Chapter Text
EARLY APRIL
She was there. The dress she was wearing was positively indecent, especially considering the tone of this particular event. A few attendees had already glanced his way, whispers not so subtly covered by wine glasses. Draco fought the urge to clench his jaw as Theo moved a step closer.
“She pulled all the stops out tonight, didn’t she?” Theo murmured over his glass, flicking a glance over at him.
“The last time she wore that one-” Draco swallowed thickly and shook away the memory of it hitting the floor before he met Theo’s gaze.
“You mean the last time you saw her wear that one.” Theo’s blue eyes were steady and Draco’s jaw clenched as the shot hit home. “Want me to handle it again?”
“No. This has gone on far too long, and I know she didn’t have an invitation tonight. I wonder who she confounded to get in.”
“At least let me get her outside. We both know you can’t approach her in here or she’ll cause a scene. I’m already predicting tears and entreaties to take her back, but it will be worse if she has an audience.” Theo’s voice was flat, but Draco could hear what he wasn’t saying.
“Theo, I’m won’t-”
“I know you don’t intend to, Draco.” Theo shot back his whiskey and set the glass on a passing tray. “Give me five minutes and we’ll be on the terrace.”
The dark haired man slipped away into the crowd as Draco began circling around the outside. Draco watched as Theo had caught Astoria’s arm, fingers flicking a wandless spell as he led her outside. Draco had to stop and exchange pleasantries a few times, but finally made it out the side door. He threw up a silencing charm around the area himself and a notice-me-not as well before approaching the pair. Astoria was fuming, her normally pretty face twisted in an ugly sneer as she faced down his best friend who was staring at her impassively.
“Enough, Tori.” Draco stepped up and watched as her body language completely shifted. Gone was the sneer, replaced by big eyes and a trembling lower lip.
“Oh, Draco, you did come. I was so hoping-”
“Save it,” Draco snapped and her brows creased at the harsh tone he had been careful to never use with her before. “Theo, I’ll be back inside in five minutes.”
“Alright, mate. I’ll get you another whiskey.” Theo strolled off with a cheeky wink to the witch who sniffed haughtily. “See you never, Astoria.” Once he was outside the spell, Astoria turned back to Draco, reaching for his tie as she drew closer.
“I will never understand what you see in that snake,” she whispered, leaning into Draco. The sweet smell of her perfume invaded his senses and he closed his eyes as memories of them together swept through him. He had honestly tried to connect with her, to love her, but he was too broken and she was too self-involved. The sex had been explosive, though, and satisfying enough for both of them, or so he had believed for most of their marriage. He realized now that had they waited even six months instead of giving into the pressure from their respective parents to wed immediately after graduation, neither would have made the mistake to begin with. He took another deep breath to steady himself. Astoria took it as an invitation and shifted closer, pressing against him before running a hand across his chest and toying with a button on his shirt. “He’s always trying to come between us.” The snide words snapped Draco back into the moment and out of the past. He looked down on the woman he had once promised to cherish until death, and all he felt was pity with a side of guilt.
“There is no us, Astoria.” Draco removed her hands from his tie and took a step back. “And there hasn’t officially been an ‘us’ for over a year since the divorce was finalized.”
“I made a mistake,” Astoria began, her voice soft and trembling. “Please-”
“Multiple different men over the course of a three year marriage isn’t a mistake, it’s a choice.” Draco replied flatly and her pink lips snapped shut. He waited while she prepared her next argument.
“They didn’t mean anything, Draco. We-we married so young and-”
“And I never cheated on you, much less offered to fuck your best friends to keep them quiet when I got caught.” Draco’s voice was now cold and Astoria flinched and put some more space between them. He sighed heavily. “Fuck, Tori. You’re the one who wanted this whole farce of a marriage in the first place. I offered to break the contract and you insisted, so I just gave you what you wanted, but I should have known then that it wasn’t going to be enough to keep you happy.” He shook his head. “I always gave you everything you wanted.”
“Except your time and attention,” Tori sniffed, pulling a handkerchief out of the air. “That’s all I ever wanted. You always had time for Nott, and if you weren’t with him, you were at work-”
“I have a duty-”
“You had a duty to me, Draco!”
“I wasn’t the one popping muggle contraceptives to avoid that duty,” he snapped and she paled. He let out a bitter laugh. “Of course I knew. I found the fucking pill packs, along with the condoms we never used.” She took another step back from him, eyes narrowing. He shook his head. “Just like I knew you laced your perfumes with Amortentia to keep me entranced.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Astoria waved him off with the handkerchief. Draco couldn’t help his eye roll.
