Forgotten

Chapter Two

'My dear Pansy, as much as it hurts me to deny myself the joy of becoming your husband, I can't commit bigamy.' Draco was seated in a deeply cushioned wing chair, speaking to his deposed fiancée, moments after he left Virginia.

Cold blue eyes glittered with anger as the petite blonde clenched her fists in frustration. 'This is impossible, Draco. How can you be sure that she isn't some homeless person who made up bull? The child could be the son of some Muggle! How can you be so willing to accept them into your home and...and...' Her diatribe sputtered o an end as Draco's expression of concern was replaced by a chilling reserve that told her she was asking questions that were not hers to ask.

Quickly she changed her tactics and sank to her knees in front of him, positioning herself so that her soft white bosom was exposed to his eyes in the deep décolletage of her dress. Looking at him beseechingly, she continued. 'Oh, my love, we have waited for so long to be together. I know I was to blame.' With a graceful bend of her neck, she lowered her head as though still a shy young girl. 'I never should have let my parents sway me away from marrying you, but now, when our happiness is so close, to have this- this- impostor arrive and disrupt our plans...' Two crystal teardrops formed in the corners of her eyes, and exquisitely modelled pouting lips drooped with a childlike quiver.

Draco Aiden Malfoy examined the woman kneeling so gracefully before him, a cynical twist distorting his mouth. It was a wonder that a woman close to thirty could maintain an air of innocent youth. Her slight stature in no way detracted from the voluptuousness of the body she had so freely offered to him. Truly, he thought, the stagehad lost a great actress in her. How naïve she must believe him to be, or how blind she was to his true feelings for her. She had been his choice of bride solely because she wasn't the innocent she liked to pretend to be. He was aware that he was not her only cher ami; she would allow him his freedom within their marriage with no questions asked. She would have had her freedom also, once she had given him an heir, and she would have been discreet about any liaisons she might have contracted once the heir was born. Having already been married, she would expect nothing more or less than she had had before, which suited him well. She was not unattractive, and she had shown him often enough that he was welcome in her bed. They would have rubbed along as well as most other married couples. Now, of course, there was no longer any possibility of such an alliance. He already had a wife.

'Don't throw yourself into a crying fir, Pansy. Your eyes will be all red, and I'm sure you want to look your best when you meet my wife.' He extended his hand, then stood, drawing her up from the floor.

'Oh, Draco, I can't bear to lose you.' Pansy threw her arms around the man's neck He knew it was his fifty thousand a year that she would miss most of all. She pressed her body against his, seeking to arouse him. 'Oh, don't send me away from you. There may yet be something that we can do to set aside this marriage, if it is truly such.'

Draco casually grasped the softly rounded arms and lifted them away from his neck. 'You do this very well Pansy, but we both know that our betrothal had nothing to do with love or other feelings. It was... expedient for us to marry. Since there was no one for whom I had strong feelings, our union would have suited. You may stay here at the Manor for a few more days- I am not so rude a host that I would ask you to leave at once- but you and your mother will have to bring your visit to a close. In the meantime, I want no Cheltenham tragedies enacted. Is that clear?'

Heavy lids fringed with long blond eyelashes touched with kohl his eyes filled with chagrin. Pansy took a deep breath, waiting until she could speak without betraying the depth of her malevolence. When she finally spoke, her voice was as sweet and gentle as though she had just been given the news that the sun would shine this day.

'Of course, Draco. I assure you that I will do the utmost to welcome your... wife. I'm sorry that you feel that my reasons for wanting to marry you did not include my love. You must know that my thoughts were always with you, even when I was co-erced into marriage. I prayed for you when you were fighting, always hoping that we would find out happiness.'

'Enough!' Draco interrupted rudely. 'I know your prayers started as soon as I inherited, so don't bullshit with me.'

Not allowing her time to answer, Draco went through the now-open door, leaving an enraged woman behind him.

Pansy shuddered with anger. Finally, unable to control herself any longer, she picked up a delicate Sevres statute, held it in her hands for a moment as though feeling its heft, and then, with all the strength of which she was capable, threw it on the floor. The resultant explosion of sound brought a quick response from one of the maids on duty in the corridor.

Pansy Parkinson glanced at her calmly. 'A statue fell off the table,' she said. 'See that this mess is cleaned up immediately.' Leaving the startled servant to his work, she swept haughtily from the room.

