Chapter 55
“To withdraw is not to run away.”
Miguel de Cervantes
Earlier that day, Luna and Blaise made their way to the estate to help set up for the party. Luna wouldn't miss it for the world, and though she and her partner had come with the best of intentions, Draco and Blaise enjoyed a drink while their witches enjoyed a manicure. For hours, the staff fretted over the final details, regularly checking in with Draco, who'd wanted everything to be perfect for his wife.
Guests arrived in turn, making entrances to the Cornwall estate where their hosts awaited them in a large room left of the entrance. Instruments were charmed to play in the corner as arriving guests were served drinks by smartly dressed staff. Muggle men and women with silver trays of drinks and amuses bouches weaved through.
Pansy arrived late with a reluctant-looking Viktor Krum on her arm. Draco was a bit more firm on his shake with Viktor, holding it longer than necessary before resuming his decision to ignore the seeker. It was easier to pretend he didn't have a problem under his roof. Plus, dealing with Pansy, where she could make a spectacle, didn't seem worth it. He had enough problems to last him a lifetime without adding friends to the mix.
Trying not to roll her eyes at how her husband lingered on Viktor, she smiled at him and winked at Pansy, proud of her for making that happen. She had a glass of wine in one hand and had her arm in her husband's. Leaning in, she brushed a brief kiss to his jaw. "Pansy's date won't be a problem, will he, darling?" I could say those words again if it would reassure you. She teased.
Hermione's hair fell in soft waves with a light bounce. Her dress accented her curves while remaining tasteful. She wore the snake bracelet Draco gifted her around her arm, covering the scar from her teen years. She also wore the new necklace that Draco had gotten for her. Gifts kept being showered on her from him, and though she felt odd, she accepted it. It helped a little with the delusion she kept to herself on occasion.
Draco leaned into her lips, enjoying their feel far more than he dared to admit. What words are you referring to, darling? he asked lightly, taking a sip from his drink. No, Viktor was the least of his problems, and he'd gain nothing from this property or its guests. It was easier to keep his attention on his wife, especially with the necklace she'd chosen to wear. He'd lead her up those stairs before the night was over.
Hermione offered a smile and took another sip of her own wine. I'm yours, obviously. That always seems to help. There was a bit of cheek in that answer, though, as she walked over to Luna and Blaise. With Pansy and her beau stealing the hosts' attention, the Greengrass sisters were practically unnoticed in their entry. She was glad to mingle with people she was comfortable with. No house filled with death eaters to deal with, no having to worry about being summoned, she hoped, and just time to enjoy her birthday. "It was very thoughtful of you to invite our friends. I don't think I've had a proper celebration in years."
Those words tingled down his spine and pooled in his gut. He did enjoy them. They did make everything better. That you are, he agreed, remaining at her side as they flitted around the room, making small talk. At least Blaise and Luna were easy to speak with. Even if it only reminded him of Theo's absence. "The least I can do, darling," he said as if it were the most natural response.
"You do spoil me so," she praised with a bit of a smile before taking another sip of her wine.
"Beautiful necklace," Luna's airy voice interrupts the pair. Her gentle blue hues eying it knowingly as she clung to Blaise's side. Her green dress exposed the latest bruises she proudly wore.
Luna's interruption made her blush a touch as she glanced back at her and chuckled. "Thank you. Your dress is rather lovely," she praised before glancing up at the wizard. "Lovely to see you, Blaise."
"Thank you," she slipped a hand in a slit along her leg. "It has pockets," she grinned victoriously. There were perks to having a seamstress on the property, even if she was a prisoner of war. "Looks like we could use refills. Shall we?" she asked her friend, offering her the arm she had used to hold Blaise. It seemed the boys could use a moment.
Blaise kept one arm looped around Luna rather protectively. It was odd to have her out in public with him now, but he was glad he got the chance, even if he worried about what might happen. "Of course. Wouldn't dare miss it," he drawled and gave a nod to Draco with a bit of a smile. "Thanks for inviting us. Should be an interesting evening," he chuckled, glancing over at the Greengrass sisters and then Pansy with Viktor.
Interesting sounded like an understatement. He hadn't expected Astoria to show, but then, Purebloods were an interesting lot. "Hopefully, not too interesting. It's a shame Theo's busy," Draco shrugged, sipping his glass. It wasn't exactly the truth, but there was no point in allowing there to be doubt right now. Not yet.
Hermione offered a light smile and gave a slight shrug of her shoulders. "It is. But I'm sure he's being productive." It beat saying she hoped he was happy. She didn't know Theo well enough to know whether he'd go with Harry or not. Letting her attention refocus on Luna, she couldn't help but laugh softly. "Oh, your dress wins then. I clearly need to add more pockets to my dresses," she praised before she looped her arm with Luna's. "We shall."
As the two of them walked away, Blaise let his gaze linger on his blonde. He didn't trust many other pureblood women to be nice to her, but he supposed it was out of his hands now. Looking back at Draco, he offered a small smile. "Things going smoothly for her birthday?"
It was hard not to keep his gaze on his wife, and yet he did exactly that. If only for the sake of appearances. It was enough that he was slipping around her. He didn't need accounts of his hovering over his witch getting out.
“Why wouldn’t they be?” He drawled. The question had felt so distant. It was easier than to admit to what he’d done to her, to himself.
Blaise couldn't help but arch a brow with a faint smile. "Since Theo isn't here to say it, I have to. And don't hex me for it," he started, taking a sip of whiskey before he continued. "So, mom and dad have stopped arguing? She seems to like getting under your skin on purpose. But not as much lately..." he tried to direct.
"What are you implying?" Draco sniffed. It wasn't like he and Hermione always fought. Plus, they had bigger fish to fry. There was more at stake than their prides.
"I'm implying that perhaps there's more than just convenience between the two of you. Especially since I had to get rid of a hand," he laughed softly, not even bothered by it at all. Perhaps a younger him would have been horrified. Younger him wouldn't have survived.
Draco turned to his friend. "Might need to get rid of a tongue," he warned. Of course they had more than convenience. They had amazing chemistry. Even better sex. It was all she could give him, and he wasn't going to ask for more. He needed to shift the conversation away from the reality of his marriage. “What about you and…Luna,” he added. He wanted to stay far away from the L word, even if just part of a surname. “Plan to keep her more formally?”
As the conversation turned to his witch, though, he looked after her with a slightly softer expression. "Going well. Glad she's getting healthier. Not as healthy as your missus yet, but she'll get there, " he murmured, still hating how malnourished she'd been. "Once I can figure out a way to ask properly. Don't have to go through the contracting side of it until she says yes. A mix of modern and old traditions."
"You have a witch who has gone through hell and back for you, and you're afraid to...ask properly? She'd probably settle if she knew she had something to fall back on. And I'm the oblivious one," he scoffed.
"No! Not afraid. After everything, I want to ask properly because she deserves the effort. Especially after putting her through hell and back," he explained with a shake of his head.
"I suggest sooner before I reconsider the tongue threat," he paused, noticing Astoria in the distance. She was keeping alone, which was annoying. Even more so when she had that furtive look and began to make her way up a set of stairs. "Hold that thought," he grumbled, setting his glass down to follow.
