Draco, there you are," Lucius stood at the bottom of the stairs waiting, twirling his cane as he always did when he was impatient. "Come, son, the Minister has some news to share with us and he doesn't like to be kept waiting!"

Draco fought the urge to snap back and nodded as he ran the last few steps down. He passed his father without a word.

"Minister, Mother." Draco gave a short bow, sat down next to the fireplace and studied his mother's face for a hint of what was coming. However, it was in vain, as there was no trace of expression. She looked like a fine chiselled statue.

"It can't be that bad then," Draco concluded. He leaned back nonchalantly and even yawned, as he still was rather sleepy.

"So, does my company bore you, Lord Malfoy?" Kingsley Shacklebolt asked Draco with a frown. He wondered why Arthur had insisted on releasing this creep to roam free and spread havoc into the wizarding world.

Shacklebolt couldn't figure it out; most of those who fought against the Malfoy's had rejoiced when the git had lost his sight! He even tried to reason with Arthur. Draco might have saved Fred and Ginny, but Shacklebolt still didn't trust him.

However, even Harry had defended Draco, saying that everyone deserves a chance to prove to the world they could change, even a Malfoy.
By the cold distant look on the young man's face Kingsley couldn't see the slightest change in Draco.

"No, Minister,� Draco answered, �but I was asleep just five minutes ago, so forgive me for not being fully awake yet!" He spoke in an overly friendly voice that didn't quiet match the look in his eyes.

His guard was up and if that came over as disingenuous, it wasn't intentional. Draco felt trapped at the manor, but preferred it to Azkaban any day.

"It has been decided that you no longer need to be you parents� guardian, as it has kept you from socializing with others your own age. You are here by granted free access to the wizarding world."
The Minister looked suspiciously at the three Malfoys. "But I will be keeping an eye on you. If you break even one rule, I swear--"

"It seems you don't agree with the Ministry�s decision," Lucius hissed.

"Once a Malfoy, always a Malfoy. That's the way I see it. I haven't seen enough to change my point of view," Kingsley replied coldly. With a bow, he headed for the door hoping this was the right thing to do.

Draco was confused. Was he expected to leave the Manor? If so where would he go? Narcissa could see the struggle within her son, so she went to his side, and caressed his cheek.

"You don't have to leave, my darling. This is your house now but if you want, you could acquire a small flat near your new friends. The Weasley's have offered that you could stay there."

"Though I can't see why you shouldn't stay here until you find your own place," Lucius murmured. He hated that the two of them seemed to be at each other's throat constantly and had thought it would wear off in time; now it seemed time was up before they were ready to make peace.

"I think it would be best if I found a place of my own someday but do you think there is a chance that I could go back and finish school?" Draco looked from his mother to his father. It had been something that had been on his mind for the last week.

He had read in the Prophet that it had been decided to let every student repeat the last year if they wanted and IF the Ministry found the student worthy. There had even been a bulletin that read, "If Harry Potter returns to school, why can't you?" It made Draco laugh, as he knew of some students that would stay away just because of Harry's return.

Narcissa and Lucius looked at each other in wonder. The thought hadn't even crossed their minds that Draco would want to finish school. "I know I won't be popular, not even in Slytherin, but I really don't care. I need to take my N.E.W.T.s."

Narcissa nodded and said that it might be a good idea "and we won't take no for an answer!"
It seemed that ever since Draco saved Fred, he hadn't stayed in one place for more than a month. As he watched the Eurasian eagle owl sweeping down from the sky, he hoped it was bringing him news from the school saying he wouldn't have to move again for at least ten months.

The huge female owl landed on the windowsill with an "oooh-huuu". Draco threw her a dead mouse as a treat and gently untied the letter from her leg.

Not many would be comfortable around a bird of prey that size but the Malfoy's had always kept these magnificent majestic birds and Draco had formed a special bond to this one.

"So, Clementine, come carrying good news?" Draco asked with a cheerful smile. He laughed as the owl fluffed up her feathers and made a sound that easily could be interpreted to "don't-knoooow."

Sliding his fingers under the edge of the envelope Draco carefully opened it. This was it; either he would get to take his N.E.W.T.s or he would be destined to live of off the Malfoy money like everyone expected.

At Harry's birthday party the day before, Draco had learned that The Golden Trio was returning to Hogwarts along with Ginny and the surviving D.A. members. Molly had asked if he had heard anything.

Draco shook his head and redirected the attention to Harry and Ginny, who returned to the table holding hands, their eyes sparkling. "So, you two look happy!"

Giggling, Ginny winked at Draco, "Harry is finally daring to date me again." Hermione smiled and said it was about time. She sent a longing look towards Draco. He had noticed but kept his distance, not wanting her to get her hopes up as a relationship between them seemed doomed from the start.

