The Emerald Manor

Chapter 35

The rest of the weekend past in a heady mixture of sex, sleep, and food. Cora explored the manor more freely than she ever had before. She was curious about its nooks and crannies if she was going to live here.

She had been familiar with the main living spaces. And of course, his bedroom. Although now she thought to call it, 'our bedroom'. The was also the basement and his study. But there were entire wings of the home she'd only seen once. She wandered around afraid she'd get lost.

Draco told her there were enchantments. If she ever felt lost all she had to do was think of the main atrium and she would be transported back, there. She found at least 10 other bedrooms and possibly 20 bathrooms. She had been overwhelmed when she realized how large it all was. The idea of the upkeep alone.

Draco had mentioned they could get a house elf or a few if they needed the help. But she didn't like the idea of that. House elves didn't exist in America, and she was mortified by the enslavement practices of them here in Europe.

The grounds surrounding the home were her favorite place. There were expansive rose and wildflower gardens. She had trodden a well beaten path through the gardens in just the last two days. There were benches lining cobblestone paths that she enjoyed reading on. Draco came out to find her sitting one Sunday afternoon reading a book about the Patronus charm.

He sat next to her silently, looking to enjoy her company and not disturb her reading. She instinctively curled into him, letting her head fall back to his chest.

He danced his fingers along her arm. "You seem to be enjoying the gardens."

"They are a wonder. So full of beauty. It helps when the size of the manor is feeling overwhelming."

The corners of his mouth twisted. "I'm. I'm sorry that you find the manor uncomfortable."

She shushed him. "It's not that it's just so large. I have never been in a home that big. I will adjust, it's just going to take some time. Who created these gardens? Was it your mother?"

"She had a real knack for it. She loved smelling the roses and wandering the gardens daily." He looked down at the path Cora had matted down. "A trait it looks like you two had share." He rested his chin on her shoulder skimming over her book.

"Patronus charm huh? Are you brushing up on them?"

"Actually- I don't know how to cast a patronus. We don't have dementors in America, so it was never a skill I learned. Although it seems like they can do more than just fight off dementors. There are corporeal patronus' that can deliver messages if one is skilled enough to master the technique. Harry tried to teach me, but I couldn't get more than a wisp. Maybe you could teach me and help me get a full patronus?"

"I'm afraid love I can't." He looked away. Red flushing his cheeks. "I have never been able to cast a patronus myself."

"Oh, we could learn together." She looked up at him.

"It's not a lack of practice for me. I studied, I tried. I can't cast one...." He looked to the side. "What does that book of yours say is required to cast a patronus charm?"

"The wand work is relatively simple it looks like. You need to focus on a happy memory. The happier the memory the strong the patronus will be."

Her face fell. Draco was a skilled wizard; wand work isn't an issue. "When was the last time you tried to conjure a patronus?"

"About 6 years ago. I don't think I'll ever be able to cast one love. But I would be happy to help you practice. I'd be interested to see what form yours would take. A chicken perhaps?" He chuckled.