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Love and Forgiveness	By : HarryGinny4eva Category: Harry Potter > Het - Male/Female > Draco/Hermione Views: 16328 -:- 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
- 8
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CHAPTER 25

�Hey,� Hermione said when the door opened.

�Mione. Hi,� Ron looked over her shoulder and then smiled down at her. �Come on
in. What brings you here so early?�

�I�m sorry. I�ve been walking around a while. But, I needed to talk to Snoop, I
didn�t expect you to be here. Shouldn�t you be at work?�

He watched her wring her hands and answered, �Actually, I just got here before
you did. I get off at three UK
time. Georgie�s in the shower.�

Hermione glanced at her watch and saw that it was ten in the morning, �Oh,
well, I don�t want to intrude, I was just hoping Snoop was free and I��

He saw the tears start to form and reached for her, �Mione, what�s wrong?�

The tears began to fall and he just pulled her close and held on. When they had
been in school, she hadn�t lost it often, but he had learned that when she did
she wanted to be hugged. Then she would babble out whatever had gotten to her
and he would nod and agree. Then she would be better, even though he usually
had no clue what had been wrong. This time though, he figured he knew. And, he
prepared himself to be there for her now that Draco had finally hurt her the
way Ron had always known he would.

�Come on, sit down. Tell me what arse did,� he said.

�Don�t call him that,� she sniffled.

�Sorry,� he mumbled, clearly not.

�He�I��

�Hey, HG! I didn�t hear you come�what�s wrong!� Snoop said as she hurried
across the room in her robe, a towel around her head.

Ron let himself be pushed to the side as his wife took over hugging duty and
led Hermione to their sofa.

�Snoo�Snoo�He�I�I�I talked to Ginny about it�living together�she said we should
talk�it�s all so fast, you know�and went back to that awful place�strangely
beautiful now though�I did it and he doesn�t even understand how hard it
was�and, now he�s there like it�s not a big deal�tried to talk to him this
morning�and he didn�t even care!� she wailed.

�Okay, HG, calm down. Breathe.� When Hermione calmed down enough to breathe
easier, she asked again, �Okay, now tell me what happened.�

Her breath hitched every few moments as she told her story. Ron and Snoop
listened without interrupting as she filled them in on everything.

�And, finally, this morning I was talking to Ginny about how he and I are
living together, but we never really talked about it, you know. And, she
suggested that I talk to him about it because even though it feels right I
think it�s too fast. So, I tried to talk to him, but he was just so blas� about
it. Like it was no big deal. He didn�t even try to understand!�

�Is that all?� Ron asked from behind them. Both women turned to look at him and
he shrugged, �What? I thought he did something to you.�

�You hoped,� Hermione mumbled under her breath.

�No, Mione, I didn�t,� he answered. �I don�t want you hurt by him. Not by
anyone. And, I hate that you went to that damn house alone. I hate that you
felt like you had to. But, this isn�t about me. And, I hate to agree with him
on anything, but all this? I don�t get it either. What�s the big deal? So,
you�re living together. You claim to be in love with him. What�s the problem?�

�The problem is that we never even talked about it!� she seethed. �One day
we�re just starting to date, the next we�re living together. How did that
happen?� Hermione cried.

Ron had had enough. He had missed out on some very important parts of his best
friend�s life and it sickened him that Draco was the cause of it. Now, the part
that hurt almost as much, he wasn�t even understanding her. �Look. I�m sorry,
I�m not getting this. Maybe it�s a woman thing. Why don�t you two talk? I�m
going to go change.�

Hermione harrumphed as he left and Snoop shook her head, �Men.�

�Am I wrong here?� Hermione asked.

Snoop looked away before she answered, �Well, HG, I have to tell you, I think
you�re over-reacting here just a bit.�

�What?�

�What are you really upset about? That you�re living together? That you didn�t
talk it to death before you did? Or, are you still all mixed up from having to
go back there? And, you had to deal with his parents.� Snoop then stopped and
tilted her head a little, her eyes smiling, even as her face remained
concerned. �Or, Hermione Jane Granger, are you panicking because you finally
figure out that this may be the real thing and it�s with the man you once
referred to as Ferret Boy?�

Hermione flounced back against the sofa and closed her eyes, �Gods, I hate that
you can do that.�

�Sorry, babe, but that�s the reason you love me,� Snoop laughed. Then she asked
softly, �Seriously, why does this scare you so much?�

�That�s just it,� Hermione whispered. �It scares me that it doesn�t scare me.�

�Okay. What?�

Hermione spent the next twenty minutes telling Snoop about her time at Malfoy
Manor.

�I mean, I, Hermione Granger, muggleborn extraordinaire, best friend to Harry
�Boy Who Lived� Potter, am actually considering hanging out with
Narcissa Malfoy! And, while I was out walking just now, I was thinking about
how the hell I�m going to be able to handle sending my children to that house,
with that man who would be their grandfather, on holiday without me there to
protect them. And, it hit me that I am actually planning a future with Draco
Malfoy. And, it just happened. No discussion, no planning, just bam! I�m in
my first serious relationship ever and it could be FORever. And, he doesn�t
even get why I want to talk about it!�

Snoop smiled at her, �Wow, HG. You�re really in deep. I didn�t have this
meltdown until Ron and I had been together for almost two years.�

�Gee, thanks! What am I going to do?� she cried.

�Do? What�s there to do?� Snoop asked softly. �You accept it. You love him. You
get married and grow old and fat together.�

�Accept it,� Hermione repeated. �So, what, we never talk about it? I just let
this keep happening.�

�What do you think is happening, HG?�

Hermione looked at her in anger for a moment, then with confusion and finally
in awe, �I�m really in love!�

�Yes, I think you are,� Snoop smiled softly.

She watched the smile turn to a frown and then saw Hermione burst into tears
again.

�What�s wrong now?� Snoop asked with a laughing sigh.

�I left and didn�t even say goodbye or tell him where I was going. He probably
hates me. I acted like an idiot and blew up on him for nothing. And, then I
just left.�

Snoop laughed, �Well, the good news is men aren�t that deep, HG. He�s confused,
so he�s pissed. But, an apology and a blow job go a long way.�

Hermione laughed through her tears. Then she blew her nose and hugged her
friend, �Thank you.�

�Any time, you know that. Now, go have make up sex.�

Hermione laughed and apparated back to her apartment.

� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �

�Draco!� she called as soon as she popped in.

�You�re back,� he said quietly from the bedroom door.

She turned quickly and ran to him, �I�m sorry. I�m so sorry.�

He hugged her and then pulled back to look down at her tear-stained face, �Mi,
please tell me what�s wrong. I don�t even know why we�re fighting. What did I
do?�

She laughed a little as she cried, �Nothing, Draco, nothing at all. I just had
a realization that I overreacted to, I guess. And, I took it out on you. And,
I�m sorry. I love you.�

�And, I love you, Mi. But, can you tell me what this realization was that made
you so upset. And, what on earth does it have to do with me living here? Do you
not want me here?�

She saw the sad look in his eyes and put her hand to his face, �Yes, I want you
here. More than you know. More than I knew.�

She laughed and put her arms around his neck, �You�re girlfriend is a nutjob,
that�s all. She realized today that she loves you, a lot, and that we�re living
together. And, she freaked a bit.�

�You freaked because you love me and we�re living together? Did I miss an owl?�

She laughed and smiled up at him, �No, but as Ginny and Snoop pointed out, I
seem to have.�

He looked like she was speaking in a foreign language, so she took his hand and
led him to the sofa.

When they were both seated she explained, �As I am sure you would have guessed,
I have read a lot about relationships and how they�re supposed to go. What
you�re supposed to do and when. But, this all just came so fast. And, it�s
wonderful. Perfect. And, I love you. And, wonder of wonders, you love me. But,
then I started thinking about all those books, all those experts, and none of
them said it could be this right this fast. I panicked because all of a sudden
I thought that everything was moving too fast; dating you, loving you, moving
in together. Being back at the Manor. Meeting your mother. Things just seem to
be falling into place, you know. Like it�s all just right. And, it was easy. So
very easy. But, then I thought, maybe too easy. Maybe I had done something
wrong. Maybe we weren�t supposed to be here yet. So, I picked a fight with you
because you weren�t upset about it. Of course, you didn�t know about it, but I
wasn�t really thinking about that at the time. But, Ginny told me to stop
thinking about all those books I�ve read on how things are supposed to be and
just live. And then Snoop said I should just let it happen. When it�s right,
it�s right. And, even Ron said I blew things out of proportion. So, here I am.
And, I�m sorry I left like that. And, I promise not to do it again. And,
I�well, I love you. Can you please forgive me and forget that I�m insane?

At the same time as she rambled away, Draco was having his own silent
conversation.

You read about relationships? Hell, what am I saying, of course you did. So,
what? I�m supposed to live up to some damn book? What do you mean fast? We�ve
known each other forever! But, you�ve never been in the Manor before. What?
Huh? You think it�s perfect? Yeah, me too. Why are you still so surprised that
I love you? You�re the best thing that has ever happened to me. You panicked
because we�re living together, and things are right? Damn, women make no sense.
There are no set rules to these things, Mi. Oops, sorry about accusing you
Ginny. Guess I got that one wrong. And, thanks Snoop. Damn, the Weasel agreed
with me! Wow. Of course I can forgive you, you crazy, beautiful idiot.

Hermione saw him staring at her and wondered what he was thinking. He hadn�t
said a word and he appeared to be in deep thought. She thought of Snoop�s
recommendation and leaned over him.

�I really am sorry, Draco,� she whispered against his lips. �Say you forgive
me.�

Before he had a chance to respond she kissed him. Moving her hands in to his
hair she ran her fingers across the nape of his neck and felt him shiver
against her. With a tiny smile she licked his lower lip before diving back in
to tangle her tongue with his.