Looking over at him, he simply lifted a brow. "You'd miss my wit, Malfoy. Not to mention I'm more useful to you able to speak." He chuckled before looking over at Luna. He watched her with that fond smile and sighed softly. Before he could ask his friend what he thought about an idea he was off and after...Astoria. oh. That wasn't good.
Luna grabbed two glasses off a tray and handed one to her friend. "A whole weekend getaway with spa staff," she grinned. "Did he plan all of this, or is he just taking credit?" she asked. It wasn't lost on her that none of the staff present seemed to be carrying wands.
Hermione took the fresh glass and chuckled. "Oddly enough? All him. I had no idea. I just said I wanted to come back here for my birthday." She could give him credit where credit was due. Sipping at her wine, she stole a glance to Blaise before looking back at Luna. "He still behaving?"
At that, the blonde smiled. "Interesting," she smiled but didn't add any more. It wasn't her business. Malfoy didn't exactly seem the type to invest so much energy for convenience. "Who? Blaise?" she grinned. "I'm the one who's misbehaving," she winked towards her friend.
"Interesting. How?" She asked with a raised brow as she watched her friend. Though she couldn't help but giggle at that wink, shaking her head with a smirk. "Well, yes, but is he still treating you well?" The last thing she wanted was for her friends to be in danger or to be unhappy.
"Very well," she assured her friend with a smile over her glass. She stole a glance toward her lover. She did so enjoy the sight of him. If they weren't celebrating her friend, she might have stolen away with him to another room. They practically had the Manor to themselves with its owners tucked away here. "And interesting," she smiled knowingly.
"Oh good." That was at least a blessing. Blaise and Theo seemed like good guys who had to do terrible things. Their hearts hadn't been destroyed by what they did. Unlike her husband. He had said he didn't think himself capable of love. The care he did and was able to give her was appreciated even if she longed for more. "What is that look, Luna?"
Luna feigned innocence as she looked at her friend. If she absolutely needed to know, who was she to deny it? "You're glowing..." she said with a bit of a smile. "And he seems to be awfully invested for someone who's already won you," she pointed out. There was no point in stating the obvious when her friend could draw those conclusions alone.
Hermione gave a faint shake of her head as she blushed a bit more. "I'm very well rested and well taken care of...Of course, he's invested. Keeping me happy keeps me translating things and cooperative," she murmured, swirling the wine in her glass with an almost wistful expression. Even if she was one of the most brilliant witches around, she didn't see what others were starting to figure out.
"Is that what it is?" She scoffed and shook her head. "Is that why the redhead's exhausted and thinning?" If Luna didn't live in the house, she might have accepted the answer, but beyond the random acts of kindness between the pair, it was the lingering looks that put them on the radar. "Honestly, he'd probably only have to tell you not to translate it to get you to do it," she teased.
The blush deepened as she took a long drink from her glass of wine. "Wouldn't do if his wife was exhausted and thinning. I was already underweight when I got here..." she tried to brush off. Knowing how she felt was one thing, but Draco wouldn't. Couldn't. He had said so himself. Constantly. "Plus, it makes it less likely for the Malfoy line to get an heir if I'm too stressed...but telling me not to or telling me I can't would absolutely get me to do it more."
"The wizard's a strategist," she held her hand up like one did a white flag. "If he wanted you to work, he could do so without treating you like a queen, which I'm glad he does," Luna added. Hermione deserved to be happy. She deserved to be doted on the way her cat was. "All I'm saying is, I think there's more than convenience, which good on you."
"Well, I can't argue about him being a strategist. The wizard knew what I was doing and where I often was, and I hadn't even realized," she muttered with a slight wrinkle of her nose. She had been slipping. It had to be part of why he was able to get her in the first place. Part Luna, part her slipping, part his determination. "...Perhaps he's more fond of me than he realized, but he has mentioned he's not sure if he can be more than that with someone," she admitted with a shrug, attempting to cover up how much that idea bothered her.
Luna scoffed at that. Of course, the prat would say something like that. "Have you ever considered that what he's displaying might not meet what he believes is love? If you haven't grown up being loved, and your only reference is theoretical..." Luna began and paused. No, this could be stripped and boiled down to a simpler expression. "I think he's full of shit."
Hermione chuckled softly at that and glanced around the room, trying not to fidget. But where had Draco gone? It had her brow furrowed slightly. "...I won't argue that he isn't full of shit, but for different reasons," she added with a faint smile, glancing at where Blaise was.
The man glanced towards the stairs and then looked over at Daphne before back at the stairs.
She frowned, putting down her glass. "If you'll excuse me a moment...I need to go find my husband."
Luna nodded, downing her drink. While her friend made it up the stairs; she returned to her lover's side.
On the floor above, Draco kept a hand near the handle of his wand. When the brunette had gone up, he had followed but lost her along the way. There were only so many doors. He had felt relief when she hadn't snuck into their quarters. When he'd opened the door to the study, he regretted the decision.
Astoria had stripped down to a racy emerald number that left little to the imagination, a long string of pearls down her front that she brushed with her fingers. "Mr. Malfoy," she greeted in a sultry undertone. "I wasn't sure you'd follow..."
Striding up the stairs, Hermione tried to see if she could find him herself before using the spell that helped them find the other. Noticing what Blaise had been implying had her blood boiling. Hadn't she warned the other Greengrass sister? Hadn't she been thorough enough? Perhaps she should take a hand if the girl had attempted to touch her husband. What would those fidelity vows do?
She heard a door open and close and started to walk in that direction. At least it wasn't in the direction of the bedroom here.
"A decision I find myself deeply regretting," he tensed his jaw, fingers brushing the handle of his wand. "This is getting pathetic," he drawled towards the brunette.
"Don't tell me she's giving you what you need. She'll never give you a proper heir. I can give you that..."
Draco wanted nothing more than to throw her out the bloody window. If it weren't for Daphne's friendship with his wife, he might have considered killing her. "Put your clothes back on, before I have you thrown out as you are."
Hearing the words as she stood outside the door, she felt rage build up that made her fingers twitch to her wand as she opened the door, striding in without hesitation. Drawing her wand, she draped an arm around Draco before looking at Astoria.
"Ms. Greengrass. I wish I could say I was surprised by your antics," she drawled, looking at her with cold fury.
That arm, the cool breeze of anger, Draco couldn't say this side of his wife wasn't a surprising and pleasant turn of events. He hadn't wanted her to have to deal with this, not on her birthday. Before he could say anything, Astoria was rising from the plush office chair, pushing off the desk.
"I'm not the one failing to produce an heir," Astoria shrugged.
Draco's hand settled on the small of his wife's back. He wouldn't stop her, and he'd support her. Whatever she chose to do. A message he hoped the touch conveyed. His mind was too busy holding back every statement he wanted to hurl at the witch desecrating this office.
Narrowing her eyes on Astoria, she couldn't help but smirk slowly. The expression lacked warmth. If anything, this new smile was like a baring of teeth as she kept her arm around her husband. "I don't think it's a lack of sex that's failing to produce an heir. And it's only been a few months. Unless you're saying you're so fertile a man could sneeze on you, and you'd get pregnant, I don't think there's a problem here."
