Redemption

29

The man next to me gave me a look. I told you so. His features seemed to say. I tried to hold back my smile, biting my lip in the process. Noticing my change in stance, Malfoy pushed aside the lady in his arms and took my hand, resting his lips on my knuckles. "And who, my friend," he purred. "Might this gorgeous specimen be."

I raised an eyebrow, a nasty habit I now so frequently indulged in. Surely, I didn't look that different. Then again, never before had I worn tailored robes and dresses that complimented my figure, never had my hair been so cooperative, never would I have seen myself standing at Severus' side.

I sensed his temper flare at the sight of someone else touching me. My heart sped up momentarily at the thought, his arm tightened against my waist, fingers sliding across the lace of my dress. I shivered at the sensation, a smug look came across his face, our host caught on and let go of me quickly. "Lucius, this is my apprentice." A glimmer of confusion danced across his face as he released my fingers. "Hermione, darling, certainly you remember Mr Malfoy."

I offered the Malfoy patron a shy smile. "Sir." I acknowledged, dipping my head gracefully.

His eyes widened in shock. "Miss Granger..? It can't possibly..." Severus glared at him. "You look well, my dear."

After a few more words, we left the study, Malfoy guiding us through his home. He stopped along the way to greet people and welcome their birthday wishes, all the while keeping an eye out. he turned to the man following him. "Severus, there are people here who are eager to make your aquaintance."

The dark wizard raised an eyebrow questioningly. "Is that so?"

Lucius' face split into a large smile as he approached the group he had been looking for. Two very tall, very slim, extremely attractive wizards and an equal amount of gorgeous women stood in a cluster, slightly separated from the rest of the invitees. One of the witches came toward the host and kissed both his cheeks, a quiet smile painting her features. "Lucius, how wonderful to see you again after all these years."

The way she pronounced his name gave me the heebiejeebies. She enunciated all the 'ss' sounds, drawing them out like the darkest wizard of our time once had. I didn't like it at all. Severus scoffed at the sight of the four, pulling me nearer still.

The man of the house greeted the other three and stepped away to speak. "I certainly agree, Ilaria. It's been ages. The war was difficult for many." He turned to his friend. "Severus, these are my cousins from Norway. This is Mia, Haldan, and Ilaria. This is Everard, a relative from Liechtenstein."

Three of the four had ashy blonde hair, pale as the Malfoy family themselves. I suppose it must be a family gene passed on for generations. They were very well groomed and dressed, there appearance picturesque. It was obvious they were siblings. The man named Everard had dark brown shoulder length hair and equally dark facial hair that decorated his face in an attractive manner. While the three from Norway had snow white skin, Everard had a slightly darker tone, but not enough to say it was entirely different.

One thing caught my attention. It was unnerving to say the least. It should have been the first thing I noticed. They all the the very same eye colour, the same icy grey as the Malfoys, even the odd one out had matching eyes. I didn't realise I had been introduced by my partner, he nudged my shoulder. I snapped out of my reverie, paying attention to the conversation.

I smiled, shaking their hands. Haldan seemed very interested in my relation to Severus and the Malfoys, seeing as I was Muggleborn. He hadn't meant to be rude, he was merely curious, but the man by my side was quickly losing his temper. I lifted my hand, sliding it up his back, smoothing the back of his coat, trying to calm him.