“I spent more time in Snape’s brewing rooms during the summers than I do at work now. You have never been a tidy brewer, Astoria, not to mention the fact that I paid all your bills.” He fixed her with a look. “Including the one for that visit to the muggle clinic in South London two years ago.” She froze, looking frightened for the first time in their conversation.
“I-I wasn’t-”
“No, the family magic would have let me know beforehand, and it wouldn’t have worked anyway if you were and it had been mine. I just find it amusing that you think Muggles are beneath you for everything except keeping you from ever falling pregnant.” He paused as her eyes narrowed at him.
“It’s not that I think they’re beneath me, Draco, we’re just superior thanks to our magic.” Astoria fluffed her hair, twirling a strand around her finger as she let her gaze travel slowly over him. “You know we could still-”
He cut her off. “Or helping you get high.” His words landed squarely, but she turned her shock into mock outrage.
“I don’t know what you’re-” Astoria’s sneer returned as she sputtered.
“You’ve dropped two stone since we split and you’ve already spent every galleon allotted from this month. Of course you’ve been using again.” Draco shot back and her jaw dropped. “You’ve been at every party around town and if you’re not flying high, then you’re badmouthing me to anyone who will listen.” He stepped into her space, letting a bit of his anger over the situation rise to the surface. “It stops now, Astoria, or I cut you off entirely.”
“You can’t,” she hissed. “The contract-”
“Says exactly what I wanted it to say, considering it was the first Malfoy divorce contract ever written. I take it you didn’t bother to read the whole thing after seeing how much you’d get each month and must have missed the clause that stated that if you slander the Malfoy name, you no longer get to benefit from the Malfoy wealth.”
“You wouldn’t-”
“Keep my name out of your mouth, Astoria. Leave London. You hate it here anyway and you always have. Take my galleons and go move back in with your mother. Go to Paris like you’ve always wanted. Hell, live in that summer house in the Maldives you couldn’t bear to part with. As long as you stop snorting my galleons away, what you get is more than generous enough to keep you comfortable until you find another sucker with shittier solicitors to bleed dry who won’t mind your philandering.” She hissed in outrage, and her hand flashed toward his face, but he caught her wrist and jerked it down. Draco leaned in, voice flat and cold. “Go away, Astoria. Do not attempt to contact me again or you’ll find yourself at the wrong end of my wrath.” He dropped her hand and stepped back toward the door.
“But I love you, Draco,” Astoria cried, realizing her error and trying to change track. She reached for him and he side-stepped her hands, laughing bitterly.
“No, you don’t, and I honestly doubt that you ever truly did. You loved the money, the status, and what my name could bring you, but never me.” Draco shook his head and took another step back. “And I won’t be manipulated by you any longer.” He turned and strode back inside without turning around.
Theo met him just inside the door with a double. Draco shot it back before taking a deep breath to calm his raging emotions, knowing Theo was watching him closely.
“Is she gone?” Draco finally asked hoarsely, only relaxing when Theo nodded.
“And good riddance,” Theo muttered, hopeful the harpy would actually be gone this time.
“I don’t think she’ll be back again,” Draco shook his head. “I told her that I knew everything.” Theo sucked in a sharp breath as his eyes met Draco’s, shock lancing through him at the admission. Even now, a year later, he still wasn’t entirely sure what had finally driven Draco to his breaking point with the succubus, but he had his suspicions. Every action the man took was based on his family, and she had somehow broken that trust with her forays into the muggle world, if the partial conversation he had overheard Draco having with Hermione about it could be trusted. The cuckolding would have been overlooked, but Astoria had obviously gone too far.
“Even the muggle clinic?” Theo asked, fishing for context and Draco nodded slowly. “And you’re still sure she wasn’t-”
“She wasn’t. She was just making sure she never could.” Draco ran a hand through his hair. Understanding finally clicked and Theo’s jaw nearly dropped. He shook his head in disbelief before continuing.
“Pretty ballsy considering your marriage contract required an heir within five years or she would have been completely cut off.” Theo said softly and Draco nodded.
“Every Pureblood contract does. Probably why she did whatever she could to get me to leave her so I would be in the wrong before I found out. But seriously, if she never wanted children, then why did she insist on marrying me in the first place?” They were both quiet for a long moment before Draco sighed heavily. “I’m honestly just glad it’s finally over.”
“Same here, Drake.” Theo said quietly, then rested a hand on Draco’s shoulder, the most contact the man would allow. “Do you want to leave?”
“More than anything, but I can’t yet.”
“Why not?”
“I’ve not had a chance to one-up enough bigots yet to get your money, and Narcissa will have my arse if I disappear before the speeches.”
“I don’t know why you still bow to her wishes.” Theo’s tone was dark, not much happier with the matriarch than he had been with the remix. “Hasn’t she done enough damage?”
