Puppy-Dog Tales

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A Merman by any other name would still...

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"Come in," Narcissa called.

"Are my ladies ready?" Lucius asked, stepping into the room wearing voluminous black robes with silver accents.

Hermione blushed. Lucius looked so sexy in his fine wear.

Another knock shortly followed.

"Come in," Narcissa called.

Draco walked in, "I'm here to escort you to dinner, Hermione."

“But Lucius is already here,” Hermione said and frowned at Draco. He had not changed his attire.

"But he is escorting my mother."

"He has two arms," Hermione said, looking at herself in the full length mirror.

“Father, tell her I am here for her!”

"If Miss Granger desires my arm," Lucius said, flexing his left arm. "I'm sure that I am able to escort her."

“Hermione you want to come with me, right?”

"Draco, stop whining," Hermione said, gliding over to Lucius and taking his left arm as Narcissa was already attached to the right.

“Hermione, whom are you courting?”

"Well, given that Harry and Ron ran off together," Hermione said, looking up at Lucius. "I've been considering Lucius' offer of courting me."

Draco gasped, but shut his mouth quickly.

“But my father is already married! Mother, you'd not want to share, right?”

"I discussed the possibility with your father of his taking a second wife years ago. If that would add to his happiness," Narcissa said, letting it hang in the air.

“Wouldn't you want a brother and a sister?” Lucius asked, looking down at Hermione and lifting his eyebrow.

"No," Draco said, "I like being an only child."

Hermione rested her cheek on Lucius' arm and touched his hand.

Lucius smiled as the dining room door magically opened.

“Hermione, will you sit with me?” Draco asked, looking at her pleadingly.

"You may sit on one side of me, Draco. I was hoping your father might sit to my other."

“I would suggest the beautiful ladies sit with me...till my son grows up.”

Draco pouted and flopped down into a chair.

Lucius' lip curled up at Draco as he pulled out Narcissa's chair and then helped Hermione into her seat.

Draco sat there glaring at his father.

"I apologize for my son's poor manners," Lucius said as he took his own seat.

Narcissa rang a small silver bell, and instantly elves began to file into the room carrying small appetizers.

Draco sulked and pouted just pushing his food around on his plate as his father inquired about the ladies' days through appetizers and entrees.

He felt like he was not invited in the conversation. He saw Hermione laugh and take Lucius' hand in hers.

As desserts were brought in, Hermione mentioned Narcissa sharing the story about Draco's desire to own a Healer.

Lucius smiled, "Yes, that is my son."

“I am great, Hermione. Not like that cheesy slime.”

"I thought it was a sweet story," Hermione said, "And I would love to hear more adorable things Draco said or wanted."

Lucius smiled.

“I could tell you all about them myself!”

"You would skip the best stories," Hermione said, "to avoid embarrassment."

"Did he ever tell you about the time he wanted to be a merman?" Lucius asked, offering Hermione a bite of chocolate mousse cheesecake.

Hermione smiled as she took the bite from the offered fork.

“No, he didn’t.”

“Please, Hermione it's nothing really,” Draco begged, then yelped when he felt something tug at his trouser leg.

Morgana bounced onto his lap.

"Well, it started when he was seven and we took him to the aquarium," Lucius said, feeding a bite of the dessert to Narcissa.

“Please spare me,” Draco begged.

"He saw the mermaids in the tank taking care of hippocampi," Narcissa said, "and he asked his father to get him one."

"Buy a mermaid?" Hermione asked.

"He wanted a merhorse. He said," Lucius said, offering Hermione another bite. “That he wanted a merhorse to ride as he was going to be a merman when he grew up. And he needed a merhorse to impress the pretty mermaids."

"That is a lie," Draco said, blushing brightly. "I never said such."

“Oh you did, Draco. When you were ten.”

"I couldn't have been older than seven!" Draco said. "You would have Hermione think me completely silly."

“It's a cute thought,” Hermione said.

"It's silly. And I've grown."

