Magical Lineage

Draco landed just outside the Manor gates. He rushed in and went straight to his mother’s rooms. She was laying on her side in the bed, hugging her arms around herself. The tremors were visible. She was softly crying. He went right to her side. The medi-witch stepped up to him but before she could say anything Narcissa cried, “Draco. My Dragon. Help me. Please don’t let me be lost. Please Draco. Don’t let Belle curse me again. The Dark Lord laughs and encourages her to hold the curse longer each time. Please. Please. Please…” more sobbing, and incoherent mumbling. In her whispered words he heard Hermione’s name, but couldn’t make out anything regarding the witch.

Draco held her and felt the intensity of the tremors. He knew his touch was probably painful to his mother. Binding her with magic would hurt less and keep her immobile. “I’m here mum. I have you. I won’t let anyone hurt you. That bastard is dead. Belle is dead. No one will ever hurt you again.”

Her voice barely a whisper, “Draco, you must save the girl.” Soft sobs. She couldn’t move but he saw the tears streaming down her face. “Save Gryffindor’s Princess. You and Theo love her. Make them your future.”

“Shhh. Mum. Shhh. The Princess is safe. You are safe. It’s over.” His voice like velvet. “All the bad wizards are gone. No one will ever hurt you or her again. I swear on my magic. I will destroy anyone who tries.” He realized her realities were mixed up. Past and present were one in her mind.

“You’re a good boy. You and Theo protect each other. Protect the Princess.” She softly whimpered, then quieted. Allowing him to place his hand on her forehead and cast a deep sleeping spell, “Altum Somnum” he repeated it over and over. The spell binding her in place helped her muscles to relax. Which afforded him the opportunity to cast the sleep spell over and over, it must have taken close to an hour of holding her still and constant focused spell work but finally she gave in to the magic. He removed the binding spell, but to his dismay, he could still feel the tremors vibrating throughout her unconscious body.

The medi-witch started casting a diagnostic charm and an array of colors and flashes lit over Narcissa’s head. “Sir, she is sleeping. Dreamlessly sleeping. Thank you for coming back. You seem to be the only one that can cast that particular charm on her with any positive effect.”

He stood and straightened his shirt, with a flick of his wrist, a silencing charm went up around the sleeping witch. “What happened? I was expecting an episode, but I haven’t seen the tremors this bad in a while. I could feel them throughout her entire body.” Draco could feel his anger rising. “What the fuck happened? How did she get this bad, this fast without you noticing?”

The medi-witch looked worried. She stuttered, “I’m…I’m not sure. She came back from her sister’s last night and refused dinner, saying that her stomach was very upset. I gave her a couple potions to help settle her stomach and to relax. After she settled for the night and was reading, I gave her a sleeping potion, a dreamless one.”

As Draco listened, he felt that she was holding something back. He had an edge to his voice, “Did she sleep through the night? How was she when she woke up?”

The witch cleared her throat, “She slept in. When she woke, she didn’t want any food. So, I gave her another stomach potion so her stomach wouldn’t hurt.”

Draco raised his voice, “You didn’t encourage her to eat? What the fuck is wrong with you?” He watched her lip begin to tremble, but couldn’t find any bit of sympathy for her. “ANSWER ME!” He yelled. “I could have one of the house elves sit here and pour vial after vial of potions into her. You are completely incompetent.” He couldn't find it in him to care that the medi-witch was about to cry.

Before she could answer, the door to the bedroom opened. Theo and Hermione walked in, the wizard asked, “Who are you yelling at?”

“This fucking incompetent witch.” he yelled.

Theo and Hermione both shouted, “Draco.”

Theo turned to the medi-witch, “You may go. One of us will stay with her for the rest of the afternoon and tonight.” The witch left the room without looking directly at anyone.

Before she closed the door, Draco stated, his voice terrifyingly deep and calm. “Don’t fucking come back. Get your shit and get out. I will make sure your superiors know how incompetent you are.”

Hermione and Theo said nothing to his comments or treatment of the medi-witch. His tone and the anger rolling off him was palpable. When she closed the door, Theo turned to him, “Is mum okay?”

“Yes. She is now. We will know more when she wakes.” He paused and a look of confusion crossed his face. “Why are you both here? The portkey wasn’t set to activate for several more hours.” Draco said and started walking towards the chairs across the room. He sat down, leaning his elbows on his thighs. Burying his face in his hands, he rubbed his eyes, then pushed his fingers through his hair.

