Threats
Monday morning Hermione found herself surrounded by healthy breakfast choices and an array of herbal teas. After trying the third one, she put her cup down and gave Theo a very disgusted look. “I don’t see what one little cup of tea is going to hurt.” Waving her hand, the cup vanished. A Moment later a glass of orange juice appeared. Sighing, she said out loud, “Thank you Tipsy.”
Theo laughed and took a sip of the herbal tea. He really tried not to scrunch his face up, but he failed spectacularly. “I’m sorry Kitten. I agree it is horrible.” Vanishing his cup and watching it be replaced with his own glass of orange juice, “Blaise will be here this afternoon. He owled and said he is excited about staying here through the holiday. Arianna and Santino will be joining us just before Christmas.”
Draco came into the dining room rather in a mood. Following him was parchment and quill. “…Furthermore, I don’t give a damn what the previous owner did. I will not be enforcing any of the hiring rules that were in place. If a witch applies for the job, I don’t give a damn if she is single, betrothed, or married. If she is qualified for the position, she will get the job. If the current management team cannot see fit to follow these new guidelines, they can all tender their resignations and seek employment elsewhere. If they choose to stay on and not follow the new guidelines, they can be terminated, and I’ll personally make sure they never work in Britain again. Please reply with either your understanding or your resignation. Sincerely Draco L. Malfoy, President, CEO of both Malfoy Enterprises and Nott Holdings Incorporated.”
He snatched the parchment out of the air and called for Hippy, “Yes Master.”
Please attached this to Merlin, after he eats his breakfast. He is to wait for a reply.
Theo poured Draco a cup of herbal tea, then watched as he drank the entire cup. “Did you even taste that swill?”
The blond looked up smiling, I’ve been drinking this swill for two months now. I needed to cut back on the caffeine while you were gone. My nerves were shot and I wasn’t sleeping because of our whole fucked up situation. So yes, it tastes awful, but you get used to it.”
“Who where you sending the letter to? You know Merlin scares the shit out of everyone he delivers to?” Theo asked as he sipped his juice and watched Hermione move her food around her plate.
I’m sending it to the marketing team for the magical research company I bought for Nott Holdings. It seems they have had the practice of only utilizing witches in the lowest most menial jobs, regardless of their grades and test scores. Paying them the least amount of money and then terminating their employment the minute they either get, betrothed or married.”
Hermione had been watching the whole interaction and listening to her wizards, “Draco, are all of your companies changing their employment rules regarding witches?”
“Well, I’m working on it. Some of them, like the investment companies and anything really to do with monetary trade of magical currency or muggle investments, have strict ministry guidelines. Actual laws will have to be changed through the Wizengamot for those positions. As far as the private companies, I can change whatever I want.”
Theo had made him a plate of food, placed it in front of him and then kissed him long and hard. “Calm yourself Dra. We will get the changes made to give witches all the rights we talked about. It’s not going to happen overnight. But it will happen.” Giving him another quick kiss, “Eat.”
Before he sat to eat, he made sure to give his witch a good morning kiss. “What time is Blaise getting here?”
She took a tiny bite of her scone, which Theo smothered in peach preserve. “Hmmm.” Licking her lips. “Um around lunch. He is going to get settled into my old room and then he and Theo are coming to have lunch with me at the school. I scheduled back to back study sessions for end of term tests this week. If you’re not off dismantling your new company’s management team you are more than welcome to join us.”
Theo spoke up, “Change of plans Kitten. I’m going to be going to school with you. Blaise and Dra will be floo’ing over for lunch. Then I will be staying the rest of the day or if need be the evening with you.”
They didn’t need the magical connection to tell them she was not happy with the change, “What do you mean you will be joining me this morning? Why are you joining me this morning?”
Clearing is throat Draco spoke up, “Well Love, while you were getting dressed this morning we, Theo and I, talked and thought it would be good if one of us was with you today.”
Her eyes narrowed as she stared at him. “Why?” her voice edged with aggravation.
Theo jumped in to explain, “Well after yesterday, and your um physical situation, we thought maybe it would be good if one of us was with you. You know in case it happens again.”
Her hair began to rise a little, with static, “I am perfectly capable of taking care of myself. If anything major happens, I can go to Poppy or have one of the elves help me.” Taking a few deep breathes she went on “Plus I can always have Fred, he can tell Snape to get one of you.”
Draco was now talking to her in a soft calming voice, “Sweetheart, you have to understand that we will worry all day about you. Theo has nothing major happening and he can help Professor MacGregor with his Potion’s students.” His jaw tightening he added, “And you will not be sleeping at the school. You will be in our bed between us.”
Before she could say anything Theo added, “I agree with Dra. You will be sleeping in the manor between us and protected by the wards.”
Hermione tossed her unfinished scone onto her plate. “Oh. For. Fucks. Sake.” The wizards watched as she stood, “I’m going to work.” Turning to Theo, “If you are joining me, I’m leaving now.” She grabbed her bag, walked to the floo and threw a handful of powder in. “Hogwarts, Granger Rooms” and she was gone in a flash of green flames.
Draco sipped his juice, “Fuck. She is pissed. I don’t envy you. She looks like she might hex your bollocks off today.”