When his hands slid up her hips to pull her against him, she pulled back and
looked at him in question.

He smiled, �Yes, I forgive you. You�re insane, but you�re mine.�

She laughed and kissed him again. But, she didn�t want to let things go too
far, as she was, regardless of her stretching with Narcissa, a bit sore from
their day and evening before.

With one last soft kiss, she pulled back, �So, what do you want to do today?�

�I have an idea,� he grinned wickedly.

�Give me at least a couple of hours,� she laughed. �We could��

They jumped as an owl pecked on the window, interrupting their conversation.

Draco picked her up and put her beside him, �That�s Father�s. I�ll get it.�

Hermione waited as he took the message and gave the owl some treats. When the
owl didn�t leave, they realized it was waiting for a reply.

�Guess this means I can�t wait until later to read it,� he sighed and broke the
seal on the envelope.

Hermione got up to leave him alone as he read his letter, but was stopped when
he laughed, �Mi, it�s for you.�

�What? Why?�

He laughed at her immediate panic, �Calm down, love. It�s from Mother.�

Hermione actually felt her knees give a little in relief, �Oh. Okay.�

He walked over to her, handed her the letter and chuckled, �But, you may want
to sit down anyway. You�re still looking a little panicked.�

She sighed as she fell into a chair and opened the letter.

Hello, my not-so-little dragon,

Thank you for coming yesterday and bringing Hermione. I enjoyed getting to know
her a little. And, I am pleased that you found someone who fits you so well and
makes you so happy. I know you never thought she of all people would be the one
you fell for, but I am proud of you for growing up enough to let it happen. I
miss you already. Come home again soon. And, write me. I love you. Now, the
rest of this is for Hermione, so please give it to her. Thank you.

Your Mother

---

Dear Hermione,

I hope this letter finds you well and recovered from your trip. First, thank
you again for attending my party this weekend and for your gift, as well. I am
wearing the very lovely necklace as I write this. It matches perfectly with a
pair of earrings that Draco gave me last year. Lucius asked me to tell you to
say hello to Draco for him, but I know him, so that was his way of saying hello
to you. Isn�t that wonderful?

I can tell you now that he was ready to call off the whole party at first when
he found out you were indeed coming. We�ve never actually had a muggleborn
witch or wizard here voluntarily, you see, and he was slightly put out. But, as
he practically always gives Draco what he wants, he acquiesced. Then, you did
the impossible, Ms. Granger. You made him think about why he didn�t like you.
That�s not to say he�s come around completely, but he�s no longer growling
around the house. Ha ha ha Just think, one day soon, we�ll all be one big happy
family!

That brings me to the other reasons I am writing. First, I wanted to arrange a
little dinner party here for you two, and your parents. I think it�s high time
we meet, don�t you? And, the second, I wanted to find out when we can begin my
cooking lessons. I hear muggleborn children like their grandmothers (oh my, me
a Grandmother! I can scarcely believe it), anyway, I hear they like them to
bake cookies and such when they visit. And, I wouldn�t want to let them down. I
don�t know how long it takes to learn these things, but I think we should get
started rather soon, as it could take a while. I�ve never even been inside a
kitchen. Now, I don�t want you to think I am trying to keep this from Lucius or
anything, he will know eventually, but for now I think it best if we start off
these lessons in your flat in your kitchen. Draco tells me you only have one,
and I assume it�s a bit smaller than the ones here, so you might be more
comfortable. Just owl me back and we can arrange a time and day to get started.

Now, I must stop as I have quite a few more thank you notes to write. But,
write back darling and I hope to see you soon.

Narcissa Malfoy

Draco watched her face as she read and wondered what his
mother could have said. She had gone from smiling softly, to smirking with an
arched brow, to looking slightly sick.

�Mi?� he ventured.

She closed her eyes and took a breath, �Read this and tell me again that I�m the
insane one!�

Draco took the letter and read from where he had stopped. At first he felt
himself go through the same emotions he had seen on her face, but smiled when
he realized it didn�t sound so bad after all.

�Well, I can see why you�d be a bit shocked,� he said.

�Shocked! She�s got us married with children! She�s met me once. Once! What did
you say to her!�

�Whoa, I didn�t say anything. And, what�s so wrong? Didn�t you just tell me
that you were going to relax and just let things happen?�

Hermione looked at him as if he�d just sprouted fangs and horns, �Are you
kidding me!� She saw the look of hurt on his face and took a breath.

�Look, Draco, I love you. You know that. But, seriously, our parents having
dinner together? Me teaching Narcissa Malfoy to cook. Lucius Malfoy all of
sudden not wanting to see me dead, just because I didn�t freak out at one damn
party! One big happy�ARGH! Grandmother! Come on! You can�t tell me you don�t
feel like things aren�t going a bit quickly here.�

She had gotten up and started pacing as she spoke and he watched with a bemused
expression on his face. Then it hit him.

She�s scared! This is real and she�s scared. Wait. Shouldn�t I be, too?
Well? Guess not. Oooookay.

He got up and folded his arms around her to stop her pacing, �Mi, breathe,
love.�

She listened and collapsed against him, �I�m sorry. I don�t want you to think I
don�t want those things. I do, someday. But, what do I say to her? I don�t want
her planning my whole damn life after knowing each other for one evening!�

�She won�t,� he laughed. �She�s just excited. She gets this way when things go
well.�

He pulled her back down next to him on the sofa, �Mi, she�s had so much go
wrong. And, she�s handled it with grace and a backbone I didn�t know she had. Since
The Fall, she�s just been trying to keep it together. At first, my father was
on a crusade to prove he hadn�t been wrong, and she was swept up in it all
again. Then, when things fell apart completely, she�s the one who held us
together. I don�t know if we�d still be a family if it wasn�t for her.�

Hermione stroked his chest and nodded for him to continue.

�Look, she likes you and she�s happy for us. And, the fact that Father isn�t
screaming mad anymore has got to make things easier for her. She gets a bit,
uh, detached, when he�s upset. I�m not saying she�s right in rushing us to the
altar or anything, but just give her a chance. She�ll calm down eventually.�

Hermione was still a bit put out, but she didn�t feel like fighting about it
anymore. And, she didn�t really know what she would be fighting about.

I love him. I see a future with him. Why am I freaking out like this? Oh
yeah! Lucius. Narcissa. Dinner with my VERY muggle parents. Children! He hasn�t
even asked me to marry him and she�s got us�marry him�oh God this is too fast!
Breathe. Breathe. He isn�t asking yet. Just breathe.

She grumbled her answer, �Yeah, okay. But, what do I write back to her? I don�t
mind getting to know her better and all, but I don�t want her to see this as
some sign to start enrolling her grandchildren in Hogwarts already.�

He joked, �They could be squibs, you know.�

Hermione looked up at his smiling face and remarked, �Yeah, that would be just
perfect, wouldn�t it. Something else for your father to hate me for.�

�Nah, he�d forgive you. Eventually.� He laughed when she pulled a face, �No
worries, love. There�s no way the two of us would produce anything but the
world�s most perfect little witches and wizards.�

She nodded, but didn�t look completely over it. �Mi?�

�I�m okay. Really. I just�how many did you have in mind? I mean, you said
witches and wizards. Like plural!�

Draco laughed and pulled her up to her feet, �Okay, this is going no where.
And, you seem to be in freak out mode today. So, how about I just say, as many
as we both want and whether one or more, they will be perfect.�

She looked at him solemnly for a moment before she nodded and relaxed against
him. She was exhausted from the past four hours of losing her mind. �What did I
do to deserve you?�

�You waited for me and forgave me,� he answered before he took her face in his
hands and placed a tender kiss on her lips.

�I love you,� she whispered.

�Of course you do,� he teased.

� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �

A couple of hours, more than twenty pieces of muggle paper, ten tossed pieces
of parchment, five broken pens, and 3 broken quills later, Hermione had
finished her response to Narcissa. Draco had tried to help, but in her
frustration, she had snapped at him and he had retreated to the living room to
watch television.

�Draco?� she called.

�Yeah,� he answered.

�I think I�m done.� She got up and walked out of the second room/office, �Wanna
read it?�

�Are you sure you want me to?� he asked without looking away from the TV.

She tried to joke, �Yes, Mr. Pouty, I want you to read it. I did say I was
sorry.�

�I know,� he mumbled. �But, the remark about me being as overbearing as my
father��

She sat down on the arm of the sofa and put her hand on his chest, �Draco, I
really am sorry. I didn�t mean to upset you. I was just really frustrated and
you kept�helping. Look, I know we weren�t friends in school, so you didn�t get
to see me in deep concentration mode, but Harry, Ginny or Ro�uh Harry or Ginny
could tell you, I�m just a bit of a monster when I feel like I need to get
something right. If it makes you feel any better, Snoop used to yell at me for
it, too.�

�I bet she did,� he laughed.

�Come ooooonnnnn, I�m sorry, okay?�

He looked up at her and teased back with a smirk, �Yes, Miss Intense. Let me see
this letter.�

She leaned down and gave him a quick kiss and then handed him the letter.

He glanced at it and then asked, �So, uh, what kind of response do you want?�

�What do you mean?�

He arched a brow at her, �Well, do you want my honest opinion? Like if I have a
suggestion or something. Or, do you just want me to read it and shut up?�

She made a face at him and said, �Just be honest, PIA!�

�Pia?�

�Pain in ass,� she remarked smartly and got up to go make a late lunch.

He laughed behind her and looked over the back of the sofa to admire the view
of her swishing tush in her short shorts before looking back at the letter.

Hello Narcissa,

I am glad to know you liked the necklace. I did pick it out, but I guess great
minds think alike, because when I brought it home, Draco told me about the
earrings. I was very happy to hear you would have a matching set.