*

Draco found his mother strolling in the Long Gallery, enjoying the wealth of the paintings placed there. Narcissa Malfoy was a gentle woman. She had married at a very young age and, although a widow and the mother of a son above thirty and a daughter ten years younger, she was under fifty-five years of age. Her blondish hair was lightly touched with strands of white, and her skin was soft and youthful. Despite giving the impression that she was a person of whimsical vacillation, that lady was capable of determination and resolution when the happiness of her children was concerned.

Narcissa Malfoy detested Pansy. She had followed Pansy Parkinson's career while Draco was serving the Dark Lord with his father and was cognizant of her many affairs and her spiteful character. Narcissa sincerely believed that life with Pansy would be a hell on earth for Draco. The reason why this woman had been chosen twice by her son was a complete mystery to the woman. She had credited him with enough acuity to distinguish gilt from gold, but apparently as far as women were concerned, he was still a baby.

Not even she, who loved him, was aware of the boredom and lack of meaning, Draco found in his life. It had driven him into the proposed marriage in the hopes that a change from bachelorhood to married ties would give life added meaning. He had never fallen madly in love- not since his first bout with Pansy- so he understood himself to be incapable of such strong feelings. Without love, any woman would serve his needs- therefore the choice of his former love.

'Dear one,' Narcissa greeted her son as he walked towards her in the shadowed light of the long high-ceilinged room. 'Have you come to escort me to dinner?'

'Eventually, Mother,' Draco returned. 'Come; let's sit down in this alcove. I have something to tell you.' He drew her over to a deep window seat where they could view the walled rose garden. Once settled, he took her hands in his and studied them as though seeking an answer to some unknown problem.

A few moments passed quietly. Narcissa watched her son, waiting for him to open the conversation.

'You know, Mama, you have the gift of silence. I think you must be the only woman in the world who doesn't batter one with questions and chatter.' He lifted grey eyes warm with love. 'As you can tell, I'm having trouble finding the words to convey my news to you.'

'Usually, my dear, the best way is to start at the beginning and tell it right through to the end.'

'Yes, undoubtedly you're right about that. But its so damned difficult to get started.' He raised her hand to his lips and saluted her with a kiss. 'A long time ago,' he started, 'I thought I was in love with Pansy- before she married, that is. Having never left home, except to go to Hogwarts, until after I reached my peak, so to say, I was a very naïve young man. A real country bumpkin, as you might put it. Well, anyway, we were secretly betrothed, and she had promised to wed me by special license. I made all the arrangements and procured the license but, when I arrived at our meeting place two weeks later, she had already wed. When I found out, I think I must have gone slightly mad. I had no one to talk to. None of my friends were nearby. Nor would I have confided in any of them. I must have withdrawn to the nearest pub and drowned my sorrows for several days. When I became aware of things once more, I found myself at a hostelry in bed with a woman.' Draco looked at his mother apologetically. 'Thinking she was a whore, I emptied my pockets of cash as remuneration for her services, then I made my way home. You know the rest of my story afterwards.'

'Yes, my dear... It's not such an unusual occurrence... young men, and you were still almost a boy... I really...' Narcissa tried to express comfort and understanding without really knowing why her son was disclosing such personal experiences to her.

'But Mother, what makes this different is that it seems I had married the girl who was in my bed, but I was under the influence of alcohol hence I have no memory of that occasion.'

'But Draco, how is that possible? All those years and you never remembered your marriage? And how do you know you were married?'

'My bride has arrived here at the Manor.'

'But why did she leave it until now? Why has she never contacted you?'

'It's a long story, ma mere, but there's more you must know right now. She did not arrive here alone. She has brought my son with her.'

'Your son?' Narcissa's voice was a faint sound in the spacious room. As though the news was too much for her to assimilate, she closed her eyes. 'Are you sure?'

'When you meet him, you will see the similarity. In truth, he looks like his mother, but he has the Malfoy eyes and our hair.'

'Ummm, yes... Well, this is extraordinary news! Have you told Pansy that she is deprived the bride right of becoming a Malfoy?'

Draco wondered if there was a hint of- could it be malice in her mother's voice?

'Where did you have Chiswick put her?' his mother continued.

'Put her?'

'Of course. If she's your wife, she must have all the honours due to her as the wife of the Malfoy heir.' Narcissa's eyes began to sparkle. 'Yes, she should have the Elizabethan suite. It connects to yours, which is as it should be. Also, except for my rooms, it's the finest in the Hall.