She drawled the words, her fingers lightly brushing along her husband's shoulder in a sign of simple possession without being overly flaunting. "Unless you think I'm simply not satisfying my husband's needs, like you implied before," turning her attention away from Astoria, she let her gaze scan over her husband's face, as if she were looking for something in particular.
Draco looked at his wife. She was absolutely terrifying, and for once, he was pleased to see it in his favor. Whatever this push from the youngest Greengrass was, he wanted no part in it.
"Tell me, darling. What would happen if someone attempted to push in a way that would break one of our vows?" What would happen if he wasn't responsible for the breaking of it?
“They’d likely end up cursed,” he shrugged. “Can’t say I care what happens to those that would attempt to make either of us stray,” he added, leaning in to kiss across her jaw. You’re stunning when you’re vengeful, his mind was lighter than butterfly wings against hers.
Feeling the way he looked at her almost had her shiver. She let him kiss along her jaw, enjoying the feeling of his lips against her skin as the youngest Greengrass practically seethed at the show of affection. You're just glad it isn't pointed at you this time. It was meant to be light-hearted but seemed to hold actual belief there.
Looking over Astoria, she clucked her tongue. "Hmmm. Now, what to do with you...I do believe I warned you once to stay away from my husband...And I'm not in the habit of repeating myself..."
“Why do you even care?” Astoria demanded on a scoff. “Most witches would be relieved to have their husbands otherwise occupied,” she rolled her eyes. It wasn’t like either had love for the other.
After so many months living with her, he’d come to realize how much of his anger for her stemmed from his desire to do more than run her through with the pointy end of a dagger. Fairly certain it turned me on then too, he recalled a few choice moments he’d practically said as much.
"Most witches don't seem to have fidelity vows worked into their marriage. Most witches don't seem like they're particularly taken care of by their husbands. I have one that pays attention, is incredibly attentive to my physical needs, and values my mind. How many witches can say they have that? After what Daphne told me your mother did to your father, I'm assuming not your parents."
Her voice was cool, Her fingers trailed down her husband's back before she strode forward, her wand shifted in her hand as she looked the other brunette over slowly. "Perhaps I should simply throw you out without the rest of your clothes, make you apparate home in that. Or perhaps I should perform a hex that marks you as the attempted desperate floozy you are. Perhaps in hive-like marks like I left on Edgecomb in fifth year?" She lightly tapped her wand to her chin as if she were debating what she could do to her. I turn you on when I'm reading. I turn you on when I'm mad. Is there any point that I don't turn you on at this point, Draco?
Astoria lifted her chin in defiance, reaching for her wand. If Hermione wanted a fight, she would get one. “Are you enough for him, though? Man with that kind of stamina to leave two women sated in one night…it can take a toll.”
Draco had to hold back, wanting to curse her himself. If it weren’t for his wife distracting him with their bond, he might have gone straight to cursing. Are you complaining? he asked. There wasn’t much she could do that would break his desires for her. Hell he had half a mind to sneak in a moment before returning to the festivities. “Astoria, have you ever considered that I haven’t given you as much as a second thought?” He scoffed as his fingers drew small circles against his wife’s hip. “Whatever you choose darling, make sure it keeps her away or I’ll have to send her home in pieces,” he kissed his wife’s temple. This was growing old. Even more tiresome than that idiot he’d taken a hand from.
Hermione kept her eyes on Astoria before she used wandless magic to summon the other witch's wand. Astoria might have been a pureblood witch, but she hadn't fought in the war for years. Her reactions were too slow. "I'm rather certain that we wouldn't have added fidelity vows if he thought that I couldn't satisfy him." Her voice was a deadly croon as with a slight flick of her wand, she brought the youngest Greengrass to her knees.
Leaning into those light circles he drew against her hip, part of her relaxed. If she was a cat, she would have been purring. Would have toyed this out a little bit more. Considering you haven't drawn me away from my research due to it, no. No complaints here. You're aware of the complaints I have had. Hearing Draco say that to Astoria soothed some part of her. She knew that this wasn't a love match and despite what Luna said, she wasn't convinced that Draco could love. He could care. And that was more than she would have expected. "Causing pain might just make her vengeful. Don't want to kill her. Daphne would be so distraught...what to do..." She wracked her mind, but she remembered something from the records of the sacred twenty-eight. There was a dormant blood curse in the Greengrass line...
A sound of exasperation left her at the feel of wood slipping out of her grasp. Astoria might not have been as skilled as either of the pair before her, but she wasn't incapable. "Apparently I'm such a threat, you plan to attack me disarmed. Lots of faith in fidelity vows," she muttered from where she was forced to kneel. Under the right circumstances, they could be circumvented. If she'd known, she'd have used other methods to lure him into straying. "With that much imagination, you must be so fun in bed," she rolled her eyes. Perhaps taunting the witch wasn't the best idea, but if she thought she was going to make her feel lesser because she knew what she wanted. Because being on her knees before them was as arousing as it was terrifying.
"She's a typical pureblood housewife in the making, at least vengeance will be...mind-numbingly predictable," he shrugged. It didn't matter. He appreciated his wife for not going for the kill. He kissed along the side of her neck. "Unlike my wife," Draco met Astoria's gaze. "I wouldn't antagonize the witch in whose hands your fate resides," he drew his wife in closer, pleased by the aggravation it caused the brunette witch currently in undergarments.
"More a lack of patience for any sort of games. Or getting into a duel on my birthday. The fact I have to deal with this at the celebration my husband put together for me because you...what? Want the status of having his heir? Wanted him to pick you rather than me?" She shook her head. But the insult to her imagination? It had a cold laugh leave her lips as she looked at her. Oh, she thought she lacked creativity? There were blood curses she had looked into before that she had considered using on the Malfoy line before all of this happened. Researching them to see if they could be used to slow the Dark Lord.
The kisses along her neck had her shiver. Letting herself be pulled in by her husband, she turned her head and nipped at his jaw before pressing a kiss there. Tell me activating the latent blood curse in her line isn't too far... Her gaze stayed on the other brunette though, her smirk staying cool and cruel as she glanced at the ring on her finger, the magic in it glinting. "If I believed you wouldn't try this again after warning you last time, I would let this slide. You know what you want, but you've been told no by me and by my husband."
Astoria sighed. Honestly, she didn't see the big deal in any of this. Mistresses were common. She might have sung a different tune if she'd known just how far the witch would go. "Which did you want me to answer first?" she asked. Those were a lot of questions for someone losing patience. "I meant it when I said I hadn't wanted a high-profile husband, but I also am happy to be the side piece. Hell, I wouldn't have even minded you around," she looked over the brunette, slicking her lips.
Too far? I'd say appropriate and creative, his mind supplied. Hermione was definitely scary at times. He couldn't say that he hadn't been kept on his toes when they'd faced each other on the field. Mostly, I want her gone so I can have you all to myself...
That had Hermione blink a few times as she looked back at the other woman. If she had ever even entertained the idea of being with a woman, she might have been flattered. Instead? She simply lifted a brow at the other witch without saying a word. Our vows should work as an activation, darling. It was reassuring that he would back her in this. Knowing what she wanted the vows to do if she attempted to get her husband.
