Disclaimer: See Chapter 1

Notes: Final chapter! This chapter contains sexual content.

Chapter 19

Draco apparated to Charing Cross Road still holding tightly to Hermione's hand. They appeared around the corner from the Leaky Cauldron, away from muggle eyes. Draco booked them a room for a few days to start. He had intentions of looking for something more permanent, a nice flat for the two of them that would be completely their own and out of his father's hands. When Draco turned seventeen he gained access to his personal vault that his parents had opened for him when he was born, and deposited a certain amount in annually as his inheritance. So long as Draco was legally a Malfoy, (i.e. his father did not disown him, which would never happen) only Draco, or anyone he authorized, had access to it. And his father could not revoke the vault.

If Draco disowned his parents the vault was his, however it would no longer receive an annual deposit from his parents' vault. But Draco was only willing to go that far if he had to. He wouldn't even be considered estranged until a year from now, if contact between him and his parents ceased to exist.

Draco shook off these thoughts as he and Hermione climbed the stairs to their room. He opened the door and shut it firmly, then locked it and cast a silencing charm on the room. Hermione gave him a confused look, but didn't have time to process much else, as Draco was on her in a moment. He picked her up and carried her to the bed depositing the witch on her back.

Draco climbed up hovering over her on his hands and knees as he kissed down her neck and collarbone. Hermione wasn't entirely against the attention right now. But he was moving so fast. His teeth nipped and bit at the skin of her throat before latching on to her earlobe. She could feel the anger radiating off of him. Draco was clearly venting his frustration from the conversation with his father.

His aggressive nature right now didn't frighten her. She felt confident that should she tell him to stop, he would. He just needed her. Needed to feel something other than rage. So Hermione let him undress her with a speed she had never seen before. He yanked back the blankets on the bed before shedding all of his own clothing, leaving them both naked. Draco didn't immediately push into her, instead he kissed down her body, continuing his previous journey from only minutes ago. Hermione sighed and clutched at his hair as Draco teased her closer and closer to release with his lips and tongue. She cried out as her orgasm broke over her in a tidal wave, almost blocking out the feel of Draco's tongue between her legs licking and stroking.

Without any further preamble, Draco pushed up onto his knees and filled her in one move, burying himself in her body to the hilt.

"Fuck, you feel so good." He moaned, letting his head fall to her shoulder.

He started to move immediately, setting a punishing rhythm. He pulled out to the tip and then slammed back in. Hermione grunted in encouragement each time Draco rocked his hips against hers. She twisted her fingers into his hair, holding him against her chest. She could feel each breath he pushed out as a pant on her neck. Draco gasped unintelligible words to her, his mind reeling with the events of the last few hours. He just wanted to lose himself in her body and forget. He wanted to feel the vice-like grip of her walls around his cock as she milked him dry.

Draco sped up, snapping his hips as he chased his climax. Hermione dragged her nails up his back and pushed fingers through his hair scratching his scalp.

"Fuck! Draco stuttered in his movements, hissing in appreciation, but resumed his pace. He grabbed Hermione around the back of her knees and pulled them up his waist. It changed the angle just enough to let him drive deeper. He paused briefly when the head of dick hit her cervix and Hermione jolted in surprise underneath him.

"Easy." She whispered, breathless.

Draco pulled in a breath and took a moment to find a small shred of serenity in the recesses of his mind. He laid himself down atop her and began to kiss along her neck and jaw apologetically until his mouth was on hers.

"Close," He whispered against her lips.

"Don't wait for me."

Draco ignored this and slipped his hand between their bodies to stroke her clit in soft circles. Hermione bucked her hips in response and kissed him harder. This time her orgasm took her by surprise. Her legs locked around Draco's waist and she scratched her nails down his back, scrabbling for purchase.

"Yesss…" Draco hissed the word, throwing his head back as his balls drew up and his own orgasm shot out of him in spurts. He worked his hips back and forth until the tremors stopped and he could feel his dick begin to soften.

Draco collapsed onto Hermione's chest panting and damp with sweat. She bent her head and kissed his hair, then ran her hand up and down his spine in long strokes as they both came back down. When Draco felt as though he was breathing normally again, Hermione tilted her head to try and see his face. "Better?"