Theo smiled and picked up his own bag. He walked to Draco, whistling. He kissed him and as he walked to the floo he said, “Oh she is pissed and my bollocks may be in need of protection, but I don’t think she will be hexing them. She gives the best ‘mad blowjobs ever.’ It’s like a combination of I want to worship and hurt you at the same time.” As he grabbed a handful of powder he smiled. “I’m hoping for at least two today.” As he stepped into the floo he heard Draco’s deep laugh.
_____________
Blaise stepped out of the fireplace in Draco’s study. The master of the manor embraced him in a hug. “Fuck it’s good to see you. I was expecting you to arrive by portkey. How long was the slide through the floo?”
His roguish smile in place, “I didn’t floo from Italy I stopped by our chateau first to direct the elves and see to the holiday decorating.”
Draco laughed, “You decorated?”
Blaise sat down as Draco poured them each a firewhiskey. “No. I made sure the elves knew what mother wanted done. I then grabbed some of the little French pastries that Hermione loves, and floo’d here.”
Draco noted that his friend had a very little box in his hand, “I hope those are shrunk, that witch is all about the sweets.”
Laughing, “Don’t worry it’s not only shrunk down but I also cast an extension charm on the inside. So not only will our witch be getting a ton of her favorite pastries, but she will be impressed that I remembered her invisible extension charm.” He sipped his drink.
Draco thought he looked very smug. Growling, “She is NOT your witch.” But the smile Blaise gave him only aggravated him, for some reason Hermione had a soft spot for the tosser. “Shut the fuck up and go get settled, we have to be at Hogwarts in twenty minutes.”
Blaise threw the glass up in the air and flicked his wand, cleaning and replacing it on the bar. “I’ll be right back.” And he strode out of the room.
_____________
Draco and Blaise stepped through the floo in Hermione’s rooms. They were met by Fred. “Hey there Malfoy.” Seeing Blaise he added, “Zabini. Nott said you were coming to have lunch with them. I volunteered to watch the library so you can all go into Hogsmeade. Hermione has to stop at the Shack, it’s her turn in the moon cycle to check the wards for tonight’s change.”
Blaise shrugged, “How many students are on the potion?”
Fred shrugged, he was floating about two feet above the ground, “We have nine students that are on the potion and change here, along with one wizard that Bill recommended. McGonagall hired him on as an additional grounds keeper. He is also on the potion and will be the adult in the Shack.”
Draco looked skeptical, “She hired an adult werewolf to be in the shack? Isn’t that dangerous?”
Well, he is a friend of Bill’s, they graduated together. Lost his whole family in the war. Mother, father, two brothers and baby sister.” Pausing before he revealed, “It’s Jimmy Brown. When he saw what Greyback did to Lavender he went after the fucker. But, right before he killed the bastard, he was bitten.” McGonagall found him half dead, Poppy did what she could. They tried to get him to stay. Bill tried then to talk to him, but when he healed he left. Nobody knew what happened to him, then one day Bill ran into him on the LeStrange land. He had chained himself in a dungeon during a full moon and threw away the key. He was half dead, and didn’t want help. He wanted to die. Bill stunned him and took him home. He and Fleur nursed him back to health and got him on the potion.”
“That’s fucked up.” Blaise was shaking his head.
Fred continued. “Yeah. After three months of being on the potion, Bill approached McGonagall, asked if Jimmy could have a job on the property. When he was in school, he loved herbology and would fit right in as a grounds keeper. She agreed and he has been here ever since.” Turning to Draco he said, “You need to stop in the hospital wing before you meet Hermione and Nott.”
Draco’s head shot up. “Why? Did something happen to Hermione?”
The ghost clarified. “No. She’s fine. You need to grab a vial of Jimmy’s blood. Poppy has it ready. Hermione will need it to seal the wards in the shack. They have to be resealed every full moon with blood wards. It’s usually McGonagall’s and Jimmy’s blood.”
The two wizards headed out of the room, Blaise nodded to Fred, “Well it’s been nice seeing you, or seeing thru you, Weasley but we have a pregnant witch to feed.”
“Yeah. Well one other thing Malfoy before you meet that little stubborn, hard headed, too brave for her own good, witch you should see these.” Fred pointed to the table and shouted “Jolly.”. A little house elf popped in and placed a stack of letters on the table. Then just as quickly he popped out.
The wizard looked confused, “What are these?” Draco asked.
“The ghost crossed his arms and looked pissed. “Those are just today’s daily stack of shit our witch is dealing with. She hasn’t opened them in a couple weeks. They are all the same, vial, disgusting, insulting, hatful shit.”
Blaise tapped one with is wand. It was a howler. In a deep menacing male voice, “FUCKING MUD BLOOD SLUT. THINK YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO CARRY PUREBLOOD HEIRS. THOSE WORTHLESS THINGS GROWING IN YOUR FILTHY MUGGLE WOMB SHOULD BE CUT OUT AND LEFT TO DIE NEXT TO YOUR BLOODY CORPSE.”
The rage that overtook Draco had both Blaise and Fred stepping back. Blaise raised his wand to incinerate it but Draco wandlessly enclosed it in a magical bubble barrier. Just as it exploded and shot hundreds of black needles outward. Had the barrier not been there both wizards would have been impaled by them. “What the Fuck?” Blaise yelled.