“Yes, but she’s also throwing this whole gala to benefit your clinic and Granger’s research, and she’ll have both our arses if we duck out early.” As if mentioning her was a summoning spell, the witch in question appeared before them, like a shaft of sunlight cutting through storm clouds. Both men drank in the sight, tightness in their chests. She was stunning in a golden dress that shimmered across her ample curves, hugging them lovingly before pooling to the floor behind her like a puddle of liquid sunshine. Her golden eyes sparkled brighter than the dress, and her hair flowed around her in thick curls.
“Lurking in corners, I see,” she teased, then her brow lifted before her eyes narrowed on Draco. “What’s wrong?”
“Noth-”
“Don’t even try it, Malfoy. We know each other too well for that now.” She fixed him with a sharp look, cataloging every angle of his face and shoulders. Her eyes widened and she stepped past them, eyes sweeping the terrace. “She was here, wasn’t she?” Her low growl brought a chuckle from Theo.
“Easy, lioness. She’s gone, and hopefully for good this time.” Theo caught her arm and drew her to his side. “Draco finally told her he knew everything.” At Theo’s words, her eyes flew to Draco and she reached out, before drawing her hand back without touching him. He really regretted snapping at her that one time that he didn’t like to be touched. Pushing the thought aside, Draco refocused back on her. She bit her lip before asking the question he knew was coming.
“How did she take it?”
“Not well, as can be expected,” Draco answered lowly. The fact she knew exactly what he was referencing played right into her knowing him too well. How she had managed that, he still wasn’t entirely sure. There may have been copious amounts of alcohol involved, as well as her infuriating persistence to understand everything. She had studied him like she did everything else she cared about, and he still wasn’t entirely sure how he felt about it. Shaking his head and purposefully turning his thoughts away from the previous events, he ran a hand through his hair again to set it to rights before straightening his jacket and fixing his cuffs. Too many eyes in the room were looking in their direction. “It’s done and we have other matters to attend to tonight.”
“Malfoy, if you need to-”
“No, this is an important night for you and Theo.”
“And you. This whole venture was your idea.” Hermione shot back and Draco couldn’t hold back a smirk.
“Ah, but no one else knows that, so I will step away for a bit before I dim your light any further. We’ll talk at the clinic tomorrow.” He couldn’t hold back the small grin at her huff of annoyance, doing his best to ignore how her hand on her hip showcased her chest to better advantage. He also didn’t miss how Theo’s eyes dipped and then snapped back up.
“I still don’t know why you’re hiding your involvement. There hasn’t been much uproar over Theo running the clinic and-”
“Because Theo was never tried publicly for war crimes.” Draco held up a hand when Hermione went to argue further. “We’ll finish this argument tomorrow, I promise. I’ll even come in early so you can yell at me sooner. But right now, you need to go charm more donations out of these stuffy, bigoted bastards so they can feel better about themselves and I will see you both later.”
With a heavy sigh, Hermione turned and strolled away with Theo, tilting her head toward him as he said something before she covered her mouth to hide a laugh. The two were truly beautiful together, and his heart ached again for what couldn’t ever be. She was too untouchable for either of them, but he had contented himself with existing on the fringes of her affection. Theo’s unswerving loyalty was a gift he also knew he wasn’t worthy of, but one he would never take for granted.
Luckily for him, though, he had the galleons to fund most of their wildest dreams and a tongue silver enough to convince others to make up any shortfall he may run into. Resolving to wipe their funding worries away for at least the next decade, he carefully adjusted his robes and set off.
Snakes were keen hunters, and most of their prey never saw them coming until it was too late.
~*~*~
Turning a corner near the end of the night, Draco spotted Granger and the Weasel at the end of the dim hall. The noise from the party filtered in from the door behind him, and it was enough to keep him from hearing their conversation. What he couldn’t hear, though, was made up with body language. Granger was wringing her hands and the tension in her frame was clear. The Weasel was clearly angry, hands clenched into fists at his sides. He watched as she reached for the red-head who threw off her hand with a sharp gesture that made her flinch. He knew Granger was formidable, but Weasley was an athlete in his prime, and his temper was legendary. Draco slowed his steps as he moved closer, until their harsh whispers became intelligible. Stopping in the shadows, he leaned against the wall and waited.
“-ignoring me all bloody night.”
“I didn’t mean to ignore you, Ron, but I did warn you that tonight was very important for the clinic and my research. I didn’t realize I’d be this busy, or I wouldn’t have asked you to come. I’ve spent the whole night talking to people-”
“Well, you weren’t so busy that you couldn’t find time to dance with Nott and anyone else who asked. Made me look like a bloody coat rack in the corner, holding your purse while you slagged about.”
“You never asked me to dance,” Hermione shot back before taking a breath and gentling her tone. “You’ve never liked to dance, so I didn’t think-”
“You never do anymore, Hermione.” Weasley shot back and she frowned.