Now, since you confided in me, I will put the same trust in you. As much as
your husband did not want me there, I must admit, you were correct, I didn�t
want to come. I did so with GREAT reservation, but to make Draco happy. But, I
am very glad I came. I learned more about Draco, got to attend a lovely party,
made a new friend in Blythe Zabini, and I got the chance to get to know you. I
am very happy about the last one especially. I honestly look forward to us
slowly getting to know one another better.

As to your reasons for writing me, first thank you. It is a great compliment to
me that you want to get to know my family and I think we can arrange something
like you suggested. I do think it best we wait a while though, as I am sure
your husband has had quite enough of me for a time, and seeing as my parents
are muggles, he might not be happy to have them over any time soon.

Last, your cooking lessons. You should know that I don�t think it will take as
long as you seem to think to have you cooking at least a few basic things. With
my current work schedule and Draco just starting work, we will need a couple of
weeks to get things on a schedule of sorts, but I think you should be able to
come for a visit any time after the second week of July. I would say the first
week, but the US celebrates a holiday called Independence Day that week and
things will be very busy here. Please let me know what weekend day works best
for you and we�ll call it a date.

I am glad to know you had fun on your birthday and thank you for your tips both
before and after the party. They were very helpful.

Take care,

Hermione J. Granger

Draco refolded the letter and went to the kitchen.

�It�s perfect,� he said as he handed it back to her to send. �What tips
did she give you after the party?

�It�s not too much?� she asked nervously as she tried to avoid his question.
�Not too formal? Or, informal? And, should I take out the part about Blythe? I
don�t want to get her in trouble or anything.�

�It�s fine, love,� he silenced her with a kiss. �Now, what tips did Mother give
you?�

She stepped out of his grasp and smiled up at him, �Oh, okay, thanks. I should
send the owl back. I made sandwiches, if you�re hungry.�

He watched in amusement as she ran from the room. By avoiding his question, she
had made him want to know even more. He glanced at her half-eaten sandwich and
knew she would be back soon.

Hermione stepped back in the room a few minutes later and saw the way he looked
at her. She groaned and took her seat across from him. When he quirked a brow
at her, she took a huge bite of her sandwich and pretended she didn�t know what
he was questioning.

�You can only eat for so long,� he reminded her with a smirk.

Hermione didn�t look him in the eye when she answered, �She, uh, just showed me
how to stretch my face and stuff after the party.�

He laughed and asked, �And, you�re blushing to the roots of all that lovely
hair because?�

�Fine, but you won�t like it,� she smiled devilishly as she thought about how
best to explain.

�Try me.�

�Okay, she said you were like your father,� she laughed.

�What! Why would she say that? And, how is that a tip?�

Hermione giggled at the exasperated look on his face, �Well, she said you would
be like your father, actually. And, she showed me how to stretch last night
before we left, so as to not be sore today, after�uh�well, after last night.�

When he still looked confused, she added, �And most of the morning.�

It finally dawned on him and he smiled wickedly at her. Moving slowly he got up
to kiss her. Then, the look on his face changed and he sat down heavily in his
chair once more.

�What�s wrong?� she asked.

�Ugh!� he replied and laid his head on the table. �Yuck!�

�What?�

He looked up at her with a stricken look, �That means she and Father�last
night�they were�while we were�ugh!�

Hermione laughed so hard she had to wipe tears from her cheeks.

� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �

CHAPTER 26

The next few weeks passed with a lot less stress and drama. Draco and Hermione
fell into a comfortable routine as he started work as an officer in the US
Magical Law Enforcement Agency and she got used to the feeling of being part of
a couple. They had a few bumps in the road; late nights, bringing work home, no
time for each other, and who cooked for whom last, but on the whole, things
went rather smoothly. But, as the wedding of Beth and Blaise on the 4th of July
drew closer, the days began to fly by.

Hermione was wound especially tight as that weekend marked several large events
for her. First, there was the wedding itself and keeping Beth from losing her
mind. Then, there was the fact that Blythe was coming for the weekend and was
staying with Draco and her the night of the wedding, so that Beth and Blaise
could be alone. Hermione found Blythe, through her letters, to be a very
intelligent, happy, funny girl, but she really didn�t know what she was going
to do with a fifteen year old trailing her every step all weekend. On top of
that, Beth had insisted that Ginny and Harry come, which meant Harry, Ron,
Draco and Blaise all in one location again. And, the final added stress point,
Narcissa had written back to both of them and told them that since she would be
there for the wedding anyway, she might as well stay a few days. That way they
could show her around and she and Hermione could start their lessons then.
Hermione was most decidedly stressed.

Draco wasn�t doing much better. Blaise was getting more nervous as the day drew
nearer and seemed more prone to want to go out and get drunk. Hermione flipped
out or cried at the drop of a hat and he spent a lot of time either apologizing
to or consoling her. He also had his new job, which proved to be a lot more work
than he�d ever thought. There was patrol, research, and mounds of paperwork,
some of which he had to bring home, which upset both Hermione and him, as it
cut into their alone time. Then, of course, he was nervous about his mother�s
visit (what would she do alone in the apartment all day when they were at work)
that week, and his day trip the following Saturday back home to spend time with
his father.

As the Friday before the wedding arrived, Draco and Hermione came home at the
same time and fell across each other on the sofa. They had two hours before
they were due at the dress rehearsal dinner and it was the first time they had
had to just sit with each other in almost a week.

�Hi,� he sighed against her hair.

She snuggled against him and wiggled out of her shoes, �Hi, yourself. Good
day?�

He ran his hands up her sides and rested his hands beneath her breasts, �Not
bad, actually. I got to take a woman in who was erasing people�s minds after
she robbed them blind at department stores.�

�Yay, you,� she smiled and leaned back to kiss him.

�And, yours?� he asked and slid his hands up to lightly caress her.

She sighed and arched into his nimble fingers, �Fine. Nothing crazy. But, it�s
definitely getting better now.�

She felt his chest rumble behind her and slid her hands up his thighs before
she sighed, �We have at least an hour before we have to get dressed. Want to
take a nice, long, bath?�

�Sounds good to me,� he answered as he nibbled her ear.

She got up and took his hand to help him up. When he stood next to her, she
went up on her toes to kiss him, �I�ve missed you.�

�Not as much as I�ve missed you,� he answered. �Come on!�

She laughed giddily as he picked her up and hurried to the bathroom. When he
uttered a quick spell and the tub doubled in size, she laughed, �Some days I
just love magic!�

�So, who�s going to smell like who?� he asked as he looked at the array of
soaps and lotions lining the tub.

She leaned across him and chose a bottle, �How about this?�

He glanced at the bottle and scrunched his face as he pulled off her suit
jacket, �Fall Wonderscent. I don�t think so.�

She laughed and did a quick spell, �How about that?� she asked and waved he
bottle under his nose.

He unbuttoned her shirt quickly and laughed, �Apples? Love, that�s you.�

She laughed, placed a bit on his chest and inhaled, �Nope, spicy, musky,
slightly sweet, that�s all you, hon.�

He smiled in understanding as he realized she had charmed it to smell like the
wearer, �Ah, nice charm.�

She tipped the bottle into the pouring water and turned to help him out of his
clothes. He stopped working on her skirt and stood still as she pulled his
robes off his shoulders and then slid his sweater up over his head.

He then laughed, �No fair. I didn�t fondle your chest.�

�Yes, you did,� she reminded him, �on the sofa.�

They finished undressing quickly and got in the tub. She sat in front of him
and leaned back against his chest. Draco waved on the radio and between the
music, warm water and lights she had lowered, they let themselves relax and
bask in the quiet together for a few minutes.

Hermione�s eyes were closed in relaxation when she smiled to herself as his
hands starting sliding across her skin under the water. That didn�t take him
long.

�My turn again,� he said softly as his hands came up to cup her breasts.

She laughed a little and then ended on a soft moan, �Well, it�s only fair.�

Draco chuckled, but continued his path along her body. Every time they had sex
and he traced her body with his fingers, he found a new spot to enjoy, not
really caring if it was an already discovered spot from the time before.
Today�s focus was the soft skin on the tops and sides of her breasts.

Hermione moved against his hands urging him to move his caresses to where she
wanted them. But, it seemed he was not in any hurry to move things along.

She decided to take control. Taking the soap in her hand she lowered her hand
to the water and ran it over one hard thigh. She felt his legs tense on either
side of her and smiled as he finally took her breasts in his hands. Switching
to the other she hand, she repeated the action on his other leg. Then she put
the soap back on the side of the tub and massaged his thighs in time to his
motions on her chest. She let her hands travel slowly higher, making smaller
more precise movements, until her hands met in back of her and she took him in
between her fingers. He hissed his pleasure and lifted her hair to kiss her
neck. She ran her hands along his length slowly increasing her speed until he
moaned softly in her ear.

As he licked and bit the soft skin on her neck and shoulders, he felt her
shiver and moved his hands down her body until one rested on her stomach and
the other found her warmth. He took his time and used only the tip of his
fingers until he felt her shifting restlessly against him. Only then did he
slide his hand down further to stir her to a frenzy.

�Now, please, now,� she panted quietly and let her head drop back on his
shoulder.

He moved her hands away and leaned forward to capture her lips once more. Then
in a fluid movement, she was lifted and found herself moaning as he filled her.
He growled low in his throat as she took him in and the heat enveloped him.
Allowing her to set the rhythm, he held her close, one hand on her hip, the
other tweaking and massaging her breast.

Hermione felt like she was flying. His moans, groans, and whispered words of
love and desire were as much a turn on for her as his hands and lips. Each
slide of his hand left a trail of fire. Each kiss a shiver of delight. Then she
felt the pull of desire in her lower stomach and new she was close. She bit her
lip to hold back a small scream as he put his finger to her and helped send her
over.