"Much." Draco responded, his breath fanning over her exposed nipple.

Hermione shivered at the unexpected contact, then threw her head back with a broken moan as his mouth surrounded her breast and began to suck. He started to move his hips again, his thrusts shallow. This time he was gentle. All deep, slow kisses and tender strokes of his fingers along her body. Hermione pulled her legs up to bracket his waist with her thighs and squeezed, spurring him on.

Draco was beautiful in moments like these. He moved with intent and passion rather than desperation. He took his time, making each touch or kiss last as long as possible before moving on to his next action. Every caress left an echo, reinforcing and feeding into the next. Hermione believed him when had admitted to not having many partners in past years, but the boy certainly knew what he was doing, and how to do it. He left her feeling overwhelmed, caught in the undertow with no way to surface. She was essentially drowning in sensation.

It was a wonderful way to expire.

~S~

A little while later they ventured downstairs for something to eat. Hermione had insisted on a shower first, not wanting to go out in public smelling like sex. They sat at the large central table and sipped on bowls of minestrone and glasses of butterbeer. After dinner they returned to the room where Hermione promptly passed out. But Draco was wide awake.

He picked up one of the books on the nightstand and got comfortable on the bed. He managed three pages before an owl swooped in through the open window and landed on the footboard, a small roll of parchment tied to its leg.

At first, he thought the owl was his father's, seeing as they both owned eagle owls. But upon closer inspection he recognized the pattern of spots across the crown of the owl's head. Draco reached out and stroked the owl's folded wing before untying the missive from his mother.

"I don't have any treats, mate." He told his pet apologetically. The owl clicked his beak in a way as if to say "I understand" and flew over to the chair by the window to perch on the back of it.

Draco sat back down on the bed and unrolled the parchment. As expected he was met with his mother's neat, elegant scrawl.

Draco,

My dear son, let me first say that I do not approve of you walking out in the manner that you did this evening. However, considering the circumstances of the situation at the time I am proud that you were able to walk away without violence. Both you and your father. That being said, I must express his wish for you to return to the manor. I share this wish, but not for the same reasons.

I understand your exodus, but I do not like that you felt it necessary. Given time I am sure I could have talked your father into acceptance of Miss Granger staying.

Draco snorted. Not in his current frame of mind she couldn't. Not with all of her Slytherin cunning applied to the fullest effect.

You are probably scoffing at that, Draco, but I assure you I am able to persuade your father in most pursuits. But we are probably past that now, and I will not deny it. Lucius has been in a rage since you left. While he has not threatened to cut you off, not that I would ever allow it or that he would consider it, but he has made it very clear that Hermione Granger is not welcome.

I did express my own personal feelings on this, reiterating what I said to him in April. I am sorry that you father is not able to show you the same affection now that he did when you were a child. Before you began at Hogwarts. I still shudder to think what would have become of my boy if he had had his way and you were educated at Durmstrang.

I would like to speak to you in person about your immediate intentions. I assumed you would be in London and I am hoping Ptolemy found you safe. Please send me a response and I will come to you in the morning.

Until then, my dear.

Your loving mother,

Narcissa

Draco folded the note and stuck it in his pocket. Then pinched the bridge of his nose between his thumb and forefinger. He needed to speak to his mother, he knew he did. But he wanted to speak to her alone. He also didn't want Hermione to think he was shutting her out.

"Draco?"

He took his hand down and turned to see Hermione lying awake beside him. Her hand reached out to touch his elbow. "Why are you still awake?"

He nodded to his owl. "Letter from my mother."

Hermione frowned. "Is everything all right?"

"I'm still a Malfoy."

"Narcissa?"

"She wants to come by and talk."

"About your father?"

"About everything I assume." Draco relaxed onto his side facing her. "But I would like to speak to her alone. There are some sensitive topics I want to discuss."

"Me?" Hermione questioned.

"No. Her. My mother was raised to never show her finer feelings, even to family. Out of respect for her and those feelings, I would prefer to speak with her in private. I don't believe she will succumb to torrents of tears, but she does not like to cry in front of people."

"Except you?"

"And my father."

Hermione nodded. "Of course. I feel the same way. But my parents raised me to express myself no matter the emotion. But I understand her need to appear strong and unyielding. She would have had to with everything you were forced to live through, playing host not only to Death Eaters, but Voldemort himself."