Draco, again wandlessly, vanished the bubble. “That particular type of howler was a specialty of my uncle Rodolphus. He taught it to all of his faithful followers. The needles could be coated in poisons or blood curses.”
Blaise was pacing, “So if Hermione had opened it and not known to do that…that…bubble trick she would have…” He doesn’t finish. He doesn’t have to.
Draco turns on the ghost. “Weeks. Your telling me this has been going on for weeks?” Fred just nods his head. Anger literally vibrating off the blond, “Why. The. Fuck. Didn’t. You. Tell. Us. Sooner?”
Fred looked defeated, “Malfoy, you know how she is. She didn’t want to get anyone involved. She’s been receiving hate mail since the war ended. After the first couple deliveries she didn’t bother opening them. Just vanished them to be binned and burned by the school elves. I just happened to tell Jolly to keep todays so you can see them. Since it was Jolly who retrieved them and Jolly who gave them to you. I haven’t betrayed her.”
Blaise seeing a flaw to that line of thinking. “Mate you literally just told us all about them.”
“Yes but only after he asked me about them. I told Hermione I wouldn’t tell you about them unless I was asked. She assumed you would never know about them and therefore…”
Draco bites out, “…therefore we would never ask.” Closing his eyes, he looks like he is counting to some infinite number. “Jolly.”
The little elf appears. “Yes Master Malfoy?” He is wringing his little hands and worrying his lip.
Draco immediately says, “I’m not mad at you. I am very grateful that you care about Miss Granger enough to give us these letters. I want you to do me a favor.”
Realizing he isn’t in trouble he relaxes. “Yes Master Malfoy. Jolly loves Miss Granger. Jolly will do anything to keep her safe.”
Blaise just laughs. “That witch inspires loyalty wherever she goes.”
Draco drops to one knee, “I want you to collect all the letters that Miss sends to be binned. Everyday. I want you to take them and bind them with protection spells and deliver them to me.”
The little elf looks worried again, “I think Miss will be very cross with Jolly.”
Draco goes on. “No she won’t. She is sending it to the bin. It is no longer hers. It is garbage. You will not get into trouble for bringing me garbage.”
The elf thinks about this and then a smile crosses his face. “You are smart wizard. Jolly will bring ‘garbage’ to Master Malfoy everyday.”
“Good Jolly. Thank you.” Malfoy says and the little elf leaves. Draco draws his wand and casts several protection spells and hold charms on the stack of mail still on the table. He then calls “Mopsy” instructing her to put them in his top desk drawer and let’s her know that Jolly will be delivering a similar stack every day. Turning to Blaise, “Grab Theo and Hermione’s cloaks and let’s get a move on.” After stopping at the hospital wing and collecting the two vials of blood they head to the Library.
________________
Hermione, Theo, Blaise and Draco walked into Hogsmeade with Professor MacGregor, and about thirty students that want to do some last minute holiday shopping. Theo and Lachlan talk about various potions and their effectiveness and convenience. Blaise shamelessly flirts with Hermione. Draco stays quiet, worried about the mail his witch is getting. When they reach the Shack, Hermione and Lachlan head in to set the wards. Draco turns on Theo, anger edging his voice. “What the fuck are you doing here? I thought you were watching her. Protecting her.”
Confusion crossing the wizards face, Theo was truly lost as to what Draco was talking about. Hurt lacing his tone. “What are you talking about. I love her. You know that. I am protecting her. I would fucking die for her. Why would you even question that?”
Ignoring the hurt in Theo’s eyes, he grabs him by his cloak, “She is getting fucking death threats. She gets them daily. Fucking Weasley showed us the stack she got today.”
Blue eyes search grey. “What? She didn’t get any fucking mail today.”
“Well maybe you were too busy getting your cock sucked to notice. She got a howler that had Rodolphus’ signature shrapnel needles. If she had opened it, gods knows what would have happened. She could have been poisoned. I trusted you to keep her safe when she’s here.” Not letting Theo respond he adds “The letter talked about cutting our heirs out of her mud blood body, and watching them die in a pool of her blood.” He tightens his grip on Theo’s cloak, ignoring the terror in his blue eyes. “She’s been getting them for a while and you haven’t noticed. Well maybe if the shrapnel had got her, maybe you would have noticed then.”
Blaise pulls Draco away from Theo. “ENOUGH. That’s not fair Draco. It’s not fair to tell Theo he wasn’t protecting her. She hid them.” Shoving a finger in Draco’s face, “Did you know? No you didn’t. She is a fucking stubborn Gryffindor witch who is too brave and too proud for her own good.” Blaise looks to Theo. “You didn’t know about them because she didn’t want you to know about them. She probably saw them on the table when she came through the floo and she either charmed them invisible or sent them right to the bin. Either way…” But he stops talking when they hear Hermione and Lachlan returning.
Theo turns away from Draco and Blaise, “I’ll meet you all in Hogsmeade, I have some shopping to do.” Before either could stop him he walks off.