Hermione dissolved to giggles as he said this.

“What's so funny?”

"You said the same thing when you were five."

“I am grown now,” Draco repeated through clenched teeth.

"You are grown," Lucius agreed, smiling at Draco.

Draco ignored his father and petted Morgana.

“But you've grown into a little brat,” Lucius finished.

Draco didn't answer.

Hermione rose and wrapped her arms around Draco.

“But you have your sweet moments.”

"You will stay the night with me," Draco said, putting a hand on her arm.

"I don't think that is appropriate when I am courting three men."

“But love, you want me really,” Draco said.

"I'm not sure yet," Hermione said. "I won't disrespect Severus by doing something like that. Don't you care about your godfather?"

“He is an old bat.”

"That is a horrible thing to say. He has been good to you."

“Good to me by stealing my woman?”

"By saving your life from a mad man," Hermione said, flicking Draco's temple.

Draco pouted, "Only to save his own sorry hide."

“I don't want to talk to a prat,” she declared and turned away.

"You will stay the night with me," Draco said, taking her hand.

"Let go of me," Hermione said, eyes steady as she slid her wand from a secret compartment in the dress.

"Draco, unhand the witch," Lucius said, taking note of Hermione's palmed wand hand that twitched a little.

“She just needs some rest.”

Hermione raised her wand, "Petrificus Totalus."

Draco fell stiffly to the floor, and Lucius’ chair rocked as he stood.

"I warned him," Hermione said, shaking the tip of her wand in front of Draco's nose.

“He's possessive,” Lucius murmured.

"I don't belong to him, you, or anyone. I am my own witch and will do as I please," Hermione said, flipping her hair over her shoulder before putting her hand on Lucius' arm. "Would you be so good as to escort me to my room, Lord Malfoy? I believe you said I could stay in the one near your study and connected to your own with a small sitting room." Hermione put her cheek on Lucius' upper arm and glared at Draco.

Draco eyes darted about madly in their sockets.

“Yes, sweet witch. The bed there is very nice.”

Lucius offered his other arm to Narcissa who placed a hand on it.

"You are too kind, sir," Hermione said, and as she was led from the room, she waved her wand. "Finite Incantatem."

Draco run to the door but it shut in his face.

"Hermione! Let me out! I am a good wizard. I will do your bidding!"

Hermione smiled as she heard his muffled shout.

"How long is he going to be stuck in there?" Lucius asked, looking over his shoulder at the door.

"The spell will wear off in half an hour, and he can't break out before then," Hermione said, matter of factly.

“That's a little harsh, isn't it?”

"Not at all," Hermione said, looking at the older witch and wizard. "It's good for him. It'll be a character building exercise. At least I didn't use a spell with a time release only when he has been awake, conscious of his behavior, and quiet for five minutes. Merlin knows, we might not eat in that dining room for a week.”

"How do you know he can't break out?" Narcissa asked, looking around her husband at the younger witch.

"Oh dear," Hermione said, lifting Draco's wand from her other pocket. "I think I may have borrowed this from him. I thought he might need punishment."

"A very Slytherin move, Miss Granger," Lucius said, raising an eyebrow.

"Sir, the only thing your son lacks is a little character," Hermione said. "My exercise is designed to aid him in his quest to find some. Whether he knows what his lady has sent him to find is irrelevant."

“He does need a witch who will challenge him.”

"Here we are, my dear," Lucius said, unhooking his arm from Narcissa's and pushing open the door.

Hermione smiled as she stepped into the rich wine red room accented in cream.

"I think I shall take a bath, Lucius. I would like to take you up on the offer of reading. Perhaps you would enjoy a novel?"

“Anything you wish for, dearest witch.”

"I will join you in an hour," Hermione said, curtsying to Lucius.

Lucius bowed. He liked the witch. She had a lot of character. And a very pretty figure. At the very least, maybe she would be able to straighten his boy out.

Hermione sighed as she slid into a warm bath with vanilla and lavender scented water. She leaned back rested her head on the bath pillow and sighed.

