Chapter 56
“Men demonstrate their courage far more often in little things than in great.”
Baldesar Castiglione, The Book of the Courtier
Hermione slept soundly, feeling rejuvenated when she got up and got dressed in a quarter-sleeve dress that covered half of the scar on her arm. Her hair fell in softer waves, more loose now than it had been. The enchantment was slowly wearing off. Soon, she'd reach out and make another appointment before the next social event they needed to attend. Draco still seemed to sleep soundly; she smiled gently before slipping out the door barefoot to go to one of the nearby balconies.
A servant got her a cup of tea the way she liked it, and she sat there on the balcony, enjoying the fresh air while allowing herself think. Why couldn't she remember what she had been doing before she blinked herself aware in the study? It bothered her. Never had she experienced any sort of blackout before. Clearly, if Draco had done something, she would know, or he wouldn't have been able to do it...right? Harming each other had to cover more than simply harming each other, didn't it? She wasn't entirely sure.
Sipping at her tea, she just let herself relax and enjoy the last day of her birthday celebration weekend.
Lazily, Draco reached for the space beside him, expecting soft warmth. When he found nothing more than the lingering heat of his wife's formerly occupied space, he muttered into the pillows. He hadn't meant to oversleep, but she'd been so warm and felt so good he'd fallen back to sleep and, apparently, remained as such for some time after.
Reluctantly, he left the warmth of the sheets to get dressed for the day. There was no point sulking about it. Come nightfall, they'd be home, and he'd likely have to fill his report in regards to Theo. Whatever choice the wizard made, it wouldn't bode well for any of them.
Finally, he found her on a balcony, sipping away at a cuppa. For a few moments, he watched her. The way her cupid bow slipped over porcelain with her stare out onto the countryside. Rays of sunshine highlighted golden streaks in her chestnut locks, giving them a depth few got to appreciate.
There were so many thoughts buzzing through her mind as she sat there and watched the countryside. Either her friend was going to die when they got back, Theo would have run off with him, or they both ran in different directions. Or, there was the option of Theo letting Harry go to take the blame himself. But somehow, she didn't see Theo doing that.
A soft sigh left her lips as she closed her eyes, her hands cupped around the teacup to appreciate the warmth of it on her skin. Soon, it would be getting much colder and doing this without a warming spell wouldn't be advised. She'd cherish it while she could. Especially knowing that one way or another, they were in for it when they returned.
You could join me instead of watching. Her mind brushed through his with a slight note of amusement, attempting to be more lighthearted than she felt.
Didn't want to interrupt your musings, his mind feathered back, taking a few steps to sit beside her. With a few waves of his wand, he summoned a cup for himself, along with a steaming pot.
"Sleep well?" he asked before taking a sip. There was something freeing about Cornwall and the proximity to the waters ahead. Glittering in the morning sun as a few boats could be noted in the distance.
Looking over at him, she offered a small smile. "Quite well...must have been more tired than I thought, considering how absent I was last night. That's not like me," she admitted, her brow furrowing, clearly still bothered.
"It's been a long week," he reminded gently. "You should rest while we still can," he added in a tone that bordered apologetic. Things were bound to get messy now that he'd seen her friend with his own two eyes. At least the thoughts would be hazy for the Dark Lord to pry over. It was the only thing that would keep him alive long enough to lead a hunt against one of his oldest friends. He'd have to tell Blaise something more tangible sooner or later.
"It has," she sighed and ran her fingers back through her hair. Between the hormonal fluctuation, the fall out in their kitchen, the activities they got up to here, and dealing with Astoria, she could be convinced she was just tired. It wasn't too far-fetched at all, not after dealing with a lot she would have never expected to deal with. "I'm going to. I know that getting back to the manor might be messy."
She sipped at her tea and looked back at the water. "Did you sleep well?"
"I slept," he shrugged. He'd slept better than he had in years, but there was no need to have her know as much.
Might. It all depended on what happened. There was one outcome that would shatter her, and she didn't know Theo well enough to know if he would do that or not yet. Looking over at him, she lifted a brow. "Well, that much is obvious. I suppose neutral is better than sleeping poorly."
