So, We Meet Again

Chapter Two

Hermione stood up and frowned. She was biting her lip, trying to think back to where the Malfoy Manner was. Since Draco's father had died, Hermione hadn't gone to visit lately, the smell of death reeked in the hallways, and was at its strongest point in his old study, where Lucius had spent most his time. Quite suddenly Hermione was able to recall where the Manor was situated, and closed her eyes.

With a faint pop she appeared in front of a large, old house. Narcissa still lived here with Draco, (who was soon due to move out) and the garden was kept, the shutters painted, and the pathway cleared of snow. Speaking of snow, large, white flakes were dancing lazily from the sky, landing on Hermione, making her shiver. A cold, north wind blew, and her ears froze. Shivering slightly and hugging herself to keep warm, Hermione started up a pathway, which had peach, grey, and white interlocking bricks beneath the light cover of snow.

Standing at the cuff of the end of the path stood Draco, looking like a snow prince. His hair was slightly wind blown, his cheeks pink with frost, but he had that dazzling smile that made his features look twice as magnificent. Holding out an arm, which Hermione accepted gladly, they made their way up the rest of the path. Draco's large, black coat hung past his knees, and the grey scarf around his neck added that manly touched Hermione had always loved. Draco had always been a good friend, even when they had left Hogwarts, and now Hermione was glad to see him again. His eyes, alight with interest, were staring down at her.

"Are you staring at me, Herm?" asked Draco, looking down at her suddenly.

"No," said Hermione, smiling.

"Then what may I ask, are you looking at?" he inquired, his voice half irritated, half friendly loving.

"I haven't seen you in five years, Draco, you can't stop me from staring," said Hermione loftily.

"I haven't seen you in five years, but I can look at you once and sum up you're beautiful!" said Draco incredulously. Hermione actually blushed and mumbled 'thanks'.

Five minutes later they were directly in front of an old, oak-polished door. Draco held it open for her, and Hermione stepped inside. The first thing she noticed was that this place had changed since she was last here. There weren't black drapes hiding the windows anymore, but blue, slightly Victorian drapes hung in front of the rounded windowpanes. Another thing, was the flooring, which had once been black marble, was now red carpet. Hermione thought it all clashed elegantly, the exact things that portrayed Draco. Several paintings hung along the walls, much more cheerful than before, (the paintings had been, oh, you know, Lucius-ly venomous, with people dying, etc.). They contained portraits of mainly women and men, horseback riding, drinking wine merrily, or just plain smiling.

Approaching a painting on the wall opposite the front door, Hermione reached up and touched the pictures in the frame softly. Tears threatened to overcome her senses, but she wiped her eyes on her coat sleeve, and felt someone approach her from behind. Draco laid a hand on her shoulder, and whispered softly,

"You'll see them again, I promise,"

Hermione smiled.

"I will, won't I?" she asked.

"Sure," said Draco, his warm breath reassuring on her cold neck. She turned around to find herself looking at Draco's grey eyes. Though they were grey, they held a warmth and passion that had never been there in the days of school before seventh year. Now they held more than just malicious intent, they held a nice, pleasant feeling. They stared at each other a moment longer, and just when Hermione was sure they were about to kiss Draco turned and said, "Follow me," and strolled off toward a staircase. Slightly disappointed Hermione smiled, following him. When she was halfway across the room she turned around and blew the picture a kiss, Harry and Ron smiled back at her.

*

You. Idiot, said Draco's conscience as Draco turned away from the perfect opportunity to kiss her. Scolding himself inwardly he smiled as he approached the staircase, climbing each step with careful elegance. Looking back he saw Hermione, with her back to him, staring at the picture of Ron and Harry again. Why don't I cry when I see them? He asked himself. Oh wait, answer: he was a Malfoy. Emotion had been torn from his soul as a child. That didn't stop him loving Hermione, however.

Turning around at the top of the staircase Draco waited for Hermione to compose herself. When she was ready, she turned and proceeded to the staircase, Draco watched through the banisters as she wiped another tear away from her red eye. She smiled, when she saw him watching her. He smiled back, fixing her with that eagle-eye stare that said I'm watching you, girl. God, he was too protective of his friends...Never mind the friends who mattered the most.

Draco conjured a blind fold and held it out for Hermione.

"What's this?" asked Hermione, looking curious.

"Oh, you know me, full of surprises," said Draco.

"Right..." said Hermione, looking doubtfully at him. After tying the blind fold around her eyes and guiding her carefully by her shoulders, Draco led her to a room. Pushing open the door he stepped inside, taking Hermione's warm hands in his and guiding her through the doorframe. Stepping behind her, he removed the blindfold and heard Hermione's very audible gasp echo through the room, reverberating over the walls. This was the newest edition to the house, the library. The Malfoys had always had a library, but nobody was allowed to touch it, exempting Lucius. Mainly for the reason that many of the books contained Dark Magic.