Draco felt her inner muscles pull at him and sighed in pleasure. The sound of
her unknowingly chanting his name never failed to push him closer. He held her
to him as she quivered against him and regained her breath. When he could take
no more, he lifted her again and pushed her forward until she was on her knees
in the water. He moved behind her and heard her sharp intake of breath as he
reentered her quickly and forcefully. Her body pulled at him as he hurried to
get his release.

The water sloshed in the tub in time to their movements, but neither cared
about the water that splashed to the floor. Hermione felt him lean over her
back and place his hands on either side hers on the floor of the tub. Then his
lips were once again dancing over her skin and he was whispering her name. When
he sped up, and his whispers turned to tiny grunts, she knew he was close. She
tightened her muscles around him to urge him and felt the thrill shoot through
her straight to her toes. She felt him let go and his last thrusts sent her
over again.

He felt her tighten around him, her muscles milking the last from him and
collapsed against her. His weight sent them both down into the water. They came
up gagging and laughing as they reached for hand towels to wipe their eyes.

�Well, that�s one way to end it,� she giggled.

�Sorry about that,� he laughed. �Forgot where we were.�

She moved across the tub to kneel in front of him and pulled his head down for
a lingering kiss, �I completely understand.�

Draco let his hands move up her body again and Hermione tsked, �Nope, sorry. We
have a dinner to get ready for, remember?�

�Yeah, yeah, yeah,� he mumbled in mock sadness. Then he brightened, �But, we
still have later tonight before the full craziness sets in.�

She smiled at the thought of the evening to come, but rolled her eyes at
everything else, �Don�t remind me.�

After their shared bath, they quickly got washed and dried before Draco shrunk
and cleaned the tub and Hermione quickly waved her wand to clean up the rest of
the mess they�d made. Then with a lot of additional kisses and caresses they
got dressed.

The rehearsal went smoothly, considering both Beth and Blaise had customs they
weren�t quite comfortable with yet. Beth didn�t get the circle of magic and
love that was magically drawn around them, and still wasn�t quite sure how
Blaise planned to make the muggles at the wedding understand it. Blaise was
still confused by the three candles that stood behind the alter and kept
forgetting to not blow out his parents� candle when he and Beth lit theirs.
There was a lot of good-natured laughter from everyone involved as the
explanations kept being sent from person to person, witch or wizard to muggle.

Blaise and Beth had explained things to her parents a few weeks earlier and
they were still trying to accept everything. But, faced with their very happy
daughter and doting new son-in-law, as well as learning that Hermione, whom
they had loved for years, was a witch, as well, they took it extremely well. As
they understood the need for secrecy, they hadn�t told anyone and were the only
non-magical people in attendance. So, it was a very interesting night for them
as they learned more than they ever thought to ask about the magical world, and
explained to a very interested group, the customs of Catholicism.

After the rehearsal, they went to a nice Italian restaurant for the rehearsal
dinner.

�When we were very young, I remember Blaise telling me that one day he would
marry a witch who was nice, funny, smart, beautiful, knew how to play Exploding
Snaps like a pro, and would order him chocolate chip waffles from the house
elves every day. Well, B, Beth�s not a witch, and she has to make your waffles,
not order them, but I think in everything else, you got your wish. And, Beth, I
know we haven�t known each other a long time, but I do like you a lot and value
our new friendship. I have never seen Blaise happier or more grounded, and for
that I thank you and welcome you to our crazy little family, albeit a few weeks
late. Blaise, my brother, congratulations. Be happy. To Beth and Blaise!�

Draco toasted his friend and sat back down. He felt Hermione take his hand
under the table and saw her dab at her eyes with the other hand. She sent him a
soft watery smile and he leaned over to kiss her tenderly. Then she stood to
give her speech.

�Well, since I have to do this again tomorrow night, I think I will keep this
short.� She waited as the people around the table laughed a little. All her
friends knew she liked to talk and waited to see for how �short� a time she
would talk.

�So, to Blaise Zabini, a man I have known about for most of my life, but never
really known until a short while ago. You are a good friend, a good man, and
from what Beth says, a good husband. I don�t know what fates brought you back
into my life, and therefore Beth�s, but I am really thankful they did. And, to
Elizabeth Anne Zabini, a woman I have known and loved for the past four years.
We have shared everything and been as close as sisters. You have always been
stable, solid, and sure. Over the past two months I have watched you fall in
love with that man next to you and then do something I never imagined. You took
a chance, a big one. But, even in that, you were sure. I admire you. I love
you. I want nothing but the best for you, perfection. And, I know you have
found that with Blaise. Congratulations to you both.�

The table toasted once again as Hermione sat down. She looked around and saw
the tears in the eyes of the women and a couple of the men at the table as the
two at the head leaned in to kiss one another. She nodded at the kiss blown to
her by Beth�s mom and then turned her head to smile again up at Draco.

The evening continued with several more toasts from both of their parents (his
father�s funny, his mother�s stilted and formal), her parents (both endearing),
Snoop (funny and a bit embarrassing for Beth), and Blythe, who made everyone
cry. She told the group how much she loved and admired her brother, how much
she had already grown to love her new sister-in-law, and how thankful she was
to finally live in a time were their love could exist.

Ron didn�t make a toast, as he didn�t know Blaise all that well, and didn�t
feel comfortable talking in front of people. He spent the majority of his
evening watching Draco and Hermione out of the corner of his eye. It disgusted
him to watch them be so familiar and comfortable with each other. He wanted to
leap across the table and strangle the blonde man when he ordered Hermione�s
tea exactly like she liked it when she wasn�t even looking. Then, when it
arrived, she glanced at it and then gave Draco a quick kiss of thanks before
turning back to her conversation with Beth�s mother. Draco�s arm rested on her
chair and his hand was lost somewhere in her hair, while he continued his
conversation with Blaise. Ron�s blood boiled. And, it pissed him off royally
that he couldn�t see any reason for Draco to still be with her. The fact that
he didn�t seem to be using her, and that they both seemed happy, content, and
whole, was horrifying to him. If Draco wasn�t using her, was actually in love
with her, then Ron was the one in the wrong. And, that pissed him off, too.

Snoop felt the tension rolling off of her husband and turned to see him staring
at Draco and Hermione. With a long suffering sigh she leaned close to him and
whispered in his ear. �Honey, this is about Beth and Blaise. Just for this
weekend, please let it go.�

He looked into her pleading eyes and nodded. Her touch, as always, soothed his
ruffled nerves and he took a breath to calm down.

�Sorry,� he whispered. �I�m okay.�

She leaned in and gave him a quick kiss, �Ten more minutes and we can leave,
okay?�

He nodded and reached for his drink. He took a big gulp and glanced at his
watch. Then his eyes rested on Hermione once more and he saw her lean back as
Draco whispered in her ear. He watched a grin and a blush appear on her face,
just as a confident smirk crossed Draco�s. He patted himself on the back in his
mind for not jumping up to rip them apart and glanced at his watch again. Only
nine minutes to go.

� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �

The morning of the wedding was hectic for everyone involved. It was going to be
a small wedding, but there were still quite a few details to be seen to by both
Draco and Hermione. They had had a late night as they celebrated being alone
one last time for a while. But, they woke early to get started on their
separate assigned tasks. Draco only had to keep Blaise calm and get them both
dressed, along with both fathers, over at the loft. Hermione and Snoop had to
get Beth and themselves ready, while attending to Blaise�s mother, Beth�s
mother, and Blythe. Beth�s mother was a lot like her daughter and found all the
magic of the morning fascinating. Once Ginny joined the group, Hermione
realized how small her apartment could be. She was thankful Draco�s mother and
father were going straight to the wedding and not coming back to her place
until the evening. Her panic over them being there in general, Lucius� short
visit for a late dinner, and then Narcissa�s extended stay could wait at least
a few hours.

Thankfully, the wedding went smoothly and before they knew it Mr. and Mrs.
Blaise Zabini were having their first dance. When they were called, she and
Draco joined the couple on the floor, along with the older Zabinis and Beth�s
parents.

�I know I said it already, but you really are simply gorgeous tonight,� he said
softly and then kissed her lightly.�Thank you. Again,� she laughed happily.
Then she smoothed her hands down his chest and sighed, �And, you still look
magnificent in a tux.�

�Of course, I do,� he laughed quietly before he twirled her in a circle.

�So, I�ve wanted to know all day, did Beth�s dad do all the bowties?�

�Yep, but then Blaise�s dad put a memory charm on them so they would retie
themselves, in case they came undone.�

�Smart,� she said. Then she nodded at the couple near them, �Think Blaise is
having fun?�

�I don�t know if fun is the right word,� he laughed. �But, he�s getting through
it. He was so nervous this morning. All last week he just wanted to go out, but
then when I offered to take him the other night, he just wanted to be home with
Beth. Then this morning he kept asking if I thought she would bolt.�

�That�s sweet,� she smiled up at him.

�No, it�s weird, which is what I told him,� he laughed. �They�re already
married. What the heck was he all worried about? Even if she didn�t show up
today, they�d still be married.�

�You do have a point,� she laughed. �Crap, crap, crap��

�What?� he asked startled by her quick change of mood.

�Your parents,� she whispered.

�Wher�Oh.� She felt his muscles tense a bit as he smiled, �Father. Mother.
Having a good time?�

Narcissa nodded happily, �Hello, you two. Yes, it�s very charming. A bit
different, but��

She was interrupted by her husband�s snort, but continued gamely on, �BUT, I
think it was quite ingenious the way they�ve mixed things like they�ve done.
And, I find I quite enjoy this music.�

Hermione smiled at Narcissa, �Well, not all muggle songs are like this, but I
hope you like them, too.�

�I�m sure I shall,� Narcissa smiled.

Hermione felt she should at least acknowledge Draco�s father, even though he
didn�t seem inclined to give her the same courtesy.