Seeing the hurt in his wizard’s blue eyes, a lump of shame forms in Draco’s throat, preventing him from calling out to the wizard. Blaise turns on him and in a menacing growl, “You suck Malfoy. Fix this or I swear I’ll tell her what you just said to him.” Poking the blond in the chest he adds, “Because you know he would never tell her.”
Hermione, joining them, looks around, “Where’s Theo?”
Finally finding his voice, Draco takes her arm. “He said he’ll meet us in Hogsmeade, he had some shopping to do.”
Holding his arm and then also taking Blaise's, she pulls them in the direction of the little town. “Hmm he told me he was all done. Oh well, he’s probably stopping at Honeydukes. I told him they just got in some new flavors of sugar quills.”
They walk along and Draco tries to focus on her recounting of a first year’s library mishap that morning but all he can think about was the nasty comment he made to Theo and the pain that his words caused. He decides that he’ll take him aside at the Three Broomsticks and apologize and beg his forgiveness. When they get to Hogsmeade, Lachlan heads to Madam Puddifoot’s Tea Shop to pick up a package for McGonagall while the three head to lunch.
Hermione, Draco and Blaise sip their ‘non’ caffeine drinks, so water all around, while they wait for Theo. After about fifteen minutes, Hermione’s stomach makes a very loud protest to not being fed. “I wonder how much longer Theo’s going to be. He was very excited, we heard lunch was fish n chips. He said that was always his favorite when we were students.”
Draco makes to stand to go find him when a sixth year student approaches, “Miss Granger, I’m supposed to tell you that Mr. Nott had to head back to the school. Something came up and he will not be able to join you for lunch.”
A flash of hurt passes over her features, then worry. “Did he seem alright Francess?”
“Yes ma’am.” The young woman turns to Draco, “Mr. Malfoy he told me to tell you he will see you at home.”
Clearing his throat, “Thank you.” They watch as the girl walks over to join her friends. A table of sixth and seventh year girls who are staring at Blaise and giggle. Hermione laughs at their friend’s embarrassment. But Draco doesn’t notice, he’s too busy realizing all the ways he fucked their afternoon up. All the ways he had hurt his wizard. The weight of Theo’s message hits him, he was dismissed. Theo’s words making it clear that he doesn’t want Draco looking for him. He doesn’t want to see him.
Hermione touches Draco’s hand, causing him to jump. “Are you okay Draco? If you have work to do, you can go. I’ll just get Theo’s and my orders of fish and chips to go. We can eat in the library.”
Not wanting to ruin her lunch plans any further, “No Sweetheart. I cleared my calendar. Blaise and I are heading to Diagon Alley after this.”
They have lunch. Draco chokes down the fish and chips, which taste like ash in his mouth. He thinks about how Theo used to order two plates and eat one here and one on the walk back to the school. He tries to listen as Hermione chatters about the holiday plans that she and Narcissa have over break. They talk about the plans for the party at the manor.” Draco hears enough of the conversation to give the random comment but his mind never really strays from the wizard that is missing.
When they get back to the school, Draco takes Hermione’s cloak and kisses her cheek. She heads to the library with Theo’s lunch. Blaise kisses her cheek and she leaves them in the great hall. Blaise turns to the stairs, “Are we floo’ing from her rooms then?”
“What? Oh yes. Yes.” Heading up the main staircase, “I have one stop to make.”
“Draco, he told you he will see you at home. Give him some room. You were a right prick to him.”
Shame flooding him again. “I know. I feel like shit. I can’t believe I said those horrible things to him.” Biting his lip. “I have never said anything so… Fuck. I didn’t mean them. I was more mad at her, but…” He goes quiet and they climb the stairs in silence.
Blaise finally asks. “Where are we going?”
“McGonagall’s office.”
“Why?”
“I want to tell her about the letters.”
“Why?”
“I don’t know. Maybe she can do something about screening the mail better.”
Laughing Blaise puts a hand on Draco’s shoulder, “You’re going to tell the Headmistress of Hogwarts, Hermione’s boss, that she is getting threatening letters?”
“Yes.”
“What do you think she is going to do about it?” Before Draco could answer, “Do you think she can stop the mail from being delivered to Hermione?” Not waiting for an answer. “Do you think your interfering in Hermione’s work issues is giving her the respect she deserves?” Still not waiting. “Can me and the elves watch with popcorn while she hexes you, within an inch of your life, when she finds out?”
They stop and are standing at the top of the staircase. As if saying her name, somehow summons her, McGonagall herself turns the corner and has to stop short in order to avoid colliding with the two wizards. “Mr. Malfoy. Mr. Zabini.” Clearing her throat. “It’s nice to see you. Here. At the top of the stairs. Just standing around.” Raising one eyebrow, “Reliving old school days?”
Both men jump aside, practically shouting, “Sorry.”
“Yes. Well… If you have nothing to do except stand around your former school, blocking staircases, I’m sure I can find something for you to clean, or scrub. There is a particularly stubborn mold growing in the Prefects bath drain. Oh, and Professor MacGregor said one of the second year students accidently spilled a whole jar of wooflebug bile in the lab and it is climbing the walls. Shall I tell him you will assist in capturing the blob before it escapes the classroom?”
Blaise raises his hands, “Um No. No. We’ll have to pass. That bile has the nastiest smell.”