Draco watched, as though in slow motion, as Hermione turned around. Her eyes were alight with happiness, she smiled that full smile, and hugged him. He smiled over the top of her head and clutched her back. This was where she belonged.

Walls of books surrounded the walls, there were two fireplaces at either end of the room, and large, comfy red sofas sat along the spaces in the walls, also in front of the fires. Hermione let go of a thoroughly disappointed Draco and beamed at him. Draco grinned at her, and said,

"Shall we read? I need to show you something,"

"Another surprise?" asked Hermione.

"Yes," said Draco stoutly. Hermione was inexplicably beaming. Draco could almost feel the happiness radiating off of her. Draco led Hermione by the hands into a side room, to reveal something that made Hermione gasp, for the second time that day, and turn around, squeaking,

"I LOVE you!"

Draco only wished it were true.

"You're welcome," he laughed as Hermione jumped into his arms. The surprise was a room, a rather big room. It was covered in red and gold draping, and velvety red carpeting clothed the floor. A large, king-sized bed stood in the centre of the room against a wall, and a window seat revealed the setting sun. Many pictures on the walls contained Hogwarts, Ron, Harry, Draco, (he couldn't help himself), and other friends from Hogwarts. The largest picture hung above her bed, and it held a magnificent photo of Hogwarts itself, flags billowing in the wind, complete with the Lake.

"It's beautiful Draco thank you so much!" said Hermione gleefully.

"So, if you ever want to stay, there's always room, and if you can't sleep, the library is open all day and night," said Draco, revealing another stunning smile.

"Wow," said Hermione, going over to see the Hogwarts picture.

"And my room...is straight through there," said Draco, indicating a door that stood a few feet from her bedside tables, that held up red lamps. "In case you ever want to, talk...or anything," Draco finished awkwardly.

"Great!" said Hermione, playing clueless, though her smile didn't hide her cheeks, which had flushed red at the last statement.

"So, uh...I was wondering...if..." Draco began.

"Yes?" asked Hermione, turning around so fast she almost fell over.

"Uh...if you want to stay for Christmas...I have another surprise..." said Draco, awkwardly almost.

"Another surprise?" asked Hermione. "Yeah sure, I'll stay,"

"Great!" said Draco, brightening. "Are you going to stay here anytime soon?"

"Holidays start today," began Hermione, "So could I stay tonight?"

"Of course!" said Draco.

"I don't want to impede..." said Hermione offhandedly.

"No, seriously Herm, this room was reserved for you, I want you to stay!" said Draco, smiling.

"Thanks, I'd rather be here than alone," said Hermione, grinning. "But I need my stuff, I'll be right back..."

"Okay," said Draco, beaming at her before she disapparated.

*

Once at home, Hermione gathered up a few clothes, some overnight supplies and was just about to disapparate when the doorbell rang. Dropping her clothes and brush she walked over to the door and pulled it open, not bothering to ask whom it was.

"Hello, Hermione," said James, standing in the door. His suit was mussed and he was definitely in need of a shave, his hair was tousled, it looked as though he had just come from off the streets.

"You're an alcoholic, do you deny it?" asked Hermione.

"Yes!" said James defensively.

"No," said Hermione, slamming the door shut. She heard James retreat down the hall after about a minute. Going back to get her clothes, Hermione caught sight of herself in a mirror that was hanging on her living-room wall, carefully pointing her wand at her head she whispered something under her breath and her hair was suddenly silky and soft, as though she had just washed it.

"Brilliant, just brilliant," said Hermione, referring to the authors of 'Beauty and Magic Were Made to Mix'.

She stepped into the living room and took a breath, then she disapparated.

Once in the Malfoy Manner Hermione called out breathlessly,

"Draco?" her voice sounded rich and pure as it echoed across the walls.

"Hello again, Herm, long time no see!" said Draco, climbing down the stairs with that elegance that made him so irresistible.

"I know," said Hermione.

Draco walked over and took her things,

"Shall we proceed to the reserved room, madam?" he asked, extending his arm.

"I think we shall," said Hermione, taking his arm.

Ten minutes later Hermione was sprawled out on her bed while Draco sat on a chair across the room. They had been talking for quite a while when Draco said something that made Hermione sit up,

"My mother is dying," said Draco softly. God, he was a handsome crying hero.

"Oh Draco," replied Hermione in a whisper, getting off the bed. She walked toward him, each step filled with grace and sorrow for Draco. When she stood in front of him he stood, and she hugged him. Soft sobs racked Draco's ribs, and Hermione wished that for just once she could take his pain, make all the world's problems go away just this once, make Draco happy again.