“Remember I am also very rich. Right after you left we went to the Paris Ministry and requested a time adjustment to the key. After a raised word or two and the exchange of several gold coins, our time was adjusted. Now, why were you yelling at that witch?” Theo asked.

Hermione went to kneel in front of him. She took his hands in hers and looked directly into his eyes. He looked so tired and the cocky sureness of his features was missing.

“After mum told her that her stomach was hurting. Not upset, but actually hurting. She gave her a potion. Then mum skipped dinner, another potion. Then another potion to help relax. Then dreamless sleep with another potion. This morning, no breakfast. Guess what that fucking useless bitch gave her? Another mother fucking potion.”

Being a potionier and extremely knowledgeable about mixing various brews, Theo stated, “That is a lot of potions. A lot for her system to process, and digest. Without having any food in her I can see why her episode would be so severe.” He stood next to the chair and placed his hand on the back of Draco’s neck. “Did you cast ‘Altum Somnum’?”

Hermione saw something like sorrow flash in Draco’s eyes, “Yes. I had to. She was a mess when I showed up. Shaking, and crying and holding her stomach. Her fucking tremors were full body. She was in so much pain. I had to bind her, I was worried that my touch would physically hurt her. I thought about taking her to the hospital, but then she began to beg me to help. Actually, fucking beg me to help her. I know the hospital scares her.” His voice broke. He took a minute to compose himself. “I wanted to hold her, but again, with her nerves so sensitive, I knew my touch would cause her pain. So I just left the binding spell in place and began to cast. It took an hour of casting for the spell to work.”

Hermione watched tears quietly fall down his beautiful face. After several silent minutes, she asked, “How long will the spell last?”

Draco lowered his head, shamed that he cast such a strong spell on his mother. “Six, maybe seven hours.”

She stood, “I have something to tell you both.” summoning two chairs from across the room, so they could be closer to Draco. Theo took one and she took the other. Holding one of Draco’s hands and reaching for Theo’s. “I know your mum has a very severe condition. As you know it was because of her torture. I don’t want to get into the torture or who did it or for whatever fucked up reason.” Not wanting either man to feel guilty for what happened to Narcissa. “It doesn’t matter how it happened. This is not to make anyone feel guilty.”

Both men nodded their understanding. This was not to be about their misplaced guilt or their feelings. This conversation was to be about Narcissa.

Hermione continued, “I know she has medical issues because of all of the torture. curses, physical abuse, psychological abuse, starvation and whatever else happened to her.” She paused and thought about her words. “In the spirit of our earlier conversation about openness. I have a very similar condition. I suffer from stomach issues, tremors, and nightmares.”

The witch noticed neither wizard showed much of a reaction. Draco whispered, “I felt the tremors the other day. I mentioned it to Theo and we wanted to wait for you to tell us.”

“Hmmm. Well here goes.” She cleared her throat, “As I said, I have similar symptoms, not as intense as Narcissa, but I have them. I have found somewhat of a successful treatment. Neither muggle or magical medicine could help me on their own.. But combining the two seems to work. So I worked with a potionier and using a mixture of magical remedies and muggle medications I have found a combination, that for the most part works. Sometimes when I am really stressed or nervous I become symptomatic, but we tweak it once in a while and it helps.”

She waited to see if either man had any questions. Draco, looking devastated asked, “Is your condition due to what my…“ Dropping his gaze, shame in his eyes, “aunt did to you?”

Gently cupping his face, she looked into storm grey eyes. “Look at me. I want you to hear this Draco Malfoy.” She took a moment to make sure he was listening. “I’m not going to lie to you. Her use of the cruciatus and the poisoned blade added to the damage my body had already suffered.” She felt his jaw tick under her fingers. “You need to remember, Harry, Ron and I had been on the run and searching for a while before we ended up here. We endured almost a year of hard living conditions, minimal sleep, very little food and water. Plus we fought quite a few witches and wizards and didn’t always escape unscathed. Not to mention the damage my body suffered from Dolohov in the battle at the ministry. I would have wound up with some severity of this condition whether or not your aunt tortured me.” Leaning into him, she gently brushed her lips across his. “I do not want you to feel guilt over this Draco.”