Messy was an understatement. It was a situation that was familiar and foreign all at once. Rather than comment on it, he sipped his tea. Come this time tomorrow. He'd likely have to hunt his friend and, as such, hers.
"Likely won't even have neutral soon," he shook his head. He couldn't look at her, couldn't look at that pain she would easily wear. Even in the thick of it, her feelings had been a force to be reckoned with. She had shrouded herself in anguish and pain, and it had made her a better fighter for it. Reason more to keep a level head.
A sigh left her lips as she gave a slight nod of her head, glancing at him for a moment before she looked back out at the countryside. "Probably not....I'll make sure our potion stores are still alright once we return home."
She didn't even realize how often she adapted to calling the manor home rather than just calling it the manor. It was home. Why not call it what it was? She felt safer there than anywhere else. Even if she wasn't completely safe anywhere.
"I'll help where I can." With Theo no longer helping, it would certainly be a chore to pick up the slack. When you collected as many enemies as he did, a lot of things were left to his own abilities. It didn't go unnoticed that she had called the manor home. Much different from the times she had used other terminology to express distance between them. Now, she had a full estate and its surrounding acreage to hide in if she needed to.
"Anything you'd like to achieve before we start our journey back?" he asked her. There were still a few hours to her weekend, there was no sense cutting them short.
"If you could trust my decisions...I could have Luna help me brew. She's pretty good at potions. Might help make sure we aren't running low and keep things running smoothly." Especially if Theo was gone. She hoped that he and Harry would be long gone. It beat the alternative. Even if she and Draco would likely suffer for it. It would be fine. She'd lived through so many terrible things. What was one more?
Considering for a moment, she finished off her cup of tea. "Breakfast and then a walk along the shore?" She asked gently, almost tentatively, as she gave him her attention again.
Luna had shown her loyalty, though there were days he feared she'd been pushed too far. "If you trust her with your life," he conceded somewhat bitterly. Would she attempt to poison him if it meant harming her friend in the process? He had to trust that she had some loyalty to his wife and his best mate.
He nodded. "Sounds lovely," he supplied with a small smile. It always surprised him when she chose to spend time with him. When offered limitless options, she opted for one that included his presence. "I'm sure the staff has something ready for us when you are."
Hermione lifted a brow at that. "I do...and considering she's the one that gave you intel on me and I don't hate her should tell you something." Luna wouldn't risk Blaise or her getting hurt. She believed that in the very core of her being. The only way that she might not be able to trust Luna was if Harry was captured when they got back to the manor and he was slotted to be taken to the Dark Lord. Though to be fair, she couldn't even blame her if that was the reality they returned back to.
Moving to stand, she stretched a little bit and nodded. "I'm ready. Just wanted to watch the morning for a little bit." Spending time with him was better than being alone, and if things were about to get nasty...who knew when she'd see him again?
Settling down his tea, he rose and offered her an arm. He could understand that desire to collect oneself in the morning. He’d do the same, though not the kind that came with distant gazes on the countryside. As pleasant as her presence had become, this remained war. He couldn’t lose sight of his end game. Especially not now.
There would be nothing to be enjoyed if they didn’t survive. At least a while longer. “Do you want to walk along the shoreline or ride?” He asked. The estate boasted stables. He wasn’t sure how equestrian his wife was beyond apparently riding blind dragons out of Gringotts.
Taking his arm, she tucked in close to him without hesitation. It was becoming second nature. Which would help come Halloween when they had the party to attend and would run into Merlin only knew how many people. Probably those she knew that were on the side of the insurgency as well as Death Eaters.
"Walk, I think. I haven't ridden a horse since I was young. And riding a thestral was not the same thing," she remembered with a bit of a shudder. Doing that when the Battle of the Ministry had happened had not been a fun trip in the least.
Keeping her against his side was easy. Easier than it should be. It was downright improper, but propriety had a way of taking a seat when it came to how he handled his wife. A constant struggle he fought to keep in line, and yet, no one really questioned it as more than carnal desire, except perhaps Blaise...and apparently Theo.
"We'll save it for another time," he chuckled under his breath. "You certainly have the thighs for it," he taunted her, recalling how she'd ridden him a few nights ago.