“What are you talking about, Ron?”
“You never think about me anymore. All you ever talk about is your bloody research and those damn snakes.”
“Because the research is important to me and I work very closely with both of them.” Hermione said softly, but firmly. “This research, it's really groundbreaking. It’s important to all of us. If we don’t find-”
“No, it’s important to you.” Weasley cut her off again. “But it’s quite obvious that I’m not.”
“That’s not true, Ron, and you know it. We agreed I would leave by 6 every night regardless of what I was interrupting, and with a few minor exceptions that I owled you about, I have been for months.”
“But you don’t spend any time with me.”
“Because you’re always at quidditch practice, or away at a game, or at the pub with the team when I get home.”
“So come to the pub.” Weasley’s voice was petulant, like a child, but Hermione just shook her head.
“I don’t drink like that anymore and you know it.”
“Don’t put that on me. You were the one who decided you needed to be sober. You're a bloody buzzkill now.”
“Because my dependence was killing me, Ron,” Hermione dashed away a tear. “If I hadn’t stopped drinking like I was-”
“Doesn’t mean you can’t show up and show your support for me.”
“I’ve missed one game in three seasons because I was throwing up, from a case of food poisoning after you cooked.”
“So you said. I was fine, but then, I ate when it was ready, not hours later." The two glared at each other for a minute. "The real problem is that you make me look weak in front of the other guys because their girls come to practices, too.” Weasley said coldly.
“I can’t come to practice because I have a job, Ron.”
“And there it is. I make enough that you don’t have to work. You should be at home.”
“Popping out babies and keeping house?” The derision in her tone was clear. “That’s not me at this point in my life and you know that.”
“And why not? What’s wrong with keeping a house? With having a family?”
“Nothing if that’s your dream, but it's not mine! I’m not going to be a kept woman, Ronald Weasley, and you know it. We talked about this before I accepted your proposal. This is meant to be a partnership, and that means both partners should be contributing.” From his spot in the shadows, Draco could see the sparks beginning to flick through Granger’s curls.
“No, that's not how it should be,” Ron shot back. “I’m going to be your husband and it’s my job to take care of you and be the provider.” Draco watched as Granger took a deep breath, letting it out slowly.
“I can take care of myself.” Her voice was even, but the red-head scoffed.
“No you couldn’t. I’m going to have to come in and clean you up, just like I did that summer after the war. You’re still weak, Hermione.”
“Not anymore.” She straightened her shoulders. “I’m doing better, especially since I quit drinking.”
“It’s just a matter of time before you slip again, we both know it. I’ve heard this before, Hermione. You’re all invested in your work right now, but we both know it’s just a cover. You always do this, throw yourself into things. I don't see why it had to be this stupid clinic instead of wedding planning like a normal woman, but it just goes to show how disorganized your priorities are." Weasley shook his head and glared at her. "Well we both know it’s only a matter of time before those snakes kick you out of their little clinic because they find someone better than you. And then where will you be? My problem again.” At his words, Hermione froze, but Weasley didn’t notice. He shook his head and reached for her, grabbing her arm roughly. “I want another drink, and then we can go home. The only good thing about tonight was that these arseholes are rich enough to provide the good stuff.”
“No, Ron.” Hermione’s voice was soft but firm. Weasley turned to look at her.
“What do you mean, no? It’s late and we’re going home now.”
“I can’t leave yet. There are still guests that-” she cut off with a hiss as Weasley jerked her close to him.
“I said we’re leaving.” His voice was low, but Hermione didn’t flinch as she shook her head. Draco pushed off the wall and began his approach.
“I’ll be home later, now let me go.”
“I’m not leaving you here alone. We’re going home and going to bed,” Weasley hissed in her face, jerking on her arm again and drawing a cry of pain from her lips.
“Let her go, Weasley,” Draco’s voice was sharp and cold, drawing the eyes of the couple.
“This isn’t your business, Malfoy,” Ron spat, tugging at Hermione again. “My fiance and I were just leaving, so piss off.”
“She said she wasn’t ready to leave,” Draco replied, stopping within a few feet of them. His fingers tingled with the magic and adrenaline coursing through his body.
“I don’t care. I know what’s best and it’s time-”
“I’m not leaving with you like this, Ron. You’re angry and we both need a minute to calm down. I’ll be home shortly.” She tried to pull away, but Weasley tightened his grip. “Let me go, you’re hurting me.” When Weasley hesitated at her words, Draco took a step forward. “Now, Ron.” Hermione said again and Weasley growled before flinging her away from him. Her heels tangled in the train of her gown and she slipped. Draco caught her before she hit the ground, steadying her carefully. When Draco looked up, Weasley’s face was purple with rage.