He didn't want to cause Hermione pain by starting something they might not be able too handle. He didn't know if he would be accepted back into Hogwarts. If he were denied, they wouldn't be able to see each other for most of the year.

"Out of sight, out of mind," he had whispered. It would be selfish and very Malfoyish to use her affection to ease his desire. She had been hurt that he was ignoring her and just before he left, he pulled her aside and quickly explained his behaviour. She understood.

"If we start this and I�m not admitted back it would hurt us both," Draco looked at her and added, "Or if it doesn't work out between us--" he didn't finish the sentence.

Hermione was a smart young woman. Her next question blew him away. Her eyes locked with his and she asked if the kiss had meant anything or if it had been a mistake. He was speechless. The truth must have shown in his eyes for she smiled sadly and left.

Clementine's uneasy call brought Draco back to the present. He was momentarily confused, not remembering what he had been occupied with before his mind wandered off.

"The letter!" he murmured and looked down at the torn envelope. Gently he pulled the paper inside out and slowly unfolded the paper. He took a deep breath before reading it.

"Dear Lord Malfoy, after a long debate amongst the Ministry and Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry faculty it has been decided that you are welcome to finish your N.E.W.T�s this year. You may stay in Slytherin House or in the combined N.E.W.T. level student's quarter. Welcome back. Yours sincerely, McGonagall, H.M."

He was going back! Draco couldn't believe it; the wizarding world had agreed to give him a second chance. It opened a world of opportunities for him both in the near future and down the line. His only fear was how the other students would feel about him returning to Hogwarts.

He wondered who else was returning from his house. He had heard that Zabini had survived and so had the girls from his year but the rest had died or disappeared after the battle.

If he went back to Slytherin House he only had Zabini and a few of the boys the year below to worry about. The younger students would have too much fear for the consequences if they evoked Draco Malfoy's anger.

In the mixed-house common room he would probably be the only Slytherin amongst the many students that had lost loved ones in the war. "So, it's between a rock and a hard place!" Draco sighed. Then wondered if this would open the chance for developing a deeper relationship with Hermione. If so, would the wizarding world accept it?

"What do you think, Clementine?" Draco smiled and tossed another snack to the owl. "You think a relationship between a Slytherin and a Gryffindor could ever bring happiness?"

Clementine fluffed up her feathers making her look like a huge Pygmy-puff. She screeched blissfully making Draco gently chuckle as he pet her on the head.

After telling his parents the good news, Draco flooed the headmistress to ask what she thought would be the best choice for living quarters.

"Headmistress McGonagall? Am I calling you on a bad time?" Draco called out. McGonagall's head appeared in the flames.

"Draco Malfoy, how are you?" Draco said he was fine but was having a tough time choosing between the Slytherin House and the combined. "I thought you might. What does you gut tell you?" It looked like McGonagall was smiling as she watched Draco think it over.

"If I chose to stay amongst the mix-house students my year, I think it would bring more than one confrontation, ending in duels. If I pick Slytherin house, I most likely would face a lot of hardship regarding where my loyalty lies which might provoke some spells flying at me, which I might feel compelled to return.�

�Therefore, I think it should be up to the Hogwarts faculty to place me where it will do the least amount of damage. I guess a single-room is impossible to hope for?" He gave a wry smile as the Headmistress chuckled. "I think you have been practiced that speech a few time, am I right, Lord Malfoy?"

"A few times, yeah, but hope it shows I have thought about this a lot." McGonagall smiled warmly and they agreed on trying the Slytherin house first.

The next day, Draco went shopping for school supplies and decided to look for a present for Ginny's birthday at the same time. He wore a classic black pair of trousers, a pale blue shirt and a semi long black cashmere trench-coat and headed for Diagon Alley.

He looked smashing and knew it; he enjoyed the attention he received. He enjoyed even more the reaction once people realized who he was! Walking into Fortescue's to buy Ginny a gift certificate he had to smirk as a mother and daughter both dropped their spoons as he passed by them.

The mother whispered, "was that Draco Malfoy?" and the daughter answered in some unintelligible gibberish. After receiving the finely wrapped gift, he turned and walked back nodding politely to the women. "Ladies," he said in a seductive tone and winked as he walked by resulting in the daughter hyperventilating.

Checking off the last book on the list Draco headed back to the Leaky Cauldron. Lost in his thoughts, he jumped when someone placed a hand on his shoulder.

"Hey there, Malfoy!" Draco turned his head and was met with the gleaming eyes and wide smile of Blaise Zabini. "See you're going back as well. Staying in our house or sleeping with the enemy?"