'Tell me, Drake, shall I like her?' she went on. 'And my grandson, do you like him?' Without pause his mother began to consider the ramifications of their guest's presence at the Manor. 'Oh, dear, what shall we do about the betrothal ball? Will we be able to notify everyone in time?' She rose up from the velvet-covered seat, excitement running through her. This unknown could not possibly be as cold and calculating as Pansy.

'Draco, my dear, I don't think we should cancel the ball. Just change the reason for it. Instead of being held for the purpose of announcing your betrothal, we shall introduce your wife to our family and friends. I wonder if she has the right kind of dress robes. What is she like, Draco? Is she presentable?'

Amazed and amused by his mother's response to the news of a daughter-in-law and a grandson, Draco answered her questions, trying to describe the tall, slim woman who had come out of his forgotten past to present him with a son of whom he had no knowledge. As he painted a picture of her dignity, her beauty, and her self-possession in so awkward a situation, his mother listened carefully to the tone of his voice and watched the expression on his face. She knew that the news was a terrible blow to Pansy and that 'that woman,' as she labelled her, would try to prevent this heretofore unknown wife from spoiling her plans. If only there were one or two allies within the household who could help keep the harpy at bay, perhaps this affair would prove more felicitous than one could imagine.

Because Narcissa knew her son to be a generous, kind and loving person who was hiding behind an austere manner, she wished him to have a wife who would bring him the happiness he deserved. The arrival of a woman who had kept her own counsel for eight years presented a less-than-perfect opportunity to oust Pansy from the scene. But if there were any possibility that the new heirs wife might learn to love and be a comfort to Draco, then Narcissa Juliet Malfoy would certainly see to it that the hoped-for circumstance was encouraged.

As mother and son followed their own thoughts, they made their way to the magnificent chamber to which Chiswick had directed the various members of the house party. They arrived just in time to hear Virginia introducing herself to Pansy in answer to that woman's discourteous demands to know who she was. A tranquil response was made, and then Virginia turned from her rival to introduce Mrs. Ogden to the company.

The elderly lady had grown up in the theatre and enjoyed exploiting the impact a singular appearance had upon one's audience. To that end, she had clothed her tall, imposing body in layers in diaphanous fabrics hung with strings of beads and pinned with brooches and all manner of jewels. Upon her head sat an oversized turban wound with flaming orange satin, draped with strands of pearls and semiprecious stones. Atop the whole, three ostrich plumes nodded graciously to all present. Wisps of curly grey hair crept out from under the monstrous headgear, framing a chubby pink face in which a pair of twinkling eyes bade all and sundry to enjoy the sight she presented.

Instead of putting off the several ladies and gentlemen present, her appearance seemed to attract them. Her hearty laugh, humorous asides, and sincere interest in those with whom she spoke won many admirers.

Malfoy's arrival, accompanied by his mother, drew Virginia's eyes. She watched as he made his way across the room to her side. His well-built figure, clothed in a black superfine knee length tailcoat, obviously from the workrooms of Weston of London, stood out in the roomful of people. His fitted trousers which outlined his muscular legs, the white starched white shirt, unbuttoned at the top revealing clear white skin all added to the fashionable appearance he made. Virginia's breath caught in her throat as she gazed at his handsome face. His extraordinary grey eyes were so like Dante's. The crown of white blonde hair cut in a casual way, now free from gel, hung down his face a touch lower then normal, looked so crisp that she wanted to touch it.

Was it possible that she had lain in this man's arms so long ago? Was the tremor in her knees a result of her memories of that one night of passion, or because of the role she would now be called upon to play? A becoming flush suffused her countenance when Draco raised a questioning eyebrow.

'Virginia,' he greeted her, giving no hint of the conversation they had had less than an hour before. 'You look beautiful.' His voice dropped to a whisper as he commanded, 'Let me introduce you to my mother.' Without waiting for her to lay her hand on his forearm, he took her fingers and tucked them into his crooked elbow. 'Don't pull away, or you will spoil the welcoming picture I wish to present to our guests. We must try to behave in a way that incites envy of our situation, not ridicule, Weasel.'

'My lord, I am yours to command.' A hiss of anger touched Ginny's condescending words.

'Yes, I know,' was the bland response.

A sotto voice response, too soft for Draco to hear, was made to the effect that there would be more of this matter in the future, then, as she was brought to a stop before the Draco's mother, she said, 'Mrs. Malfoy, I have waited a long time for this pleasure.' As she sank into a deep curtsy to convey her respect, Virginia peeked up at the sweet face that looked at her with... could it be kindness and welcome?