“Well then I am sure two very busy wizards, who are not students nor staff of the school have better things to do than block staircases and gossip.”
Both men reply “Yes Ma’am.
She turns and heads down the stairs but before she hits the landing she turns and says. “Let Mr. Nott know his requests has been approved and I will make the necessary arrangements.” Before either man can ask her what she means, she is gone down the hall.”
The whole way to Hermione’s rooms, Draco is quiet. As they enter her room, Weasley comes up through the floor. “You gent’s have a nice lunch with our girl?”
Blaise doesn’t respond, Draco’s stare ‘goes through’ the floating man. “Why the fuck does everyone around here think my witch, our witch is theirs.” Looking at the specter, “My fucking witch. Mine.” When Blaise audibly clears his throat the blond shoots him a look, “You got something to say Zabini?”
“Well she may not be my witch. Or Weasley’s witch, but…”
His voice low and menacing, “But fucking what?”
“Well mate I hate to tell you, she isn’t just your witch. She is also Theo’s. Or have you forgotten?” He quirks an eyebrow. “Am I wrong or did you just lay sole claim to the witch that is carrying yours and Theo’s babies? The woman who has proclaimed to love both of you? The woman who doesn’t know what a fucking tosser you were to the other man she loves?” Blaise walks over to the fireplace, as he grabs a handful of powder he adds, “I’m heading to the manor, then apparating to Diagon Alley. If you want to join me, my first stop is the Nook. But please spare me if you’re going to continue to be an alpha asshole. We get you’re a big bad ex death eater, but hurt my friend again and I will be more than happy to show you that magic aside I can kick your ass.” And he steps into the green flame.
Draco is so deep in thought that he forgets that Weasley is there and flinches when the ghost speaks. “Welllll that was, unexpected. What’d ya do Malfoy?”
“I was… Never mind. I very much deserved that and so much more. I have to find Theo.”
“That’s actually why I’m here. He sent me to tell you to quote JUST FUCKING GO end quote. So I’ll ask again, What. Did. You. Do?”
“I fucked up. I really fucked up bad. I hurt… I hurt… Fucking hell I hurt the man I love. I need to go find him.” Draco heads to the door.
Weasley floats in front of it. “I really don’t think that is a good idea. He was really tense. Give him time to cool down. Hermione will get him in a better mood.”
Draco couldn’t help but think about how hurt she will be when she learns about how he treated Theo. How he spoke to him and what he insinuated. He didn’t want to fight with the wizard in front of the students, he would rather have this discussion at home. In the privacy of the manor and under the thick wards. Preferably without Hermione present. “You might be right.” He went back to the floo and disappeared in a flash of green flames.
__________
Hermione brought the fish and chips to the library to give to Theo, but the wizard wasn’t there. She set to work and about an hour later he showed up.
He stood in the doorway of the Library and watched his witch. Theo chest was tight with anger, or fear or worry. He didn’t know which emotion to address first. Draco thought he didn’t care about the little witch as much as he did. He insinuated that he only wanted to fuck her or use her sexually. Theo’s heart hurt, as he wondered if she felt that way. Yes it seemed like they he was always physically drawn to her, but so was Draco. Her sexual appetite has always matched theirs, and since she’s been pregnant it seems to have only gotten stronger. Tears stung the backs of his eyes when he thought about he little witch being threatened because of him. He couldn’t lose her, he would die if anything happened to either of his loves. Although right now he wasn’t too keen on taking a stray hex for Draco, he still loved him and that’s why his words hurt so badly. Just then she looked up and her face broke into such a fucking beautiful smile.
Hermione rose to her feet when she saw Theo in the doorway. She was excited to show him that she had brought him back his favorite meal from Hogsmeade. She giggled when as he pulled her behind a bookshelf, and swept her into his arms. Kissing her softly he held out his hand and there was a bouquet of sugar quills. Some of her favorite flavors along with all the new ones. “I’m so sorry I missed lunch today. I had a rather urgent last minute task to complete.”
Grabbing an orange honey quill and slipping it into her mouth, “Hmmm. My favorite. Yes well thank you for your last minute ‘task’.”
Watching her suck on the candy, his nostrils flared as he pulled her right against his now hard cock. The sexual attraction between them was like two magnets drawn towards each other. “The only stipulation of you getting all those quills is that you have to eat them in front of me.”
Pulling the quill almost out of her mouth and circling the tip with her sticky wet tongue. “Yes Master Theo.”
Burying his face against her neck, his breath hot against her pulse point, “Fuck witch, you’re going to kill me.” With an extra quick thrust of his hips against her and a quick lick to her neck he whispers in her ear. “Later I’m going to lick that sweet little cunt just like your licking that quill.” Satisfied when she squirms, knowing without touching her, that her knickers were soaked he grabs his takeaway and sits at their table. His only thought was that Draco was wrong, his witch wanted him as badly as he wanted her.
_______________
Draco’s afternoon had been shit. He caught up to Blaise but the man was still so angry with him that he soon left him to his own and did he errands. He finished and had time to call on Potter to discuss the wording of the proposed Wizengamot Witch Reform Proposal. It was one of many such propositions that they would be putting to the Wizengamot. “I addressed the rights of witch’s to hold various positions involving the handling of payment books and ledgers to include purchases and inventories.” Draco had to explain to Harry, since he had been raised in the muggle world, why they couldn’t be more aggressive with their wording. Clarifying , “The changes to the laws in the British Ministry of Magic will require us taking baby steps. If we try to push through too many changes too quickly then all of the older families will band together.”