“You’re fucking him, aren’t you?” Weasley hissed suddenly. “That’s why you’re never home and you’re always talking about him. Fuck, if that’s the case then you must be fucking Nott as well.”
“Ronald!” Hermione shook her head, shock at the accusation clear on her face. “I would never betray you like that.”
“I see how they both look at you, Hermione. Fucking snakes. I guess it’s better I find out now before I marry you and end up cuckolded like him. I shouldn't have been surprised, the way you were hanging all over Nott tonight, like a total slag.”
“Watch your tone, Weasley.” Draco glared at the other man, who quailed for a moment before straightening with more bluster, his sneer twisting his entire face.
“Her cunt’s always nice and warm, isn’t it, Malfoy? I always love slamming into it right off, forcing it to stretch before it gets too wet and sloppy.” Hermione gasped at Weasley’s words, but the man kept talking. “Bet you love slumming it now that your pureblood wife left you.”
“Get out of my house, Weasley.” It was taking every shred of self-control Draco had to keep from hexing the man until he lay bleeding out on the floor.
“What, you mean the one she was tortured in? The one she had nightmares about for months? I know the truth, you fucking death eater scum. You can never wash your hands clean. And you've touched her.” Weasley sneered again. “Well, you can keep her for all I care. Now she’s nothing but a death eater’s whore.”
Before Draco could move, Weasley flew down the hall, slamming into the door at the end.
“How dare you, Ronald Weasley.” Hermione advanced on him, hair sparking like a live wire, magic flicking across her fingertips, no wand in sight. “I’ve never touched another man, but I do know now that I will never touch you again. We're through.” The door flew open and she sent Weasley through it before it slammed shut. The hall fell into silence until her hand came up to cover her mouth and she gasped a sob, bending at the waist as her other arm came tightly around herself. Her shoulders shook as Draco approached.
“Granger-” his voice was soft, but he saw her flinch. Before he could speak again, she threw herself into him, face buried in his chest. He carefully wrapped his arms around her, standing strong while she broke.
A footstep at the end of the hall had him jerking his head up, but he relaxed when he saw Theo’s familiar silhouette. The other man paced swiftly down the hall, drawing close to them both and laying a hand on Hermione’s shoulder.
“Hermione, what’s happened?” Theo’s voice was soft and the witch shook her head, face still buried in Draco’s chest. “Draco?”
“Weasley.” Draco gritted out and the thunderous look that crossed his best friend’s face sent a chill to his core.
“I will dismiss the guests. Draco, take her home.”
“No!” Her head came up. “I can’t go there if-”
“Easy, Hermione.” Theo reached for her hand and she winced. Theo stilled as he took in the swelling and bruising already apparent on her wrist. “I’ll fucking kill him,” Theo hissed.
“Get in line,” Draco muttered.
“I don’t want to be here anymore,” Hermione said softly and both men swallowed their anger to focus on the witch. “I can’t go home,” her breath hitched. “I could try Harry’s, but-”
“That’s probably where he went.” Theo muttered, before reaching up and wiping a tear off Hermione’s cheek with his thumb before cupping her jaw. “Will you accept my hospitality?”
“I couldn’t possibly.” Hermione shook her head, biting her lip to fend off another round of tears. “Maybe Luna or-”
“Stop being stubborn, Granger.” Draco growled, and she pulled back a bit as if she suddenly realized what she was doing and who she was clinging to. Draco loosened his arms, but selfishly didn’t let her go. “You’ll have to explain if you go anywhere else, and is that really what you want to do tonight?”
“But- what he said- what other people might think if-”
“When has that ever bothered you before?” Draco shot back and her lips snapped shut.
“Hermione, love, you know I have more than enough room. You can stay as long as you like, and I’ll certainly enjoy the extra company.” Theo said smoothly, ignoring the look Draco shot him. “I always enjoy having you near, and this will make it easier to continue our current research when you’re ready. That, and it’ll save me a trip to Tesco’s to bring you ice cream, as I’ve already got some at the Manor.” When she merely sniffed and didn’t protest further, Theo smiled and gently tucked a curl behind her ear. “I’ll see to the guests. Draco, will you escort her through the wards? I’ll be as quick as I can. Tell Topsy to use the blue suite. I think it will be to your preference.”
Draco apparated them from his ancestral home directly into Theo’s living room, reluctantly letting the witch go upon their arrival. He crossed the room to the bar cart. “Would you like a drink?”
“I’d better not,” her soft whisper met his ears and he winced.
“Sorry, I didn’t think.”
“It’s alright. I’m- I’m not sure how much you heard.”