The smile stayed cruel as she took a few steps away from her husband, dropping Astoria's wand to the ground. "You know what, Greengrass? Try it." Her arms crossed over her chest, her fingers tracing along the necklace she had on, fiddling with the length of it.
Finally, it seemed like they were getting somewhere. Astoria rose and stepped forward. At least it would beat kneeling in the chill of the office without layers of clothing or warm hands and shame to keep warm. Her heels clicked against the hardwood floor. "Sounds like permission to me," her fingers trailed along his lapels, lips pressing to his jaw.
By the third time her lips met the length of his jaw, he gripped her neck and held it firm. "Greengrass, let me make this abundantly clear. I will never stray from my wife. Least of all with an opportunistic, overambitious, duplicitous cunt like you." Though his words were barely above a whisper, they had her struggle in his grasp, a red glimmer of light shining through her veins, visible beneath the layers of pale flesh. "You're going to put your clothes on, and you're going to claim you feel ill and leave," he warned. "And if I ever see you again, I'll make sure you live the rest of your years without pleasure." Because that's what it was in the end wasn't it? Her need and desire to follow through with the pleasure principle. "Oh and, say a word and I'll obliterate your entire line." Draco was done playing.
The moment he let go of her throat, Astoria was on her knees again. Her legs barely holding her up in a moment of weakness that nearly knocked her unconscious. The threats came through, but she could barely register them as she looked at the glow on her hands and arms until it finally faded. "What did y-y-ou do?" she looked between them.
Watching Astoria kiss Draco had hot rage lash through her and she had to leash it. Had to breathe. But it was difficult. It hurt and her knee jerk reaction to being hurt was to lash out after so many years of having to protect herself. Watching as Draco made it clear with her, claimed he would never stray from her at all, she shouldn't have found it nearly as soothing as she did. That glimmer of light that seemed to shine from under her skin and trace through her body had her blink a few times before she stepped around the brunette and moved back to her husband's side as she sank to her knees.
"I did say our vows would make it so we had to be faithful to the other, Astoria. Letting that magic take care of it seemed more than appropriate." Her fingers lightly brushed along her husband's jaw, gentle despite the lingering anger, before she glanced down at the other brunette. "You'll find out what the vows did soon enough. A word to the wise: don't goad a witch who is more skilled, creative, and vindictive than you."
Or one that had been on a battlefield for years and years. Had to face her nightmares regularly and had given up many of her friends in order to possibly save them in the end. If she only got snippets of what she wanted from her husband, she'd be damned if she shared those snippets with anyone else.
Astoria looked between the pair. Whatever they had done, she’d figure something out. It had to be fixable. “You’re both sick,” she called out to them, taking her clothes and walking out to get dressed. The threats, the weakness that seemed to slow her down, and then there was the fact that her plans had failed.
Draco didn’t look at the dramatic departure, much more interested in his wife. He hadn’t enjoyed the foreign lips on his body, even if he’d known them once. Perhaps more so because he had. It made the parts she touched feel sullied. Reaching forward be gripped the end of her necklace and pulled.
“You, on the other hand,” he practically purred. “I would very much enjoy you in a state of undress…”
Hermione had known that for years. Known that ever since she had the intense drive to get revenge, to rip her opposition to pieces. It had sunk into her very marrow. And yet Draco didn't shrink away and always seemed to revel in it. Accept her. It was a heady sort of feeling as she listened to the heels clicking away.
Getting tugged in, she shivered, her arms lighlty looping around him as she smirked. "We have guests downstairs, darling..."
“They can wait,” he brushed his nose against her. It wasn’t like they were going anywhere, unlike the youngest Greengrass. “I’d much rather return downstairs knowing the last witch to have had her lips on me were my wife’s.” He’d need more than a kiss to wash that filth feeling away. It didn’t help that he found her execution oddly satisfying. It was almost poetic. In the end, Astoria would have enacted the curse her ancestor had carried on to her, for similar reasons. A cheating ancestor easily becomes the source of a wanton witch’s fate.
Brushing her nose against his, she chuckled softly at that, but also couldn't help the blush that filled her cheeks as she claimed his lips. If only so he wouldn't see the blush and question it. Hers. So often she said she was his, but he was also hers. And for just a brief few moments, she'd indulge in that before going to socialize with their friends once more. The calm before the storm to come after they returned home to the manor.
Cupping her cheek with a hand, keeping her necklace taut with the other, Draco kissed his witch deeply. The feel of her lips unraveling a sequence of motions that had their bodies slot closer. Before she could resist, he deepened the kiss, needing more. She was more than just a need. He wanted her just as much as he craved her. It consumed him every hour of every day. Mine. If anything, Astoria’s kisses had merely made him more possessive.
One of her hands carded through his hair before gripping at the back of his head. Her lips parted for him, not resisting in the least as she kissed him back. Encouraging him. A shiver rolled down her spine at that possessive word that pinged around in her head from him. Nipping at his bottom lip she kissed him with more intensity, taking control of the kiss for a moment. Mine. She echoed right back to him, feeling rather possessive herself at the moment.
Draco smiled from the sting of her teeth, his hand dropping more firmly against her necklace to add pressure as he retaliated with a bite of his own. He walked her back to the desk and pinned her between his body and the massive piece of wood. From her cheek, his hand trailed down to the hem of her skirt, raking it up and pushing them aside to touch her. He wanted to feel if this had affected her the way it did him.
As he pulled the necklace more taught, she gasped and let him walk her back to the desk. Kissing him came so easily. It had her almost whimper into his mouth as he pushed up her skirt and pushed aside her knickers to touch her. Her body was still overly sensitive from the night before, causing her to grip a little harder at the back of his neck. She hadn't taken a single potion to numb or ease the ache between her thighs.
By the way she sounded and gripped him, Draco knew she was sore. It made her all the more tempting to enjoy. His fingers traced her more firmly to extract those soft whimpers from her lips. It was like the finest music to his ears. The sort of symphony that had his hair standing on edge. He smeared kisses up her cheekbone as his he pushed into her with two fingers. "Which part did it for you," he murmured, giving her that come hither motion she enjoyed.
The firmer touch had her whimper and press into him a little more, her breathing a little uneven as she tried to find some sort of balance. The kisses being spread up along her cheek now, rather than letting her keep muffling herself in those kisses, had her whine softly as soon as his fingers filled her. She was torn between trying to draw back as much as she could or arching into him, so she stayed still instead, at least until his fingers curled and her hips bucked with a moan. "The praise, the support...the power rush of it..." She admitted the last bit a little reluctantly, choosing to be honest rather than withholding.
He nipped just under her ear. "You wear power well," he praised. The way she took praise had him enslaved to her. It didn't matter how much control he kept in the bedroom, the way she had him wanting her, he might as well be the one in chains. With his free hand, he unzipped his trousers and worked to release himself. He wanted more than a quick interlocking of their bodies tucked in an office, but if he didn't, he'd likely end up kicking everyone out so he could. With a firm push, he replaced his fingers with his length until his hands were on her hips, sliding down her thighs to encourage them up.