"Zabini! So the rumour was true; you're alive and going back," Draco smiled but it didn't reach his eyes. "Guess you're going to be the new Slytherin prince."

At this Blaise looked utterly confused. Tipping his head, he frowned, "I have no intention of taking your place, Draco, and if anybody gives you trouble I'll stand by you!" Blaise said in a firm voice.

"I'm surprised you thought I would let you down. You kind of need a new best friend after the last one burned himself to ashes," Blaise laughed and placed an arm round Draco's shoulders.

"Plus, I hear you have befriended the Potter-posse so by being your tag-along I might gain some goodwill from our former foes!"

Laughing, Draco shook his head and said he should have figured it had something to do with Blaise gaining something. "But I really don't care, as long I have you on my side. See you at Hogwarts, Zabini!" The two young men parted, each feeling they had gotten the better deal.

Ginny's birthday fell on a Thursday that year but as it was holiday, the Weasleys were able to throw a party. This time Draco decided just to drop off the gift and not torture himself or Hermione by staying. "I understand, Draco," Ginny smiled. "I'll tell the others you had urgent matters at the manor or something."

In fact, it was partly true. "Father?" he called out as he stepped out of the fireplace. Lucius called back from the study. Draco had made the decision to tell his father he had fallen for Hermione and that he didn't care that she wasn't a pureblood or if his parents were pleased or not.

He closed the doors to Lucius� study behind him and looked straight at his father. He could feel the blood drain from his face and his courage drift away like a leaf on a summer breeze.

"Yes?" Lucius didn't even raise his eyes from the papers he was studying. However, when Draco began his much-practiced speech, he noticed his father's eyes stopped moving.

"Well, Sir, as you know I have been spending a lot of time with Harry Potter and his friends. They all treated me more like family than I could have thought possible after all the years we've been enemies," Draco swallowed, as the words seemed to evaporate whenever he met his father's eyes.

"Go on." Lucius wondered just what was coming but had a sneaking suspicion it was the explanation for his son's bizarre mood swings.

"Um, well� I know both you and mother see them as blood-traitors and don't recognize Muggleborns as our equals, but I do�" Draco felt his hands become clammy as his father began to frown, looking a bit impatient. He studied Draco without moving at all, like a snake just before it strikes.

Draco continued, "I have begun to think of Hermione Granger as a girl I want to get to know better. Someone I�d like to go out with and maybe even marry� and since you already have given me my inheritance, I really don't care if you approve or not!"

Now it was out and he couldn't take it back. As the moments passed without a reaction from his father, Draco began to wonder if he had time to escape before being cursed into the next millennium. Lucius reached for something on his desk and Draco reached for his wand...

Lucius noticed and ducked just as Draco's hex flew over his head. Lucius screamed, "Dammit, Draco! It's just a quill!" He waved it over his head like a white flag, a few books smouldering on the shelves behind him.

"Oh, sorry, I thought--" Draco stuttered.

Lucius just shook his head. "Well, at least you have good reflexes--" he moved back to his seat. "Miss Granger is a pretty Muggle-born witch and very gifted."

"Sir?" Draco was confused, "do you consent in my quest to make her mine?" He didn't believe he had interpreted correctly.

Lucius shrugged his shoulders and said, "I didn't think I had any say in the matter. If I did, I'd say Hermione Granger wasn't the worse choice; with any luck you might convince her to marry you. Your offspring would most likely be intelligent and stunning. What more could a grandfather wish for?"

Draco decided that it was the closest he would get to an acceptance from his father and smiled, "Will you tell mum for me?" Lucius laughed. "I will but you better find a place to hide for some time." Narcissa Malfoy's temper was well-known and almost cost the life of the Hippogriff that hurt Draco some years back.

It had been smart for Draco to leave the manor before Narcissa was told of her son's love interest. Narcissa had caused havoc with some very "explosive" spells and they had had to redecorate the entire ground floor. Lucius made a promise to keep Draco posted about when it would be safe to visit home.

In the mean time, Draco helped prepare Hogwarts so it was ready to greet the students. He talked with the professors to be sure there weren't any loose ends regarding his past and present. He even asked McGonagall if she thought the wizarding world would accept him and Hermione as a couple.

"Well, I take it you haven't begun dating if you are asking me for advice. I will not lie. Some will never recognize such a match as a good thing." She saw the hurt on Draco's face and placed her hands on his shoulders. "But others will see this as a sign that we have overcome the war!"

The Headmistress encouraged him to tell Hermione of his feelings, "but no hanky-panky on campus!" Draco grinned and promised he would behave and be a gentleman, "We haven't even had a real date yet, so don't think we have come to that point!"
Head shaking, Draco left the office and headed for the dungeons to get some sleep.

