Author's Notes:

I'm so sorry for not updating in such a long time! My other WIP has taken over my time and capacity, but I'm currently taking a break from it to concentrate on my submissions to the Dramione Duet as well as the Dramione Remix, giving me time and capacity to finish this chapter too.

I promise I finish this story, however long it's going to take!

Last but not least: A huge thank you to thursdaystorm who showed up at the right moment, and who provides a great service as a beta reader! :-) And of course, thank you to everyone else who listens to my ramblings and doubts while trying to finish this piece... You help is much much appreciated!

Now, enjoy!

Chapter 11: Unexpected Letters Never Bear Good News

"You will never guess who called today at work!" Helen exclaimed with a broad grin on her lips when she arrived home from work. It was the first full week of the new year, and the daily life had them all in its grip again.

"Mum, please!" Tom sighed, mulling over the chessboard in front of him.

"He doesn't want to admit that he is about to lose," Draco said with a soft smile when Helen joined them at the table.

"And you are gloating about it, my dear," she replied, leaning down for a welcoming kiss on his cheek. "Missed you all day."

Still watching Tom going through his options, Draco lifted his hand to brush over her head. "So, who called you today?"

After a second peck on his cheek, she pulled another chair up and sat down next to him, chuckling lightly when she saw her son huff in frustration as the realisation of his loss started to sink in. "Brandon called to invite us to dinner."

"You sound excited."

"We are invited by the Mistry family, Draco. Even I know that they are big names around here, and I only moved here a couple of years ago." She smiled warmly when he wrapped his arm around her and leaned into the embrace. "How was Tom today?"

"As always. And homework is done," Draco replied, letting his fingers draw circles on her arm. "Admit it, Tom, you've lost that round. There's no move left to save your king," he said with a more taunting tone in his voice.

"You cheated," Tom retorted, briefly pulling his tongue at Draco.

"Tom! Don't!" Helen intervened and leaned forward with a stern look on her face.

"Okay, you've won," Tom finally admitted, sitting down in his chair, only to watch Draco make the last defeating move.

"You two... really," Helen said with another chuckle, then moved to get up. "Anyone hungry?" she asked, entering the kitchen like every evening to check the fridge for something to heat up.

"I want a rematch." Tom put the pieces back into their starting position on the board, a defiant spark in his eyes.

"What is that?" Helen came back from the kitchen with a bag in her hands, looking surprised at both her men.

"Looks like you'll get your rematch tomorrow, Tom." Draco got up to join her at the kitchen door. "That was me. I was in town to check out the archery club and figured I could bring something home. You only need to reheat it." When he had brought it home, he had briefly considered using a Heating Charm to keep it warm but didn't want to risk any questions about it.

While Tom put the chessboard away, Helen returned to the kitchen with Draco following her. "You didn't have to do that, my dear," she said, placing the bags on the counter to open the boxes inside. She smiled when he wrapped his arms around her waist from behind.

He watched her examine the boxes."You work all day, and I know you like it."

"Curry! I love it!" Letting go of the food, she turned around in his arms and put his face into her hands to pull him down for a soft kiss. "You know, for someone with zero relationship experience you are very considerate," she said when she pulled away again, "and I don't mean just the curry tonight–"

"Hey, I've got the time. But you should better heat it up now; I think Tom might be a tad hungry." He let go of her waist to point at the smaller box. "That's for him, less spicy."

With another soft smile, Helen nodded and then pulled out two pans to reheat the curry. "So, you said you tried the archery club? How did it go?"

He leaned against the counter to watch her cook. "Better than expected. They were a bit sceptical at first because I don't look like I used to."

"You mean they thought you were too weak?"

He nodded. "But they still let me try out, and they seemed impressed enough." Indeed he had impressed them; first by being able to pull the bow string at all and then by showing a surprising accuracy hitting the target. However, he was now feeling the consequences of the exercising at the tryout; he was sore all over. It reminded him a bit of his time as the Seeker of the Slytherin Quidditch team, a time when he had felt sore in places he'd never thought he could. Playing Seeker might look easy, but handling and steering a broom at the speed he used to took a lot of strength—most of it to simply stay seated on the broom during all the manoeuvres. It was a pity that he couldn't fly around here for fear of being discovered.

Helen reached for a spoon to taste the curry. "Hmm!"

"Mum! Can we eat now?" Tom finally found his way into the kitchen, sounding impatient. Entering, he looked at them with a brief look of expectation. "Have you told Mum yet about the archery club?"

Draco chuckled as Helen mockingly rolled her eyes before reaching for the cutlery that Tom could lay out on the table while she would fill the bowls. "Yes, I did."

With the cutlery in hand and a smirk on his face, Tom left the kitchen again.