"Do I?" She asked, voice a little strained. Though as soon as she noticed him unzipping his trousers she almost said something. Almost, but she held back. They could be quick. It wouldn't be hours of him proving something to her or driving her out of her mind, but clearly, he wanted, no probably needed, more of this. More of them. And who was she to deny him what they both enjoyed? It had her gasp, a whimper leaving her lips as she arched into him as he filled her, carefully moving up onto the desk so her legs could wrap around him more easily.
Draco brushed her lips as he thrust, not stopping her from speaking or creating those delicious sounds. "You wear something even better," he teased, pausing inside her at the hilt to pluck her off the desk. Carefully carrying her, he walked them back to a leather couch a few steps away and sank onto it with her. "Me," he breathed before claiming a demanding kiss, encouraging her to take from him, to ride him as she had the night before.
The brief brushes of his lips had her chasing after them, unable to hold back her moans but wanting to claim his lips. Each thrust bordered on a sweet pain as he filled her over and over. But as he paused, she whined softly, only to loop her other arm around him, holding onto him as he walked with her to that couch. Kissing him back, she ground against him with him inside of her before she carefully started moving, riding him through the mix of pleasure and pain.
That was his witch. Riding him through the pain of it. He could hear it on her breath, the soft sounds she'd perfected throughout the war to prevent him from knowing he'd hit his mark. This was sweeter. He met her motions, pushing off the cushion to meet her. He kept his hands on her but didn't control her motions; only helped guide her over him. I'm going to enjoy you thoroughly once everyone is gone, his mind reached out.
Her breaths were heavier with the mix of pain, and she kept going. Made sure that he was hitting that spot inside of her even as she gradually picked up the pace. As he arched up to meet her rocking hips, her breath hitched and her nails scored the back of his neck lightly. Deepening the kiss to muffle her moans, she flushed a little at his words in her head. How thorough are you planning on being with me?
“It’s your birthday, you tell me,” he offered. She was so good to him; he couldn’t not give back a little. When he’d claimed her, he truly thought he could just own her, but he was wrong. She was more. Too much even. I’ve got potions if you need, he added. As much as her sensitivity was perfect for this, it wasn’t so much for longer periods of play.
"Depends...on how this evening goes," she panted out, voice huskier as she continued to ride him with sure movements of her hips. Her fingers carded through his hair, trying to avoid clawing him up with that edge to this encounter. I'll need them...
Leaning back, he watched her ride him, his gaze falling to where their bodies met. “You let me know,” he moaned, thrusting up every few rise and falls of hers to add to their builds. Meeting her gaze, he squeezed his grip on her hips. She’d need even more if he had his way with her.
Her hands traced over his clothed chest, increasing the pace of her rise and falls over his length. "I will...You always...feel so good..." she moaned, flushing even as she said it.
He was glad she thought so because the feeling was mutual. She had power to her thighs, and her weight added depth to those meetings of flesh. Rather than answer he kissed her, thoroughly, passionately, not caring that they had vanished from her party while the youngest Greengrass was hopefully making a quiet exit.
Kissing him back, her lips parted as she pulled him in closer and nearly whimpered as she continued that pace. Trying to increase the speed, she nearly trembled and whimpered into the kiss, getting closer to another release with how sensitive her body was.
With how she rose and fell, he was barely clinging. Any stroke would easily have him spilling into her, but he wanted her to come. Wanted to bring her over that edge. It had him reach between them to press a thumb to her clit. "Tell me what you need," he panted in an undertone.
That brush of his thumb had her gasp, grinding into his fingers as he kept him fully sheathed inside of her. "You," she gasped before kissing him again. On another grind of her hips, and one last rise and fall over his length had her falling apart and tightening on his length all over again with a muffled moan.
You have me, he couldn't stop the thought that never made it off his tongue. The way she clenched on him made it impossible to continue on without an explosion of pleasure. It had him hold her down, pushing up off the couch as he felt himself spurt inside of her. Resting his head on her shoulder, he caught his breath. They would need to go back down. Shall I clean you up, or shall I let you look forward to more?" He didn't often give her this sort of choice, but this was her day and mostly her friends.
Resting her head against his as she caught her breath, her fingers brushed through his hair as she let herself recover. I better, she purred through his head a little teasingly before kissing the side of his head. Closing her eyes, she smiled a little bit more. "...Clean me up please. Don't want to feel you in my knickers for however long we'll be socializing." She murmured, blushing more at the mere thought of it.
It slightly annoyed him, but he would respect his offer. Reaching for his wand he cleaned both of them up. He took the time to hold her chin and ensure her makeup was unharmed. Every last check he could make before having to set her feet on the ground and part entirely. "Hopefully not too long," he responded rather cheekily. He missed her claws on the back of his neck, the feel of her fingers in is hair
As she felt that cleansing spell, she moved out of his lap and blinked as he checked her makeup. It had that blush fill her cheeks a little bit more, remembering what Luna had said for a moment before she smiled more at him. Fixing her knickers and smoothing her skirt back over her legs, she ruffled out her hair and leaned up, lightly nipping at his jaw. "Hopefully not...but I think you can be patient for a little while," she teased before starting for the door, keeping her gate as smooth as possible
Draco held back a laugh at that statement. As she fluffed her curls, he tucked himself away. He had always been incredibly patient, and yet, she made him want more immediate satisfaction. It was an odd feeling to consistently struggle against. For a little while... Once that passed, he'd be considering ways to ensure she remembered him for days to come
Hermione looked over her shoulder at him and winked before she left the study and went back downstairs to their guests. Pansy was still in discussions with Krum and Daphne as she walked over to Blaise and Luna again with a smile. "Sorry about that."
Luna looked her friend up and down knowingly. One didn’t disappear that long without cause. “No need to apologize,” she smiled.“Everyone’s too polite to say something,” she winked at her friend. “Right love?” She leaned into Blaise with a look
Hermione nearly blushed at that look she was getting from Luna but chuckled softly. "Well, that is something that I am comforted by at least," she drawled and glanced over at Blaise
The wizard chuckled, keeping an arm around his lover as he gave a nod of his head. "Nothing to apologize. It's also your birthday. You can do as you like. Did notice that one of your guests left early. Hopefully, that doesn't bother you," he grinned. The smile was a little more knowing
Luna brushed her friend’s arm with a gentle hand. Blaise had told her about the youngest Greengrass, though only vaguely she knew. Bunch of vipers most of the Purebloods were. “I’ll happily curse her if you’d like,” she added. It was odd not being in the field in any capacity. She was feeling a little more like a cat than a witch
She snorted softly and picked up a glass of wine that was passed to her by a member of the staff before she looked back at Luna with a bit more of a smirk. "That won't be necessary. But I do appreciate that quite a bit."
"I don't want to know," Blaise murmured with a shake of his head, stealing a glance over at Daphne for a moment before returning his attention to the birthday witch and his lover
“We’ll definitely need a girls night so you can tell me all about it,” she said giddily. There were participants on both sides she wanted to see fall. Astoria certainly wasn’t someone she enjoyed. Her gaze caught the blond walking down the stairs, his sight clearly on his witch. She was never surprised by the intensity. “You know, I think I’d like that drink,” she looked at Blaise, nudging him with her to fetch a flute in the distance
"Oh, we absolutely do. Wine and spells and books included," she offered with a bit more of a grin. Though as she looked pas ther and towards the stairs, she did glance over her shoulder at her husband and blushed a touch before she glanced back at Luna and Blaise. "Well, do enjoy the drinks. I'm sure we'll be having dinner soon." She offered, sipping at her drink
Blaise couldn't help but smirk even more at that and lightly squeezed his witch before looking at his friend. Giving a small nod, a silent confirmation that the other brunette had left, he walked with Luna towards the refreshment tables again. "Anything for you, love."