The manor was a nice place. It did seem a little overbearing at first, but once one got used to it, it was wonderful.

"Hermione!" Draco's voice rang through the manor.

Hermione jerked out of her sleep.

"Where is my wand?"

She sighed. She would not give it back to him right away.

"Hermione! I thought we were going to go for an evening walk."

Would the boy never shut it?

Hermione didn't answer as she got out of the tub and walked into her bedroom to find that the elves had placed a nice silk negligee and robe with matching knickers.

As there weren’t any other clothes and she didn’t wish to wander around naked, she put the offering on.

She slipped out into the sitting room between her room and Lucius' and gasped at what she saw.

Draco was still pounding her door.

Lucius looked up at the gasp, "Miss Granger, I do apologize."

Hermione just stared at Lucius as he stood leaning over a small desk in nothing but a towel.

“I had an urgent owl message.” He said enjoying the sight of the witch in the tiny night clothes.

"Of course," Hermione said, not making eye-contact with the blond as she thought of sliding her hands over his muscles. He looked so firm and masculine, not at all old or saggy.

“I hope I am not an eyesore, Hermione.”

"No," Hermione said, taking a few steps closer to the delicious wizard.

“I know Draco must have repeatedly told you how old and wrinkly I am.”

"Draco is a liar," Hermione said, staring at the towel and wishing for a minute that it would fall before blushing and looking away.

“Well, he is afraid of competition,” Lucius smirked.

"Hermione," Draco called as he burst through the door.

Hermione ignored the boy.

"I shall rejoin you shortly, my dear," Lucius said, bowing. "When I am more appropriately attired."

"What the hell is going on in here?"

“I was just talking to your father.”

"Why is he NAKED?" Draco demanded. "He has no class."

Draco strode over and tried to block Hermione's eyes.

“He has a very nice body. There's nothing to be ashamed of.”

"He ought not to be so little clothed with female company in the house. My witch in particular. He is gross. Not a gentleman."

Hermione giggled at Draco's words. They were sweet really.

“I like little clothed men. Nice sight.”

"It is disgusting. He is OLD! I will walk around half naked for you," Draco said, taking his hands away from her eyes and beginning to unbutton his robes.

“No need to, I already had eye candy.”

"Stale eye-candy," Draco said, finally taking in what his witch was wearing. His voice trailed off and he just licked his lips.

“Did you wear that for me?” he asked huskily.

"Your father and I are going to read," Hermione said, pushing him aside just long enough to see Lucius slip into his own room.

“I can read for you. Or I can show you how a real man looks.”

"I am going to read with Lucius," Hermione said. "Why don't you stop pestering me? Your father is a doll."

“I am nicer...and you can cuddle me!”

"I can cuddle him, too," Hermione said as Lucius reappeared with a book under one arm wearing black pajama bottoms and an open storm colored silk robe.

“Father, give me the book. I will read for her.”

Lucius looked his son over coldly, "I didn't know you could read."

“Father you are being indecent. My woman doesn’t deserve this.”

"Draco Malfoy, you will leave now," Hermione said, pointing to the door which Draco had left open, "Or I will punish you further."

“What did I do?”

"You interrupted what is to become a lovely evening and have tarnished the beginning of it irreparably."

Lucius walked over and stood behind Hermione as Draco frowned at them.

“But she is my woman.”

"I am not yours. I am my own witch and will do as I please. Get out."

Draco slunk out of the room and cast them a hurtful look before Hermione swished her wand at the door slamming it.

“Now, Lucius, which book did you pick?”

"I thought you might appreciate a story written by my great-great-great grandfather. It is based off the story of how he came to marry my great-great-great grandmother. It is very sweet and very romantic."

Hermione smiled.

"It is a wizarding classic. My generations back grandfather's name commands the same reverence as Shakespeare's to the Muggle world."

“I want to hear all about it!” Hermione said excitedly.