Staying tucked in against his side, she felt secure and safe. She smiled a little and glanced up at him with a raised brow. "So now I can expect riding lessons?" She teased slightly but didn't sound like she was complaining about it, either. A blush dusted her cheeks at his taunt, a slow smirk curving her lips.
"Sounds like you want me riding you again. I think that could be arranged before too long," she added, looking him over slowly. It was so much easier just to pretend everything was physical.
At her suggestion, his silver stare glimmered with desire and promise. “Can it now? Seems you don’t require any lessons at all,” he responded teasingly. Both were opportunities at her disposal.
“It’s part of the estate’s charm,” he supplied gently. He wouldn’t force her to do anything she didn’t want to do. “If you wish to explore it.” They had so many expectations that he didn't want to overload her with more. Not when they had so much pending.
Hermione laughed and arched a brow. "For riding you? None. A horse? Entirely different," she replied easily enough. Maybe once they got through the latest issue she'd take horseback riding lessons.
There were a lot of things that she could explore. "There are a lot of charms I wasn't expecting."
“Not much different,” he smirked. The way she made him pop like a warm bottle of champagne from the power of her thighs alone. He couldn’t see her struggling much with a horse beyond perhaps wrapping her mind around the concept. It was simpler to focus on that than what she might be alluding to as far as the estate went.
"Different enough," she laughed with a bit more of a grin as they strode into the dining room. She let him pull out her chair again before taking a seat. It was easy to let herself keep playing pretend. That he could care more than just owning her or getting them to save themselves from the abuse of the world.
With her tucked, he took a seat, keeping her within reach. Even his parents didn’t sit this close, but he disliked her being too far even though she was safest furthest from him. Not just from harm but from him. There was no point in arguing with her. He took his cup of tea and drank deeply as breakfast was served on their plates.
Sipping at a cup of tea, she started to eat and contemplated her husband for a moment. She needed to start researching further how they could find a loophole to get out of this and escape the hell that the Dark Lord had left them all in. But she pushed that out of her head, focusing on the last day in her celebration. "Did I thank you for planning a lovely birthday for me last night?"
"Multiple times," he assured her. Perhaps not with words, but he had seen it in the way her smile lit up. Or how she had let her guard down in private. There'd been so many small moments that had spoken to her appreciation. One he would never bring up again. That level of trust had been unexpected. "Though I can't say I dislike hearing your appreciation," he met her gaze and held it.
"Oh good...Don't want to be inconsiderate when you helped make sure everyone would get along well at dinner," she chuckled with a shake of her head. But she met his gaze, and the intensity of those silver eyes once again nearly made her heart skip. Why was he that handsome? That intense? Did she look that intensely at him? "Thank you, Draco."
Somehow, he doubted she could ever be inconsiderate. And the way those big brown eyes eyed him as she spoke her thanks, he doubted he could ever deny her anything. Not trusting his own voice, he nodded in response. "Glad you enjoyed it," he finally managed, tearing a piece of crumpet and adding butter and jam to it before eating it. Couldn't say something stupid if he was busy chewing.
He did a great job in the doting husband department. It was so easy to pretend, which was probably why her traitorous heart wasn't getting on board that this was a game of pretend. She took another bite of her food, enjoying that everything had been one of her favorites. The only way it could have been better was if Harry had been allowed to be here. And if Ron wasn't dead. But considering their situations? Best birthday in a very long time.
"Remind me to make sure you have just as satisfying of a birthday."
A smile lingered on his lips at her statement. He wasn't sure what to expect for his birthday. He couldn't remember the last time he celebrated. A private night of drinking with the boys, definitely, but nothing over the top.
"I'm sure you can satisfy me come my birthday," he responded, slicking his lips. Unwrapping her would easily be the best present he could imagine to receive.
What could she do for his birthday? A lot of that would be determined when they returned to the manor to see what happened. Hopefully she would be in a mental condition to be able to give him a good birthday. And hopefully, they'd be further along in their own plan.
"Oh, of that I have no doubt. You've seemingly enjoyed the things I've had commissioned so far. They aren't just for me after all." They did seem to inspire the reactions she wanted from him.