The blonde closed his eyes in understanding. She gently wiped his tears away with her thumbs. She went on, “I worked with Damocles and together we created the potion that helps me. Sometimes we work together to adjust it if I know I will be extremely stressed or have an occasion that may make me very anxious, which could trigger an episode.” She paused, wanting to choose her words carefully. “Please don’t be mad at me, I have talked to him about Narcissa, I didn’t tell him who she is, I would never reveal that to anyone without permission. But I discussed her situation with him. I gave him her symptoms, and the possible degree of damage. Dam has had some success in creating a treatment for Narcissa. We can’t know if it will help yet. To be sure that it is tailored specifically to her medical needs he will need more specific information. Some of it can just be explained to him, but he will need information that is of a medical nature and therefore may require him to be able to access her medical files.”

Both men looked at her. Theo cleared his throat, “How successful? What muggle medications and what ingredients has he used?”

She nodded, “Well that is where you come in. I spoke to him and told him you have to be involved in the creation and brewing process. You must be included in every step going forward. He took the potion he created for me and used that as a base to build around, addressing her specific symptoms. He has a working base but your knowledge of Narcissa and her condition hopefully will greatly expedite the process.”

Draco had his elbow on his knees and his head down in his hands. He drew in a breath, to her ears it sounded like a sob. Theo jumped up and began to pace, “When can I meet with him? It’s the weekend, would he be in his lab now?”

“I’m not sure. If neither of you mind, I would like to fire call him.” She asked.

Theo stopped pacing and put his hand out to her, “We can use the fireplace in Draco’s office.”

She stood, but before she allowed him to lead her out of the room she touched the top of Draco’s head and he reacted instantly. Wrapping his arms around her waist and pressed his cheek into her stomach. He held her like that for a moment before he spoke, his voice so quiet she almost didn’t hear him. “Thank you. Thank you so much for thinking of my mother. For caring about someone who isn’t your responsibility. Thank you for being such a kind woman.”

She felt the tears slip down her face as she gently held him against her. Running her fingers through his silky hair, she said, “Silly wizard. I owe her so much. She helped to hide Harry’s identity and then she lied about his death. Not to mention she raised two amazing men.”

Draco slowly released her. He stood and cupped her face, wiping her tears with his thumbs as she had done for him. He kissed her softly on the lips.

Theo stepped toward the door, wanting to give the two of them a private moment. When the kiss ended Draco said, “Yes, use the fireplace in my office. I’ll stay with mum.”

He watched as Hermione and Theo left, closing the door behind them. As he sank back into the chair, Draco Malfoy realized he was falling in love with Hermione Granger.

________________

Hermione fire called Damocles from Draco’s study. “I was wondering if you were available today. Theo Knott, the potionier you met at the pub, is available and wanted to stop by and take a look at the potion we spoke about.”

“Yes, of course. I was hoping to hear from Mr. Knott. I am available all day today. I have some brewing to catch up on. He can come over any time. Will you be joining him?” Damocles inquired.

She shook her head. “No I’m sorry. I will not be available today. I will be with a friend.”

“Yes. Yes, of course. No worries Hermione. Please let Mr. Knott know I am at my shop. I am closed today so he will have to ring the bell. “

She sighed, “Thank you Dam. I will let him know. I’ll try to get there for tea soon. Take care dear friend.” and with that the call ended.

Theo, had been standing next to Draco’s desk listening. “Thank you. I’ll change and get over to his shop as soon as possible.”

She stood and turned as if to leave the office. He spoke her name so softly. “Hermione. Thank you. Thank you for thinking of Narcissa. I know she is just one pureblood witch. I know no one knows what she went through, and many wouldn’t care. Some would feel she deserved her condition and all the pain and humiliation she received. All because she was married to Lucious Malfoy, Voldemort's General. She was sister to Bellatrix Lestrange, his most trusted and skilled torturer. But she never wanted that life and she fought so hard to protect Draco and me. Something broke in her when Draco took the dark mark to save her. When I think of what she endured, I don’t know if I should cry or let my wrath out on every person that would be mean to her.”

The witch crossed the space between them and wrapped her arms around him. Tipping her head up she saw his blue eyes were rimmed with unshed tears. She wasn’t sure if they were tears of sadness or anger. “Theo, neither you nor Draco need to thank me. As I told him, besides the fact of it being the right thing to do, she helped protect Harry before and during the final battle. She raised and protected two very talented, loving, handsome wizards. Who will hopefully one day be the fathers of my children.” She smiled so brightly, stretched up onto her tiptoes encouraging him to dip his head down for a kiss.

