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

Chapter List
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(AN:: 1 This is just a bit of filler which tries to advance the plot~ well you know the plot I mostly have~ and gives me warm and fuzzy feelings because of jewelry! It was also important to set up for the visit over New Year's Eve. Allowing the pair a span of breathing room made sense...Also, a big thank you to Lady Dracona, Nari-Chan, and DramioneLover for reviews. DL~I know Hermione wasn't too shocked but I felt it made sense. After all, she's had some time to get used to the idea, since 12/21 or chapter five...heh)
Hermione spent Christmas day holed up in the common room, immersed in solitude, her heart heavy. For the very first time, she wished that she had gone to The Burrow, just to be surrounded by people who loved her even if they weren't her blood relatives. She soon shook off her melancholy once she recalled the fact that, to see everyone else, she'd have to deal with Ron and that was definitely a bad idea. Still, it would have been nice...
Or maybe not.
Of course, she had awakened to multiple presents: the usual load of clothes and muggle books from her parents, a thin book on becoming an Animagus from Harry, a knitted sweater in dark green with a white H from Molly, a small pair of silver hoops from Ginny. In fact, the only person who hadn't sent her anything at all had been Ron. Did that hurt her? Yes but only because it meant that he was still behaving like a spoiled child. She found that the hurt was better than the annoyance she should have felt. In all honesty, the emotional pain meant that she could be his friend again.
Eventually.
She had just finished cleaning up the common area and putting her things away when she heard a light tap at the window of her shared dorm-like room. Since no-one else had stayed behind for the holiday (at least not in her House), she knew that whatever the owl on the other side held would be for her. With that in mind, she quickly made her way over and threw open the sash. A beautifully plumed Eagle-owl in shades of cream, brown and startling white flew in with a quiet hoot and dropped the small, flat package he held onto her bed. He then swooped away so that she could close the window.
The present was wrapped in silver and green and appeared to hold some sort of jewelry, perhaps a cuff-like bracelet. Since she did not recognize the owl, she had no way of knowing just where the gift had come from and so she spent a few moments checking for curses and jinxes before she opened one side of the wrapping paper and shook the box into her hand. A piece of parchment was affixed to the top of it, folded into quarters, and read simply Read Me First. So she did.
Granger,
Thank you for the cufflinks. I didn't know you had such good taste. Of course, my assumption is that you had help in finding such perfection. I know it must have been fairly difficult but you did find something to compliment my stunning good looks.
I am VERY proud of you.
Hermione snorted. She could practically HEAR his husky tenor drawl in her head. She returned her gaze to the words and read on.
No, we had never discussed presents but I must admit that I had mother pick this up for you after I saw the second charm. I knew what it meant then, even if you don't ever admit it. Anyway, I hope you like your gift, actually, I am sure you will because I have excellent taste. What that means is that I expect to see you wearing it because it came from ME.
Also, just so you are aware, I will be seeing you bright and early tomorrow. Mother has permission from the Headmaster for me to floo in to avoid other forms of travel, like the rest of the huddled masses. (This is obviously because I am amazing and no one has EVER told me no...except for you...but honestly, it's only because you've never been party to my unadulterated charm.) Therefore, I expect to see you in the Great Hall at lunch. We can eat together...or something.
Enjoy the silence while you can,
D. Malfoy
The whole note had been rather snarky...and flirty which set her nerves off because she wasn't sure how she should take the words or tone. With a shrug, she stashed the note in her trunk and then turned her attention to the box. Mere seconds later, she was staring at a bracelet (a cuff about one inch wide) in platinum and onyx, adorned with an enameled wolf who paced back and forth with regal slowness.
It was beautiful.
It wasn't until she removed it from the wrapping, that she noticed words etched on the inside and once she saw them, she was unsure if she should send it back or put it on. In fact, she was so torn that she did neither for hours, only stared at it, contemplatively. What were the words? What caused the reaction? Simple, it read: Property of D.M.
Now, the journal had given her a more clear cut idea as to what they were and had explained the past few months in such a way that she could not deny it, at least not to herself. They were bound, somehow. Fated mates? Maybe but the underlying theme was that they were a pair, not like last year or the year before. Did it really matter if the words were there?
Well, yes, because she did not belong to HIM! Yet, she didn't send it back because (if she were honest) it was beautiful and she understood implicitly that the words were a claiming. It wasn't a bite, a mate mark or anything of the sort, but it was a stamp to announce to the world that she was meant to be his, even if the world didn't see it just yet. In his own way, he was saying fuck the world. She knew it. He was choosing her.
Finally, just before dinner, she slipped it on and was amazed by the way it shrank to fit her wrist perfectly, seamlessly. There would be no way that she could remove it. Like all magical jewelry meant to bind (a wedding band came immediately to mind) if she wanted it off, Draco would have to be the one that released it. Sneaky Slytherin. She doubted that he would ever do so.
Just then a piece of silk which had been wrapped around the cuff transfigured into another note. She read it with a small smile and an arched brow.