Harry countered, “But we have enough younger people that I think we will have the vote.”
Draco’s voice raised, “We may have quite a few younger wizards representing their families, but those families carry a lot of weight and influence. Those younger wizards are not necessarily the heads of their families. They are only the family representatives. Therefore, if too much change is proposed too fast, their families will ‘influence’ their vote.”
Call it what it is. “Blackmail. They will coerce their family representative to vote down a proposal that is too radical.”
Draco, fisting his hands, “Potter you don’t understand. I believe there are enough older families that believe change is needed, but if they are pushed too far too fast, they will revert back to the safety of what they are used to.”
Their raised voices and argumentative tone draw the attention of the ginger haired witch. Ginny enters the room holding and biting into a rather large sandwich. When she is done chewing she interrupts, “Harry, my love, I am loathed to do this but I have to agree with Draco. Change will happen but it cannot happen quickly. Britain is one of the last hold outs of the old ways.”
Weather Harry just didn’t want to upset one of his pregnant witches or because he really understood their position, he capitulated his position. “Fine. I trust that you both know better than I do.”
____________
Draco got home and Blaise was in the game room practicing darts, Narcissa was reading in her sitting room. He sat across from her. “Hello my Love. You and Blaise seem to be sporting the same long face. What’s wrong? Do you want to talk about it?”
“No.” Sipping his herbal tea, which he really had gotten used to but did think it tasted awful. “Yes.” another sip. “I don’t know. I messed up. I really hurt Theo.” At his words, he noticed her put her cup down and give him her full attention.
“I’m sure it’s not as bad as you think Love. He loves you so much. What happened?”
Not realizing her words made him feel worse he buried his head in his hands and then ran his fingers though his hair. “You don’t understand I said some pretty horrible things to him.” Taking another sip he finally put it down. “I called into question his love for Hermione. I questioned his ability to protect her. I…I…” Standing up and pacing. “I said maybe he would notice if something horrible happened to her because of us.”
His words have the witch moving. Grabbing his arm. “What do you mean? Why would something horrible happen to her because of you and Theo?”
Realizing he said more than he planned to, “Nothing mother. It was nothing.”
But the witch was having none of it. As her son turned to leave the room, quicker than he had ever seen, she drew her wand and accio’d his wand, silenced his voice and bound his body. Then with another flick she closed and locked the doors. “What happened my Dragon. Why would Hermione be at risk or in danger?”
Feeling the silencing charm lift, “What the bloody hell mother? Let me g...”
Charm back in place. “Draco. My Love. I’m going to release your voice again. You will answer my questions or I will keep you like this until Theo gets home and he answers them.” Blink twice if you understand. She waited but he just stared at her. Finally he relented. “Very good.”
The charm lifted, “It seems our little witch has been getting some very nasty letters ever since the baby announcement. Most of them are just nasty words. Loathsome people spewing their vile thoughts. But according to the Weasley ghost, a few have been very dark and threatening.”
Narcissa was walking around the room, tapping her wand to her leg. “Are the threatening ones always from the same people?"
“I don’t know. He didn’t know. It seems our little Lion has taken it upon herself to just toss them in the bin daily without opening them.” Sighing deeply, “She believes if you ignore them, they will eventually stop.”
Narcissa spun around, “Seriously? I thought she was smarter than that. I mean, sure they could just be hateful people trying to scare her.”
Cutting her off, Draco’s voice was quiet. “No. They aren’t empty threats. I just so happened to open one today when I found out. It was a howler and it had Rodolphus’ signature needle shrapnel.” Seeing the shock on her face he rushed on. “No one was hurt. She wasn’t even in the room. I realized what was going to happen and quickly cast a bubble shield around it.”
“I still don’t see what any of this has to do with you hurting Theo?” Narcissa saw shame cross his face. “Draco?”
“The howler said the most vial, threatening things. Then the needles. I was so angry that it could have been her opening it. So, I lashed out and told him that if anything had happened to her it would be because he hadn’t protect her.” Seeing the sadness in his mother’s eyes. “I know it was wrong. I don’t believe that. I know he would die for her. I just needed to lash out and couldn’t do it her.”
“So, you did it to your other love.” Her voice softens, “Yes. Theo would die for her. He would die for you too. You must know that.”
Tears fell freely down his face. “I know. I know he would.” She released his bindings, and he slumped down to the floor and cried, so ashamed of how he had hurt the man he loves. So afraid of what could have happened to Hermione or even Theo had he been there if she had opened the howler. If he hadn’t realized what it was or worse if he had and put himself between her and the needles. He felt his mother’s small strong arms pulling him to her.
“Shh. I’ve got you. It’ll be alright.” Narcissa held her son as he cried. She soothed and spoke soft words of love and forgiveness. All while she was worried about her other son. She knew Theo would take every word to heart.
Draco pulled away, the ward letting him know that Hermione was home. He waited. After a couple minutes he stood wiping his face. “Hermione is home. Theo is not.”