Draco reached for her hand and gave her a smile in gratitude. "I hope you don't feel like I'm shutting you out."

"No. If there is anything you want to share with me later I know you will." Hermione cupped the side of his face and pushed her fingers back through his hair. "I trust you, Draco."

"You have no idea what those words mean to me."

Hermione smiled. "I love you, too."

Draco grinned back. "Those, too."

Hermione inched closer, her lips a breath away from his. "Which is why I said them." She whispered, and closed the space between their mouths.

Hermione fell asleep again after their impromptu snog. Draco sent his response back to Wiltshire and then finally laid down, intent on sleep. When they awoke in the morning the sun was shining brightly through the thin curtains and the sky was a clear, azure blue. Draco felt a little disappointed. He had been hoping for a steely gray to match his mood. Mother nature was far too chipper for him today.

He and Hermione had breakfast downstairs and then showered together, to conserve water of course and spare time. At least that was the lie Draco told himself. In reality he wanted every waking moment he could spare with her. So addicted was he now to her constant presence that some days he felt he could not get through without a touch or a whisper. Hermione contacted Harry and Ginny via the Floo network using the fireplace in their room. They made plans to meet at Fortescue's around lunchtime just before Draco's mother was due to arrive.

Draco waited downstairs with Hermione, and kissed her goodbye before she took off into Diagon Alley. Potter gave him an awkward wave, which Draco acknowledged with curt nod of his head. He waited until they disappeared before going up to the bar and requesting tea for two to be brought up once his mother arrived.

When Narcissa appeared out of the fireplace, Draco was waiting at the closest table and got up to greet her. She brushed off the very small trace of ash from her shoulder and then embraced her son like she had not seen him in years. Narcissa took a moment to stroke his white-blonde hair as she held him in her arms.

"I'm sorry I walked out on you last night." Draco apologized. Hearing his mother call for him as he stormed from the manor had stung his heart, but he wasn't going to give his father the satisfaction of turning around as he called after him, lest he think Draco was obeying his order.

"You don't need to apologize, dear. I've walked away from your father in the same fashion. Even for the same reason. Because he wouldn't listen."

Draco regarded his mother with surprise. He would never have suspected her capable of walking out. Then he considered everything she had been through in the last few years. The emotional hardships she had endured. He had little knowledge of his parents' marriage during the early years before he had been born. Draco's first memory of his mother father was when he had been about four or five-years-old.

They had all been walking through the garden outside. He was holding his mother's hand as she pointed out different flowers to him. He recalled his father had hung back a little and observed. He appeared much the same in Draco's memory as he looked today. The same long, flowing black robes. The same arrogant expression as he watched his wife and son. He even held the serpent-topped walking stick that secretly housed his wand. But the Lucius Malfoy in his memory was smiling. Beaming indulgently at Draco and his mother. The sneer that was so prevalent today was nowhere to be found.

Draco relayed this to his mother and she smiled sadly at her son, acknowledging the same memory with a nod of her head. Draco had to wonder if his parents' marriage had soured over the years. They never gave any indication. He had always assumed his parents loved each other unconditionally. Perhaps they still did, but his mother was coming in to a new strength she had not possessed before the second Wizarding War. It gave him a sense of relief knowing she could hold her own against his father and was not afraid to stand against him.

"He won't listen." Draco stated, bringing his thoughts back to his mother's last comment. "It's more a case of him refusing to see."

"Indeed." Narcissa agreed. "And it will cost him dearly in the end if he does not open his eyes to this change."

Draco stepped back from his mother and gestured for her to lead the way upstairs. He indicated the room he was sharing with Hermione and Narcissa walked in first. A tea service had been set up by the window and a gentle breeze blew the curtains inward making them flutter. She felt her nose crinkle at the state of the room. The bed was made and the floor was swept, but there was an overall feel of shabbiness. Not at all what she wanted for her son to be living in. Hopefully this was temporary and she could convince him to return home to Wiltshire. But Narcissa was getting her hopes up.