"You and archery," Helen said with a disbelieving shake of her head while filling the last scoops of curry into Tom's bowl. "I thought you'd be interested in football or rugby. No, forget rugby. I don't want to have to tend to your bruises every other week."

"I heal easily," Draco said, amused. "And I'm definitely too skinny for rugby."

"Yes. For them. Not for me," she replied, putting the pan away, then leaned in for a kiss.

He surprised her with a deeper, consuming kiss, tasting the curry on her lips and tongue. He could feel her hesitate for a second out of surprise, her hand on his chest, but then she just let him ravish her lips and mouth. However, she kept his hands from undoing her clothing. "Later," she whispered when she pulled away with a longing sigh.

Not satisfied—he barely ever was!—Draco continued trailing her jaw with kisses until he reached that small spot when her jaw joined her neck; she always turned weak on her knees when he started to nibble that specific spot. "What about playing nurse and patient later? I'm sore from the tryout–"

"Whatever you want." With another longing sigh, Helen finally managed to pull away. She raked through her hair that he had messed up as always, smiling embarrassedly. "But let's eat dinner now."

.

The next day, Draco discovered another Ministry owl on the roof of his house, even though he wasn't expecting any letters from Granger, even less so from anyone else. He wasn't even late with his updates, as Granger's visit just before New Year's Eve did count as an update, thus resetting the counter.

When he let the bird in, he recognised it as the same indignant looking owl that had delivered the notice about Granger's visit. He didn't think it was possible that an owl could look even more indignant, but this owl managed it easily.

"Keep still, you bloody bird!" Draco muttered when he tried to get the letter off its leg. His fingers were already showing red streaks, as the owl had tried twice to bite him. However, he was fast enough in untying the laces before the owl could go for another bite, despite the small bowl of owl treats right in front of it. "Wait outside in the tree," he said, pointing outside with a glare.

The handwriting on the letter was indeed Granger's, though it seemed to be scribbled down in a hurry; he reluctantly opened it. Any unexpected letter never held good news in his experience.

Malfoy,

I don't have much time, but I need to inform you about the things that are happening here, and I'm sure you're not going to like it at all.

There has been a breach regarding your location, and your mother now knows where you live. I have no idea how they managed to get around my security measures; I'm currently trying to figure that out.

Meanwhile, you better brace yourself for a visit from your mother, if not both of your parents! I will do my best to keep them from coming, but I can't promise anything as the cooperation of the other supervisors is more than lousy. Harry and his team, however, are working to have the wards around the Manor reconfigured, and they are still being Traced...

Connected to this, I've already heard back from the legal advisor about the Statute of Secrecy. There's a loophole in the Statute that allows you to talk about your heritage when you and your partner are put in danger by the continued secrecy. (The other option would have been 'upon entering a serious relationship with intention of marriage', but I don't think you're that far yet, if ever).

I strongly advise you to tell Helen about everything, and that she better runs or hides should your mother show up. Helen is no witch, and as such wouldn't really stand a chance against your mother.

I will contact you again, once I know more. And you should let me know immediately if you notice something strange in your surroundings!

But above all, please stay safe!

Hermione

(Say hello to Helen for me, she really is nice!)

Draco had to sit down after reading the letter, feeling as if he was hit by a mountain troll. Granger was right, he didn't like it at all. With this letter, the bubble of his little fantasy was destroyed; he was forced to face what he had tried to escape. Slowly, the burning feeling of anger replaced his shock, and the items on his table, such as the bowl with the owl treats and a few books that had no space on the shelf, started to shake in response. Why could his parents not stay away? Why couldn't they just accept his wish to be alone for now?

With each passing moment he thought about his parents and the discovery of his location, he felt a growing urge to just let it out—the frustration, the anger, the helplessness at being dragged back into the wizarding world before he felt ready to do so. Now, objects throughout the ground floor were shaking, but not yet moving.

However, before he gave in to the urge, he managed to cast the Silencio; putting his wand back on the table, he finally kneeled on the floor and took a deep breath. The sudden discharge of unguided magic caused all the objects on the ground floor to shake so violently that most of them ended up broken or shattered.

Draco took another deep breath once it was over, feeling light for a short moment before the reason for his rather involuntary discharge crushed his relief, almost causing another discharge in reaction. Noticing the mess he had made in his living room, he couldn't help but laugh bitterly. That was what it felt like to have one's dreams destroyed! But he wasn't going to give up so easily; no, this time, he would fight for what he had. If only it didn't put Helen in such danger. With a sigh, he finally got back on his feet, feeling good enough to go back over to Helen's place, as Tom would be back from school soon.

...

"Everything okay?" Helen asked when she came into the kitchen after having put Tom to bed, her voice sounding concerned. "You've seemed a bit down ever since I got home."

Draco shook his head; he was pouring himself a second glass of wine after the one he had had during dinner. He had felt restless and uneasy all evening, even though he tried not to show it in Tom's presence, not wanting him to worry too much. Helen, however, had apparently read the signs. "Received a letter today," he said, turning around with the glass in his hand.