He made himself presentable and entered the game room to find Blaise alone. “Where’s Hermione?”
“She went up to take a shower. She smelled like old parchment and dust. Something about a new shipment of books that came in and they would take her forever to get through since the magic is so old dark.”
Draco turned quickly and ran out of the room, just as Narcissa entered. “Blaise love how are you?”, was all he heard as he sprinted up the stairs.
Hermione was already in the shower. Since the shower had a magical barrier to keep the water from splashing all over the floor, he just stood for a moment and watched the little witch wash and rinse her hair. She soaped a flannel and ran it all over her body. “I know you’re watching me Love.” Looking right into his eyes, “Why don’t you join me?”
“Naughty girl we have company and Tipsy has made a special dinner in honor of the tosser.” Then trying to sound curious rather than panicked, “Where’s Theo?”
She began to rinse her body, he watched as the soap slid down over her breast, which were slightly bigger. “He said to have dinner without him. He had to meet with Madam Pomfrey about something then Madam Sprout wanted him to look at several plants before they are put into stasis for the winter break.” She finished rinsing her body, reaching her hand out a warm towel floated to her. As she began drying her body Draco approached her with another towel to begin drying her hair. “Oh, then he said he had to talk to Lachlan about his furthering his studies after the first of the year. He would grab dinner with him.”
Draco felt the lump in his throat. He couldn’t speak around it, so he just continued to dry her hair. She wrapped the towel around herself, “I told him I would be very cross with him when he said that he would stay in my rooms if it gets too late.” She turned and wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him down for a kiss. Her tongue begging to play,
Draco kissed her on instinct, but he wasn’t really feeling what he was doing. His mind was in a panic. Theo wasn’t coming home. He wasn’t coming home. His heart hurt for his love. Pulled back from his thoughts when Hermione’s hand slid to the front of his pants. His body was reacting on instinct. He was half hard and she wanted to play. “Sweetheart we have company and Tipsy has dinner ready.”
Looking into grey eyes, Hermione saw something, hesitation, worry, but before she could put a name to it, it was gone. Reaching out with her magic, the connection felt his worry. “Draco is everything okay?”
“Yes. I’m just tired, and Blaise is here and I didn’t know Theo wasn’t going to be here for dinner.”
She began unbuttoning his shirt. “I’m sure Blaise could wait a little longer and Tipsy is never cross when we are just a little late for dinner. But Draco grabbed her hands and stopped her. “Draco I need you.” She heard the whine in her own voice, but she was so horny she didn’t care.
He gave a soft chuckle as he used one hand to lock both hers behind her back. Using his other hand, he brushed her damp hair out of her face. “Come love let’s have dinner. I’m sure Theo saw to your needs all day. We’ll have a nice dinner and spend some time with mother and Blaise. I know she wants to go over the holiday party plans and then hopefully Theo will be home and the three of us can retire to play.”
She pulled her hands away and turned. “I told you he said he may stay in my rooms. I don’t like it but if he is going to be there tomorrow anyway, and if he and Lachlan work late, he might as well.” She grabbed her muggle leggings and jumper, as she dressed, she added, “as far as Theo seeing to my needs, he did not. It seems neither of my wizards are of a mind to do that today.”
Draco went down on his haunches in front of her. “What do you mean love? Did Theo not see to this pretty little pussy today?” He slid his knuckles over the material between her legs. Pushing just enough to hear her gasp.
Her eyes close and she revels in the feel of Draco’s touch. “Oh he did this morning, but after lunch he seemed really distracted and his mind was focused elsewhere.” Licking her lips she couldn’t help but push her center against his fingers. “Please Draco. Please use your fingers.”
Draco watched as the little witch leaned back on her hands and spread her legs wider. Realizing she needed him, he slipped his fingers in the waistband of her leggings and slipped them down her legs. She wasn’t wearing any knickers and the moment her feet were freed from the material she spreads her legs wide open for him. “Fuck Sweetheart your pussy is so beautiful.” He wanted to dive in and lick it until she came all over his face, but even her delicious cunt couldn’t stop his thoughts of Theo. So he pinched her clit. “Keep your hands next to you. If you move them, I’ll stop and deny you.” Slipping just the tip of his middle finger in, her body tried to suck him in. “Do you understand Baby?”
“Yessss.” She spread wider and tried to push her hips forward to force more of him inside.
Chuckling, he pulled his finger out. “Witch you will get what I give you.”
“Draco please, I need it hard. Please.” She begged.
Adding a second finger to the first he pushes them into her with quick, rough thrusts and he begins to finger fucking her. When she cries out he asks, “Is that what you want Love? Hard like that?” He continues to roughly fuck her, holding his fingers deep and stroking her soft walls. To Draco’s surprise she was already fluttering and tightening around his fingers. “You really did need to come Sweetheart.” Using his other hand he pinches her clit. “Come Baby. Give me all that sweet honey.”
She throws her head back and screams out his name just as he feels her warm cream flow over his fingers. Unable to help himself, when she comes down from her high, he leans over and begins to lick her clean. Drawing a second orgasm from her.