On that note, Luna gave Blaise a cattish smile and a bratty retort that only he could hear as Draco made his way through the space to stand at his wife’s side
“I didn’t mean to pry you from your friend,” he motioned the blonde girl with a nod of his head. He wasn’t fond of the witch and the feeling was fairly mutual. Still, he could play nicely occasionally when it came to his witch
Hermione glanced up at her husband and chuckled. "I think she's just wanting to make sure that we get time together. She's probably also just happy to be out of the manor with Blaise," she offered as she let her gaze follow them for a moment with a fond smile. They both looked happy. That was more than enough for her
I should probably check in with Daphne and Pansy. Wasn't sure if you'd be tense if I went to speak to them alone considering who came with Pansy. She was attempting to make sure that he was comfortable with her friends, including her sort of ex
Draco tolerated Luna for Blaise. The witch was unhinged, in his opinion, but then, weren’t they all? Do you want me present? he asked. He didn’t tend to linger around either witch. He seldom gave much attention to previous conquests. And though he had come to terms with the bonds all three had built, he still wasn’t sure how he felt about the former Bulgarian seeker in a home he planned to gift his wife with
Contemplating that for a moment, she sipped at her drink as she considered it. Would you rather go speak with Blaise or Luna? Don't want you glaring from a corner. You might make people nervous. It was half jest and half serious. She knew his reputation. Everyone in this room did. And after he had removed someone's hand for touching her, she was certain that Krum would be a little cautious around her even if Draco wasn't close by
There would be no winning. I suppose I have been avoiding Zabini, his mind brushed hers. I’m only a thought away, he leaned it to press a light kiss to her temple. This was her night, and he wasn’t going to glare in a corner as per her accusation. It didn’t mean he had to like it
The light kiss to her temple had her smile and she brushed a kiss to his jaw. I know you will be. I'll be fine. Go talk to your friend. I'm going to make sure Daphne is fine after that stunt with her sister. At least, she was going to find out if Daphne knew what happened by going over there
Her fingers brushed her husband's before she strode over to the other two brunettes with a smile. "So, did I miss any interesting gossip?" She half joked, glancing between Pansy and Daphne. She'd greeted Viktor when he came in. They'd chat some in a moment, but he couldn't be her focus
Daphne was genuinely happy to see her friend. Gossip was always a highlight of having Pansy around. She swore the woman thrived in it. “Nothing beyond the usual,” she smiled. “Pansy was telling us about her latest adventures.”
“I was, wasn’t I?” She grinned and turned to Krum. “Viktor darling, how about you fetch me another drink,” she asked him with a look that promised rewarding later. “I was interrupted by Astoria needing to leave early…” she shrugged
"I see. So, no new man in your life, Daphne?" She teased just a little bit before looking back at Pansy with a raised brow, letting herself fall into some of the gossip that she had with the pureblood witches she was becoming friends with. "Latest adventures? Oh, I'm glad I came over."
Viktor offered a small smile to Pansy and gave a nod of his head. He swiftly went to get another drink for his date, seemingly just as attentive to her as he would be with anyone else on his arm
Daphne shook her head. "No, but I have a trip planned to Paris soon. What I lack in men, I'll make up in patisseries."
Pansy rolled her eyes. "Oh, just the usual, putting my editor back in their place in corporate. Honestly, they're talking about hiring Ginny Weasley as a correspondent. She needs to stay in her lane. Not that it matters, I've been in talks with Quidditch Quarterly. I might not play, but I do know my way around the changing rooms," she stole a glance toward Krum. Her approaches had become a little less sultry in the story department
Hermione arched a brow at that and couldn't help but smile a little. "Well, if I knew anyone to direct you towards I would. Sadly, all out of advice as far as men go." She chuckled with a shake of her head. As she looked over at Pansy, she had to try not to react to Ginny's name. She missed her. Terribly at times. Running her fingers through her hair, she offered a small smile
"Ginny might be helpful to have on retainer, but only if you want exclusives with people you can't get ahold of normally," she offered with a small smile
“Harpies might be doing well, but that’s very narrow in terms of demographic,” Pansy shrugged. She might enjoy the aggravation having Krum on her arm caused most of Malfoy’s entourage, but she wasn’t suicidal. At least he had Durmstrang to fall back on, the rest was merely hearsay
Daphne perked a brow at Pansy’s choice of words, but shrugged it off with a drink. It didn’t matter because the brunette was back on her
"It is. But she has a few contacts. Or at least, used to boast about having other contacts or insider info," she offered with a shrug. Having her able to help with that some wouldn't be a bad thing. Hell, getting her to get along with Pansy might honestly work to have her not looked at as closely after all
“That much of a dud with Aliosus?” She asked
At that, Daphne blushed deeper. “He’s nice and gorgeous, but…” she sighed. “He hasn’t even made a move. I feel like I’m having tea with a cousin rather than a potential love interest.”
Looking between both Pansy and Daphne with a bit more of a grin. "Why not make your own first move, Daphne? At least then you'll have an idea of whether or not he's truly interested. Sometimes men can be rather dense." She could think of several people with that
Krum returned with a glass of wine for his date, not commenting on the bit he had walke dup to hearing
Pansy tip-toed to kiss his cheek before taking her glass. "Thank you, Mili" she added the Bulgarian endearment before returning to the girls. "If you're interested. You can always just let him realize what he's losing," the raven haired witch added. "Loss can be an incredible motivator."
Daphne dipped her head and drank from her glass. "Honestly, with the dating field as it is, I'm starting to consider one of my mother's arranged marriages at this point." It was more of a grumble than a declaration
Hermione grimaced a little at that grumble from Daphne. Maybe she could look into who was still available and on the market for her friend? She couldn't imagine the prospects were that great
"Hmm. What if you have her do the work of giving you options and then Pansy and I can see if they'd be suitable in the ways that matter outside of family obligations."
Pansy smiled at that. "Mrs Malfoy's right, plus if you have her seal of approval, then certainly your mother can't say no," she grinned, sipping her wine. "I can see what I have from my old files. Surely there are still a few eligible bachelors."
Daphne nodded. "I trust you both enough for that," she agreed. "I can always deny a courtship if it doesn't fit, I suppose." It was rare, and highly frowned upon, but then things had changed hadn't they?