"Shhh..." said Hermione. "Everything will be okay, its okay Draco, shhh,"

"No," said Draco, tears sliding down his pale cheeks. "She's got cancer, there isn't a cure Herm, there isn't a cure..." the last words came out as half-formed sobs.

"Shhh...they'll think of something," said Hermione quietly, reaching up to stroke his hair. She played with his silver-blond hair for a moment when they broke apart. Hermione looked up into Draco's red, tear streaked eyes. For the first time in her life Hermione felt pity and love as never before, she wanted to show him how much she loved him right there and then, she wanted to tell him it would all be okay, she wanted to hold him close and reassure him forever.

But she couldn't. After about ten minutes Draco stopped crying, Hermione looked at him and he whispered,

"Thanks."

"No probs," said Hermione, who was on the verge of tears herself.

*

Draco looked down at Hermione; she looked like she was about to cry herself, and even as Draco thought about what to say, (as they were still in an embrace) a solitary tear slid down Hermione's cheek. He smiled and caught the tear with the tip of his finger,

"Don't cry, Herm," he said softly.

"Why not?" asked Hermione tearfully.

"Because you're brave and smart remember?" asked Draco, still smiling. "Don't cry, I was starting to love your smile," he added, as Hermione scowled at him.

Hermione opened her mouth, but Draco pressed a finger against her pale, soft lips.

"None of that, go freshen up for Dinner!"

"Alright," said Hermione, pulling out of the embrace that Draco wished could've gone on forever. When Hermione reached the door to the bathroom she turned around and called to Draco's retreating back,

"Draco?"

Draco turned. "Yes?"

"Thanks," said Hermione.

"No problem," said Draco, turning to leave again. Had he not been so preoccupied he might've heard Hermione whisper softly, 'I love you,'

*

Hermione had a quick shower, and was just getting dried off when she heard movement in her room. Her eyes opened wide she pressed her ear against the door, listening hard. The movement stopped, and Hermione started to become frightened. Slowly opening the door she gasped. Roses were falling from her ceiling, the lights were dimmed down magically, and Draco was standing at his door.

"Hi," said Draco, smiling.

"D-Draco...how-?" Hermione began to ask. But Draco walked over.

"Shhh...dress for Dinner,"

Draco left, backing out slowly, his smile getting bigger with every step.

Hermione dressed, her look was elegant, her style laid back. A red, peasant sleeved shirt hung off her shoulders, a sparkling, red skirt lay at her waist. Her shoes were black, high heeled. She felt slightly overdressed, but as she made her way down the staircase the feeling vanished. Draco was wearing tails, Hermione didn't understand this, it was just another dinner, wasn't it? Narcissa was looking elegant for someone who was almost eighty years old. Her white hair was propped on her head in a tight bun; she was wearing a blue velvet dress, with diamonds silhouetting it. Hermione hadn't bothered to put her hair up, it was now plain waves that went down part of her back, good thing she had grown it out.

When Hermione sat down, she looked beside her at Draco; he was looking stunning, as usual. He looked down at her and smiled, slowly at first as a grin, then the smile broke out across his lips, lighting up his eyes.

"So you're Hermione?" asked Narcissa down the table.

"Yes," said Hermione, smiling. Narcissa didn't smile back. Hermione's smile faltered slightly, but she hitched it back. She would not be intimidated.

"You must be nice, Draco talks about you all the time," said Narcissa briskly, her wrinkled face had pursed lips while she announced this. Hermione looked quickly at Draco. Honestly, it was impossible for that man to blush, he just sort of went pink.

"Shall we eat?" he asked quickly.

"Yes, get the elf, I'm starving here!" snapped Narcissa. Draco left to fetch the house elf, Hermione scowled, her elf-rights still held a quarter of her working mind.

"Like I was saying, he talks about you often," said Narcissa swiftly, looking at Hermione suspiciously. "He never talks about anyone...even from school...what's that boy's name? Harry? And Ron? He talked about them at first, but no, with you he's been going on and on about how pretty you are," Hermione blushed.

"I'm glad," Hermione announced awkwardly.

"Yes, but I can't see if you're pretty or not, come stand here child," said Narcissa, waving a bony fingered hand toward beside her. Hermione stood up and walked (trying to talk long, confident strides) over to Narcissa's side. The old woman's grey eyes observed her for a moment, and for an instant something shined behind her eyes that Hermione could've sworn was kindness.

"Sit down," she barked.

"Er...okay," said Hermione, strolling back to her seat and sliding into an old Victorian chair beside Draco's.

"You're pretty," said Narcissa shortly.

"Thank you," said Hermione, her voice beaming.