Lucius led her to the sofa and she leaned against him as he opened the book and began to read softly of a young Muggleborn serving witch in the house catching the eye of the Master of the house.

The clock chimed eleven o'clock when Lucius yawned around the words he was reading.

Hermione looked up at the wizard who was blearily blinking his eyes and trying to keep awake.

"It is past my bedtime, Hermione," Lucius said. "I am an early riser."

“The story is so wonderfully sweet,” Hermione said and kissed his cheek.

"Shall we continue tomorrow?" Lucius asked, eyes brightening as Hermione kissed his cheek.

“Yes, I want to know how she fell in love with him...but I think it was easy, if he was just as handsome as you.”

"I can show you a painting of them tomorrow, if you like," Lucius said, helping Hermione to her feet and walking her to her bedroom door.

“Will you tuck me in and give me a good night kiss?”

"It would be wholly inappropriate for me to enter your bedroom while you are courting three," Lucius said, kissing her hand.

"Very well," Hermione answered.

"Breakfast is usually served on the back porch if the weather is fine. Would you deem to allow me to escort you?"

“Yes, I would love that. Maybe you can give me a good night kiss here?”

"If you wish it," Lucius said, as the witch slid her arms around his neck and leaned against his chest.

Hermione leaned up and pressed her lips to Lucius' and sighed as he returned her kiss.

He pulled back a moment later not allowing her to make it too deep. "I fear blemishing your reputation should we continue, my dear," Lucius said. "Your lips are sweet and enough to turn even the most powerful man to a cad."

“I like your kisses...you make me want more.”

"Until tomorrow, milady."

Lucius bowed and went to his own room.

Hermione smiled as she shut the door and picked up a brush from the counter and walked over to the balcony doors. She flung them open as the moon light shone in.

“My love, finally!”

She heard a voice call her and looked down.

"Hermione, Hermione," Draco declared on his knees. "Deny my father. Take my name! Be my sworn love and I'll do your every bidding."

Hermione smiled.

"Speak moonlit Angel, you consume my every thought with your radiance."

“Draco what are you doing outside?”

"With wings made of love, I swept to you. For nothing limits love," Draco said, putting his hands over his heart.

“Draco, you are a drama king!”

"Fair Maid, wilt thou leaf me dissatisfied?"

“You need punishment, my dear prat!”

"All I entreat is your faithful vow of love for mine!"

“Why should I choose you?”

"No one can love you as I do, for my love is like the moon."

"Do not love me as the moon!"

“Why not?” Draco asked confusedly. He had pored over the Muggle text all night long, wishing to impress her.

"For the moon's shape is ever changing," Hermione said, clutching her heart and turning from him. "I would not have your love be so variable as the moon whose shape changes."

"What would you wish me to swear by?" Draco asked, lip trembling.

"By nothing more or less than thyself, as you are godlike in beauty. I'll consider thee."

“What shall I do to hold you in my arms tonight?”

"This desire is too rash. Let your love not be like lightning. Good night, fair prince. If thou wish one token that I may bestow, ask it now," Hermione said, leaning over the balcony and giggling a little.

“May I give you a good night kiss?”

"If by Muggle means you find your way to this ledge, I shall not dare refuse thee," Hermione said, smiling as Draco had leapt to his feet in excitement as he dais the word kiss.

He saw a tree growing not too far from the balcony.

Hermione reclined in the one white chair on her balcony splaying herself to look like a treasure.

Draco knew that his was his chance to show her that he would do anything for her.

Climbing the tree was hard as he often lost footing on the slippery branches. Finally, he was near. There was a gap between the tree and the balcony and he dared to jump.

He leapt and gasped as he landed gracelessly and fell to one knee as it turned unnaturally causing him to collapse.

“Draco, what happened?” Hermione hurried to him.

"My knee," Draco moaned, holding back his tears as he looked at Hermione. "A kiss fair maid."

Hermione sighed and glared at him, "Only you would be thinking of my promise of a kiss with your knee dislocated and potentially broken." She smiled.