Draco had to take a sip from his water to stop himself from reacting too quickly. When he looked at her, it was with that deep appreciation he'd come to hold for her. "I do appreciate your tastes," he drawled. He wondered what else she'd had commissioned for his gaze. It was almost unfortunate so many of them seldom made it through the night. "Anything new you plan to share?" he asked as if it were the most casual topic.
That appreciation made her smirk as she sipped at her cup of tea before taking another bite of her breakfast. Getting him to react was something she could depend on. "I'm glad to hear it. You haven't seemed disappointed by it," she said with a teasing edge to her voice, nearly a croon. "Mmm, maybe in a few weeks. I have a few I haven't shown you yet."
A few weeks. If he survived that long, he’d be sure to enjoy it before leaving whatever she had planned in shambles on their floor. “I’ll be sure to keep my schedule lighter then,” he responded shamelessly. Hopefully, the Theo issue would be resolved by then. At least most of his days would be spent researching instead. That was easier to work with than a manhunt.
She chuckled softly before offering a brighter smile. "Well, that is appreciated. I was thinking of keeping it handy for after the Halloween gala," she offered him a time frame. Focusing on the more positive things they had on the horizon was going to help her get through all of this. She hoped.
That was a while, but he was patient. After years of stalking her, what was a month and some change for a reveal? "I have a reason to look forward to the celebration then." Halloween had just been another holiday. One he seldom partook in. He didn't see the appeal in it, but she could make him find meaning that didn't exist for him.
"You didn't have a reason before? I'm almost offended you didn't think my dress alone would be worth it," she chuckled, crossing one leg over the other as she met his gaze. What were they going to do with other holidays? That would be something she had to plan, she supposed.
Draco shifted to look at her. "Galas are an unfortunate part of my life. You," he allowed himself to look over her body. "I'm certain your dress will look beautiful pooled around your feet," he added with a look that devoured her. Halloween had never really done anything for him. Muggles had their own celebrations, and he disliked thinking of the dead, even less thinking that the veil between the living and the dead was at its thinnest. He'd sent too many over the veil early to want to toy with that sort of energy.
Hermione couldn't help but chuckle. "I'm sure the formality and public appearances grate on your nerves. Everyone wants to rub shoulders with the right-hand man, after all," she drawled before finishing her breakfast and cup of tea. She crossed one leg over the other and a faint bit of blush colored her cheeks. "Well, as long as it's not torn. I'm rather proud of the dresses I've had commissioned."
"How about what you wear beneath it?" he responded with amusement. Surely, she'd have something for him to destroy. If not, he could think of other ways to wreck her. He was looking forward to whatever it was she had commissioned. It was easier to focus on than what she claimed. She wasn't wrong; his position attracted attention. "After our last appearance, I wouldn't be surprised if I had to duel a few morons." He seldom reacted that way, especially with someone so prominent as McLaggen had been. It opened doors, encouraged retaliation.
Considering that a moment, she ran her fingers through her hair and started to grin a little bit more. "I suppose I can make sure that you can destroy those. You destroy all of my nickers, and you'll be responsible for replacing all of them, darling." If he needed a destructive outlet, then she could give him one. One that wasn't just wrecking her completely with his body.
“Have I not been?” He asked gently. “I’ll be sure to pick the next lot myself then,” he amended with a hint of mischief to his features. He could already imagine the chaos that would cause. Perhaps he’d take her with him. Close down a lingerie shop for the day to watch her try pieces on.
Considering that a moment, she gave a slight shrug with the ghost of a smirk. "You've replaced knickers. But if it's custom or more lingerie, I've been replacing that myself. What would you put me in, I wonder...." she met his gaze as if she were trying to glean what ideas he had.
Nothing was the honest truth. He'd put her in absolutely nothing and bask in the expanse of her skin. She didn't need artifice to make him feel desire for her. "I suppose you'll just have to find out," he shrugged. It would give him time to think of something or another to push her buttons. Even better than seeing her naked was seeing her angry. She had this blush to her cheeks and fire to her stare that made him want to shatter her into a million tiny pieces.