You put it on.
I know because my wand lit up.
As I am sure you are aware
You will not be able to remove it
And I most definitely will not.
It contains a very strong protection spell
And can be used as an emergency portkey.
See you tomorrow.
DM
'Well then....' The thought was just as snarky as his notes had been. She had chosen to wear it and, though the word PROPERTY bugged her to death, she had accepted both his wolf and him. The only embarrassing thing, besides the wording, was that he now KNEW that she had put it on and he also knew just how long it had taken her to do so. 'Ferret!'
Meanwhile back in Wiltshire, in a stately Manor home, two people were staring delightedly at the warm golden glow that had lit up the tip of Draco's wand. Luckily they were in Narcissa's suite, as the others would have felt it needful to ask questions, so the glee which both felt in differing ways could be shown.
Narcissa spoke first, her low melodic voice filled with a joyful undertone. "I can't believe she put it on but I wonder what took so long."
Draco smirked. "Pretty sure it was the word property but there was no other way to phrase it, not if I wanted her to understand what it meant."
His mother nodded. "True. You did not tell her that it was specially crafted for her, did you?"
"Oh Merlin no! She would have definitely sent it back," he exclaimed. "She would probably feel that it cost too much or something like that. Much better for her to believe that only the wolf was added or some such rot."
It was then that Tot appeared in the sitting room. "Missus, young Master? Dinner is prepared."
Neither mother nor son wanted to return to the formal dining room. Why would they want to with so many loathsome people and beasts around? However, it was traditional so without further ado, the pair rose from their seats and made their way to the staircase. After all, the sooner they ate, the sooner they could escape.
~The Next Day~
Hermione had just settled in the Great Hall for lunch when she felt someone staring. Her head whipped up, loose curls flying, only to meet the gaze of one super sneaky Slytherin. She immediately felt underdressed (no robe, muggle clothes) and shivered as his eyes locked to her right wrist where the cuff he'd given her now rested. Dusky pink touched her face with heat and it deepened when he gave her a sardonic little smirk before he strolled over to the Gryffindor table.
"Afternoon, Hermione," he drawled. "Fancy meeting you here."
The flustered young woman dipped her head. "You are a very sneaky snake."
He grinned, actually grinned, and sat his long, lean form on the bench immediately across from her, "Slytherin, remember? Anyway, what took so long?"
She knew what he was asking. "That word," she snapped in reply. "You couldn't think of a different way?" She then shoved a bite of mashed potatoes into her mouth to avoid saying another syllable.
"No. You needed to understand what it meant. Did you understand?"
She gave him a look, dark whiskey-colored eyes flashing. "You claimed me without physically marking me. By wearing the gift, I was accepting you and the other."
He nodded. "Exactly. No other word but property would have worked." With that pronouncement, he began to fill his plate. "What are you doing after lunch?"
She took a sip of pumpkin juice and swallowed. "Nothing. My work for our return to classes is finished. Why?"
"Meet me in the Room of Requirement then?"
What should have been a question was actually a demand...and she knew it. She also understood that putting off the much-needed conversation would only piss him off. So instead of shooting him the universal sign for fuck off, she nodded. "Okay though I don't know why you can't come to the library or my common room...."
"Don't you have housemates that stayed over?"
Hermione shook her head. "No, I am the only Lion here."
Draco allowed silence to roll over the table as he thought. There was no real reason not to meet the chit in the library or her common room BUT he needed to know how quickly she'd listen if he asked her, told her, to do something. There was no way, especially if her life was in danger, that he could spend time listing the many reasons why she should do as he said. Finally, once the pair had eaten their fill and the table had cleared, he looked into her eyes.
"I want us to meet there simply because I do. Yes or no?"
Hermione studied his impassive mask and gave a shuddering sigh. "Fine but once we get there, you will explain the reason behind it."
He gave a brief nod, stood up and left, his tall frame moving with uncanny grace. As soon as he reached the oversized doors, he paused and sent a glance her way. He was pleased to note that she was already walking toward him. Long minutes later (Gods, so many minutes and stairs, Merlin! The stairs!) the pair had reached the Hallway of Hexes on the seventh floor and Draco was pacing before a blank wall.
'A place for me and Hermione. A place for me and Hermione. A place for me and Hermione.'
A small wooden door appeared and without a word, he reached for her hand before opening the door and dragging her in behind him. The room appeared to be the same one they'd been given before the holiday with the same colors and furniture. As far as either young person could tell, the main difference was the absolute warmth, especially since the fire appeared to be much larger. Not giving her a chance to protest, Draco immediately tugged her to the couch and placed her promptly in his lap.
"Start talking, Draco."
He ducked his head. "It was a test to see if you would come along without arguing." He saw her cheeks redden but forestalled an onslaught of words by continuing. "You are in far more danger than I, at this time, simply because of the company you keep and who YOU are. Not only that, HE is trying to have you captured over the holiday. If I sense or find out that something or someone is trying to harm you, I must protect you. I need to know that you'll listen without protest."