“Enough to know he’s an arse who isn’t worth your time or your tears and honestly never has been.” Draco poured her some soda water and added a splash of cherry grenadine. She eyed it warily when he offered it. “There’s no alcohol in it, but I didn’t think you’d want plain water. If you’d prefer something else, I can summon Theo’s elf.”
“I don’t want to be any trouble.”
“Believe me, Topsy would relish it. She’s bored senseless with just us-Theo around.” To cover his slip, he called for the elf who popped in with a grin.
“Master Draco? You are early. I did not-”
“Topsy, this is Hermione Granger.” He cut off the elf and introduced her to the woman standing listlessly in the middle of the room where he had left her. “Granger, this is Topsy. She’s been with Theo’s family since he was quite small. She knows all of his secrets,” Draco teased and his jaw clenched when she barely nodded. “Topsy, Miss Granger has had a rough evening. Can you bring us some tea and let Theo know we’ll be in the library when he returns?”
“Of course, Master Draco. It’s an honor to have Miss Hermione Granger as a guest of the House of Nott.” Topsy replied with a bow before she popped out.
“Come, Granger. Let’s wait in the library. I don’t think you’re ready to sleep yet.”
“If I fall asleep, then this horrid day will be over.” Hermione mumbled as Draco gently wrapped an arm around her and led her out the door and down the hall.
“Today wasn’t all bad. Theo said you had a wonderful morning at the clinic, and even had a minor breakthrough in your research. And, do you know how much you managed to swindle out of those poncy bigoted wankers tonight?”
“Malfoy, don’t be crass.”
“Well, let’s just say you’ve got enough to fund your clinic for the next five years without breaking a sweat, and that’s before I match it.” Draco opened the door to the library as her jaw dropped.
“What?”
“I have the bank draft if you’d like to see it.”
“But if we raised that much, you don’t need to make a donation at all. You really shouldn’t, you’ve done so much already.”
“Granger, I’ve told you before that these galleons are blood money and I won’t spend them on anything but righting the wrongs I’ve perpetuated and doing everything I can to spoil you rotten.”
“You didn’t perpetuate anything," she replied automatically, ignoring the end of his sentence.
“Except letting Death Eaters into a school full of children, but hey, that hardly counts, right?” Draco snarked back and she huffed.
“Coercion doesn’t equal enthusiastic or willing consent.” She glared at him as he knelt by the fire to get it started. “And don’t think I don’t know what you’re doing.”
“I’m just starting the fire, Granger.”
“You’re trying to distract me.”
“I’m not-”
“Thank you,” she said softly before sinking onto the couch. When he rose she patted the seat next to her. Before he could join her, Topsy arrived with a full tea, complete with small sandwiches and sweets to tempt them. Hermione turned to the small elf and gave her a tiny smile. “Thank you, Topsy. Forgive me for my earlier rudeness.”
“It is no rudeness to be sad, Mistress Granger, and lost in one’s thoughts. Have some tea and Topsy will prepare a room for you for the night, unless the Mistress will be-”
“The blue suite, Topsy.” Draco said quickly, earning him a glance from the brunette on the sofa. “That should be all for the night.”
“As you wish, Master Draco.” The elf tilted her head to the side and nodded once. “Master Theo has arrived. I will send him in.” She vanished with a pop.
“You're being odd.” Hermione commented and Draco sighed.
“Don’t worry about it.” Draco leaned over the tea set and quickly fixed her cup, passing it to her.
“Why do you know how I take my tea?”
“What kind of question is that? You’ve taken it the same way since at least thir-eighth year.” He fixed his own and settled on the couch next to her. “Anyone who pays attention should know.”
“Ron’s never fixed my tea correctly in all the years we’ve been together.” Hermione said softly, holding the cup between her hands.
“My statement from earlier stands.” Draco murmured. “Now drink it, it will help you settle.”
“I’d rather just go-”
“Drink the tea, Granger.” Draco said firmly, watching until she took a sip. She took another before she sighed heavily and leaned over, resting against him and laying her head on his upper arm.
“I-I know you don’t like to be touched, but-”
“Hush. Take what you need from me.” Draco said softly. After a moment, she gave a small shiver and Draco shifted until he wrapped his arm around her, letting her rest her head on the curve of his shoulder. “Would you like a blanket?”
“No, this is fine.” They sat quietly for several long minutes, and Draco waited for her questions to start. When she began chewing on her lip he took her cup and set it on the table.
“Out with it, Granger.”
“Out with what?”
“You’ve been mulling over something. Ask.”
“I don’t need to pry. It’s not my business.” She glanced up at him through her lashes as she played with the ring on her finger. Realizing what she was doing, she froze for a moment before slipping it off. She held it up, studying it carefully.
“His taste in jewelry is deplorable.” Draco finally drawled and she snorted.
“I mean, it’s not so bad.”