“I don’t know what we did to deserve you being paired with us. I still can’t believe that my dreams of the Gryffindor Princess being with us have become reality.” He kissed her nose, then her forehead. “Please stay and take care of him. He needs you. He needs to hold you, to talk to you, to hear your voice. He needs these arms wrapped around him, these lips kissing him and this body submitting to his needs. I promise you, you will be his strength today. You will lift him from the dark memories and thoughts of his perceived failures.” Then he captured her lips in a soft kiss, his senses flooded with the taste of honey and peaches with a hint of orange.

When she caught her breath and her head cleared she asked, “Theo, what if Draco wants to be…” Looking down her cheeks flushed red, “…you know, physical with me. Is that something that…” she broke off again. Choosing her words carefully. “I have only ever been with you two together. Should it always only be like that?”

A smile appeared across his beautiful face, “Love, If we are considering being a true triad. We will need to build a strong relationship between the three of us, but we will also need to have strong bonds as couples. There will be times that it will only be two of us, whatever that combination may be. Draco and I have a strong committed bond, Now it’s time for each of us to develop our individual bond with you. Ultimately, I believe that the desire is to be a triad more often than not.”

She just nodded her understanding. Taking his hand she headed toward the door. “I would like to freshen up and change my clothes before I go to Draco. Also, do you think Tipsy would prepare something for him to eat?”

“Yes, just call for Mopsy and she will arrange everything. I’m going to wash up and then head to Damocles’ shop. Care to join me in the bath? I don’t have a lot of time but I assure you even with minimal time, I can be very thorough.” The little grin turned into a smirk.

“Fine, but I don’t want to leave Draco for too long.” she said. She was obviously trying to sound resolved.

“That’s our girl. I promise to make you come quicker than you could say, ‘Theo has the best cock in all of Britain.’.” Grabbing her hand, “Then I'm going to come down your throat.” He led the way to the bedrooms.

Hermione gasped and then moaned. She felt herself get wet and clenched her pussy around nothing. Good Godric, these wizards and their dirty talk. She was halfway to an orgasm now. If he just reached between her legs and pushed against her clit a couple times he would have achieved his goal. He knew it too, “Kitten, I can smell your sweet honey. Your panties must be soaked.” Smiling a very wicked grin, “I told you it won't take long.”

They reached Draco's bedroom, which of course he shared with Theo. The wizard led her in and before she could turn around her clothes were gone and so were his. She felt his breath on her shoulder, and he was pressed against her. His cock nudged her lower back just above her ass. She felt him run his hand through her hair and just as Draco had done, her hair was magically tamed, this time into a braid. Then in a deep voice he asked, “Do you trust me?”

“Yes.” came her response, with no hesitation.

She heard him cast a spell, it sounded like a feather weight charm. Just then she felt him spin her to face him and with his hands on her waist he flipped her so that she was upside down. “Wrap your arms around my thighs and your legs around my neck.”

She did, without question.

His voice a growl, “Suck my cock.”

Being the obedient girl, she did as she was told. As she took his cock into her mouth, she wrapped her legs around his neck and was rewarded with a deep hard lick from his tongue. He flattened his tongue and pushed it against her. Licking from her clit to her opening, his tongue began to fuck her. He dove into her pussy like a man starved. Dear Circe, Draco was not kidding when he said, Theo liked to eat pussy.

She pulled off of his cock and began licking his silky shaft. Releasing one arm from around him so her hand could stroke him while she licked and sucked his balls. That little maneuver earned her a growl from the wizard that reverberated through her clit. Then he was walking, carrying her to the bed. Theo sat on the edge of the bed and slowly laid back. As her knees touched the bed sheets she loosened her legs and opened wide so her pussy was right against his face. She continued her attention on his balls and adjusted her grip tighter on his shaft, still stroking him. She felt his balls start to tighten.

Using his fingers he spread her folds open, before he returned his tongue to her throbbing center. He commanded four words, “Enough playing. Suck. Now.” She lifted herself up on her hands and lowered her mouth over him, swallowing when she felt him hit the back of her throat. The weight of him on her tongue and the fullness of him in her mouth added to her need to come. She couldn’t help but push herself down onto his face and grind a little.

“Good Girl. Fuck my face.” He growled and stuck two fingers into her as he began licking the path to her asshole.

Using her mouth, she fucked him deep and slow. Swallowing him every time his tip hit the back of her throat. His hips began thrusting upward in time to his fingers pumping in and out of her. Stilling her movements, allowing him to take over the rhythm he needed. His fingers were fucking her pussy with the same tempo as his dick fucked her throat. She braced her arms and let him control his need and her pleasure. Theo’s fingers skillfully worked her opening while his thumb rubbed back and forth over her swollen nub. Her hips pushed down into him as she felt her muscles lock. Screaming around his shaft, she came hard. Suddenly his tongue returned to her slit and the noises of him lapping and sucking every drop, drew out her climax.