�And, you, Mr. Malfoy? Are you having an enjoyable time?�

She almost flinched when his eyes came to rest on her face. But, she felt the
tension release in Draco�s arms and knew she had done the right thing. The long
pause after her question left her thinking he wouldn�t answer, so she was
surprised enough to jump a little when he finally did.

When her eyes snapped to his, he was looking directly at her and saying, �Well,
Ms. Granger, it isn�t the worst night of my life. It is no where near how it
should be for such an auspicious occasion, but I assume it suits them. And,
Stanford and Baina seem pleased. At least your little friend is pretty enough,
even if she is just a muggle.�

Part of her brain registered the insult to Beth, but Hermione couldn�t respond
as her mouth hung open a little at the number of words he�d used. He had said
more in that one sentence than she ever remembered him speaking to her. And, it
was said without malice. Of course, there were insults, but that seemed to be
the way he spoke to everyone. She finally felt Draco�s hand digging into her
side and nodded.

�Oh, uh yes. Beth is pretty,� was all she could formulate.

Draco laughed under his breath, but then added a bit louder to his father,
�Father it is, of course, out of the ordinary, but it really is the right
blending of the two of them. And, I assure you, Beth and Blaise are perfect for
each other, muggle or not.�

Hermione felt herself withdraw a little at the intensity of the Lucius� eyes
when he spoke to Draco, but looked at her, �Just so we are clear, Draco, no
wedding of yours will ever be anything like this fiasco. There are rules to be
followed and customs and traditions to be adhered to. Do I make myself clear?�

�Of course, Father,� Draco answered with a slight nod.

Narcissa, who had been very quiet during their exchange finally spoke up,
�Lucius, I am sure Draco understands his duties. No need to harp on that now at
this lovely party.� Then she looked at Hermione and added, �Besides, I know his
wedding will be the event of the century. I, for one, really look forward to
that day.�

Hermione wasn�t sure if the look on her face reflected the rolling fear and
panic in her stomach and tried to up the wattage of her forced smile. Her eyes
flew to Draco�s and he smiled at her. She immediately relaxed.

�Well, you two have fun,� Draco said to his parents. �We�re going to get ready
for the other traditions we have to take part in tonight.�

Lucius merely nodded in dismissal, but Narcissa smiled at the two of them, �Oh,
there�s more?�

�Yes, a few more things,� Hermione smiled at Narcissa�s childlike glee. �I
think you will find them very interesting.�

�Father. Mother,� Draco bowed slightly to his parents. Hermione nodded to both
and let Draco lead her from the floor.

�Well, that wasn�t awful,� she commented. �He spoke to me almost like a real
person. Do you think he�s drunk?�

Draco barked a laugh, �No, love, not drunk. That was dear old dad being warm.�

She laughed with him, �Wow.�

�You two having fun?� Snoop said from behind them.

They turned to see her leaning heavily on Ron and Hermione laughed, �Well, not
as much as you seem to be having. It�s the middle of the afternoon. How much
have you had to drink, young lady?�

�Just enough to be able to get through another muggle/wizard wedding,� she
giggled. �I thought mine was bad. But, sheesh, she has like her whole damn
family here. I see a lot of memory modifications coming.�

Draco laughed, �I think everyone�s being pretty well-behaved.�

Ron snorted and looked at Draco as he said snidely, �Yeah, and your parents
showing up in dress robes didn�t cause any questions.�

Hermione stepped forward, �They didn�t know what else to wear, Ron. Besides,
everyone bought the story about them being eccentric, so no problem. They
changed their clothes.�

I can NOT believe he is making me defend the Malfoys!

Ron opened his mouth to retort, but saw the look on both of the women�s faces.
He didn�t care about Draco�s feelings, but he didn�t want to cause any problems
tonight. He had promised Georgie.

He looked away from all of them as he mumbled, �Yeah, well, there�s other
stuff, too. Everyone should be more careful.�

�Careful about what?� Harry asked as he and Ginny joined them.

�Nothing,� Ron grunted.

Hermione smiled at the couple, �You two having fun?�

�Oh yes,� Ginny smiled. �But, I�m sick of this slow music. I want to dance.�

As if she�d conjured it, the song changed to a fast one and Ginny squealed and
pulled on Harry�s hand.

He stood stiffly, �No, Gin, you know I hate dancing.�

�Come on guys,� Hermione laughed and tried to get them on the dance floor.

For the first time all three bonded over something as they refused to budge. Finally,
the women gave up and left them standing there as they joined the other people
on the dance floor. The three men stood silently as they watched the women
gyrating to the beat. Then Draco�s mouth fell open as his mother hurried out to
the floor and joined them. He laughed at their matching looks of shock. But, he
smiled warmly when Hermione recovered first and let Narcissa into their circle.

�Well, I never would have won a bet on that one,� Harry commented with a
shocked grin.

Draco laughed, �Me neither.�

Ron even commented, �I can�t believe what I�m seeing.�

All three watched as Narcissa tried to mimic the younger women�s movements.
And, all three were equally shocked when she picked it up quickly.

Draco�s mouth hung open as he gawked at his mother. �Who knew my mother had
hips!�

�Not me, but she�s shaking it,� Harry laughed.

�Shit!� Ron said and moved a bit away from them.

Harry looked at him, �What?�

�Malfoy. Heading this way,� Ron said barely moving his lips as he continued to
step away.

Harry glanced surreptitiously to his right and then looked at Draco, his face
hard, �I won�t even pretend to deal with this tonight. Sorry, Draco, but we�ll
catch up with you later.�

Draco nodded at their hasty retreat. �Yeah, sure. See you in a while.�

He noticed the look of revulsion on Ron�s face and the one of anger on Harry�s
and wondered if the past would ever be left there. Before he could ponder it
further, he felt his father�s hand on his shoulder.

� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �

CHAPTER 27

�Draco.�

�Father.�

�Would you care to explain to me what your woma�er, friend has done to your
mother?�

Draco laughed a little, �It�s called dancing, Father.�

�It�s vulgar!� Lucius hissed under his breath. �She�s�she�s�and you allow Ms.
Granger to display herself like that!�

Draco turned to look at his father and raised a brow, �As much as you allow
Mother to do anything.�

His father snorted his answer and then held his son�s eyes, �Am I mistaken in
my impression that you plan to continue with her�until�well, until marriage?�

Draco�s brows both rose in surprise at his father�s directness and then he
turned his head to look at Hermione. With a smile he nodded, �Someday. If
she�ll have me. But, it�s early yet.�

�If she�ll�that�s absurd! You�re a Malfoy and she�s just a mu��

Draco�s head whipped to the side and he pinned his father with a stare to rival
his own.

�Muggleborn, I was going to say,� Lucius sniffed in derision. �She�s just a
muggleborn witch from a poor family with no name. It is not up to her to
decide. She should be proud you would even consider it!�

Draco laughed loud enough to turn several heads before he asked, �Have you met
Hermione?� When his father just stared at him, he shook his head and looked
back out at the dance floor and her. �Then you know how independent she is. All
her decisions are her own. And, regardless of how you may feel, Father, she is
stronger, smarter and a better witch than most of us on this planet. And, poor?
I think not. First, her parents have plenty of muggle money and second, Mione�s
famous and rich in her own right. She has enough money to take care of both of
us, even though she barely touches it. I daresay, if she were to say yes, I
would be the lucky and proud one.�

�You actually�lo�love her?� Lucius whispered in complete shock. �She�s not just
a�you really love her.�

Draco smiled as he looked back at his father, �Yes, I do. Why would I consider
asking her to marry me someday if I didn�t?�

�Well, I just assumed, I mean, she�s quite a valuable asset to have at your
side and I thought��

Lucius� face was such a mask of confusion that Draco almost felt sorry for him.
�You�re almost as bad as Weasley,� he commented before he could stop himself.

�How dare you!� his father hissed.

�My apologies,� Draco muttered sincerely as he turned to fully face his father.
�But, the Weasleys, father and son, seem to feel the same way. I�m using her. I
can�t love her. I have to have an agenda. No, Father. The answer is a lot more
simple than that. I love her. I like and respect her. She�s warm, funny,
giving, honest, forgiving, just short of damn near perfect. And, I want to
spend the rest of my life earning the forgiveness and love she has given me.�

Lucius stared at his son for a moment and then he looked out on the dance floor
to see Hermione spinning Narcissa, both of them laughing happily.

�Well, you have my�my best wishes for a pleasing conclusion.�

Draco simply nodded in thanks.

When the song ended and a slow song came on both women came toward them. Lucius
noticed that Hermione didn�t look particularly happy to be approaching them. He
glanced to his side and saw the look on his son�s face. With a sigh of defeat
he did what he had done for the past five years. He swallowed his dislike and
years of beliefs, at least for this one instance, and accepted the inevitable.

My pureblood son is going to marry a mud�muggleborn witch. What is the world
coming to? Damn that Potter and his saving the world complex! Does no one have
pride anymore? Ms. Granger�Her�Hermi�Hermione (she�s not naming the damn
children if that�s how muggles name them!) well she�s attractive enough and
will make nice looking children, I suppose. Heaven knows she�s smart. Too damn
smart, but oh well. She has her own money, so she won�t be looking for handouts.
And, it will raise the Malfoy name to be associated with her. I just better not
be expected to have to accept Potter or those blood traitors! I can do this
though, for my son. She would have been a perfect choice anyway, had she not
had such an unfortunate birth. Oh, sweet Merlin! Will I have to get to know her
damn muggle parents, too! Too much to think about tonight. For now, Draco is
happy. Therefore, I will be happy for him.

�That was quite a display, ladies,� he greeted them.

Hermione stopped walking all together and simply stared at him. Draco stepped
forward and took her hand and she seemed to shrink into him for a moment before
she straightened her spine and raised her chin a little.