“It’s a heart-shaped orange sapphire. You abhor the color orange and detest heart-shaped jewelry because you think it’s juvenile.” Her jaw dropped at his pronouncement. “I won’t comment on how it looks like it came from one of those muggle bauble and trinket machines, but when choosing an engagement ring, one should take the tastes of the recipient into consideration.” Draco sipped at his tea as she absorbed his words before she snorted. The next moment she was laughing.
“It- it really is terrible. I couldn’t believe it when he opened the box,” she snorted. “And he proposed in the middle of a random Sunday dinner at the Burrow. Didn’t even bother to ask properly, just went 'So, how about it?'” She shook her head as she wiped away a few stray tears. “I was so shocked I couldn’t say anything. Then George laughed like it was a prank, he cracked a joke about the ring, and Ron stomped out the back door.” Her eyes welled up again and she sniffed. “It should have been my first clue that it was a terrible idea.” She took the handkerchief Draco offered and wiped her eyes. “We talked and I thought he understood what it was I wanted from the relationship.”
“No, he told you what you wanted to hear without ever planning on following through.” Draco sent his own tea cup to the table in front of them. “Weasley is selfish, and as a spoiled brat myself, I can recognize it.”
“I wasn’t around as much as I should have been,” Hermione began, but Draco shook his head.
“You shouldn’t have had to give up on your own dreams for him to follow his. It takes two to make a relationship work. Stop taking all the blame, Granger. Believe me when I say it won’t make things better.”
“Did you really tell Astoria you knew everything?”
“Yes.” Draco took a deep breath and let it out. “It felt… good to reveal the whole truth of the matter.”
“Do you really think she’ll leave you alone now?”
“I think I made myself quite clear.” He glanced down at her and she lifted an eyebrow, clearly not buying his attempt at skirting the issue. He sighed and raked a hand through his hair. “I threatened to cut her off entirely, that there was a clause in our divorce contract that would let me.”
“Devious.” Hermione’s lips lifted slightly before she looked back at the fire. They were both quiet for a moment before Draco sighed heavily.
“She’s using again, though.”
“I thought she looked a little rough when I saw her in the paper last week,” Hermione replied gently.
“I’ll talk to Daph, see if she can get her into a rehab facility if I cover it.”
“You’re a good man, Draco Malfoy.” Hermione said softly and he snorted. “No, you really are. You’re not the same prat you were. You should be proud of how far you’ve come.”
“So I’m a different prat?” Draco teased and Hermione shook her head.
“You’ll always be a prat, but I am glad you were there this evening.” She suddenly shifted away from him, and he looked over to see her covering her face. “I- I can’t believe he said half of that.”
“Granger," he waited until she looked at him. "I’ve never listened to a word that man said. Why would I start now?” He met her eyes squarely until she sniffed and looked away. “And don’t even think about apologizing for anything that wanker said.”
“How did you know I was-”
“Because I know you, Granger.” Draco began undoing his cufflinks, sliding them into his pocket before removing his tie and draping it over the arm of the couch. He rubbed his face and couldn’t entirely hide his yawn.
“If- if you want to go home and get some sleep, I’ll be alright. You don’t have to stay with me.”
“I’ll wait for Theo.” Draco replied, but she wouldn’t meet his eyes. “Don’t internalize his lies, Granger.”
“I’m fine, Malfoy.” She curled into the side of the couch, pulling her legs up and dragging her long golden skirt with them. “I don’t need you to stay. Go home.”
“He already is,” Theo said breezily as he crossed the room. "Sorry I took so long, I was adjusting the wards." He dropped to the floor in front of Hermione, reaching up to catch her chin so she would meet his eyes. “Do you want to talk about it, love?”
“What do you mean Malfoy is already home?”
“He’s been living here since he left that harpy ex of his.” Theo waved off the question, and Hermione’s eyes shot to Draco’s, and he felt his cheeks pinken.
“It was easier at the time, and I just haven’t bothered looking for a new place.”
“Among other things,” Theo murmured. “But that isn’t important right now. What do you need from us, Hermione?”
“Nothing, Theo. I- I’m fine.” Hermione reached up to sweep her hair out of the way and winced.
“Shit, I forgot.” Draco leaned forward and caught her hand gently, blood beginning to boil as he took in the swelling and bruising on her wrist and forearm, bruising that was clearly visible even against her chocolate skin.
“I’m going to castrate him,” Theo’s voice was cold and flat. “Topsy.” The elf appeared immediately. “I need a pain potion, a calming draught, and the new bruise paste from the lab, please.”
“Theo, really, it’s fine. I’ll just-”
“You will do no such thing.” Theo fixed her with a look and she settled back into her seat as Topsy popped back into the room. “Thank you, Topsy. Is the blue suite prepared?”
