forbidden fruit ; dramione

chapter six

Hermione's head felt heavy, and she grimaced as she felt a ringing in her ear. She opened her eyes to see an unfamiliar canopy, gasping as she sat up quickly. She was in a large room, the fireplace crackling across from the bed she lay in. She looked down at herself, covered in a silk silver sheet. She slipped it off to see the pale pink nightgown she was dressed in, her heart pounding. She looked around the room again, slowly moving to the edge of the bed to get onto her feet.

She examined the room carefully. It was very... her. Although the sheet was silver, the comforter was purple, and so was the velvet chair that sat at a white desk beneath the windows to her right. She pulled the curtains back, looking across the large lawn and cobblestone walkway. Malfoy Manor. How the hell did she get here?! She gasped as the door opened, and she turned quickly.

Narcissa Malfoy stood in the doorway, staring at Hermione. Narcissa looked more or less the same since she last saw the mother at Hogwarts. Her white and black layered hair was half up and half down, her body being hugged by a soft green dress. "Oh, good morning. I thought you were going to sleep much longer than that." Narcissa spoke, her voice sweet and calming. Hermione watched as the woman placed a tray down on the small table in front of the fireplace. "I brought you some tea and biscuits in case you're hungry. I know you feel this instinct to not trust me, or my husband, or my son so therefore, you do not trust the food. But believe me, Miss. Granger, if we wanted to kill you, it wouldn't be with a cup of tea or a biscuit." Narcissa chuckled, clapping her hands together as if disposing of dust.

Hermione stayed quiet as Narcissa met her eyes and the women sat in silence for a good bit. Narcissa sighed heavily, looking around. "I hope you're finding your room comfortable. We will go shopping to find some clothes to fill the closet. As a Malfoy, you will dress appropriately." Narcissa smiled. Hermione looked down at her nightgown, realizing this was most likely Narcissa's. "I'm sorry, Mrs. Malfoy, but I am not understanding." Hermione croaked, her voice dry as her mouth searched for saliva to wet her mouth. Narcissa nodded and smiled softly, sighing. "I know." Narcissa chimed.

"Well, firstly, you may call me Narcissa. I understand if that is just too much at the moment, as I would understand why, but that is allowed. Now... we don't want to punish you for being alive, my dear. You have been through quite enough in your lifetime, and we have learned our own lessons. Unlike most of the families and men in that theater, we have changed. If you were to be handed to anyone else, you would be as good as dead. We want you to be comfortable. You will follow the typical Malfoy schedule, including meal times and lessons, but this is where you will sleep. You have access to every room in this manor except for Lucius' office.

There are some books in here that I believe are muggle classics, but you also have access to our full library. The entire grounds outdoors are also available to you, but you cannot leave the property without Draco. Draco may be... ignorant of you at first. Do not take it personal. He has been through a lot recently, and the auction was stressing him out." Narcissa explained, shrugging occasionally and meeting Hermione's eyes. "Why did you guys go through such trouble to purchase me? I wasn't told anything but,"

"But you are the brightest witch of your age." Narcissa interjected, smirking softly. "Draco always mentioned that when we would question why he was second in the class. He would always say: 'It's the girl! Granger! She isn't called the brightest witch of our age for nothing! I can't compete!'" Narcissa recalled, giggling softly to herself. Hermione smiled gently, rubbing her arm slowly. "Because as I said, you have been through enough. This world is spiraling into madness, and if we can keep you from it in any way, we will." Narcissa smiled gently, looking at Hermione.

Hermione nodded slowly, still not quite understanding. She walked over to the tray and gently took the cup of tea, raising it to her lips and drinking some. The warmth spread through her body and she almost hummed in pleasure. "You must have more questions." Narcissa spoke, looking down at Hermione as the girl sat on the rug. Hermione nodded, thinking through the millions that swam in her hand. "What is the 'schedule?' I know meal times and lessons but like.. What else am I to do?" Hermione asked. "Good question."