He visited the Weasleys with Hermione to tell their friends of their little secret. They spent some time in a rented flat in Hogsmeade alone getting to know each other a little better.

The memory brought thrills of joy down Draco spine. He had been surprised by how passionate Hermione was and it had been sheer willpower from his side that they hadn't jumped all the bases on their first day. It seemed Hermione was more than ready but he wanted their first time together to be special and not only minutes long.

It happened the Sunday before school started. Hermione spread rose petals all over the bed and bedroom, lighted candles and made them soar over the bed. Draco had arranged a light, romantic dinner with the afters being served in bed. They shared a bottle of champagne to loosen their nerves a bit.

Gently caressing her arms, Draco slowly began undressing Hermione kissing a path down her beautiful body. With a wave of her hand, she removed his shirt and trousers.

Laying there beside Hermione, Draco had wanted time to stop, and as they kissed his eyes fluttered shut, and a small moan left his lips as his tongue met hers. Skillfully his fingers ran across her naked body, his own trembled as he felt her respond.

His caresses caused her head to spin and her blood to sing, and the look of uttermost desire in his eyes made her heart cry out his name. "Mine," he whispered, in a husky trembling voice, "please, say it� tell me you�re really mine!"

"You know I am, Draco� forever!" Hermione's eyes were fogging up in tears as he snuggled into her. He smiled wryly against her shoulder as he moved his lips over the thin-skinned area on her neck, planting feather light kisses along the path, and she quivered.

Tangling her fingers into his hair, Hermione guided his lips to her own, setting a swarm of butterflies in flight as a husky moan escaped Draco. He wanted her. No, he needed her. As his fingers began tracking gentle circles on her stomach, slowly working their way down, the lust in his eyes was all consuming.

His body was alight with an intoxicating fever. It was his mere willpower keeping him from losing all control and succumb to his hunger for her. As he slid a finger into her wetness, he marked her shoulder by biting it tenderly, making her gasp as fingers began moving inside her trembling body.

Watching her gasp and feeling her hips rise to meet his fingers, Draco's heart threatened to burst out of his chest, his own body screaming for satisfaction.

"Are you� may I?" Draco felt clumsy asking and smiled sheepishly. For some reason he felt a need for permission, an incredibly unnatural thing for him to ask for.

Hermione smiled back and gave a tiny nod, "please� I need to feel you�" Her words cut off as she let out a cry of pleasure as Draco pushed himself into her, tilting his head back with a look of out most bliss. His body quivering and his breath coming in small gusts. He forced himself to made love to her slowly, until she begged him for more.

Her breath stopped for a second as he thrust into her, harder and faster, then a passionate sigh slipped her lips, as she saw Draco slowly loosing his battle with his self-control, and she let herself go over the edge.

He watched her orgasm tear through her. Gritting his teeth, Draco gave a muffled moan as he finally released his self-control as the heat waves of passion pour out over him. "Mine�" he cried as he collapsed onto Hermione's still quivering body.

She giggled a little as he whimpered when she kissed him. If he died right then and there, it would be all right. He was shocked by the power she had over him. As he drifted off to sleep, he had a contented and blissful smile on his face, feeling like the luckiest man alive.

Time had flown by in a wink of an eye and soon the students returned to Hogwarts. When Draco and Hermione entered the Great Hall, hand in hand, Draco enjoyed the multiple head turns as they walked in. He pulled her in for a kiss and whispered, "So, Granger, think you can handle the shock effect of us to being an item?"

Hermione smirked and messed up his hair, "I think I can manage!" Grinning, Draco joined Zabini at the Slytherin table, sending a hard look at some of the younger students who were whispering. He relaxed when they stopped and looked a tad scared of the Slytherin Prince.

The war had been a terrible thing but Draco was thankful that he had gotten a second chance in life. This was a fresh start for everyone! "So, the rumour is true. Granger has replaced Parkinson," Zabini smiled. Draco took a sip from his goblet and shrugged.

"I knew you were on friendly terms with Potter's bunch but this is taking it a step further. Are you ready for the consequences?" Draco nodded with a grin, sending a look in Hermione's direction, "I just hope the world is ready to accept a union like this."

"I wouldn't count on it but to hell with the world as long as this is what you both want, right?" Zabini winked, making Draco laugh and reach for his goblet, raising it in a toast.

"To a fresh start; for second chances; for a world without war and for friendship beyond House-colours!" To his surprise and joy, students and professors raised their goblets and joined the toast.

"Oh, know the perils, read the signs,
the warning history shows,
for our Hogwarts is in danger
from external, deadly foes
and we must unite inside her
or we'll crumble from within
I have told you, I have warned you...
let the Sorting now begin."

~ Song by the Sorting hat - 1995 ~
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