'My dear, come and let me kiss you. I cannot tell you how pleased I am.' Narcissa's eyes slid to Pansy's face and noted the fury one it. 'We shill have a nice long chat after dinner. Draco, she is every bit as lovely as you told me. Now do your duty and introduce her to everyone before Chiswick announces dinner. I know you will want her by your side during the evening, but' -she tapped her son's wrist playfully with her fan- 'you must be ready to allow her to see me later.'

The smile that always appeared in his eyes when he dealt with his mother changed Draco's appearance completely. The cold, staid demeanour that was habitual with him warmed to a friendlier, younger look. For a moment he resembled the young man who had married Virginia on that April day eight years ago.

'Yes, ma mere, you shall talk with her as much as you like.' He started to move away, drawing Virginia with him. 'We will answer everyone who has the bad taste to ask that I suffered a bout of amnesia and so lost track of you. Which is the truth, thus simpler to speak. Since the betrothal was bruited about in the newspapers, the situation will be awkward, but if we stress the happy ending for you and I, we should manage to avoid an excessive amount of gossip. With difficulty, I have convinced Pansy not to announce her breaking hear.' His words took on a cynical tone. 'I'm sure that she will be satisfied with a generous gift and continued recognition as a friend of the Malfoy's, as well as occasional invitation to some of our balls and routs.'

By the time he had finished speaking, they had arrived at the side of the deposed fiancée. With a loving look, she wrapped her hands around Draco's free arm, and smiled at Virginia with cordial detestation.

'So this is the long-lost wife, Draco. You must have been enjoying you life immensely to remain concealed for such a length of time. Did you suffer some king of reversal to make you appear so unexpectedly?' Pansy's words were spoken in a most solicitous manner.

'No, only the thought that you might be the unknowing victim of an act of bigamy brought me here. Even though neither party was aware of such a happening, it would have put you forever beyond the pale had I permitted your wedding to take place. I could not bear the thought of an innocent woman suffering such a fate.' Virginia's eyes gleamed with golden lights of fury, belying her tranquil manner.

'How kind of you to have been so solicitous of my well-being.' A pouting mouth spoke the words, but the tone made certain that Virginia knew her thoughtfulness was not appreciated.

'I think my wife showed every kindness to have rushed to your side as she did,' Draco interposed. 'The necessity of preventing such a heinous deed, no matter how innocently enacted, was her first concern. You should thank her for her actions.' A hint of laughter showed in the grey eyes. Virginia caught her breath at the sight. It was as if a charming and mischievous boy was lurking behind the reserved mask.

'If this woman is truly your wide...' Pansy's protuberant blue eyes seemed to promise some malign fate.

Tall, scarlet haired Virginia drew herself up, intending to convey challenge in her very posture. Let Pansy just dare to continue insulting her!

'Pansy.' Warning was implicit in Draco's one word. He waited a moment, and then turned to Virginia. 'My dear, I think we must greet more of our guests before we may go into dinner.' He gripped his wife's elbow and urged her forward as he cautioned Pansy with a glance.

For the first time since he had returned home after the war, he found himself looking forward to the next few weeks. Suddenly his boredom had been done away with. Life was once more filled with challenge.

'Your choice of a lover disappoints me, ferret.' Virginia commented. 'I can't think it a positive reflection upon myself that you should be so errant in settling upon her as my replacement.' The words were expressed without emphasis, the interference being that the lady was merely making conversation and the topic was of passing interest.

'Ah, but I had not the privilege of remembering you. Perhaps after tonight I shall have a better model to use as a pattern. My dear, may I make you acquainted with my very good friend, Blaise Tobias Zabini. Blaise, my wife.'

Virginia extended her hand to the young gentleman just introduced. 'A pleasure, sir. You went to Hogwarts to?'

'How did I give myself away?' Twinkling green eyes in a cherubic face looked approvingly at Virginia. 'Must be the same dashing manner that your husband displays that gave me away.'

A delicious trill of laughter broke from Virginia's parted lips. Something about this tall erect man seemed to set her at ease. His was the first face she had seen that held a sincere welcome; perhaps it was his close resemblance to Tom. Even when she had given thought to the difficulties she would encounter in introducing herself to her husband and household, Virginia had not prepared herself for the strain of holding herself aloof from the multitude of emotions she was arousing in the various persons she was meeting. Here, at least, was someone who was welcoming her as the wife of his friend. She was more than grateful for his acceptance.