"I suppose I will," she chuckled lightly and didn't push. Considering he told her she could sleep naked in his bed or in her nightgowns, he seemed to prefer her naked. Which she couldn't blame him for. Even with all of the scars, she felt that she'd grown into herself better than she would have guessed. Standing up, she ran her fingers back through her hair and offered him her hand. "Come walk with me along the shore? Unless you're still eating."
Easily slipping his fingers through hers, he rose from his seat. He wasn’t much for breakfast, and the fresh air would be a nice change of pace. Gently tucking her arm with his, he began leading them toward the door.
“Gladly,” he replied. There was something freeing about being with her. Even though he had to be careful, she was his first successful rebellion of sorts.
Lightly squeezing his hand, she let him tuck her arm in his and let him lead. It was easier to let her mind wander when he was taking the lead and she wanted to just pretend like things could have been normal for a little while longer. Everything would likely come crashing down before too long.
Going through a set of doors near the kitchens, he led her down a path that cut through the property towards the nearby cliffs. A soft wind was picking up, prickling his cheeks with its brine. It'd been some time since he'd been on the coast or near the sea for pleasure. Among his properties, this was easily the most neglected.
"There's a beach we can reach if you want to get closer," he offered. It was a bit of a trek, but they had time. For once.
As soon as that first breath of salty sea air hit, she took in a deeper breath and closed her eyes. Perfect. Most of the times she'd been near the coast in the last seven years, she'd been going to dead drops or putting a flower on Dobby's grave. Since Harry couldn't.
"Mmm. I'd like that." As close as she could get.
Even though there was no one around, he didn’t feel as out of control. It felt strange, freeing. For just a moment, he indulged in the feeling that they could disappear. That they could run and make it out of dodge. It was a ridiculous fantasy. Especially when his arm was no better than the technology they implanted in their pets to find them. A tracker for his master to find his favored pet.
“There should be stairs a bit further that way,” he explained, pointing to a set of bushes in the distance.
Almost normal. It could have been something out of a potential future: she and Draco here for her birthday. Harry and Theo already on the beach likely talking theoretical magic, Luna and Blaise cozy somewhere. Pansy and Krum flying around. But...that wasn't the world they lived in. Everything was a calculated risk and calculated action. This was just a break from that.
"Well, I'm not in any rush. I'll trust you to lead the way here. You know the property better than I do." Probably wouldn't for too terribly long if she was able to travel more freely. As long as she was still the perfect image of the obedient wife. That thought almost made her cringe.
He nodded. He did know this path better than the house. Even as a child he’d enjoyed the melancholy of the sea. The way the dark waves lapped at the beach. Some days he’d watch the seals from a distance, always hoping to find a selkie. It was nonsense really, but a fisherman had sworn he’d seen the most beautiful woman shed her skin on these shores. The only thing he’d learned that summer had been seals were essentially 300 pound cats with the humour of a toddler.
As they trekked went down the stairs, being careful not to trip and fall, her shoulders relaxed a bit further at the sound of crashing waves against the surf. Casting a simple spell so her shoes wouldn't sink into the sand and sand wouldn't get into the shoes, she walked along with him still. "This little trip has been very relaxing. We should do more of them when we can. If we can." If one or both of them didn't get in trouble for what might happen when they returned.
"It's doubtful I can steal away regularly without this place becoming a target," he reminded her gently. It was just his reality. He'd already been there twice since bringing her into the fold. They'd had guests, and though he trusted most wouldn't speak, he wasn't certain Krum could keep quiet. He wasn't so dumb as to believe the man wasn't still in bed with the enemy.
"You're welcome to return any time." It was one of the perks she had of being the missus.
"I said more in general. Doesn't have to be often," she murmured with a sigh, even as she let go of that desire. There was far too much to do and she still wasn't sure what they would do fill the power void that he was going to make as soon as he came up with a plan. Letting her gaze linger on the water, she leaned in against him. "Don't tempt me. I just might steal away here far too often." And if he became a target, she was certain to become one. Especially due to Diggory.
He'd make sure she had a detail when she did. They could stay off-property but be close enough to react. Though she could handle herself, he wouldn't leave her unprotected. He didn't appreciate sharing. She'd likely tell him she didn't need it. Even now, they weren't without backup nearby.
