Potions,Poisons and Antidotes

Disclaimer: All things related to Harry Potter are the property of Jo Rowling. I make to claim or revenue from this fic.

Chapter 6

Hermione apparated to her bedroom in the cottage for some much needed rest. She didn’t know really why she was crying. Severus even apologized for goodness sake. He NEVER apologizes. She thought he would be against her seeing Draco just because it would distract her from her job. Also Draco had a reputation for being in the lime light even if he didn’t want to be. It’s hard to be an Unspeakable if gossip columnists followed your every move.

She jumped when a soft POP sounded behind her. “Ivy is sorry Miss I did not means scaring you.” the elf said in a soft voice. “Miss is upset.” She said seeing Hermione’s tears. She snapped her fingers and a tea tray appeared on the table next to the hearth. “Miss should have a cup of tea while I run a soothing bath for her.” With another POP the elf disappeared and she heard water running in the bath tub.

Hermione crossed the room and sat down to tea. The soothing scent of chamomile met her nose as she blew on her tea to cool it. Yes, this was exactly what she needed. Looking up she saw that Ivy had sat across from her in the other chair. Smiling she said “Thank you Ivy, you know exactly what I need.”

“What has Miss so upset?” Ivy asked. The elf really did seem concerned.

“Where to start? As you probably know was I called away early today. Two of my friends were attacked last night in their home. Did you see the article in the Daily Prophet?” At the elf’s’ solemn nod she continued. “Then Severus blew his top when he heard Draco and I were seeing each other. Draco overheard him and announced to everyone that he wanted me to marry him. It was all just too much.”

She saw the little elf literally bounce in her seat. “Oh I is so happy the Master wants to keeps you. You will be a wonderful Mistress.” She stopped quickly when she saw Hermione crying again. “You do not want to marry my Master?” the elf stated with a frown.

“Yes, I do but it is very sudden. How can I be sure he won’t change his mind?” the distraught witch said through her tears.

Ivy looked at her sadly, “That is a chance every witch takes. My Mistress loved her husband with all her heart but he did not love her. If my Master says he loves you then he does. He saw how it was for my Mistress and he would not put anyone through that.”


Smiling Hermione stood and gave the elf a hug saying, “Thank you Ivy you always know just what to say.” She turned and left to take her bath. A nap seemed in order as well.


Draco gave a slow smile “I guess I did, didn’t I? Not exactly the best way to go about it was it?” Draco ran his hands through his hair in frustration. “How do I fix this one?”

“I’ve a few ideas, come on; we have a long day ahead of us.” Blaise stood. “First should be Gringott’s and the jewelry vault. There had to be some antique ring that isn’t cursed to kill a muggleborns on sight. You don’t have time to commission something now and I’ve never know you to be an “off the rack” kind of bloke.” He said with a snicker.

Regaining his good humor from his friends teasing he replied in his best Lucius impersonation, “Bite your tongue. A Malfoy would never be so common.” Both wizards laughed as they exited the bar.

“It’s going to be hard to top last night. How can you top her favorite restaurant and a moonlight gondola ride?” Draco wondered aloud.

“You don’t, this is Hermione we are talking about. She’s tired and over wrought so a night at home with candles and a fire are all you need. Hmmm we will need to stop at Honeyduke’s sometime today.” Blaise said with a thoughtful look.

After looking through three vaults of jewelry the pair gave up. There were some truly beautiful pieces but every one of them had a curse against muggleborns. “Ok plan B. We try to find a one of a kind piece at Magical Metals and Gems.” The dark haired wizard stated. With a nod they both left.

As the two wizards walked down the street they passed a produce stand and Blaise stopped to buy four perfect strawberries. Handing the bag to Draco, “You are going to need these.” The blonde didn’t even ask

At the jewelry shop the person behind the counter was more than willing to show them the one of a kind item’s. There was one ring that had a square cut emerald that been fused with a square cut ruby to form one rectangular stone. The plain thin band was silver from the emerald side and gold from the ruby side. The pair knew they had found the right piece.

Next stop was Weasley's Wizarding Wheezes for a little talk with the resident geniuses. Blaise ordered a short fireworks display to be put on at the Manor just after dusk. Nothing too big just a little entertainment and one finale piece that would spell out Marry Me Hermione and leave the floating wheels to trail around for about an hour afterward. The twins were excited about the idea and offered to set them off themselves, from a hidden spot of course.

