An Outlandish Affair

Chapter 8

Hermione opened her eyes with a jolt. She had been dreaming but she couldn't remember what it had been about now, having been woken so suddenly. She realized belatedly the thing that had awoken her was the house elf named Peeper. He was standing next to her bed, holding an armful of clothing. Was it already the next day? She recalled crying until her eyes felt like they were void of anymore tears; she must have fallen asleep shortly after.

"Master Lucius says ye is to be changin' yer clothes, and Peeper is to banish yer trousers straight away," the little elf also spoke with a squeaky Scottish accent, it was actually quite charming. "Come out when yer done, Master is waitin' for ye." He didn't wait for a reply from Hermione, dropping her new clothes on the foot of her bed and scurrying out through the curtains.

Hermione gingerly began to look through what Peeper had brought her. Merlin, I don't even know how to put half of this nonsense on, she thought bitterly. There was a set of stays, a corset, and a petticoat, she knew what those were. There was a large arisaid, lightly woven with green and gray thread, she noted quickly. She had absolutely no idea how to wear one of those properly. What was this rounded, lumpy piece of fabric with strings attached? And was this an apron, or was it supposed to be a bonnet of sorts?

"And what is it exactly that's takin' ye so long to dress, witch?" Hermione jumped when Lucius' voice cut through her thoughts.

She slowly came through the drapery, quietly responding, "erm, I'm not quite sure I know how to put them on, that is, I've never dressed myself." She hoped it was still a time when most ladies had a maid or some form of lady-in-waiting meant to help dress the women of the house, among other duties. Hermione was putting a lot on the line, not truly knowing the way things worked in this time period. All she had to go on were muggle history lessons, and only then up until year six before she had been accepted to Hogwarts.

As she came through the curtain, she saw Peeper in the mini kitchen cooking up something delicious smelling for breakfast. Then she noticed Draco. He was sitting in one of the chairs sprawled around the center table. His gray eyes were not milky today, and they were gazing into Hermione's with intense curiosity. She attempted a half hearted smile in his direction, but he instantly looked shocked and broke eye contact, looking down at the map in front of him.

Lucius glared at Hermione for a moment longer than she felt comfortable with and then said, "Draco, go, get out of the tent. Do something... useful." He couldn't have sounded like he cared any less about where Draco went off to. Why bother keeping him under control at times and letting him wander freely at others? Hermione could not decipher the working dynamic between these two, nor what they stood to gain from each other. Although, it didn't seem as though Draco had much of a say in the matter.

Draco stood as soon as he was addressed and immediately replied, "yes, Colonel, as ye wish." He made his way out the door but he paused for a moment before passing Hermione and said, "I bid ye good day, my lady."

He met her eyes again and at this close distance, she was struck by how intense they were. It felt like he was trying to speak to her, to say something important, but she was dumbstruck and could only smile back at him, blushing slightly. This was the first time he had acknowledged her presence outside of a curse or just simple eye contact.

Aside from his eyes, Hermione was also struck by how tall he was. Ron was tall too, taller than most people, but something about Draco's presence was different. His shoulders were wide and from what little she could see under his uniform and kilt, he was pure muscle. Ron had grown into his gangliness eventually, but 'muscular' would never be the first word Hermione would choose to describe him.

Hermione Jean Granger, stop ogling this man right now. You are an engaged woman, she chastised herself quickly after her inspection. She still watched him until he was out of the tent.