And, she has backbone. Good. A Malfoy trait we won�t have to teach her.

Narcissa stepped gracefully to his side and he smiled a little down at her, �I
see He�Her�(cough) Hermione taught you some new�ah�dance steps.�

If it had been in his nature to laugh freely, he would have, at the varying
degrees of shock on each of the three faces that stared at him. As it was, he
merely gave them his best smile. Hermione�s hand actually twitched like she was
going for her wand. When no one spoke he cleared his throat and took his wife�s
hand.

�Shall we?� with a polite nod to Draco and Hermione, he led his wife to the
dance floor.

Draco and Hermione stood in shocked silence for a moment before she whispered
hysterically, �What just happened? He spoke to me. Civilly. He�he smiled at me!
He addressed me! He used my name! What is he up to!�

Before he could answer Blaise walked up to them, �Hey you two!�

�I�m gonna be sick!� Hermione exclaimed and turned to run to the bathroom.

Draco turned to stop her, but she was already gone. He saw Ginny leave the
dance floor to run after her, Harry look at him in question, Georgie hurried
after them, and then Ron staring at him angrily. He looked helplessly at
Blaise.

Blaise looked from Hermione to Draco and asked, �Was it something I said?�

�No, actually it was Father,� Draco sighed. �He decided to be nice to her.�
Then he shook his head in wonder, �He even kind of smiled.�

�Well, that would sure as shit scare me to death,� Blaise shuddered. �Why?�

Draco laughed a little, �Because he finally got it through his thick skull that
I love her.�

Blaise laughed and put his hand on Draco�s shoulder, �You�ve got the weirdest
family in history, D.�

Draco put his head in his hands for a moment and mumbled, �Don�t I know it.�

Harry walked up to his other side, �Is she okay?�

Draco looked over at him and saw nothing but concern. It floored him.

It seemed to surprise Blaise as well, �You�re not going to ask what he did to
her?�

Harry shook his head at both of them, �No. Mione can take care of herself, if
need be. But, she looked upset. Is she okay?�

Draco accepted Harry�s answer and nodded, �She�s fine, Harry. Just a little
shocked after talking to my parents.�

When he saw Harry�s green eyes spark in anger, he added, �They didn�t do or say
anything. Father was just, uh, nice to her.�

Harry looked at him for a moment and then laughed, �Well, I can see how that
would upset her.�

Blaise relaxed and laughed with him, �That�s pretty much what I said.� Then he
remembered the occasion, �So, before this exciting drama, were you both having
fun?�

Harry nodded, �Yes, thank you. Everything�s been great.�

�Yeah, B, it�s been perfect. Are you finally having fun?�

Blaise nodded, �Ever since the ceremony and that stupidly expensive dinner were
over. Beth�s happy, so I guess everything�s cool.�

Draco nodded and smiled, �It�s great, B. When do we do the garter and flowers
thing?�

�As soon as I get the signal from Mom that all the witches have been told not
to use magic to get the flowers,� Blaise laughed.

Harry looked at them and asked, �Why just the witches? Don�t the wizards need
to be told not to use magic to get the garter?�

Blaise laughed and clapped Harry on the shoulder, �Potter, do you know any
single man who ever REALLY tried to get the garter at a wedding?�

All three laughed at the truth of his statement. Then Harry caught Ron�s eye as
he stood a little away from them and saw the anger in his face.

�I better go calm Ron down before he storms the bathroom to check on her,� he
sighed. �See you in a bit.�

�Okay, thanks,� Draco laughed.

�Bye, Potter,� Blaise called after him.

� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �

�He was NICE to you!� Ginny shouted. �Why!�

�I have no idea,� Hermione said, her voice shrill in her panic. �I was dancing
with Narcissa and you guys, and then we went over to them because she wanted
to, for reasons totally beyond me, slow dance with her husband. Next thing I
know he�s being nice to me. Talking TO me, not around me. And, then he�he
SMILED at me!�

Ginny looked scandalized, but Snoop just laughed.

�What�s so funny?� Hermione snapped.

�Calm down, HG,� she laughed. �It�s a party. Maybe he�s having fun and forgot
to hate you.�

Ginny shook her head and said very seriously, �That is not Lucius Malfoy. He
doesn�t do fun.� Then she turned and hugged Hermione, �Don�t worry hon, we�ll
figure out what he�s up to.�

�But, he�s coming back to my apartment!� Hermione was starting to
hyperventilate.

�Oh stop!� Snoop shouted, startling both women. �Seriously, get a grip.�

When Hermione stared at her in shock, but seemed to breathe easier, she added,
�Look, from everything you�ve said, he�s an ass, but he loves his son. And,
they were talking before we all stopped dancing. Maybe Draco told him to start
being nice to you or else.�

Hermione seemed to think it over before she asked, �Or else what?�

�Maybe he threatened to marry you and not invite him to the wedding,� Ginny
said with a tiny laugh.

Hermione thought back over the first conversation she�d been involved in with
the Malfoys and snorted, �Not, bloody likely!�

She then took a deep breath and shook herself a little, �I�m okay guys.
Thanks.�

Snoop looked at her shrewdly and asked, �HG? You don�t think you�re�uh, you
know�with the throwing up and all�maybe you�re��

�What? No!� Hermione shook her head.

Ginny glanced at her nervously, �Are you sure?�

�Positive. For sure, positive. Okay? I think this week just caught up with me
and that was my final straw. I�ve been a little stressed, I guess. Malfoy being
nice�confusing and a tad scary and�ugh, just�ugh!�

Ginny laughed and turned Hermione to face the mirror, �Well, let�s fix that
makeup and get out there. You can�t look like a coward to him!�

Hermione nodded and between the three of them, fixed her makeup. They were just
about to head out of the bathroom when the door opened and Beth entered.

�What happened? What�s wrong?� she asked.

Hermione didn�t want Beth to worry about anything on her wedding day and shook
her head, �Nothing�s wrong, Beth. Just fixing our makeup.�

Beth seemed to relax and smiled at them, �Well, come on then. It�s time for the
garter and bouquet. Blaise wants it over with so he can get some cake.�

All four laughed and went back to the reception.

Draco came up to her immediately, �You okay?�

She smiled at him and reached up to smooth the worry lines from his face, �Yes.
I�m sorry. I think the stress of this past week just finally got to me. Your
father being�nice�just too much, I guess. I didn�t mean to upset you.�

He sighed, but smiled as he put his hands on her hips and pulled her close,
�Well, since both Blaise and Harry had similar reactions, I won�t hold it
against you.�

They turned to join Beth and Blaise for the rest of the festivities and she
asked, �So, now that I�m calmer, and seeing as they�re coming back to the
apartment later, want to tell me why he was acting like that?�

Draco laughed, �Well, he seems to have accepted that you aren�t going away
anytime soon. He has finally figured out that being hostile to you isn�t going
to drive you away.�

�So, he thinks being nice will?� she asked, only partially joking.

�Oh, stop,� he admonished. �I think he�s trying to be civil.�

�Okay. I get it, I think,� she said as she shook her head. �So, what? Now, I
have to be nice to him?�

Draco laughed at the look of horror she tried to disguise, �No, love. Just keep
being yourself. You�ll have him wrapped around these beautiful little fingers
in no time.�

�Yeah, right,� she mumbled as they reached the beaming couple.

�And, now the tossing of the bouquet��

� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �

When they got home around five, Draco stayed with his parents and Blythe in the
living room, while Hermione quickly cleaned up the remaining mess left by the
women earlier in the second room. She had finished the other rooms before she�d
left for the wedding, but as that room was the last used, it was too late to
clean it before she left. After cleaning it, she changed it into a bedroom with
two beds and flicked her wand at each one to add sheets and bedspreads. When
the room looked the way she�d intended, she nervously went back out to join the
rest of them.

��and, I think he was a muggle, �cause I thought I heard him say something
about Beth being his cousin, but he was really cute and he asked me to dance
three times.�

Narcissa laughed, �My, it sounds like you did have a good time.�

Blythe nodded, �Yes ma�am. And, Blaise let me bring back three pieces of cake.
And, Beth said I can have any of the extra table favors to take back to school
in September. She even promised me some of the pictures from those muggle
cameras!�

Hermione laughed from behind them as she crossed the room to sit on the arm of
the sofa next to Draco. �I�m glad you had fun, Blythe.�

�Oh, I did,� the young girl squealed. �It was my first muggle wedding. I really
expected it to be a lot different. Are they all like that?�

Draco laughed, �Well, no B-girl, but you got the general gist.� Then he looked
up at Hermione, �I made you some tea.�

�That was sweet, thank you,� she said and started to lean down to kiss him.
But, then she remembered their audience and straightened back up, her eyes
meeting Lucius�.

He merely looked back at her blandly for a moment and then turned to his wife,
�And, you darling. What was your favorite part of this fascinating afternoon?�

Narcissa giggled, �I personally liked the garter bit. I thought Baina was going
to pass out from humiliation when Blaise pretended he couldn�t find it and went
under Beth�s skirt. I know I should side with his mother, but the look on her
face was rather amusing.�

�I didn�t see her face, but I saw Mr. Zabini�s,� Draco shook his head. �He was
almost ready to go help.�

�Eww, that�s his daughter-in-law,� Hermione said wrinkling her nose.

Her head snapped to the side when Lucius stated with only a little disgust, �I
couldn�t agree with you more, Her�Hermione. Stanford does need to learn some
decorum.�

What do I say to them? To him? How do I act civilly to a man who has hated
me for being me, for most of my life? And, how the hell can he switch his hate
off like that? He�s not human. And, if we do get married, he�s going to be my
father-in-law. Stop! Don�t think about it!

Blythe was not really aware of the tension in the adults around her and looked
to Hermione, �Guess what?�

�What?� Hermione smiled at her.