"I do so enjoy tempting you," he drawled. Apparently, there were more ways than one to do so.
Hermione chuckled softly, glancing back at her husband with a hint of a smirk. "Really? I hadn't noticed at all," she teased just a little. There were new ways to do so. Trips to the coast. Rare books always worked. Knowledge. And then there was their ever-present chemistry.
"I'll try to be more obvious," he teased back.
Pulling his wand out, he conjured a blanket to settle over the sand—close enough to enjoy the waves and far enough to avoid the spray. Off to the side, there was a small barge upside down—one he'd taken once or twice when the water was gentler.
"I'm sure I can conjure a few books," he offered, motioning for the blanket and plump cushions. If the sun continued to batter them, he might add a canopy.
Her eyes widened for a moment as she glanced between him and the blanket. When had he started anticipating things that she would like outside of them being in bed or playing up their role? Something had shifted and she wasn't sure when or how much.
Leaning up, she pressed a kiss to his jaw and then his neck before she strode over, slipping out of her shoes as she stepped onto the blanket to sit down and settle. "A few books would be lovely. Much more obvious," she chuckled softly.
Leaving his shoes beside hers, he settled onto a cushion near her. The feel of her lips still lingered on his flesh. He wanted more, wanted to feel her tucked beside him, but he had promised books. With another spell, he summoned a small stack of books—a few from their research he'd brought along, more from the collection inside the house.
"Any other way I can be obvious?" he asked with a smirk, choosing the book that would keep the Dark Lord from claiming this was just a distraction. It was. She was a distraction. One he couldn't quit.
Looking over the books as he summoned them, she plucked one that dealt with more history of the families in the Wizarding World as well as a fictional tale of heroics as she got comfortable. Glancing up at him, she couldn't help but grin just a little bit more. "I'm sure you can...but not until I've read a little bit, preferably."
And she had been reading books for so long that she wanted the break of reading things for enjoyment. A little.
With a nod, he began reading the last chapter he'd been on. It might not be bad to get a jump start. They would have to get back into it by morning. He risked a glance to see what she had opted to go for. A title he hadn't expected to see. He supposed it was light reading by her standards, not really giving it much thought.
Hermione started to read without even glancing up, but she did move closer to him and rest her side against his. As if part of her craved that closeness with him if she could get it. Soaking up what snippets of affection and intimacy outside of sex she could get.
The proximity wasn't something he expected. In public, even around the house, he could explain it with needing to keep up some appearances. She played her role well, and they'd figured they were compatible in their needs early on. In moments like this, it made him feel guilty not to have been able to give her what she seemed to crave. Lazily, he draped an arm around her waist, careful not to distract her too much as he used magic to keep his book floating, flipping pages with a hand motion every so often.
The way he looped his arm around her waist had her relax a little bi tmore against him and she sighed. She kept her book in her hands rather than using magic, turning the pages with her fingers as her expression smoothed out a bit more. A level of contentment she couldn't get elsewhere was found in reading. And it allowed her the chance to try and stay calm for what they'd likely return to.
Every so often, he caught a glimpse of her. Even in school, reading set her features in an expression he rarely saw on her. The soft touches of her fingers on paper, there were times he wished she would touch him like that. With a soft reverence, he wished he could offer her. In a different lifetime, it might have been possible. Turning his page, he let his other hand draw abstract shapes over her stomach, feeling the smoothness of the fabric she wore.
The gentle tracing of shapes over her stomach had her shiver slightly. It almost tickled, and kept her tucked in close to the blond. She was naive enough to think that this moment wasn't just the calm before the storm. A simple reprieve. For just a few more hours. But the genealogies of her new family were fascinating. Not only did the Malfoys have ties to the nobility of the British aristocracy, but so did the Blacks.
Settling his book down, he rested there for a time, careful not to distract her. It almost seemed cruel to take away the last bit of enjoyment before they would be enslaved to research and the whims of his master. From her abdomen, he caressed his way to her side to trace her. He shouldn't. Truly, it would be best not to shift her hair to kiss the nape of her neck, but what's the point of resisting when the following day wasn't promised?