'It was an impression of the moment,' she said. 'A certain air of valour and knightliness... as though you would ride ventre-a-terre to save the day, if need be, being a Slytherin of course.'

Draco joined the laughter her answer evoked. 'And so he would. There were dozens of scrapes he found himself in that called for someone else to ride to his rescue.' The lightly spoken words merely hinted at the deep affection the two friends shared. Each had saved the other's life more then once, and they had looked out for one another during that horrendous last battle.

There were but a few more people to whom Virginia was introduced before Chiswick entered to announce that dinner was served. Virginia found herself being escorted into the magnificent dining room on the arm of the eccentric man who called himself Lord Trevellyan, her husband's uncle and the ranking peer present. They conversed easily together about the beauties of spring and rose gardens and the quiet of the country.

As the old gentleman seated her, he gave her a long look from under his shaggy eyebrows. 'Mystery here, eh? Look like a nice enough gel. Good figger. Like you better than that hoity toity miss. You'll do, m'dear, you'll do.' At the end of his astonishing statement, Lord Trevellyan turned away to find his place at the table, leaving a stunned Virginia behind him.

The dinner lasted for some two and a half hours. The Course followed course, each one more elaborate than the last. Several removes were presented for the delectation of the guests- three soups began the meal and were followed by pike in the German way, fricassee of lobster, several savouries, and two jellies. These were followed by calf's foot jelly, roasted beef, broiled mutton, and boiled turkeys stuffed with capons. Several petits-pates, a fricandeau of veal, carrot pudding, tender green peas with mint, parsnips with butter, and boiled greens preceded whipped syllabub, apple charlotte, three kinds of gateaux, and fresh strawberries with Devonshire cream. Champagne was served throughout the meal, helping to create a gaiety that might not have been felt otherwise due to the unusual circumstances of Virginia's presence.

At a signal from Narcissa, the ladies arose from the table and withdrew to the salon, there to while away their time in conversation and gossip, leaving the gentleman to their port and cigars.

Virginia managed to avoid contact with Pansy for most of the remainder of the evening, although she was the recipient of several killing looks. Protected by Mrs. Ogden, who quickly entered the conversation that impinged upon her friend's privacy, the 'bride' drifted from one guest to another, smiling prettily and giving away nothing. When the ladies were joined by the gentlemen, Virginia quickly excused herself, being exhausted by the day's events. She was conducted graciously to the door of her chamber by her husband, who allowed that he would not inflict himself upon her for the next few nights, giving them a chance to know one another better before resuming their interrupted enjoyment of married bliss.

Virginia's eyes widened in alarm. The ferret had given her notice that he might assert his rights as husband, but she had hoped to hold him at bay for some several months. In the years since they had spent that one night together, she had allowed no other man to become so close that intimacy might have been the result. The one night of her life that had taught her all she knew of the physical side of marriage had left bitter feelings, despite the enjoyment she had found in Draco's embrace.

Now, once more faced by the handsome, charming man who had held her in his arms and had left her enceinte, she felt again the tug at her senses that produced unaccountable sensations in the pit of her stomach and a certain dryness of her mouth. Her tongue touched her lips cautiously as she stared into the silvery eyes. Trembling, she offered him her hand, trying to mask the effect of his words with a composed 'Thankyou and goodnight.'

She pushed open the door to her suite, turning to close it behind her, only to find herself standing within the circle of Malfoy's arms. 'Fer...' She began to object.

'I think its only right that we begin to renew out acquaintance with each other, Virginia. And what better way then a kiss between husband and wife?'

His head descended and his lips took possession of hers. Her body sagged against his, and her hands clutched at his shirt for support. Even as she held on to him, his arms tightened around her, pulling her close to his muscled chest, igniting flames within her that she had never imagined existed. His moist warm mouth moved against hers, brushing, sipping, seeking for the softness and secrets there. Her lips parted, helplessly, giving entry to his urgent tongue, allowing the shadow of passion to send her into a mindless state of sensation. She seemed to have lost the power to breathe. Just as she thought she would die of asphyxiation, Draco lifted his head and held her with his eyes.

'Beautiful.' His voice trembled slightly. ' Don't turn away from me.' He lifted his hand to her him, and held her still. 'Once more.'

' No... please...' Her words died away as, once more his mouth claimed hers. Again she was captured by the tide of passion. Her mouth yielded to his. Her tongue answered his as her arms clasped him tightly to her.