Well, that shut her up, at least for a minute or two. She glanced at him, studied the way firelight gilded his porcelain features and then spoke, softly. "Are you an Alpha? Betas or regular wolves like Remus Lupin do not require that same level of obedience."
He shrugged. "I don't know. Greyback was supposed to be my Alpha because he made me but I feel nothing but contempt for him. It's possible, I suppose, but that is not the reason. If you are to be bonded with me then that means your life is important to me, maybe more than my own."
She thought this over, he could see it in the downturned lips and the crease between her eyebrows. He stroked her back and waited for her to reach a decision but he knew that it would be a foregone conclusion, even before she gave her actual opinion.
"Fine. However, you must explain once the danger is past or we reach safety."
"That's acceptable," he murmured, as his hand swept from the small of her back to her nape, there to rest his large hand against the delicate flesh. "Did my mother's gift help you at all?"
"Well...yes. I plan on writing her before break ends."
"Don't bother," he stated, briskly. "My mother has come to Scotland and is staying at our cottage in Braemar. She's invited you to join us overnight on New Year's Eve." He noticed the way her eyes widened and her nose scrunched up. "Just say you'll come. My mother would like to properly meet you and I would like it if you were there."
"Ah, so that's what she meant." At his quizzical expression, she continued. "She told me that you would tender an invitation but that it was actually her doing." A pause. "As long as you think I won't be in harm's way..."
He shook his head. "You won't be. It is a Black property, like a dowager house, and the wards are keyed to her blood. It is also unplottable so that even my father can not find it."
"Well then, how will we access it," she wondered.
"Through floo. Mother has already gained the Headmaster's permission for us to use his. She will open her floo for access on the morning of."
"Okay then."
Finally, he smiled and tugged her closer, so that her head nestled into the crook of his neck and her shoulder was braced against his chest. "It's odd. I didn't think this would soothe me as much as it does."
She could only agree.
~O~O~
The next few days followed a sort of schedule. The pair met for breakfast and dinner, with the middle of the day being saved for solo pursuits. For Hermione, that meant reading and taking copious notes on all things werewolf. At other times, she walked the grounds or traveled to Hogsmeade to drink a butterbeer at the Three Broomsticks. For Draco? it was the cabinet, only the cabinet. Testing. Repeating that stupid charm, spell, whatever the hell, until he was a sweaty mess. Then he'd escape half an hour before dinner to shower and pull his facade into place, not for her but for the others that surrounded them.
The only time he truly relaxed was when they were together, in the room of requirement. Usually, conversation flowed easily though long pauses could, and did, happen when all that was needed was a hug, a cuddle, a kiss. Hermione was more comfortable with him, quicker to offer affection but he knew that she still did not fully trust him. How could she when he had to keep so much a secret?
He never told her of Snape's contribution to the conversation he heard his first night home. He did not tell her of the punishment he had garnered nor did he divulge how tightly bound he felt. In truth, the latter instance was already known by her and he felt there was no point in discussing it further. This lack of openness discouraged more closeness, he knew it, and the wolf chafed at the feeling.
In point of fact, he did too.
New Year's Eve dawned crisp, cold and clear. The castle seemed to be wrapped in stillness, in the sort of silence that only the depths of an ocean could fully describe. Breakfast had come and gone but she could not eat. Her nerves were strung far too tightly; her mind was a morass of what-ifs. She had packed an outfit and then changed that to two, muggle and magical. (The fitted robe was a heavy satin and the color of old forests and moonlight, dark green and silver...it glowed against her golden skin.) The robe would be for tonight's dinner, she supposed, if it was needed. She also packed small silver heels as well as two sets of underthings and nightwear. Better too have too much than to pack too little.
At just a bit before noon, there was knock at the common room door and a screech of discontent and invective from the Fat Lady. "No, no, you sneaky one! You shall not pass! Go back to your dungeon!"
Hermione released a snigger and hoisted her bag, arranged herself more fully and stepped through the painting, only to find him~ tall and broader than before. (A bit more growth? or did she just not notice it until now?) His elegance contrasted sharply with her comfortable clothing: muggle through and through, jeans and a long-sleeved shirt, knee-high leather boots, a cloak to hide it all.
His gaze burned.
The journey to the Headmaster's office was quickly accomplished and before she could think or worry, she had been drawn in, tugged forward, gripped to hinder escape. Professor Dumbledore had only smiled, waved them on and that is all she saw until the largeness of the floo took her attention and his precisely clipped tones announced her destination "Black Lodge." He tossed a handful of powder, pushed her lightly forward and then, she was gone, only to step out into a vast room where a beautiful blonde awaited.
"Good day to you, Miss Granger."
(AN2: Ahhhh tis time for Narcissa to enter the fray!! *happy dance* I will be reading through the next chapter and will hopefully have it posted later today. By the way, I hope everyone had the very best of holiday seasons. Til next time!)
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Lupine Dreams