�We drink our tea the same way,� she enthused. �D said, we like our coffee the
same, too!�

�What are you doing drinking coffee already?� Hermione asked with a laugh. �Has
studying gotten that hard at Hogwarts?�

Blythe laughed, �Well, we need something to keep us awake in Professor Binns�
class.�

She and Draco shared a laugh in memory. Then Draco asked her who else was still
teaching and they all listened to her talk about school for the next few
minutes. Hermione knew who was still at the school, as she kept up her
correspondences with Minerva and Hagrid, but she didn�t want to stop the young
girl�s moment to shine.

When they had no more questions about the school, Hermione offered to show them
around the apartment, while Draco refreshed their drinks. As they went from
room to room, Hermione tried to answer all their questions about her many
muggle items. Lucius barely acknowledged each room, but Narcissa was full of
questions about every thing she saw. Hermione was reminded of Arthur Weasley
and stopped herself from saying so just in time. Blythe kept a running list of
all the items she �just had� to have.

After being in her tiny kitchen for almost half an hour, Lucius had reached his
patience limit.

�Ms. Zabini, why are you here?�

Blythe stopped her chatter immediately and looked shocked that he had addressed
her. Hermione was torn between relief that she wasn�t the only one he spoke to
like that and disgust that he would treat a child with such harshness. Then she
recalled their first meeting her second year of school and realized he hadn�t
changed much in all those years. Narcissa, who was used to her husband�s lack
of tact, rephrased the question.

�I think Lucius means, dear, why did your parents go home and leave you here
for the night? Not that we aren�t pleased to get to spend the extra time with
you.�

Hermione found herself smiling gratefully at Narcissa and saw Blythe relax a
little, as well.

Blythe�s nerves caused her to stammer, �Well, um, I kinda, uh, wanted to get to
know Hermione better, and well, they didn�t really want me to, well more Mom
than Dad, he didn�t really care, so they let me stay an extra night. �Cause I
just think she�s, uh, I mean, you�re just amazing!� She blushed a little, but
continued defensively, �And, I�m not doing anything wrong. Blaise thought it
would be a good idea, too! And, Hermione said I could, and Draco, too. And,
it�s uh, educational! Yeah. I�m writing my 6th year final paper for History of
Magic on her amazing accomplishments, so it�s for school, too!�

Draco walked in to see Hermione looking amused, but embarrassed, his mother
trying to hold back a laugh, his father looking scandalized and Blythe
red-faced with her fists clenched at her sides.

�What did I miss?� he asked, breaking the tense atmosphere in the room.

Blythe turned to him, �Tell them you said I could stay and spend time with you
guys!�

Draco looked from her to Hermione in question, but his mother answered for him.

�Blythe, no one suggested you shouldn�t be here, dear. We were just inquiring
as to why, that�s all. I think it�s a lovely idea to get a head start on your
schoolwork. Don�t you Lucius?� They all noticed her take his arm in her hand
and squeeze as she spoke, even though she tried to be nonchalant about it.

�Schooling is important,� he nodded diplomatically.

Hermione had to hold back a laugh. The GREAT Lucius Malfoy stunned by a
fifteen year old girl�s temper tantrum. That is too funny. Guess he can�t
handle a little crying, screaming and foot stamping. Why didn�t we know that
back then? Woulda been useful at the Ministry! God, why didn�t he have a
daughter? He would have been brought to his knees before she ever got to
Hogwarts.

Narcissa smiled at him and then turned back to Blythe, �And, I personally think
a paper on all the things Hermione has done and achieved is an inspired idea.�

Blythe seemed to accept Narcissa�s answer and breathed a sigh of relief. But,
then she turned to Hermione and didn�t look her in the eye when she asked her
next question.

�Uh, Hermione?�

�Yes, Blythe?�

�Well, um, I didn�t really get to ask you yet if I could. You know, write a
paper on you, I mean. But, would you mind? I�ll make it really good, I promise.
And, you can even check it to make sure I get everything right. But, I�m not
like, using you or anything. I really do like you. A lot. And, you writing to
me has been the best thing ever! I kinda think of us as like friends, you know.
I mean, I know I�m too young to really be��

Oh man, can my face get any more red? Sheesh. This is so embarrassing. Are
there other girls like this out there? Who think I�m this great? Wow. Am I that
famous really? I mean, I know people know me, but Harry�s really the one
who�Jeez! How has he dealt with it most of his life? I�m uncomfortable with one
girl! Okay, this needs to stop.

Hermione stepped forward with a nervous laugh and hugged Blythe to interrupt
her rant, �Of course, you can, honey. And, it never entered my mind that you
would use me. Now, if that�s settled, can I show you where the washroom is and
where you and Narcissa will be sleeping?�

�Oh, yeah, okay,� Blythe smiled in relief.

But, her smile grew in size when Hermione took her hand and said, �And, just so
you know, I only let my friends sleep over.�

�Oh!� Blythe said happily. And, then Hermione saw Narcissa�s look of shock
followed by a pleased smile.

Oh, crap! I didn�t actually mean her, too. Don�t even glance at Lucius!
Draco, wipe that smirk off your face!

Draco smirked, �Shall we go then?�

Hermione nodded and led the way through the rest of the apartment on the way to
the bedroom she had set up for them. She was too busy talking about the items
they passed to notice Narcissa�s soft murmur.

�Very compassionate. A good quality for a future mother.�

Neither man commented, but both raised matching brows at the thought. Lucius�
in slight derision and Draco�s in concurrence.

�And, this is your room for the night,� Hermione continued unaware. �If there�s
anything you need, just let me know. And, Narcissa, I can change it to just one
bed for the rest of the week after tonight. Is it okay?�

Narcissa smiled warmly, �It�s charming. Just like the rest of your flat. No
need to change a thing, and I�m sure Blythe and I will be fine together.�

Draco added, �Yours is the bed on the left, Mother. I�ve already put your
things in the closet. Blythe, your dress robes are in there as well, but I put
the rest in the chest of drawers.�

Hermione led the way back to the living room and turned on the television out
of habit.

�What is that thing?� Lucius demanded.

�It�s a television, Father,� Draco laughed a little. �It�s for viewing news,
shows, and sporting events. Kind of like a radio with pictures. I found it
quite disturbing at first, too, but I�ve come to enjoy it.�

When his father looked at him in disbelief, he added proudly, �And, Hermione�s
charmed it to show Quidditch matches all over the world. Let�s see if there�s
one on now.�

Hermione blushed and tried not to laugh when Lucius looked over at her. The
look on his face was comical, a mix of begrudging respect, shock,
disappointment (that she again did something right), and continued confusion at
the talking box in front of him. He looked like he was trying to understand a
particularly difficult riddle.

�Blythe, Narcissa, how�d you like to help me prepare our supper?� she asked as
she turned to escape his piercing stare.

Both women happily followed her from the room, leaving Draco with his father.

Draco continued to switch channels until he found what he was looking for, �Ah,
here we are. It�s the Appleby Arrows against the Wigtown Wanderers. Arrows
don�t stand a chance, there seeker stinks.�

Draco tossed the remote onto the coffee table and looked back at his father.
Lucius still stood in the same spot and looked as though he didn�t quite know
what to do. Since he had never seen his father looked so confused, Draco got a
little worried.

�Father? Father!�

Lucius� eyes finally focused as he looked at Draco.

�No need to shout, Draco,� he admonished.

�Sorry, but uh, can I refill your drink?�

Lucius seemed relieved to have a question posed to him that he understood,
�Yes, thank you.�

Draco stood up and grabbed up their glasses, �Okay then. Have a seat. I�ll get
them.�

Lucius sat, but stayed silent and still as he stared at the television screen.
When Draco put the drink down in front of him he took it up and drank deeply.

�Are you okay?� Draco asked.

Lucius sniffed, �Of course,� before taking another long drink. He pushed his
hair out of his face as he relaxed back into the chair a little, �The last hour
has just been a bit�well, let�s just say I am very glad I didn�t have a
girl�all that screeching and whining. No wonder Stanford is a bit off.�

Draco laughed as his father continued, �And, all these muggle contraptions. How
can you stand it? There�s no purpose to them when you have magic.�

�Some of them are actually pretty fun,� Draco answered. �Like the television.�

�She really charmed this thing?� Lucius asked in disbelief as he looked back at
it.

�Yes, sir, a couple of weeks ago, for me. Mione isn�t really much of a
Quidditch fan,� Draco said with a tender smile. Then he chuckled, �I think she
did it to keep me busy while she writes her lessons.�

�Oh, well that�s�� Lucius couldn�t bring himself to compliment Hermione out
loud, so he just let his voice fade out. Then he looked at the television again
and asked, �So, the Wigtown Wanderers 120 to 90. Looks like a good game.�

In the kitchen Hermione was trying to show both women how to make a salad
without magic.

�But, wouldn�t it be faster if we just�� Blythe motioned with her hand as if
she had a wand.

�That way you won�t cut yourself,� Hermione readjusted the knife and red bell
pepper in Narcissa�s hand before she answered Blythe, �First of all, you can�t
do magic outside of school yet. And, second, we aren�t in any hurry. I like to
do it by hand. It can be very relaxing and gives you a kind of feeling of
success.�

Narcissa sliced the pepper very slowly and carefully as she added, �Besides,
cooking is a useful skill. One could find themselves without house elves one
day and then what would they do?�

Hermione showed Blythe how to use the carrot peeler and said, �And, it can be
fun. Wait until I show you the chopper. It�s a great way to release
aggression.�

Blythe still looked skeptical, so Hermione said something she knew the young
girl would understand, �And, between just us girls, some people, like boy
people, like when you cook for them. It shows you cared enough to do something
special for them, even if you only really know how to make one meal and a
dessert.�

Blythe looked like she had been let in on a secret of the universe and settled
in to peel and chop her carrots. Hermione glanced over at Narcissa and even
though she didn�t look up from her slicing, Hermione saw her tiny smile and
nod.