She grinned just a little to herself. "Could always see if he insults me and use that as a way to get out of the courtship if it doesn't work out," she offered and sipped at her wine. Glancing over at her husband, she made sure he was actually spending time with his friend before giving the ladies her attention again
In the distance, Draco was keeping his attention on Blaise, chatting about something or another
Daphne couldn’t help but follow her friend’s gaze as she said. “I suppose that would certainly be a way to thin the herd,” she chuckled. Any insult would likely have Draco terminate her match. Seemed pretty foolproof
Pansy sipped her wine. “Good thing you both are on decent terms,” she looked between her lover and her friend
Krum blinked a few times at that, looking a little confused. "Vhy vould Hermione and I be on bad terms?" He asked as he glanced between Pansy and Hermione, sipping at his drink
Trying not to chuckle or fidget, she offered a faint smile. "A lot of people end things on bad terms. We were adult enough not to do that," she drank more of her wine, not stealing a glance over at her husband. The last thing she wanted to do was let on just how much that bothered her husband
Daphne was definitely jealous that even Pansy could find someone who had decency. She was happy for both of her friends, without a doubt, but it did nothing when it came to making her wonder if there was something wrong with her that she couldn’t find someone
Pansy leaned into her lover. “Oh, you’d be surprised,” she sighed
Krum looped that arm around her with a small smile, and he arched a brow. "Likely. How bad?"
"People have been known to get very possessive and violent. Or petty and cold." She and Ron hadn't been that great after their breakup, even knowing that both of them wouldn't have worked out in that way. They would have been miserable together. And she wasn't in that moment
That realization had her blush a little before she looked over at Daphne. "You'll find someone. I will honestly be shocked if you don't."
Pansy looked up at her tall, dark, and handsome man. “How would you feel if your partner’s ex tried to get them back? I believe that’s how a certain wizard lost his hand recently,” she smirked. Oh Draco was petty, but quite the showman
Daphne nodded, but said nothing at the unfolding conversation
Hermione actually blushed more at that, and half hid behind her glass. That wasn't even the worst part but she doubted anyone would bring up Wood
"He...vhat?" He blinked a few times, glancing between both Draco and Hermione
Pansy looked at Viktor. “Oh yes, I suppose you weren’t there for the debacle that was McLaggen at Hogwarts. Surprising he hasn’t lost limbs prior.” She had thought about it on a few occasions. Thankfully, he'd had a bit of a sense not to go delving into the dungeons for conquests
Daphne sipped her wine. She had heard about this from her sister. "He is a known problematic wizard," she chimed. "Glad I avoided that one," she added with a shrug
She had to try not to snort at that assessment from both Pansy and Daphne. How much worse had he gotten during the war? Best not to think on it, she supposed. But she shrugged with a sigh. "Some wizards lack sense, self-preservation, and tact."
"That sounds like an understatement," the Bulgarian grumbled, looking Hermione over like he expected to see a wound before he glanced over at Draco. "I cannot blame him for protecting his vitch. I vould struggle not to do the same..." he lightly squeezed Pansy
At that Pansy chuckled. "Some think they can get away with anything because of their social status, more like," she shrugged. McLaggen had just been the latest to give it a go against the most powerful wizard on the field. Not to mention Malfoy was untouchable in his own right. At the feel of the squeeze, she looked up to Viktor. "I'd do the same for you, Mili," she tiptoed to kiss his cheek
Daphne had no doubt Pansy would tear a witch down for trying to touch her wizard. Especially since Pansy was openly showing up at an event with the man. It was a first in a long time. "I could see wanting to protect someone special," she smiled
"Boys that are foolish," Viktor sniffed slightly before he smiled gently at her term of endearment and placed a kiss to the top of her head. He kept the brunette clsoe adn smiled over at Hermione. "I'm glad your vizard looks after you. And so do your friends," he stated simply and looked between Pansy and Daphne
They did, didn't they? Hermione wasn't sure exactly when that shift had happened. But Daphne was a dear friend, and she enjoyed Pansy's gossip. "Thank you. I rather enjoy their company. And I think it'll be time for dinner soon. It'll be interesting to see how my husband arranged everyone for dinner."
“I paid someone heavily to minimize casualties,” Draco snaked an arm around his wife possessively before claiming a kiss on her cheek
“That was heavily?” Pansy chuckled. “Remind me to charge double,” she looked at her beau, not without giving Hermione a wink. It was nice to have someone
Daphne rolled her eyes. “Why do I feel the boys are going to be sat together at the other end of the table?”
Hermione almost jumped as her husband snaked that arm around her, more surprised at how suddenly he was there. Turning her head to kiss his cheek and then his jaw, she couldn't help but chuckle. "Well, wouldn't want a fight breaking out at my birthday." She teased. "But if you aren't close at hand, I might be a little vexed," she teased and gave Pansy a playful glare
"I don't think Pansy would do that. Means she'd get separated from her partner of the evening,"Blaise chimed in, offering a nod to Viktor as he kept one arm around his witch
Pansy gave a shrug, not letting the slightest hint of what she planned at her friend’s behest. She easily could have done as Daphne suggested and honestly, she felt like she’d missed an opportunity. Still, she had used the settings to keep her partner safe. She hadn’t missed how Draco eyed him back at the castle last time they were all together
Daphne eyed Pansy, shifting where she stood. If anyone could handle a seating chart it was the brunette
Luna drew up and down Blaise’s spine gently. “I’m sure we’ll all be where we ought to be,” she smirked. “Pansy. Viktor.” She gave curt nods.“Daphne.” She added. The bridesmaid she could have been. She still regretted not knocking her out and using polyjuice
With a bell the guests were called into the formal dining room. Instead of the usual massive length of carved wood, a more appropriately sized round table was set up. Despite the equal opportunity it offered the guests to dine and discuss, the seat for the guest of honor was clear, along with her husband's. Ornate carved wood, plush emerald velvet cushioning. In a different stain and color it might have been fit for royalty
Pansy had planned seating down to a T. Daphne was close to Hermione, creating a buffer between Viktor and Draco. Blaise and Luna on his side, which helped bridge any gaps to not completely isolate her partner. It was a precarious balance certainly, but one she had managed none the less
Course after course was served. All twists on some of Hermione's favorite dishes. A fancy appetizer followed by a perfectly prepared Wellington served with various roasted vegetables and yorkshire pudding. For dessert small trifles were presented for each guest
Despite the odd mix of guests, conversation remained pleasant, and thankfully never straying into the realm of politics. From quidditch to magical theory, and the occasional bout of gossip, it seemed even the notorious Draco Malfoy could be pleasant for an evening
The evening went well, filled with chatter and laughs and everyone getting along for the most part. Part of Hermione had worried about Luna and Pansy, almost as much as she worried about Viktor and Draco. But everything seemed to be going rather smoothly
Telling everyone goodbye, she lingered in the doorway after the last one apparated away once off the property and let a sigh leave her lips, a small smile curving her lips. She could almost pretend like everything was normal. Like this wasn't some weird deal that she had made with someone to save her friends and her own hide. The breeze from the crisp evening had her close her eyes for a moment, not wanting to go back inside just yet
Draco stood behind her for some time, his arms snaking around her middle. Carriages and apparition taking their guests away in turn. He didn't rush her to come back in, instead he remained with her as she stood. The cool wind barely reached him as he kept close to her, shielding her from the elements as best he could. His knuckles trailed along her jaw before settling under her chin. Gently he turned her to face him, tilting her forward to hover his lips above hers
Leaning back into him, she sighed softly and closed her eyes. That felt nice. Just being held there for a moment. She could pretend that he cared. Letting him turn her head towards him, she smiled a little bit, closing that distance to kiss him with a soft sigh
Those warm lips against his had him take control of the exchange. A hand gripping her jaw as he deepened the exchange. Despite the firmness, he was slow in his exploration. His breath heavy as he claimed her. There was no need to hurry. They had the rest of the night and the following day. She was his to enjoy as he desired
Deepening the kiss with him, she let her tongue respond to him as she pressed in closer. It was a slow kiss, firm but slow. She could taste the whiskey on his tongue, smell his cologne in her nose, and enjoyed the warmth of his body against her own
One step at a time, he led her back into the estate. With a hand wave, the doors closed as he continued to claim her through the foyer. "I have one more gift," he breathed between kisses. The last one for the weekend
Following after him, she made sure she faced him completely, her fingers combing through his hair lightly. "One more?" She asked gently against his lips, lightly nipping at his bottom lip with a smile
He chuckled at her nip, retaliating with a firmer bite. "For your birthday, yes, one more," he smiled, his grip sliding down her throat. It was so grippabable, he could hardly be blamed for wanting to seize it. He brushed his nose against hers as he exhaled. "This estate," he breathed. "It's yours." He leaned to kiss her, teasing the motion without closing the gap
Her breath hitched at the harder bite and her hand gripped the back of his hair. As his hand trailed over her throat, she shivered lightly and could feel desire spark through her. "The estate?" She asked with a bit of surprise, blinking a few times before glancing around and then back at him before kissing him again. "Thank you."
