Pastel Skies

Chapter 10

"WHAT?" Draco yelled, his face a mask of rage, glaring at Lucius.

"I can only speculate on how it happened." Lucius spat, pacing Draco's office. "But we've got to go."

"Did they take her to St. Mungo's?"

"She's with the healers, MLE took Astoria away."

"That evil conniving bitch!" Draco couldn't keep his fury under control and his head snapped around angrily when he heard the fireplace roar, and Hermione stepped out.

Upon seeing the bitterness in his face and feeling she may have overstepped her bounds and into something she wasn't privy to, she looked at him apologetically, "I'm sorry Draco, I should've announced my arrival." Hermione stepped back, but he caught her hand and drew her towards him.

"Don't be silly. No matter, Love." Relieve flooding his features now. "Small family crisis that's all." He kissed her quickly on the lips but then Hermione's eyes fell upon Lucius.

She swallowed hard at his pained expression and stammered a surprised "Mr. Malfoy. Hello." She tried an awkward smile but failed. "My apologies, I didn't know you were here. I am so sorry, Draco, I'll leave."

"You'll do nothing of the sort." Draco insisted.

"We've got to go NOW!" Lucius said impatiently. "Hello Ms. Granger. It's been a long time. Come along to St. Mungo's?"

"Excuse me?"

Draco drew in a breath. "Astoria's got in a fight with Mother. In public."

"Oh my!" Hermione gasped.

"Narcissa is at St. Mungo's, Astoria's been taken by MLE," Lucius explained, just as Hermione's smartphone chimed.

She pulled out the device, reading the few words from Ginny. Harry had been called to work Astoria's case. He was after all head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement.

Hermione looked up to Draco "Harry's already on the case."

"No time to waste." Draco took her hand and they all disapparated together to the Janus Thickey Ward on the fourth floor of St. Mungo's, where long term patients and spell damages of any kind were treated.

Hermione landed smoothly but immediately drew Draco into a far corner, feeling her scar ache. "If I'm seen with you, this'll be in the papers all over the country. I don't think it's a good idea." She urged.

"Bollocks! I will NOT let you out of my sight. I am done with Astoria ruling my life. Our lives." Pointing in the direction of Narcissa's room. "I can't wait for people to know it's over between us!" he hissed. Then bend down, kissed her hard on the lips and dragged her along after Lucius, who was hurrying off down the long corridor.

"Okay." Hermione stammered and relieve flooded her, the ache ebbing away from her scar.

Draco never let go of her hand, practically running now.

They heard a suppressed scream and came up on an open door out of which Harry emerged.

"Mione." He said surprised. "Long time no see!"

"No time for social niceties Potter!" growled Lucius. "How are you going to handle this?" he demanded.

"Once I can speak with Mrs. Malfoy, I will let you know what our next steps are. For now, Astoria's being detained at headquarters."

"Good. I don't want her to set foot on the Estate ever again." Turning to Draco he said, "Speak to Padma at once and make sure there will be consequences." Turning back to Harry he inquired "How long can you keep her?"