She & Him

Part 11: Forgiveness...Can You Imagine?

She...

She just...

She just forgave me.

Me.

Draco Malfoy.

And she called me her friend.

She hugged me.

Me.

Draco Malfoy.

Arriving at Lady Grady's home this morning, I'm greet by Anita, who smiles warmly at me- her brown eyes sparkling as she takes my hat and scarf for me and places them by the fire.

"How is she today?" I ask, stamping off my shoes that are more than soaked and removing my jacket.

"She's...well...She's Lady Grady. How was she yesterday with you?"

"Good. Actually. Real good." She gives me a 'yeah right' face and I laugh. "No, seriously! We had breakfast and I read her poems. We even danced a bit." I say and she seems astonished.

"How on Earth did you manage that?"

"Magic." I joke and she slaps my arm playfully. "You can duck out early if you want. I got her from here."

"I know a good thing when I see it. Haha, I'll see you later Draco." Her rosy cheeks burn my soul and her smile melts my heart. I watch her leave before shutting the door and heading into the dining area to find Beatrice.

"Good morning Darling!" I say as I enter and she puts down the newspaper and scoffs at me.

"How dare you address me in such a manner you insulant little toad!" Oh...okay. So she isn't going to be my pretend wife today.

"I'm terribly sorry, Ma'am. It won't happen again."

"It better not. Or you will find yourself out in the snow." She bellows.

"How may I assist you this morning?"

"I need the house straightened up. I'm having friends over later and this place is a pig sty!"

"Right away Ma'am." Starting in the living room, I look at the dust on some of her Knick knacks and mantle and then peer back into the kitchen to see if she's paying attention. "Scourgify."

The items's dust is removed and finding a broom in the hallway closet, I say an incantation to make it sweep the floors- while Beatrice's back is turn to me. I continue Scourgifying and easy cleaning everything- probably defeating the purpose of playing Muggle- but the job is done quickly and the place looks spotless.

"Tom! Is that you?" Breaking my concentration from the broom. I grab it and put it away just as she walks down the hallway. "Tom! I was wondering what kept you so long."

"Work had me running ragged today, Dear."

"Well, you should tell your boss- that you're working too hard. Your neglecting your poor wife." She says and kisses my cheek.

"I will make sure to tell him that tomorrow. Now, what shall we do today? How can I treat you, my dear Bea?" She beams and her wrinkled face rises with high cheek bones.

"I wish to take a walk, dear. Some place beautiful."

"I'll warn you, Darling- it's rather cold out."

"I'll fetch my parka." She leaves me and heads upstairs and I can't help but smile. Sure, maybe it's unethical to be lying to her like this- but at least she feels loved. At least she doesn't feel alone. That's probably half of the reason why she's always so mean and grumpy in the mornings- because she's alone and knows it. As she comes back down stairs- I've gathered my coat and hat- having slipped them on- I watch her button up her parka and grab her beret.