She took the seat out of the way of the breeze and set her small bag on the bedside table behind her. Draco took the seat opposite her and poured out two cups of tea, preparing hers first and then his. A small plate of sandwiches and mini pastries had also been provided, but Draco knew his mother would not partake. But he would. Later.

"I do want to know how you're doing, Draco, but I'm more concerned with your immediate intentions." Narcissa sipped her tea then set the cup down.

"I'm not coming home." Draco stated bluntly in response.

"I assumed as much." Narcissa replied wistfully. "I will not push you. However, I would like to know what you have in mind. I can't imagine you want to stay here any longer than necessary." She looked around the room again, her distaste evident.

It made Draco smile. Not in a condescending way, but indulgently. Of course his mother would have an issue with his current living arrangement. She had grown up with finery and had known nothing else her entire life. It there was one part of Narcissa Malfoy that would never change it was her insistence on having the very best. And providing such for her son. While Draco appreciated this, and her ability to do so for him, he was beginning to realize that he did not always necessarily need it.

"I would like to find a flat in London." Draco informed her, sipping his tea holding the cup between his fingers and not by the handle. He had grown lax with some of the manners that had been ingrained in him since birth, but not all. He wasn't as concerned with the way he held his teacup in polite company as he was with the executions of his words and actions toward the opposite sex.

A few years ago, he had not cared a lick about these at all. But the war had taught him to be grateful for things such as his mother's love, and to express that gratitude whenever he could. The same held true for Hermione, and telling her every day that he loved her. That he would always love her.

Draco turned his thoughts back to the conversation at hand. "Nothing grandiose. Just enough space for the two of us and the necessities."

Narcissa frowned. "I can do better than that for you, Draco. I would like to, if you are sure this is what you want."

"It is." Draco confirmed, setting his cup down. "If father will not allow Hermione in the manor then I'm not staying there. Not without her."

Narcissa smiled at him, feeling a surge of pride for her son. He had made his choice clear and was standing by it. He wasn't going to let Lucius come between him and what made him happy. "You're so much stronger than I was at your age." She stated, reaching across the table to take Draco's hand. "I'll do whatever I can to help."

Draco cracked a real smile now. "Thanks, mum."

Narcissa beamed at the informal endearment. He had not called her 'mum' since he was a child. Her heart nearly burst with adoration, but all she let him see was the smile that tugged at the corners of her lips. "What else needs to be completed before you leave?" She asked, withdrawing her hand and picking up her cup once more.

Draco thought for a moment, going over the list in his head. "We need to get travelling brooms, international licenses for those brooms and our wands. And Hermione is still waiting on paperwork from the Ministry that gives her clearance for study on creature rights in each country we're visiting. She wrote a short dissertation on house-elf rights and sent it to the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures the week after we finished N.E.W.T.s. Just last week she got a letter back offering her a position in the department as junior case researcher. It's grunt work, but she was thrilled to take it.

"After she explained that she would wanted to go abroad for two years they offered to sponsor her for an extended internship. So now she is just waiting for the documents to be prepared. Hermione explained it, she said it was something like what muggles use to study abroad. A veesa, I think she called it."

Narcissa appeared confused by this explanation, but was impressed with the young witch's ability to procure herself such an offer from the Ministry of Magic so fresh out of Hogwarts. Although, considering everything that Draco had told her over the years of Miss Granger's academic prowess, Narcissa really wasn't that surprised.

"So the ministry will hold the position for her?" She asked as she sipped the last bit of tea from her cup. Draco picked up the pot offering more and she accepted with a small nod.

"Hermione accepted the position, and the Ministry will hold it while we're abroad. The department only asks that she write continuous reports and send in her research as she completes it in each country. Apparently they are very interested in international creature rights." Draco made a face that said he didn't really believe this. "But Hermione's dissertation did touch on more than just house-elves. She let me read it before she sent it in. It's very good, I just don't have the same enthusiasm or ideals that she does. And she knows this. She feels the same way about my interest in alchemy. She thinks it's archaic. Fascinating, but archaic. But I love it, and I have you to thank for that, mother."

Narcissa smiled shyly. She remembered the conversation she had had with Draco only a few months ago. He had become deeply interested in the subject, as well as the history behind many of the Malfoy family heirlooms. Hence his desire to study potions and ancient runes abroad. He wanted to learn everything that he could about these subjects so as to join her in her pastimes. But he also wanted to be able to maintain, study, and experiment. And this would require practice with more mastered hands and minds.