As if her taste was what he was waiting for, he reached his arms up her body, his hands found her breasts. Grabbing them, his grip firm enough to be a little painful, he again continued thrusting into her mouth. She knew he was close to coming. His left hand reached for the back of her head and he grabbed her hair and held her in place. Thrusting up, deep and hard. She felt tears running out of her eyes, not tears of pain, not really, he wouldn’t hurt her. He needed this and she wanted to give it to him. She wanted him to fuck her mouth and find his pleasure there. Just then he pushed as far as he could down her throat and stilled, his animalistic grunt rolled into a moan, as his seed shot into her.

Theo pulled out and turned her body so her head was on his chest. She licked her lips and swallowed a little of him that had tried to escape. He gently wiped her tears and asked, “Did I hurt you?”

She quietly replied, “No. It was rough, but I liked it. I like knowing that you can find satisfaction from my body. I like knowing that I can give you what you need and take whatever you give.”

He held her for another moment then with a quick smack to her ass said, “To the bath.” Of course it was ready when they walked in.

“You both are going to have to help me with silent and wandless magic. Where did you vanish our clothes too?” She asked as she sank into the tub and reached for the soap.

Theo’s laughter echoing off the walls. Shrugging his shoulders, “Hopefully the laundry.” Tilting his head, “Maybe the kitchen.” Winking and smirking, “Probably the garden.”

___________________

After she dressed she spoke with Mopsy about getting food for Draco. She arranged to have a tray of sandwiches brought to Narcissa’s sitting room. Theo promised to stop in the kitchen and grab a bite before he left. If he was anything like Dam, he would forget to eat, losing himself in the brewing and creating process.

When she entered Narcissa’s sitting room she saw the tray of sandwiches and the pot of tea on the table.

Draco didn’t hear Hermione enter, he had dozed off in the chair by his mother’s bedside. However, he did feel the witch’s lips touch his. He felt her soft breath brush against him and the gentle touch of her small hand against his face. He opened his eyes and was blessed with the sight of rich brown looking back at him. She slowly rubbed her nose against his and kissed him again. Then she whispered, “Hello Love.”

Reaching up, he cupped the back of her head and pulled her in for another kiss, this one deeper. His eyes closed. His tongue asked to enter, and without pause she opened to him. He licked her tongue, then his tangled and played slowly with hers, Draco tasted honey and peaches, he also faintly tasted Theo. There was no rush to the kiss, just a slow burning desire.

Then he felt her pull away. “Come with me.” she said. He opened his eyes and looked quickly to his mother’s sleeping form. “We are just going into the sitting room.” She took his hand as he stood.

Draco walked behind her and saw the tray on the table. Hermione flicked her wand and cast a silencing charm so they did not disturb the sleeping witch in the other room. Then she spoke. “I’m sorry it took me so long, after my fire call to Dam, I wanted to freshen up and change.” He watched her cheeks pink up into the prettiest blush.

Thinking of the kiss that tasted like Theo, “Did Theo enjoy himself before he left? He can become very focused on his desires when he wants something.” He smiled at her, letting her know that it was fine with him, “Stop worrying that poor lip of yours. It’s fine that you and he had time alone together. I expect we will pair off from time to time, either because of schedules or needs.”

“That’s what he said.” She went about pouring tea for the two of them. After which, she stroked his cheek with her fingers, “You look exhausted.”

“I had to keep casting. She couldn’t get her mind out of past. She kept reliving…” He rubbed his face with both hands, “Fuck. I’m scared, every time she gets like this. I worry I will lose her to the past, Lose her to her nightmares.”

Cupping his jaw, and forcing his gaze to hers, “We. Will. Not. Let. That. Happen. Do you hear me? There are three of us and Dam. We will figure something out.” She bent and gave him a chased kiss. Pointing to the tray she said, “Sit. Eat.”

“Bossy witch.” He joked, but he sat at the table and made a small plate of sandwiches and fruit. Watching her make his tea, exactly the way he liked it, with a splash of milk and one sugar cube. Then she made her cup and sat across from him and made a small plate of food for herself.

When she had finally settled into her chair she looked at him and smiled. “Narcissa seems to be resting peacefully. I gently touched her hand before waking you. Her tremors have almost dissipated. I hope you don’t mind I also ran a quick diagnostic charm.”