"Don't thank me!" retorted Narcissa. "Thank your parents, they were purebloods?"

"Seriously!" Hermione said, rolling her eyes. "I didn't think anyone was caught up in that pureblood stuff anymore! My parents were both Muggles I'll have you know, and I was always top of my year at Hogwarts!"

"Your parents...were Muggles?" asked Narcissa slowly.

"Yes!" Hermione said exasperatedly.

"You must be good...Draco's never dated a Mudblood before-" began Narcissa, her grey eyes widening in astonishment. But before she could finish her sentence Draco stormed in.

"What?" he roared at his mother.

"Sorry darling?" asked Narcissa sweetly.

"You said...Mudblood..." said Draco, his voice silkily venomous.

"Yes!" said Narcissa defiantly.

"No. Mother, I am not dating Hermione, we're friends, and you have no right whatsoever to call any of my friends Mudbloods," spat Draco.

"Alright, alright!" said Narcissa. "Sit down will you? The elf should be here any moment..."

Draco was still fuming until about half way through dinner when Hermione made another brave attempt at conversation. She started talking randomly about work, Quidditch (surprisingly), marriage, her past career as a mediwizard, and much more. Draco was responding animatedly to everything she said, this warmed Hermione's heart. Narcissa didn't appear to be part of the conversation, she sniffed occasionally, and let out a hacking cough, but nothing more.

When dinner was over Hermione thanked Narcissa and proceeded to the steps to get ready for bed, only to find that Draco was right behind her. Hermione giggled and made her way to the bedroom. Draco stepped in behind her and slid the door closed behind his back. Hermione turned around and took a deep, dramatic breath and said,

"Well!"

Draco smiled. "My mother's a bitch," he said, smiling.

Hermione grinned nervously.

"But I'll miss her," Draco admitted fairly more to himself.

"I'm sure you will," said Hermione softly strolling over toward Draco, reaching both arms up around his neck. Draco hugged her back, his arms around her back, resting at her waist. Draco's breathing almost stopped, Hermione was embracing him... and he didn't ask for it. Whoa. Shaking off his surprise Draco continued to speak,

"Have you seen James?" he asked roughly.

"I have, actually," Hermione admitted. "When I went back to get my stuff to stay here he came to my door, he looked like a peasant, seriously, he was all rugged and...unkempt!"

Draco pulled away from Hermoine just far enough so they were still in an embrace, but he could look down at her. "Does he know where you live?" he asked.

"Well, yes," said Hermione.

"Can he get in?" Draco pressed on urgently.

"No! I have charms guarding the place to keep people from getting in," said Hermione, sounding startled.

"Fine," said Draco.

Then suddenly, something in the shadows of the room stirred. Hermione and Draco jumped apart and a rough outline of a man emerged from the shadows of the room. It was-

"James!" exclaimed Hermione, looking at the filthy man with increasing dislike.

"James?" asked Draco uncertainly.

"Me," said James calmly. "Wow Hermione, I never thought you would dump me off for a scumbag like this," he said hollowly, jerking his thumb at Draco.

"We were never an item to begin with!" said Hermione angrily, her voice rising with each syllable, which was pronounced with such a venomous hate Draco was surprised.

"Oh, no?" asked James.

"Go," said Draco, pointing at the door.

"No," retorted James calmly. "I'm here for my girl, let's go," he said to Hermione harshly.

"Hah! Do you know why I 'dumped' you James?" asked Hermione.

"No," said James slowly.

"Because Draco can give me love, protection, friendship, honesty, courage, and so much more that you can't!" exclaimed Hermione.

"Ouch," said James, placing a hand over his heart.

"Go," Draco repeated, pointing at the door for the second time.

"Give me the girl," said James.

"No." said Draco shortly.

"Why you-" James began drawing out his wand. He was halfway through the Imperius curse when Draco stunned him. Hermione looked from Draco to James, to Draco again. She stood on tiptoe, placed her hands on either side of Draco's face, and said "Thanks," before kissing him. The kiss in itself was breathtaking in every way, Draco bent down to kiss her back, and within minutes they had broke apart.

"I love you," said Draco.

"I love you too," replied Hermoine, her voice filled with a kindling passion and love as never before.

"And I hate you both!" came a voice from the window, James was escaping. He jumped out the window and Hermione ran to the windowsill, he had disapparated on the way down.

"Draco, what will we do?" she asked.

"We just said we loved one another," said Draco slowly. "Now we kiss again,"

Hermione smiled. "About James," she said.

"We wait...until we're done kissing," said Draco. Hermione was surprised at his laid-back attitude, then realised that James probably wouldn't come near her while she was with Draco. She calmed her nerves and leaned in as Draco bent down again. This would be a memorable night.