Once she is cleaned up and dressed again, she takes his hand, “Something was off with Theo today. He asked me if I thought he was too focused on sex with me. If I felt he used me for his needs only.” Shaking her head she stood up and headed to the door. “He kept asking if I felt like sex was all about him and what he wanted. After I stopped laughing, I told him that if anyone should feel used it should be you two. I swear these babies have made me the horniest witch in all of Britain. I don’t think I have had a dry pair of knickers for months.”
As they made their way down to dinner, all Draco could think of was how his words made his love believe that he thought the worst of him. His stomach was in such knots that he just knew if he ate anything, he was going to vomited it up before it even got to his stomach. He had to find Theo and make this right.
Dinner took forever, his stomach was upset and worse both Blaise and his mother knew the real reason Theo wasn’t there. Draco couldn’t follow the conversation and when Hermione asked him a question that he hadn’t heard and therefore couldn’t respond to, he stood quickly and made an excuse that he forgot to attend to some business that was time sensitive. Then he rushed out of the room, not looking back at her confused expression.
When the little witch went looking for him, she found a note in his study, explaining that he had to go out on an errand and he would be back as soon as possible. So she spent the evening with Narcissa, who seemed off and Blaise who didn’t seem quite as relaxed as usual. Finally tiring of trying to figure everyone’s strange behavior, she retired to their rooms. Reading a muggle romance book and trying to relax, but her magic and emotions seemed very off tonight. Actually they had been off all afternoon. Hermione had been waiting up for one or both of her wizards but between the heavy dinner, and the pregnancy, exhaustion finally won. She fell into an uneasy sleep, on the sofa in their personal sitting room.
_______________
Draco floo’d to Hogwarts, Hermione’s personal rooms were dark. He wandered around the school, the library, the dining hall even the kitchens. Stopping to see Madam Pomfrey and Professor Sprout to see if Theo was with one of them. Neither had seen the wizard since before the end of day classes. Making his way back to Hermione’s rooms he ran into Lachlan, “Good evening, Professor.”
Lachlan shook his hand. “What brings you to the school this evening?”
“Just looking for Theo. He told Hermione he was meeting with some professors.” The look on the man’s face made him stop talking.
“I’m not sure who he would have to meet with this late. We had our meeting this afternoon with Poppy and Pomona. He and I did inventory and went over the student’s studies after they return from break. He should be all set with classes.”
The look on his face made the other man stop talking. “What classes?”
Lachlan looked embarrassed. “Maybe I wasn’t supposed to say anything.”
Draco pushed, “No. Please. What are you talking about?”
Wringing his hands, the older man continued. “I don’t want to cause trouble, but he made arrangements with Minerva today to take over my classes after the first of the year. My brother has to travel to Canada to take care of his late wife’s sister. She’s a muggle and is having some medical issues. He’ll be gone at least a month so I have to go and see to the family property and business. I won’t be available to keep up with my classes.”
Draco interrupted, “And you asked Theo to take over your classes?”
“No. He had approached Minerva today at lunch. He seemed rather upset. Said he was going to be at the school quite a bit to keep an eye on Hermione, and he told her she should feel free to put him to work where needed.” The man shrugged his shoulders, “Before he walked away from our table she offered him the position of substitute potions teacher.” Worry still in the man’s eyes. “I’m sorry if I let the cat out of the bag.”
Draco just shook his head. “No. Don’t worry. I’m sure it wasn’t a secret. I just haven’t seen him since before lunch.” Shaking the man’s hand again. “Thank you, Lachlan. It’s late, I’ll let you go about your evening. I should be getting home.”
The second he stepped through the floo in their bedroom he heard Narcissa’s voice coming from their sitting room. As he stepped into the room he saw his mother soothing a sleeping Hermione. Whispering calming word. “Shhh. I’m here Love. It’s alright. You’re safe. They’re safe.”
The little witch was whimpering and seemed to be crying. “Mum what’s going on?”
She cast a silencing charm over his witch. “I’m not sure. Mopsy came and got me. She said Hermione was crying out for Theo.” She brushed her had over the little witch’s cheek. “When I got here she was sleeping but crying and calling out for him.” Worry in her eyes, “Did you find him?”
Shaking his head, Draco felt his chest tighten. Felt for the magic and what hit him made his heart freeze. Theo. He was furious. He was using a lot of magic. Hurt, he was hurt. “MUM.” He dropped to his knees next to Hermione.
Narcissa watched as her son wrapped his arms around the sleeping woman. She watched as Draco and Hermione connected to each other and began murmuring Theo’s name and words of protection and strength. “Theo. We’re here. Your safe.”
Several long moments later Draco broke his connection with the witch and abruptly stood. He felt the wards, Theo was home. A moment later Mopsy popped into the room. “Master you must come now.”
He looked to Narcissa, “Stay with her.” Then he reached his hand out and the little elf transported him to Theo’s lab. The scene before him made his blood freeze. Theo was laying on the floor, his face was bloody and bruised, his shirt was covered in blood and he wasn’t moving. Draco fell to his knees next to him. “Mopsy get Blaise.” Pulling his wand, not trusting that he could focus enough to perform wandless. He cast a diagnostic charm and it appeared above his wizards body. “Theo. Theo Baby. What happened? Who did this to you? Where is all this blood coming from?”