“Yes, Master Theo. Topsy has also taken the liberty of providing some sleep wear for Mistress Granger from your drawers.”
“Thank you, Topsy. That will be all this evening. I apologize for the late night.”
“Topsy is not minding. Breakfast will be set out under charms before Topsy takes her day off.”
“I will remind you that it won’t be necessary, but I will be grateful all the same. Good night, Topsy.”
“Good night Master Theo. Topsy is looking forward to having Mistress Granger here.” The elf disappeared and Theo turned back to Hermione.
“Take these.” Theo held out the potions.
“Theo, I’m really alright.”
“You’re shaking like a leaf, your shoulders are so hunched you look like a gargoyle, and you’ll either swallow it willingly or I’ll treat you like one of our reluctant patients.” Theo replied and after a short staring contest, Hermione huffed and popped the pain potion, sighing as it slipped into her system. When Theo offered the other vial, she shook her head.
“I don’t want the calming draught.”
“Hermione-”
“No, Theo. I don’t like how they make me feel. I may be upset, but I can handle it. Besides, Dra-Malfoy made me drink some tea.”
“Tea?”
“Yes, tea. So no calming draught.”
“Fine.” Theo rose to his knees, summoning the jar of bruise paste into his hand and quickly twisting the pot open. With a delicate touch, he applied it generously across her skin and her eyes drifted shut as the pain receded. Seeing the relief on her face helped him relax enough to bank some of his fury. “Do I want to know how this happened?” Theo finally asked softly and Hermione bit her lip.
“That depends on whether or not you’re going to do something rash if I tell you.” Hermione replied quietly.
“Weasley physically tried to make her leave with him.” Draco supplied, earning him a glare from the witch. “Theo and I don’t have many secrets between us,” Draco replied with a shrug. “And I’d love to see that ginger git castrated.”
“Theo, you won’t touch him.”
“Why do you still want to protect him, Granger?” Draco sat forward, anger spiking.
“I’m not protecting him, Malfoy, I’m looking out for Theo,” she shot back. “I don’t want him to end up in Azkaban for murdering my ex.”
“Oh, they wouldn’t know it was me,” Theo replied nonchalantly as he rose to his feet. “But as long as he remains your ex, and as far away from you as possible, he will continue to breathe. I’ll be sure he understands that as well when we meet next.”
“Theodore Nott-” Hermione began, but the dark haired man shook his head.
“No, Hermione. I don’t think you quite understand how difficult it has been to hold my tongue the last few years. You appeared to be coping with the situation and Potter didn't appear to be worried, so I let it be, but now I will not censor myself.” Theo fixed her with a look, his blue eyes dark and Hermione couldn’t even begin to look away. “That man has verbally and emotionally abused you for years, tearing you down so you would fit inside the tiny box he wanted you to occupy in his life. There was no regard as to how he was supposed to fit into yours, or any attempt to support you as he should have. As your friends we shouldn't have let it go on as long as it did, but seeing as that hideous ring is no longer on your finger, I'm not going to stand by silently any longer." He met Hermione’s eyes squarely. "I can and will protect what is mine and I won’t allow him to continue to hurt you any longer.” Theo’s gaze flicked to Draco. “That goes for you as well in regards to that succubus.”
“What do you mean I’m yours?” Hermione asked a bit breathlessly and Theo’s lips curled into an enigmatic smile as he turned back to her.
“Always jumping right to the heart of the matter, my little lioness. You are my best friend and we’ll stick to that for now.” He held out his hand and drew her carefully to her feet. “We can hash this out later, but for now, we all need some rest. It’s been a very long day.”
“Theo-”
“Hush, love. We’ll talk more about this in the morning. Topsy said she left out some clothes, so let me show you to the blue suite and get you settled. Draco, will you double check the wards before you retire? I made a few additions I'm certain you'll approve of." Theo’s grin was wicked and Draco just shook his head before heading outside.
Approaching the gates, Draco reached out to gently strum his fingers over the wards he had helped Theo dismantle and rebuild following their eighth year. The magic in them hummed at his touch, and he was easily able to feel where Theo had added in Hermione’s magical signature to give her free access, but a new faint strain of a wicked red swirled through the deeper greens and blues that anchored the blood wards to the land. Isolating it carefully, Draco chuckled at Theo’s deviousness.
The spell was intricate and held a level of ironically simple complexity Draco had always attributed to his best friend. No one else would ever be affected by the change, but if Weasley ever stepped foot on the Manor grounds, or even touched the gates, he would find himself inexplicably impotent for the next month. With a few tugs and a bit of his own magic, Draco increased the potency of the hex to last six months at the minimum.
Whistling, he strolled back to the house, almost wishing the wanker would show, if only to watch the fallout after...