After purchasing the ring they apparated to Hogsmead. They entered Honeyduke’s and purchased a small box made out of chocolate. Blaise opened the box and placed the ring inside the box.

Last stop was Malfoy Manor. A quick note to Hermione to request she come to dinner at the manor, nothing big just a dinner on the terrace. Choosing some relaxed muggle clothes and the appropriate wines from the cellar. Then the elves were given the box with the ring and the four strawberries. Two were to be dipped in chocolate and put on either side of the box on the dessert platter. The last two were to be put at the bottom of champagne flutes and covered in a dessert wine to be served as well. As the time for dinner drew near Blaise took his leave and Draco got ready for the big night.


Hermione woke to find an owl on her windowsill. Taking the note she sighed, Draco inviting her to dinner. She chose a pair of muggle jeans and a red scoop neck tee with black trainers; he did say it was casual. By the time she had her makeup on lightly and her hair tamed it was time to leave. She gathered her Gryffindor courage and walked over to the main house.

A house elf answered the door and showed her to the courtyard outside the library. Draco was already there at the patio table, there were candles floating around the area and on the table. He stood and she was reminded again how good he looked in muggle clothes. His hair caught the candlelight and the highlights looked truly white. When he smiled at her she felt her heart melt. He crossed to meet her halfway and gave her gentle hug and a kiss on top of her head. “Did you get some rest love?”

“Yes, thank you.” She answered as Draco led her to a chair and held it for her.
After taking his seat dinner appeared on their plates. As comfortable silence settled over them as they ate. As the last bite was taken and they both sighed with contentment the last of the suns rays settled behind the horizon.

“I have a surprise for you.” he said as he led her to a blanket and pillows spread out to over look the rolling lawns. As they sat down another silver tray appeared with two flutes of sparkling wine and strawberries in the bottom. And the chocolate box surrounded by fresh fruits.

As Draco sat down he leaned against the mountain of pillows and drew her down to sit between his legs resting her back against his chest. He handed her glass of wine and started to feed her a grape from the plate as the first firework went off over head to a beautiful red and gold display. He heard her giggle and felt the vibration in his chest. He held her closer as the rest of the fireworks trailed across the sky. As the last one shot into the air, he picked up the box from the tray. When it spelled out the words he handed her the box.

Hermione was relaxed and happy watching the fireworks cuddled in her wizards arms. As the last one shot into the air, she felt him shift and become tense. The comforting thump of his heart against her back seemed to speed up a little. As the words Marry Me Hermione lit up the sky he gave her the box made of chocolate. Half turning in his arms she looked at him and then the box. Opening the box she saw the ring and began to cry happy tears. It was beautiful a perfect blending of his house colors and hers. The two stones definitely individual but fused into a whole.
Draco took the ring in his hand and then took the box and sat it down on the tray. He took her left hand in his and slid the ring on her finger with a questioning look in his eye. Turning the rest of the way around and going onto her knees she threw her arms around his neck and whispered in his ear, “Yes”.

Draco crushed her to him and kissed her as if his life depended on it. Slowly turning her to lay on her back with him above her he lowered her to the blanket. They never broke the kiss as he settled on to of her. Her hands were buried in his hair stroking the soft strands and his hands played over her ribs.

Breaking the kiss he moved to her ear to leave a trail of marks down to her shoulders. He waived his hand and both of their clothes disappeared leaving them to feel the warm breeze across their over-heated bodies. He felt her nipples pebble as the breeze played across them. Moving to kiss and lick the delicate rosy peaks he positioned is hard member outside her entrance and slowly slid in. He felt her sigh as he slid in to gently bump her cervix. The two took their time making love and exploring each others bodies until sleep over took them hours later.

They awoke as the first rays of the sun shone over the horizon. Sometime during the night a blanket had been placed over their entwined bodies. “Shall we move to more comfortable bed love?” he asked as he buried his face in her unruly hair.

“Hmmmm, please. I’m a little stiff from laying on the ground.” She said sleepily. It felt wonderful to wake up tangled in his arms and legs. The two pulled part and stood up. Draco wrapped the blanket around them both and they walked arm in arm into the manor. They made their way to Draco’s bedroom and both fell straight to sleep.