Hermione had decided on a very simple meal, since they�d all had a large meal
at the reception. It was also something she thought they could prepare without
too much trouble once Narcissa and Blythe got the hang of chopping and slicing.

When all the preparation was done, she showed them how to mix the salad fixings
together in a bowl and then place it on the plates. Next, she showed Narcissa
how to open the soup cans and heat it up. Hermione impressed upon her the
importance of not touching the hot stove or pot, while stirring the soup.
Blythe got to use the microwave and make the rice. Hermione talked her through
how much water to use and how to use the fork to separate the grains. While
they got busy, she laid out the salmon filets for broiling. When both stopped
to stare at her in admiration and a little envy, she gave them each have a
shaker and let them season the filets under her watchful eye. As she talked
Narcissa through the use of a potholder and ladling the soup, she put the
filets in to broil.

Narcissa was positively beaming in joy as they left the kitchen to announce
that supper was ready. And, through dinner there was no lack of conversation as
both she and Blythe told Draco and Lucius what parts of the meal they were
responsible for. Between bites they talked about all the wonderful new things they�d
learned and how much fun it had been. Hermione laughed off their praise of her
teaching skills and Draco praised the food and their new skills endlessly. Only
Lucius remained quiet as he sampled his dinner.

When the meal was over and everyone sat back to sip their tea or coffee Lucius
finally spoke.

�Narcissa, I must admit that was quite good. I enjoyed the soup immensely. And,
the rice was very�well cooked.�

Narcissa and Blythe both smiled at his compliments, but Draco stared at his
father until he added, �The salmon was also satisfactory, Ms. Gr�Hermione.�

�Thank you,� she murmured quietly. Then she brightened and said to Blythe and
Narcissa, �Now�s where the magic comes back in.�

With a flick of her wrist the table was cleared. With another her dishwasher
came on. And, with one last wave, small bowls of apple sherbet, Draco�s
favorite, appeared before everyone.

Conversation turned back to the wedding and reception until the meal was over.
Then, with an air of one escaping an awful business meeting, Lucius announced
it was time for him to leave.

Draco stood beside Hermione, one arm wrapped around her, �I will see you on
Saturday.�

�I look forward to it,� Lucius answered with a small bow. Then he turned to
Blythe, �A pleasure to see you again Mistress Zabini.�

�Goodbye, Mr. Malfoy,� she curtsied a little.

Then he turned his head to look at Hermione, �Thank you for�the evening. I
enjoyed the television. And, you have a�quaint little flat.�

I wonder if it physically hurts him to compliment me?

�Thank you. And, I am�glad you came.�

There, you freak. See? It�s not so hard to be cordial!

He nodded once and then moved to the fireplace where Narcissa waited for him.

�I�ll owl you tomorrow night. Try to have a good week without me,� she smiled
up at him as she wrapped her arms around his waist.

Hermione just barely kept her jaw from dropping as Lucius turned human for a
moment while saying goodbye to his wife. His entire being became softer and
more approachable then she�d ever witnessed.

He leaned into Narcissa and gave her a soft, lingering kiss. Then he said in
voice meant for her, but heard by the others in the room, �No, I won�t. I�ll
miss your laugh, my pretty one.�

She laughed a soft laugh, �I love you, my handsome husband.�

�And, I you, Cissa.�

Then, as if he�d just recalled his audience, he stepped back and straightened
his face back into his normal look of �I smell something awful here,�
effectively ending the odd, but sweet moment. With one last glance at his wife
and then his son, he disappeared with a shout of �International, Wiltshire,
Malfoy Manor� in a flash of green fire.

Ewwwwww. Now, I need a memory wash or something. I wonder if you can
obliviate yourself. That was an image I never needed to see! Oh, crap,
straighten your face, remember Blythe! Narcissa�s looking! Shit shit shit.
Straight face straight face straight face.

Draco laughed softly at the look on her face and rubbed his hand on her back.
Then he turned to Blythe and asked, �So, how about some more TV?�

� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �

The next morning Draco and Hermione talked quietly in their room about their
plans for the day. As it was the 4th of July neither had to work, so they could
escort Narcissa and Blythe around New York. When they realized they wouldn�t be
alone for a while, they started to use the time for more pleasurable pursuits.
But, Hermione jerked away from him when his mother called out her good morning
through the door.

�Relax, love. She won�t come in,� he whispered against her skin. Then he leaned
back and called out, �Morning, Mother. We�ll be right out.�

�I never thought about how weird this would be,� she sighed.

�What?�

�Sharing a bed with you with your mother less than twenty feet away,� she
laughed. When he laughed at her she kissed him quickly and slid out of bed,
�Come on, get up, before she blows something up in the kitchen.�

The morning passed quickly and a lot more easily than Hermione would have
expected. Narcissa had taken to the television and had to be pulled away from
her intense concentration on a talk show.

They walked around New York City and the Draco and Hermione showed them all
their favorite places. Narcissa spent a lot of time staring and looking
shocked, but pleased. Her favorite part being the elevator ride up in the Empire
State Building. She had seen an elevator before, of course, but never one that
ran without magic. Too see Hermione�s earlier explanation about hydraulics and
electricity in person, made her positively giddy. Several people looked at her
weirdly when she clapped her hands in joy and said, �Oh my, but these muggles
are inventive!�

Blythe was just excited to be with them and see everything she could. With
Hermione as her personal hero, she had studied muggles and their lifestyles for
the past five years. She wasn�t shocked by what she saw, as much as she was
thrilled to finally see how much of her studies had been true. The only issue
she had all day was when a cute boy had walked by and whistled at her. He�d
called her a foxy mama and she�d laughed. She hadn�t meant to insult him; she
was just happy to see another muggle truth. He was insulted though and called
her a bitch before storming off. She hadn�t expected that particular result and
started crying. It took Hermione quite a few minutes to calm her down, while
Draco tried to ignore the whole scene and Narcissa, who had been engrossed in
her perusal of a jewelry store, kept asking what had happened.

That evening they returned to the apartment and Draco and Hermione introduced
the two of them to food delivery and pizza as they watched the fireworks
explode overhead from the windows. Soon it was time for Blythe to leave. None
of them were prepared for the scene that ensued.

Blaise and Beth had called her earlier to say goodbye and Blythe had been perfectly
calm as she packed her bags and talked with Hermione in the bedroom. Hermione
had levitated her bags in front of them and moved to the fireplace and then
Blythe had lost it.

�I�I�don�t wa�wan�want t�to�go,� she wailed and threw her arms around Hermione.

�Oh, Blythe, don�t cry,� Hermione sighed as she patted her back.

�But, I�I will�mi�miss�you,� Blythe cried and buried her head in Hermione�s
neck. Her next words were muffled, but they all understood them, �I�m so
lo�lone�lonely at home.�

Draco stepped forward and placed a hand on Blythe�s shaking shoulder, �What do
you mean, B Girl? You have plenty of friends.�

Blythe stepped back from Hermione and wiped her eyes as she looked up at him,
�No, D, not re�really. Not any more. Most everyone�s s�sto�stopped coming
around this su�sum�summer. They all have boyfriends and s�st�stuff. And, with
Blaise and you g�gon�gone, I�I just��

Then she launched herself at him, �Don�t make me go back.�

His arms closed automatically around her, but he looked over her shoulder
helplessly at Hermione and Narcissa.

Narcissa moved closer to them and said softly, �Blythe, darling, how about you
come over and spend time with me now and then this summer? I�m alone a lot,
too.�

Blythe stepped back from Draco and nodded a little, �Okay, thank you ma�am.�

Hermione smiled softly at Blythe, �And, you can of course come back later in
the summer and visit us again. Blaise and Beth said they wanted you to come
spend time with them, remember. Plus, I still expect to receive my letters from
you.�

Blythe sniffled, but smiled nervously at the three of them, �Okay, thanks.
Sorry about crying all over you, you must think I�m so silly.�

Draco hugged her with one arm, �Nah, never, don�t forget I always told you you
were a snot-nosed brat.� When his joke had the intended affect and she laughed,
he continued, �Now, time to get home before your parents start to worry. You
were due ten minutes ago.�

After a promise to write as soon as she could, she hugged both Hermione and
Draco and then smiled and nodded at Narcissa, before she flooed home.

All three adults stood silently staring into the fireplace, each relishing the
quiet.

Narcissa interrupted the quiet to mutter, �Thank goodness I had a boy.�

Draco and Hermione both laughed and the three moved to relax on the sofa and
chair in the living room.

It was later as they got up to go to bed that Narcissa asked, �So, what are we
doing tomorrow night?�

�Dinner and a show,� Draco answered, his hand on Hermione�s hip. Then he
smirked, �I think you�ll like it. It�s about a witch.�

Narcissa nodded and tried to hold back a yawn, �Oh yes, Hermione told me some
things about it. Bad, Evil, something like that.�

�Wicked,� Hermione corrected her with a smile as she leaned tiredly against
Draco. �Are you sure you�ll be okay all day here alone?�

Narcissa had reached her room and looked at the two of them, �I am a full grown
witch, my dears. I think I can manage a few hours alone. Plus, I have the
tevelision to watch.�

Neither corrected her and Draco moved over to kiss his mother�s cheek, �Right.
Night then, Mother. Sleep well.�

�You, too,� she responded and then looked to Hermione. �See you in the
morning.�

Hermione was amazed to realize how comfortable she had become with Narcissa in
such a short amount of time. She decided it was because, when not with Lucius,
Narcissa was a lot like Draco.

�Good night, Narcissa,� she murmured with a nod.

After a long day of walking around and then dealing with Blythe, neither was in
the mood to do much more than undress, and fall across the bed for a much
needed sleep.

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Love and Forgiveness