Even if this was all just a means to an end, Draco got the benefit of his relationship with his mother, something that had been absent most of his adolescence. Something he desperately wanted to nurture and strengthen. He had not shown his mother half the appreciation she deserved, and now he wanted to make up for lost time. Which brought his thoughts back around to the reason he had wanted to speak to her alone in the first place.

Draco set his cup down as he contemplated the turn in the conversation he wished to make.

"How would you feel if I did not return home to Wiltshire?"

"Draco, you must. Someday." Narcissa added the last word quietly. Hesitantly. Her eyes fell to the teacup in her hands. "However, if in the meantime you wish to live apart…"

"I want to know how you would feel." Draco interrupted.

"I would not like it." Narcissa admitted. "I want my son close to me. I don't like that you've taken off to London. I don't like that you want to find permanent residence here because you feel it necessary. As if home is not an option. It pains me in a way that is close to heartache, Draco." She looked up at her son feeling tears sting her eyes. But she blinked them away as she sipped her tea, casting her gaze away from Draco.

"It wouldn't be necessary if father allowed Hermione to stay. I would gladly continue to live under his roof so long as she can be with me."

"Then I will need to speak to him and try to make him understand before you return."

Draco picked up on the leading tone. She meant him return to Wiltshire, and she wanted a date.

"Which may not be soon. I'm not coming home before Hermione and I leave. But I won't shut you out. I intend to begin looking for a flat today. If you would like to come with us…" Now Draco employed the leading tone.

Narcissa turned back to her son. "I would. That way I can ensure you are considering adequate and respectable spaces."

Draco rolled his eyes and gave his mother another indulgent smile. "We really don't need anything beyond basic necessities."

"Yes, but a little luxury is never a bad thing. I would be happy knowing you are comfortable and safe."

"I'm comfortable and safe right here." Draco spread his arms to indicate the Leaky Cauldron and the room around them.

Narcissa only quirked an eyebrow at this. Draco chuckled in response, but in the end agreed to her condition. He would never get away from the opulence that the Malfoy name implied, even if he intentionally tried to.

~S~

"I don't like it." Hermione said, turning to look around the space, arms crossed over her chest.

Draco looked over his shoulder from where he stood by the floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the street below. He flicked the long curtain closed as Hermione rendered her opinion, giving her a look that said he thought she was crazy. This was the third flat they had looked at today alone. And it was by far the best. None of the three they had visited yesterday were even close to

It was centrally located in one of the wizarding pockets of London close to a Ministry-approved Apparition point, which Draco thought Hermione would love, and there was even a little teashop just down the street. The space itself was large and open. White walls and walnut flooring. One master bedroom with attached bath, another half-bath, a large living area and kitchen, and French doors leading onto a wrought iron balcony. It was already furnished, and the cost reflected this convenience.

"Are you mad?" Draco asked, glancing at his mother. Even Narcissa seemed shocked by Hermione's dislike.

She looked between Draco and his mother and cracked a smile. "I don't like it." She repeated. "I love it."

Narcissa felt her shoulders release a little tension, and gave her son a look. Draco just shook his head and gestured for his mother to let it go. Hermione wandered off in to the kitchen to check out the cabinet space leaving the other two alone.

"I approve." Narcissa said as Draco came to stand beside her. "It's very spacious and you don't have to do much as far as decorating."

"Yes, because that's so important." Draco drawled. "We'd only be living here for less than two weeks and then we'll be out of the country for two years."

"I meant when you get back." Narcissa elaborated.

"I doubt that is going to be the first thing on our minds when we return."

Narcissa just sighed quietly and walked over to the built-in bookshelves. They were bare for the time being, but Draco knew the moment he and Hermione began to cohabitate here that would be the first thing she set up. The thought made him chuckle.

"What is it?" Narcissa asked, turning around from her inspection.

"I'm just imagining Hermione stuffing those full to bursting."

Narcissa considered this. "I'm sure you'll make your own fair contribution."

"So…I think this is the one." Hermione said confidently as she appeared in the kitchen doorway.

"Me, too." Draco agreed. "Mother?"

