Adjustment

So here we are at the end of our journey! Hope you enjoyed it as much as I liked writing it. Remember as soon as you're done reading to review! Thanks again and enjoy!

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Chapter Twenty-four

            In the end, Lucius had chosen his wife. They had all gone back over to the Malfoy Manor where the spells were reversed in quick order. Millicent and Pansy escaped quickly, not wanting to be anywhere near that place or Lucius. Lord Malfoy and his lady quickly fought, but just as quickly made amends—racing off to they’re room slowly, each managing to help the other. It was Hermione who went over to a silently weeping Draco.

            “So does this mean that you’re going to have that horrid tattoo removed and you’ll be going to go into rehab for your excessive drinking?” she inquired.

            “I don’t have a drinking problem,” he muttered.

            “Really?” she asked, looking over to Blaise who joined them. “Just how many times has he ended up in St. Mungos with alcohol poisoning?”

            “Five times this past year alone,” he answered, looking over to Draco who was blushing. “I know as I’m the one that takes him.”

            “That indicates a problem,” she replied. “A problem that Astoria shouldn’t have to shoulder, if you should, I don’t know, start dating her.”

            “She has a point, Draco,” Blaise murmured. “She deserves the man she thinks you are, not the man you pretend to be when you’re drunk.”

            Draco’s head dropped slightly. “I’m nothing without Astoria.”

            “Here,” Hermione said taking a business card out of her pocket and handing it over to him. “That’s a rehab center that is run by a muggle born wizard. You’ll be able to speak freely there as it’s geared for the magical community and what we’ve been through. If you want what’s best for yourself and for Astoria, I think you’ll seriously have to take your addiction into consideration.”

            Blaise patted his shoulder, whispering, “Please, Draco. I’m scared out of my mind that I might not be able to get you over to St. Mungos in time if there’s a next time. And with the way you’re being, there’s always going to be, isn’t there?”

            The blond looked from one to the other. “What if…”

            “You do this as you do everything else in life,” Hermione told him. “With your head held up, your friends’ help, and one step at a time.” She hugged him, saying, “I have faith in you, Draco.” Stepping back she added, “And I’m positive so does Astoria.” Looking off to the side, she smiled to whomever was there.

            Draco turned to see none other than Astoria Greengrass standing there, looking at him with worry. The younger witch rushed over to Draco, throwing herself into his awaiting arms. Hermione stepped away quietly nodding towards Blaise, who nodded back in turn. It had been agreed between the two of them that they would be keeping a closer eye on the Malfoy heir, but not so close as to be considered an annoying pest. It will be interesting to see if either of them could do it, Hermione thought, turning to look over to Severus.

            Waiting in the doorway, he stood there looking at her. Walking over to him, she said, “I do believe we’re free to have a real vacation now, Severus.”

            “I do believe you are correct, Hermione,” he murmured, combing her wild tresses out of her face and behind one of her ears. “Whatever shall we do?”

            They walked out of the mansion, lacing their fingers together as they went. No plans were made and none truly needed—just as long as they were together.

THE END!

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