Three hours later they heard the roar of a motor and sat up in bed. “What is that?” the witch asked alarmed with her wand instantly in her hand.

“Relax love it’s just Severus and that monster of a bike he rides.” The wizard said pulling her back down into the covers and peppering her with kisses.

An hour later Hermione was dressed in track pants a tank top and a matching jacket. “I’m going for a run love care to join me?” she said as she rose from the breakfast table and kissed the blond.

He just raised an eyebrow and said, “Malfoy’s never run my love. Be careful we are too far out for sidewalks you will be on the roads.” He didn’t like the idea of her in traffic even if it was very light.

“I’m always cautious. I will probably be the only one out there anyway.” She said as she breezed out the door. She jogged down the driveway to the gates and then turned south along to two lane road. It had a nice wide shoulder and she had plenty of room to run.

Hermione ran about two miles on the deserted country road and had just decided to turn around and head back when a green bolt shot out of the trees on her right just missing her. She apparated behind a tree along the left side of the road and pulled her wand. Great, just great, ambushed. How many and where are they her mind raced. She saw a shadow flit across between two trees and she fired at it. She knew the slashing hex hit when she heard a howl of pain. She saw the person land half out from behind the tree and lay still. Out of the corner of her eye she saw another blot of light streak her way and dropped to the ground as it struck the tree she was using for cover. She and the unknown wizard across the road traded hexes and curses for what seemed like forever when she heard the whine of an engine cresting the hill a few hundred yards to the right. She sent several more bolts of light at her opponent. Glancing in the direction of the noise she saw Severus on his bike crest the top of the rise with his wand drawn. As soon as he saw the wizard he fired a killing curse and hit Hermione’s opponent in the chest.

As Hermione stepped out of her cover the dark haired wizard slid to a stop on the bike. “Hop on before reinforcements arrive.” He ordered. Without hesitation she jumped on behind him and held on for dear life as the big bike roared off.

They took the turn into the gates to the estate at an alarming angle. The bike never slowed until it reached the front doors. Draco knew something was wrong when he heard the bike accelerate up the drive. He threw the doors open just as the bike slid to a stop.

The pair climbed off the bike. Severus pulled out his cell phone and called in a team to go over the site and collect the bodies. Hermione hugged Draco and told him about it. Draco turned to his godfather, “It’s good that you got there when you did. How did they know Hermione was here?”

“I don’t think they did. I think they were waiting on me to come back and she just happened to cross them. I saw the spell flashes from the top of the hill half a mile back and remembered her morning jog. I was coming back early because I got a message that the Longbottom’s were awake and talking.” Severus explained.

“That’s wonderful news! Do they know who attacked them?” the witch asked.

“No, they had on the traditional masks.” he answered.

Aurors and members of Severus’ department began to apparate just outside the main gates. “I have to go love. Could you call Harry and the rest of the Order and let them know to be on their guard?” the witch asked as she hugged Draco.

“Sure, I’ll call Potter first. I’ll meet you as soon as I’m done.” He said as he turned to go in the doors.

Hermione climbed up behind her mentor on the bike and held on as they roared down the drive. She was beginning to like this; she wanted a Harley of her own.
They led the teams to the site of the attack. Everyone fanned out to do their job as Hermione and Severus went to the body of the wizard he had killed. Neither recognized him but he did have the Dark Mark on his arm. As they were examining him Harry and Arthur appeared with a POP. Neither recognized the young man either so they assumed there was recruitment drive going on.

As the foursome discussed this possibility they moved to see the other attacker that Hermione had killed. As they drew near the body was blocked by a group of people standing there. They heard Kingsley say, “How are we going to tell the Minister? This will kill Molly.”

“Tell me what Kingsley?” Arthur asked as he stepped into the circle and looked down at Percy’s vacant eyes.

A/N Sorry it took so long to update I had to wrestle the computer away from my kids. LOL. Then, this chapter decided to write itself. I didn’t plan on half the stuff in it.
Skye: the whole Harley thing was for you because that is one of my favorite plot bunnies as well.
Bella Snape, vixen, lisa, TNGirl, thanks so much for the words of encouragement. You guys rock.
Avanell: Thanks for the kind way you put that review. If you want to let me know where I need to adjust things please drop me an e-mail or leave a note on my live journal. It’s how we all learn and grow.
If I missed anyone, thanks for reviewing.