She didn't even notice that he had stopped reading himself, curled up against him and reading through the book. She ran rapidly, not because she was rushed, but because she had the leisure to just read at her chosen pace. The light caresses had her shiver lightly and another soft sigh fell from her lips. It had her fingers pausing in turning the page to glance up at him.
When she looked up, he froze. He hadn’t quite anticipated interrupting her just yet. “You can keep reading,” he told her gently, looking towards her book. It was information that could serve her, knowing what she married into, and the extent her reach could hold. It could also prepare her for the jabs and potential pettiness. Astoria had been a symptom of something more insidious after all.
The way he frozen reminded her of a deer startled by a car. That gentle gone had her pause before she kissed him gently in answer before turning her attention back to the book. She relaxed further, taking the time to actually use magic to have the book float so she could stay tucked in against him, getting as much contact as possible.
The feel of her lips lingered on his skin as she settled in closer. Years he’d spent cornering her, and never did he believe she would willingly press into him in such a manner. He remained still, refraining from suggestive motions in their state. Eventually, he rested his chin on her shoulder, peering over her shoulder without really seeing the words on paper.
As he stayed still, she simply assumed he was reading over her shoulder. She slowed the pace in which she turned the pages just a little bit, trying to be considerate. But she would be surprised if he couldn't read as fast as she could. Hermione didn't think about their current position or how they had wound up here, letting herself completely relax into what she was studying as she had in school. She'd even done it while isolated in the safe houses. At least this way, she had some form of companionship.
Being this close, her perfume tickled his nose. It was a mixture of books and the soothing hint of lavender from her hair potions. It had trace along the side of her neck with his nose, lips parting to kiss her flesh only to hold back. No, he had done his best not to distract her. By how she seemed too slow, he figured she had found something of note to linger on. Closing his eyes, he took a moment to focus and regroup. He kept close, breathing in time with the crash of waves lapping the shore.
Hermione shivered under the kiss to her neck, a soft sigh of contentment leaving her lips as she let her eyes close a moment. That felt so good. But she didn't want to just fall back into his arms that way. She needed to mentally prepare for what was likely waiting for them back at the manor. And what kind of trouble they'd get into. Opening her eyes, she turned another page. "You don't have to stay out here with me if you don't want to...I'm sure there are some things that need to be handled before we return."
"I have staff to pack and handle our return." he reminded quietly. "Though if you need time," he began lifting his arm to leave. If she was sending him off, he had to act before he changed his mind. Sitting up, he looked out at the water for a moment, reaching for the will to stand.
She grabbed his arm, pulling it back around her with a frown as she looked at him with a furrowed brow. "...I don't. I'm fine. Just didn't want you to feel like you had to sit here with me and read if you wanted to do something else..." Her brow remained furrowed as she studied him, trying to figure out what exactly it was he wanted to do or if he was simply enjoying sitting still.
Draco did his best to suppress the smile that threatened to spread over his lips at the way she settled him back in place. "Yes, ma'am," he inched closer to hold her firmly. "I seldom get to just...sit," he reminded quietly. He couldn't remember the last time he got to just exist. He doubted anyone would come here in search of retribution. By the time they did, they'd be gone.
Hermione turned her attention back to the book and turned the page as he settled there with her. Better. That was...better. And she wasn't going to look at why. Finding comfort in him was easy when she didn't overthink it. And when he didn't do things to vex her. "Well...perhaps that's something we should attempt to make time for back at the manor. Even if it's for tea for just half an hour."
When he held her, there was a distinct change in her demeanor. She had this way of settling against him, seemingly accepting his presence. The days of resistance were gone. "Perhaps," he couldn't agree without risking lying to her. In all their years, he never actively lied to her. Concealed the truth and perhaps deceived her in other ways, but no outright lies. The truth could be much more hurtful, not that he had the intention to hurt her of late.
"Well, we can still try." She offered with a small smile. She doubted that they'd get to that often. There were far too many things they had to do, but he deserved the chance to just be a person and sit around and relax.
"We'll start in the library." They'd be clocking some quality time searching for answers. Sitting with her over tea was doable without arousing suspicion, right? "Read anything interesting," he asked, drawing a line down her side with his index.