“No pain is a distraction from my goal.”

"You need nursing," Hermione declared, levitating Draco into her room and placing him on the soft bed.

“I didn't think the tree was so far away.”

"This knee just is bad," Draco said, "has been for a while."

"I'll go get your mother," Hermione said, petting his hair.

"No! Please don't."

“No, I will have to check it,” Hermione said seriously.

"Okay," Draco said, shifting back on the pillows. "Just don't tell Mother. She will be upset. The last time I got hurt, she cried. I can't see my mother cry."

“I won’t tell. As she will be upset with me too.”

"Thank you," Draco said.

"I need to get you out of those trousers."

She waved her wand and his trousers were gone, leaving him in his boxers and shirt.

Hermione winced at the image of the twisted knee. "Should I get a Healer?"

“No, I will be fine. You can be my Healer.”

Hermione nodded, and took out her wand and waved it over Draco's hurt knee. It slid back to how it belonged.

"I'm not going to be able to walk for a little while," Draco said. "It will hurt it."

“I know. Let me give you a hug!”

Draco held his arms out to her.

Hermione settled against him putting her cheek on his chest.

“I didn't want to hurt you,” she murmured.

"You won't," Draco whispered, rubbing Hermione's arms.

Hermione sat up and pulled away from him quickly.

“What's wrong?” he asked.

"I owe you a kiss," Hermione said, smirking at him.

"If you wish it, I can do no more and no less than submit," Draco said, reaching for her.

“You are so cute when you do as I say.”

"I hope to afford you a lifetime of cuteness and obedience," Draco said, as Hermione leaned in close to his lips.

He trembled a little, waiting for her move.

Hermione puffed her lips out enough so they barely brushed Draco's.

Draco leaned in closer pulling her more tightly against his lips.

The kiss started out sweet, but Draco urged the kiss deeper.

Hermione sighed and pulled back from him as his tongue entreated entry to her mouth.

Draco pouted.

"Shall I levitate you to your room?" Hermione asked, petting his cheeks.

“I don't want to sleep alone when I am hurt.”

"I will sleep in the chair," Hermione said, pointing to the comfortable chair.

“No, please not. The bed is big enough.”

"Woof!" Ptolemy barked jumping up onto the bed and prancing to Draco.

"Draco, your father and Severus would not approve," Hermione said. "It is really rather too far that you are in my room. Your father said that it would damage my reputation should he enter."

“But I need care and hugs. Or my knee will get bad again.”

"Draco, Severus and you father deserve my behaving properly. If you aren't careful, I'll go get Lucius."

“What's so appealing about those two?”

"Severus is sweet and thoughtful and brave and good. Your father is very attractive, despite your beliefs, and charming as sin."

“But I love you. And I love puppies. And I am as cute as one!” Draco looked at her pleadingly.

"I don't want a whelp. I want a man," Hermione said, playing with his hair.

“I can be all manly too! I have muscles!” Draco said, flexing.

"Your behavior, Draco. It's atrocious. I know five year olds better behaved than you."

Draco didn't answer. He looked away from her.

"I just want you to behave like an adult," Hermione said, and she kissed his temple.

“But I want to show you affection. That you are loved. That I care.”

"You can do so while not acting juvenile."

“And I am jealous of my father and Severus. They seem to woo you with no effort?”

"Your father has years of marriage that have taught him how to please a lady. Severus does irritate me at times. But the gestures that are sometimes so annoying are quite sweet and gentlemanlike."

“But I am young and all yours like a puppy for training! I promise not to chew your shoes.”

"Draco, go to sleep," Hermione said, petting his hair.

"Will you please stay with me till I fall asleep?" Draco asked. "I feel nervous to be alone when I am injured."

He looked so innocent so she let him have his wish. Draco sighed and snuggled into her wrapping his arms around her.

She knew that she should've sent him away, but he seemed to need her so much.

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Here is Chapter 14. Do leave a review for each!

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