Move, Countermove

Two days later Hermione received a letter. Draco and his parents invited her to dinner at the Manor. She smiled to herself, unable to decide whether Draco was being serious, or if he wasn’t. For all outward appearances he was showing everything that gave the impression of serious intentions. But Hermione was going to stay cautious until there was something more definitive to assure her of his motives.



She took care with her dress knowing that Draco deserved her best effort if he was thinking seriously about her. Since she was still unsure, she would give him the benefit of the doubt.



She chose a simple black dress, elegant and sophisticated in it’s knee length silk and thick straps. She went barelegged and wore strappy black heels. It was a muggle look, but she was just as proud of her blood lines and Draco was of his, so she would not hide. If Draco was serious about winning her then he would have to be proud of her.



Draco arrived and knocked on her door right on time. He took one look at her and reached out. “You look beautiful.”



“Thank you,” taking his kiss on the cheek, “but I doubt your parents will like it.” She said.



“My mother will, but to hell with what my father thinks.” He said smiling. She chuckled at his words and took his arm as they apparated right from Hermione’s front room to the study at Malfoy manor.



“Miss Granger, how lovely you look this evening. I’m glad you could make it tonight.” Narcissa’s warm smile was a welcome sight.



“Thank you Mrs. Malfoy, it was a pleasure to be invited.” She said returning the smile.



“Miss Granger, good evening to you.” Lucius Malfoy was obviously being forced to be polite. Hermione smiled, wondering what threat kept a man like him in polite manners.



“Mr. Malfoy, good evening to you sir.” She said just a politely. “Thank you for inviting me to dinner.”



Dinner was served and Draco held her hand through most of it, releasing it only when she had need of it. Hermione noticed Lucius’s looks to his son and secretly enjoyed his nervousness. Draco seemed to as well, because he took a moment when his parents spoke to each other to give her a wink.



Narcissa was fascinated by Hermione’s career and what lengths she went to in order to find evidence. and they spoke in fluid grace about several cases that Hermione could speak of since they were now closed. While they spoke however, neither of them saw the looks Draco was trading with his father, daring him to challenge his choice of companion.



After desert Narcissa offered to show Hermione the art they had on display in the library but Draco stopped her. “I’m taking Hermione on a walk in the gardens.”



Taking her hand, he led her out the glass door before Lucius could object. It would have done no good because Narcissa blocked his path, saying they needed time alone.



“Well, that was interesting.” Hermione commented as they walked hand in hand along the gardens, lit up by the moon and the various glowing insects flying around.



“Well, father can be opinioned at times. It was funny to see mother giving him hell earlier about his manners.”



“What have you told your parents about us Draco?” She asked without humor.



“I told them a few days ago that I was going to start dating publicly. My father seemed to think he would introduce me to ladies he thought I might find attractive, but my mother knew I had someone in mind already.”



“He’s upset that it’s me.” Hermione said with humor.



“He might be, but it’s not his concern.” Draco told her with conviction.



“Really?” She said looking at him.



“Yes.” He stopped and took her shoulders. “I told you Hermione, I am serious about you in every way. Whatever it takes to win you I will do. If my father doesn’t like it I can always just leave the manor. I will leave eventually anyway.”



She just looked at him. “You are going to give me a chance right? You aren’t just having a laugh at my expense?” He asked. The look on his face went straight to her heart.



“Yes Draco I’m giving you a chance.” She said. “I just hope I don’t regret this.”



“Why would you regret this?” He said leading her around a thick hedge.



“Because I was resolved to put the past behind me, and here I am dealing with it again.”



“I deeply regret taking so long to write, but will spend forever making it up to you.” He said looping his arms around her waist. “Come sit with me.” He walked her over to a stone bench and pulled her into his lap.



Hermione let her attention be diverted by the array of plant life in the Malfoy gardens. A sound to the right made her turn her head and she giggled at the sight. “Peacocks?”



“My fathers. Don’t ask, I have no idea.” He said, completely honest with her.



She leaned against him and gazed about at the beautiful sight around her. Draco took the opportunity to slid a hand under her dress.



“Draco, what ……” The words died in her throat as his fingers slid into her knickers and along her lips.



“Already excited about something my lovely?” He said sliding his finger along her already moist slit. She didn’t answer, too turned on by his touch. “Open up for me Hermione.”



She may have been under the imperious curse the way she obeyed his words mindlessly. She adjusted her legs outside his knees and let him part her legs with his own. Her head fell back when his whole palm cupped her mound.



He slid his finger alone her opening, coating himself with her juice and them slid inside. Easing in and out of her, he rolled his thumb over her clit. She held in her cries, biting her lip as she clutched onto the bench.



Draco remembered just how to manipulate her, just how to touch her, just what she needed from him. He showed her that he still knew her body, in every intimate way.



He moved his fingers slowly, easing two of them in and out while he reached around with the other hand and rolled her clit with his other fingers. She squeezed his legs with hers, but he was strong and kept them and her open to him.



“I know what you like.” He told her as he caressed her. “I’ve never forgotten your body.” His words seeped into her soul. He did everything just like he used to, just like he had learned.



She felt her body giving in, felt her senses collide with one another and threw her head back against his shoulder coming hard, drenching his hands. She twitched in his lap as she fought for control of her limbs.



“Move countermove, my dear.” He said, kissing her earlobe.



“Oh Merlin.” She sighed.