Draco felt her body shake with the storm of emotion that swept through her. Without letting go, he reached behind him to turn the key in the lock, successfully blocking entry to any who might follow them into the room. Slowly he began to caress her body, stroking the line of her backbone, the swell of her his. His hands moved to her breast, pushing the amber fabric aside as he attempted to reach the rosy tips.

A sigh of sound formed words. 'Oh, Draco...' It was a half plea, half protest.

His one arm held her shoulders as the other lowered to clasp her legs, lifting her easily to hold her against his body as he strode from the sitting room through the boudoir into the bedroom. A banked fire in the fireplace was the only light in the dim chamber, casting deep shadows around the tester bed...

Later

When Virginia returned to herself, she found herself still held by Draco, his hand moving over her body in a soothing, gentling fashion. He murmured sounds, words that were non-words but calmed at the same time that they enchanted. Bemused by his whispers, Virginia lay quiescent, relishing the languor that had overcome her in the aftermath of passion they had just shared.

But then, as she allowed her mind to replay the scene from the beginning, has lassitude slowly begun to change until suddenly it burgeoned to fury. He had taken her without a thought for herself. He had known that she wished to delay the time when they had sex. She felt no better than any slut whom he might have petitioned in his travels. She shrugged herself out of his arms, reaching for a coverlet to use as a wrap, knowing that part of her anger was at her own weakness. To have succumbed to his blandishments, to respond to his magnetic virility, brought her down to his level. She wanted to throw things, to scream with rage, to bury her head in the pillow and weep. Instead she withdrew from the man who had given her pleasure without giving her the sense of self that was so important to her.

'What is it sweet? Don't pull away from me, wife. We are just beginning to know one another.' Draco's voice was soft with sated passion.

'You are despicable. Get out of my bed.'

'But why, love? Wasn't it as good for you as it was for me?'

'That has nothing to do with anything. You knew I wanted to wait. You could have allowed me the dignity of getting to know you better instead of taking me without feeling, without love.'

'Oh, no, not unfeelingly. I felt very well, I thought.' A hint of laughter came through the words.

'Don't laugh at me you... you... viper. You're like any other licentious beast, not even waiting a descent length of time before claiming what you consider yours by right.'

'You are my wife. You showed me the lines yourself.'

'That didn't give you the right to- to-'

'To make love to you? Why do you object? You enjoyed it as much as I did.' Draco was showing signs of impatience.

'You said you wouldn't rush me... that you would give me time to get to know you. Its indecent to be taken like a- like a-'

'At least we know that we don't find each other distasteful. We shall find pleasure in bed, if nowhere else.'

'Oh, how can you be so crude as to speak of such intimacies when you... I...' Virginia found the idea of further shared pleasures with Draco too exciting and too frightening to contemplate. It would mean a return to that emotionally dependent state that she had suffered for months after his betrayal of her. Somehow she must turn his lust away from her. She couldn't allow him to take her so casually. It meant too much to her. She knew herself to be falling deeply in love with her husband. If he didn't return her feelings, she didn't wish to share an intimate life with him.

'If you were honest with yourself, you would not pretend such a sensibility about passion. It can relieve boredom, solace the lonely, bring sleep to the weary, enliven a dull existence, and otherwise enhance the long hours of the night... or day. Think on it, dear wife. You must expect to pay some kind of recompense for your place here at the Manor.' By now the loving voice had turned cold.

Draco swung his feet to the floor and moved away from the bed. In the flickering illumination of the fire, his body was magnificent- flawlessly muscled, with broad shoulders tapered to a narrow waist and long, well shaped legs. The strong lines were broken by a puckered scar that reached from his left shoulder blade down around to his waist.

Virginia's breath hissed at the sight, knowing that he must have been close to death after taking such a wound. Her arm reached out involuntarily as though to touch the scar, but was unnoticed by an angry Draco.

'I trust you will forgive me if I don't spend more time in this desert of passion. It makes for a rather chilly bed.'

'I'm sure you will find warmer climes elsewhere.' Tears had begun to form in Virginia's eyes, but she turned her back to him, refusing to allow him to see how hurt and distraught she was.

The lick of the door announced her solitude. My God, what stirred in her that she felt both desire for and detestation of him? When he touched her she melted... she wanted only to be in his arms and- but he used her as a plaything. He had done it once before, but she was a child then... now she knew what happened when one gave oneself into the keeping of a man. No more! He may want her, but shed do her damnedest to keep him away from her. He could take solace with his whore... and leave her to herself.