"Yes. I am satisfied with this. I can arrange for your trunks to be sent over with Donegan this evening if we can settle the cost."

"What happens after we leave?" Hermione asked, her mind considering the wizarding equivalent of rent.

"Nothing. I'm purchasing the flat. That way we don't have to worry about monthly expenses."

"Draco, you can't buy it. That's far too much."

Draco gave Hermione a look. "Did you forget who I am?"

"No. But it's still too much."

"I can afford it."

"That's not the point."

"And tell me what the point would be in paying a monthly fee to keep a flat that we're not living in?"

Hermione was silent. He was right. Damn him.

"I'm sorry, what was that? I couldn't hear you?" Draco teased, which earned him a soft punch in the shoulder. "You hit like a girl."

"Because I am, you prat."

Draco leaned in close to her so his mother wouldn't hear, but checked anyway that she was out of earshot before whispering, "Don't I know it." This earned him another punch in the shoulder. Significantly harder than the last.

"Shall we go downstairs?" Narcissa asked, walking toward the door. Draco, rubbing his shoulder where Hermione had now hit him twice, nodded and gestured for the ladies to precede him.

~S~

"How do you intend on travelling to each country?" Narcissa asked a week later when she came by to take Draco and Hermione shopping for travelling brooms and clothes.

"Floo network and portkeys when necessary." Draco answered as he pocketed his wand. "We submitted our itinerary to the Department of Magical Transportation and they are going to connect the Floos at each location that has one…Germany, Spain, Italy, and France I think. Egypt and Peru we'll be getting there by Portkey. And those are being set up for the specific date that we have documented for those countries."

Narcissa wasn't keen on either of these options. But when she considered it, they were better than flying across the continent for weeks on end and adding unnecessary time to their trip. Hermione came out of the bedroom pulling her hair back into a messy bun, wand held between her teeth. Narcissa gave the young witch a look. She would certainly have her work cut out for her when the two returned. For there was no longer a doubt in her mind that Draco had every intention of making Miss Granger his bride. And that would mean changes for the brunette. Many changes.

"What?" Hermione asked as she dropped her hands from her hair and pulled her wand from her mouth.

"Nothing, dear." Narcissa answered. "Are we ready?"

~S~

"Owl me when you're going to be in Italy and I'll come and join you for a couple of weeks." Narcissa requested at the end of July as she stood in Draco and Hermione's flat to say goodbye.

The day had finally arrived and she stood by the fireplace gazing at her son and his girlfriend. They had only a small beaded handbag and Draco's leather school bag between them for luggage. But Hermione had assured her, everything they needed was securely packed away, travelling brooms included. Whatever magic the young witch had done, it was impressive.

"I will." Draco promised in answer to his mother's entreat. He hugged her tightly, but not too tight. He knew how she felt about wrinkles.

"And keep each other safe." She told them both as Draco pulled back.

Hermione exchanged a glance with Draco. "I can't make any promises. He never listens to me."

Draco rolled his eyes. "I think I'm the one that has to worry about you."

"I don't make rash decisions."

"Children." Narcissa prompted, a teasing smile on her face. "Have a safe journey and owl me this evening after you've gotten settled in Paris."

"Send Ptolemy." Draco asked, more so because he would rather correspond with his own owl, and seeing his pet regularly would keep him from missing home too much.

"Of course, dear." Narcissa gestured to the fireplace. They needed to get going. Hermione took a bit of Floo powder from the bowl on the mantle and stepped past the grate.

"See you in a minute." She told Draco with a wink.

"Try not to hit your head this time."

Hermione stuck her tongue out at him and called out the name of the residence of Professor Snape's old colleague they would be staying with in Paris. Green flames whooshed around her and she disappeared.

"I love you, Draco." Narcissa called to her son as he stepped into the fireplace next.

He turned around to face her. "I love you, mum."

Narcissa kissed the tips of her fingers and lowered her hand in a gesture of offering the kiss goodbye to him. Draco gave her a watery smile in return. Then called out the Paris house, and tossed down his Floo powder.

Notes: I know this chapter ends kind of hastily, but I really had no clue what to put at the end here. I'm shocked that I even got this out. Thanks for reading. Don't forget to check out the sequel!

-Redd