Relaxing under that light touch to her spine, she sighed softly. "Just reading about the twenty-eight. Quite a few of the families tie back to old nobility in the UK....and it's starting to give me an idea. Though I didn't realize that McLaggen also had ties to the royal family," she muttered with a wrinkle of her nose.
A bit of a chuckle lingered on his breath. "Where do you think the need for purity and maintaining bloodlines came from?" People hardly liked to give up power. Muggles and wizards alike used family and wealth to maintain it. Wizards added magic to their hoards. "Unfortunate for the McLaggens," he shrugged.
"I honestly hadn't thought too much about it. Thought it was a mindset that came from Salazar himself," she murmured with a shrug of her shoulders before she turned the page, reading a bit more slowly as she split her attention between him and the book. "Very. I have a feeling that he might hold a grudge. Foolish as that is," she muttered. That was also the least of their worries.
"He can try," he shrugged. McLaggen wasn't a threat at this point, but then he did have means. Draco would face that hurdle when it came begging for a duel. "It's more complicated, but he certainly helped promote it. I'm not related, but we have a few tomes on Slytherin," he shrugged. Even the Blacks and Malfoys hadn't been enough for the likes of Salazar. The Sacred Twenty-Eight had rules, and each family had quirks. His was no different.
She snorted at that. There were likely ways that he could have a hand again. Likely skelegrow or something of the like. But it would be painful and would likely result in having to relearn a lot of things. She nodded her head at that as she turned another page of the book. "I read up on him a lot during second year for very obvious reasons," she offered with a slight shrug. She'd been petrified for a little while, but not nearly as long as some of the others. "Once we get through Halloween...I might have an idea."
"Sounds like I have quite a bit to look forward to," he lifted her chin and inched closer. "Attires, lingerie, and a devilish ploy," his lips brushed against hers, not quite committing to an exchange. She certainly made sure to keep him on his toes, even if it wasn't as it was. He'd feared she'd make their marriage a hell, but then here they were.
"You certainly do," she murmured, letting him lift her chin and turn her attention to him rather than the book. A devilish ploy. She wasn't sure it was so much that and was more a Hail Mary attempt to try and save their skins. And keep the UK from going under when they dismantled....everything. Brushing her lips to his, she claimed him in a firmer kiss, wanting the physical proximity for a moment. She wasn't sure any of this would work, but it was worth the risk. Even if she was stuck in a marriage with a man who couldn't or wouldn't love her...they both deserved to live.
At the firm press of her lips, he couldn't focus on what was ahead. Not when he had everything he wanted right in front of him. Even prisoners were allowed a last meal, weren't they? Nudging her back, he met those lips passionately, his palm on her side to keep her close. Settling between her thighs, he smoothed down to her knee and up again. "I look forward to it," he managed between kisses.
Letting him push her back, the book fell to the blanket as the focus on the spell snapped as she kissed him back. The passion and heat behind the kiss had her shiver as her fingers stroked through his hair, relaxing into his touch with a sigh of satisfaction. "Good," she murmured against his lips before nipping gently at his bottom lip.
That nip, the way she felt, it was everything in that moment. It had him responding in kind, pinning her with his hips against the blankets. Public displays weren’t normally his thing, but this was private enough.
He’d been smiling until his mark seared against his forearm. The burning call of his master he couldn’t deny. Sitting up with a sigh he rubbed at it. “Will you be alright to make your way back?” He asked, steeling his features. No, he couldn’t go, appearing weak. Not when Theo had likely made his move.
Feeling how he responded to her had her breath hitch as she tried not to squirm. Her legs parted a little bit further, and if anyone had been likely to come around, she would have been more self-conscious. But this was close enough to a known private property she felt it was safe. But with how he sat up and rubbed at his arm, she frowned. Damn.
"I'll be alright...I might head back to the manor ahead of you. Depending on how long it takes. I'll make sure our potion stores are good. Just in case."
He gave her a nod. "I'll see you soon."
It was easier to say that than to consider the alternative. He had nothing to reproach himself —at least, nothing that he regretted doing. Anything incriminating, he'd keep under lock in his mind, keeping only to the facts.
With a flutter of cloaks, he apparated towards the pull.