Though he had never wanted to give her a chance to get away from him, wasn't that exactly what he was offering her? He tried not to overthink it. Not when she was thanking him between their tangled bodies. She was everything he could have imagined and then some. He deepened the exchange further, leading her further into her estate. "I'm sure you can thank me properly," he grinned
That deepened kiss had her smile against his lips, pressing closer as she followed him into the estate further. All of her attention was on him, trusting him not to let them hit anything or tumble over. "Mmm, I'm sure I can. But I can think of one more thing you can gift me before I do that," she murmured against his lips before leaning in to nip at his jaw
"Mmmm, yeah?" he asked, open to suggestions when she was so eager to follow his lead. There was little he would deny her. At least he liked to think as much. When she promised him all that and more, he doubted he'd reject any request she might have. "And what's that?"
"Mhmm," she murmured against his lips, letting her kisses trail along his jaw and to his ear with a small smile. "I think you made me a promise the other night...and I am curious about what you did..."
Draco had had his way with her, but not in the way he had considered when he'd requested her to do so. "Need inspiration?" he drawled, delaying the inevitable, bracing himself for what he could do. He couldn't lie to her, and he certainly couldn't not show her. He was a wizard of his word. "Let's go to the study then," he nipped along her jaw
Hermione chuckled softly and nipped lightly at his jaw. "More interested in what my husband decided to do with me," she teased easily as she moved to loop her arm through his. Being in his memories was different from simply projecting their thoughts to each other through that bond. It would be a newer level of intimacy, and she wasn't sure how to return the favor
"You were perfect," he groaned at the memory of her beneath him, how she so easily accommodated him. It wasn't like she had a choice, and yet, he would take it. Any inch he could take. She'd given him a gift he could never properly thank her for. Fed his depravity in a way he could never speak. He'd die before he could admit to what he'd done, but he had to go through with it. Every stair stretched between the present and the future he would so easily ruin. She would never see him the same after tonight
Opening the door to the study, he let her in. Letting her get comfortable as he summoned the ornate pensieve he kept behind locked doors. One of many he had. Holding is wand against his temple he paused. "Are you certain you want to witness that night?"
That did have a light blush color her cheeks as she glanced over at him. "Was I?" It was always different hearing that praise from where they started, thinking that the other was far from perfect. That they never thought the other would want to be involved at all. Now she had no clue what depravity he had done to her in her sleep that he felt he couldn't do when she was awake
"I'm certain," she said simply as she moved to take a seat t the tesk as he drew out the pensieve
Closing his eyes he went back to that moment in time. A night he would likely go back to every so often, though it would be a while before he could. Slowly, a tendril of silver like a wispy hair stretched out. A long tendril he deposited into the pensieve for her to peruse. Just thinking of her watching them that way, a third party to a scene, he certainly wanted to repeat it otherwise
"As promised," he breathed, keeping a hand on the back of her chair as he braced himself for what was to come
If she didn't know better, she would say that he was nervous. Pushing her hair out of her face, she slowly lowered her face into the pensieve, letting herself be swept away and into that memory of the night before. Had she murmured or said anything in that mostly asleep state?
As she kept her head beneath the swirls of silver thoughts, he counted. How long would it take before she resurfaced? How long would it take for her to realize the greatest deception he hadn't quite understood he was part of. There was a cruelty to this, one even he had to brace himself for. Behind her seat he gripped his wand, considering his options as time trickled down
Watching as things unwound, as he seemed to cherish and worship her body with such gentle touches, her cheeks colored to pink. The term of endearment he used, calling her love, the way he admitted how he...he cared. He was falling for her. Moments ticked by as she watched before she pulled her head out of the pensieve, turning her head to look up at him. There was surprise in her expression, her eyes a little wide and her cheeks flushed
That shock, the dust of shame on her cheeks. His lover was so very expressive even when she didn't speak. "I'm sorry, love," he gave her a pained expression, a smile that cost him everything before he lifted his wand. "Obliviate," he murmured. It destroyed him to have to strip her of the memories. To leave her with no recollection of what he'd done and what she'd offered that night. He had to keep them safe. Keep her safe, especially with what was to come
That pained smile had her about to reach out for him, barely able to register that he had lifted his wand in the first place. "Don'-" whatever she had been about to say was cut off by the spell wiping that memory clear from her mind, leaving her blinking a few times, dazed for a moment
Discreetly, he pocketed his wand and knelt before her. Gently, he tucked a curl behind her ear. "If you want to call it a night, darling," he said, as though she had merely dosed off, and he hadn't left her with a gaping hole in her mind. He might not be able to hurt her, but this was a mercy. Nothing good could come of that knowledge
Leaning into his touch, she blinked a few more times, her brow furrowed a moment. "I'm...I'm sorry. I think I must have drifted off a moment..." She murmured, looking a little startled. When was the last time that she zoned off enough that she couldn't remember. "It might be best to call it a night."
"Shall I carry you to bed?" he asked, taking her hand and drawing slow circles along the back of it. After everything, it felt like the least he could do. "It's been a long few days," he offered with a hint of laughter to his breath as if it explained why she was out of sorts. He had been pushing her body, and the evening hadn't been without its demands
"Well, I'll hardly object to that," she chuckled, shifting her hand to lace her fingers with his. She lightly squeezed his hand and smiled a little bit more. "I wonder why the last few days have been long," she attempted to tease a little, but clearly appeared a little bit more bothered. Something wasn't sitting right with her about how she had zoned out
Draco brought her to his chest and nipped the side of her throat. "Perhaps I've been too demanding," he taunted right back, encouraging her to wrap her legs around his waist. "Can't promise I'll let you sleep," he nipped her lip before bringing her out of the office and down the hall
As he lifted her up, she wrapped her arms around his neck and her legs around his waist. She nipped at his jaw and then his neck before nuzzling in against him there with a soft sigh. "Mmm. Insatiable man."