The Serpent and the Lioness

Chapter 27

Ron walked down the narrow road alone. He had managed to sneak out of the house while his mother had been busy with Albus, feigning fatigue.

His eyes narrowed as he looked down at the hastily scribbled piece of paper, checking it with the signs on the shops. A flash of blond hair caught his attention and he quickened his steps.

If Harry didn't have the time to find answers he was just going to find them himself! He wasn't an invalid. He wasn't mental. He was a man in search of his best friend. Ron ducked behind a small corner as his mark stepped into a shop. He looked up at the sign then back down at his paper. Perfect.

He looked both ways before pulling a toy wand from his belt, he still wasn't allowed to have his wand back as he was still on three months of probation from his release but what Malfoy didn't know wouldn't hurt him.

He gripped the wand tighter and pushed his way into the shop. It was empty save for the blond who turned to the open door. His eyes widened when the wand was raised to him and put his hands up as if held at gunpoint.

"Where is she you disgusting ferret?" Ron closed the gap pulling Malfoy by his shirt pressing the tip of the wand under his chin so he couldn't call his bluff.

"Who!?" Draco tried to sound ignorant and scared but his face didn't match his forced tone.

"You know who you greas-" Ron's words instantly cut off as the feeling if cool wood pressed behind his ear. He looked at Malfoy who flicked his eyes over Ron's shoulder seemingly relaxing.

"I think it would be in your best interest to release my husband." Esmeralda's voice was soft but cold. A trait she had picked up over time to make herself sound more threatening.

Ron swallowed thickly and slowly released Draco's shirt, lowering his wand. Esmeralda glanced to it before lowering her own with a shake of her head.

"Gryffindors really do have a hero complex." She plucked the toy wand from Ron's lax fingers and came around to look at his fuming face.

"Yea well Slytherin's-"

"Oh, my dear, you wish I was a Slytherin." The Ravenclaw smiled softly at Draco who had come to her side.

Ron looked confused for a moment before opening his mouth to start his little quest over again.

"I think you've caused enough trouble." Esmeralda was having none of it.

Ron didn't even hear the spell. All he knew was that he was at peace and happy. His eyes went sort of glossy and he gave them both a goofy smile.

"You know—now, that Hermione Granger is safe, that no harm will come to her in your absence and that you no longer have the desire to search for her."

Esmeralda carefully lowered her wand as her command washed through him. Ron gave them each a dreamlike smile before slowly turning to leave the shop.

When the door closed Draco looked to his wife in awe, and a bit of fear, "How long will that last?"

Esmeralda gave him a soft look, "At least until the full moon, maybe a week?"

Draco's jaw twitched, "It won't matter after that."

Esmeralda turned her head, lifting a hand, brushing his sunkissed cheek, "You've been out in the sun." She gave him a soft kiss on his lips, "Looks good on you." She gave him an appraising look before turning away to get back to work.