“Of course I don’t mind. What were the results.” He inquired, concern clearly on his face.

“Well, she is in a complete dreamless sleep. So that is aiding in her blood pressure leveling off. High blood pressure is not good for her mental state, circulatory system or her cardiac system. Her natural melatonin number is still increasing but that could be due to the deep sleep she is in. I can’t believe you cast for an hour. To focus your magic for that long exhausted you mentally and physically.” she worried.

“I’m fine. As you saw, I rested for a little while.” He countered.

“After you eat, I want you to go take a relaxing bath, get into some clean clothes and lay in your bed. Please take a nap. I will sit with your mum. I have some correspondence to attend to.” She said.

Draco noted that she had a peculiar look to her. As if she were trying to work out some great arithmancy equation. “Hermione, is everything okay?”

Catching herself she smiled at him, all traces of distraction gone. “Of course. Now eat up and go. I will sit with Narcissa. She should be out for at least a few more hours.”

Draco ate his food. Not really tasting it, but he didn’t want the little witch to worry about him. When he was almost done, Mopsy popped into the room. The little elf looked like she had been worrying herself into a fit. “Mopsy are you alright? What’s wrong?”

“Mopsy is sorry to bother Miss and Master, but my worry over Mistress is most distracting. Is Mistress okay? Mopsy was so scared this morning when the medi-witch asked to see Master. Mistress looked like she used to after that bad wizard hurt her.” She was wringing her hands and wiped at tears that were running down her face. She blew her nose very loudly.

“Mopsy please don’t worry, I have taken care of Mistress. When she wakes, she will be weak, and hopefully hungry. It will be your responsibility to make sure she has something that will both fill her and yet not irritate her stomach. That useless medi-witch allowed her to go over 24 hours without food.” Draco said.

Mopsy became very agitated, “Master Draco, Mopsy was so worried, Mistress is so weak. She has to live. Please don’t let my Mistress die. Tipsy has been crying since last night. I had to use a shield spell to protect your food from her sopping them.”

Just then Draco called out, “Tipsy.” The tiny kitchen elf appeared in front of them. She looked horrible. She was sobbing and her clothes were covered in what looked like grease and gravy. She was crying and pulling at her ears.

Mopsy moved to her sister and wrapped her arms around the little elf. “She is in a state sir. She slept in the oven last night. There is no talking to her.”

Draco knelt so that he could look Tipsy in the eye. The little elf kept looking away. “Tipsy, I know you love Mistress very much and worry about her. I want you to know that she will be fine when she wakes. I have just tasked Mopsy with making sure that she has good, filling and gentle food when she wakes.”

The little elf looked at Draco as huge tears ran down her face. “Master has taken care of Mistress. Please don’t take my Mistress away. That bad wizard hurt her. She has been sick ever since.”

Draco waved his wand over the little elf, cleaning her clothes and then he hugged her, “Master promises to take care of Mistress. I know you love her and together we will make sure that no one ever hurts her again. We will make sure that she is well cared for.'' he leaned back and looked at Tipsy. Just then Mopsy began wringing her hands. Hermione looked concerned, obviously trying to figure out what was getting the other elf worked up. Just then Draco put his arm out to include Mopsy in the hug. The little elf jumped into his embrace and started making promises and vows to always take care of Mistress.

He watched from his kneeling position as the witch covered her mouth to hide her smile. Then he pulled back from the two elves, “You both had better go and prepare for when Mistress wakes. She will need food, tea and please make that honey cake she loves. That always lifts her spirits and is easy on her stomach.”

Both elves began jumping up and down in excitement and anticipation of their Mistress’ ultimate recovery. Draco stood and before they popped out they both hugged his legs again. Then they were off to accomplish their tasks.

The moment they were gone the witch burst out laughing. “They really love you. I think you could ask them to aide you in taking over the ministry and they would gladly help you.”

He could feel himself blush. “What can I say, the ladies love me.”

She threw her napkin at him. “Spoiled prat. Go and take a bath and rest. I will sit with your mum. Like I said, I have some correspondence to attend to.”

Draco leaned down and kissed the top of her head, “If you’re sure. I won’t be long, I promise.”

She pinched his bum and said, “Take all the time you want.” She vanished the tray and dishes. But kept the tea and her cup.

As he left the room he watched her head to Narcissa’s desk and gather some papers, obviously preparing to ‘attend’ to her correspondence.