"Not a good one, I guess?" Smiling faintly, she pulled another glass from the cupboard to pour herself some wine.

He shook his head again and then downed most of the wine in his glass in one go. "Got informed that my parents know where I am, against my wishes."

Nursing her own glass in her hand, she leaned against the counter next to him, studying him intently. "I remember what you told me about them in the spa. You did sound scared then," she said, reaching for his arm, trying to find his hand.

He was glad for the touch of her hand on his arm; as simple as the gesture was, it meant a lot to him. She was here, next to him, reaching out to hold him. "I don't want to put you—or Tom—in any danger," he said quietly, lacing his fingers with hers when she finally reached his hand. "They won't understand."

She put her half-empty glass back on the counter and then moved in front of him, a soft smile on her lips. "It's okay–"

"No, it's not," he replied, shaking his head again, more violently this time. "They will say things like 'I besmirch the family name', or how you are 'way beneath me'. And they will not understand why I would want to stay here, what I've found here... I mean, with you. That's why they will try to bring me back home."

Helen took his empty wine glass and put it on the counter next to hers, only to wrap her arms around his waist in a tight embrace. "Everything's going to be okay," she said reassuringly, her voice muffled by his clothes. "We'll deal with it when they show up; there's nothing you can do about it now, all right?"

Breathing in deeply, he wrapped his arms around her shoulders and closed his eyes, letting the calming prickling take over his senses, letting it drown his racing mind. He doubted that everything was going to be okay, despite wanting to believe it so desperately; no, he knew his parents too well, and so he was scared of the consequences. He held on tight to Helen, his anchor against the sea of helplessness that threatened to come back like a flood. "Everything's going to be okay," he whispered, barely audible, repeating her words. Maybe with her, there was a chance. Just maybe. "I'm sorry for ruining the evening like this–"

"Don't ever say that, my dear," Helen replied, lifting her head to look at him with a reassuring smile. "It's good that you told me, okay? There is no need to keep bottling everything up, especially not if it bothers you so much. This is what a relationship is about... supporting each other."

"I know," he said, letting out his breath. "But still–"

"No, really, I'm here for you. Trust me." She loosened her embrace to straighten herself a bit, letting her hands run across his waist to the front, up to his face.

He nodded, leaning slightly into the touch of her fingers. Right now, he was more than grateful that she was here with him; it made him feel less helpless in the face of what might soon happen.

"Feeling better?" she asked, her face now only inches away from his, smiling warmly.

"A bit. Thanks." He lifted his hands from her shoulders to frame her face, then placed a simple kiss on her forehead. For a moment, he considered telling her everything, showing her on the spot what he really was. But then he remembered that they were invited to attend a dinner at the Mistry's on the weekend, and she was already nervous enough about it. "You know what? We still need to find a dress for the dinner on Saturday," he said instead, changing the topic to distract himself from his spiralling thoughts.

"I can probably take off Friday afternoon, or at least leave earlier than usual," she whispered, placing a first soft kiss on his lips. "Tom can go home with Daniel, so we have en–"

Eager for the comforting touch of her lips, he kissed her deeply, even catching her off-guard with the intensity of his need to just feel her right now. After her surprise wore off, he could feel her respond to the kiss just as passionately, but still tender. Exactly what he needed right now. He wasn't going to give this up without a hard fight! This was what he wanted—her warmth, her comfort, and her kisses—all of her.

"Let's call it an evening and go upstairs," she whispered, breathing heavily when she finally broke off.

He pressed another small kiss on her forehead, then let go of her. "Yes," he said, smiling briefly.

..

"Draco? How about this?" Helen pulled the curtain of her dressing cabin back, an expectant smile on her lips while while twirling; she had put on a simple emerald green shoulder-free pencil dress combined with a dark green bolero jacket. Her smile faded when she saw him gazing outside. "Draco?"

He startled when he heard his name being repeated in a more concerned tone. "What?" he asked, trying to put up a hopefully soft smile, even though he didn't feel like smiling right now.

"Everything okay? You're unusually quiet today..."

"I'm fine. Just tired." He was telling her the truth, at least part of it. He was tired, almost back to his exhausted self before they had become a couple, just because his mind couldn't calm down at night ever since he had gotten the letter that his parents knew where he was.

Helen gazed at him intently for several seconds; he could see that she didn't believe him a word, but then she nodded and sighed. "Okay. Just don't bottle everything up, I'm here..."

Showing a faint but relieved smile, he nodded. "That looks good on you."

"You think?" She twirled around once more to show him the dress from all sides. "Isn't it a bit much for the dinner tomorrow?"

"Still looks good on you. Put it on the list–"

"Really? I mean, that's about the third dress you've put on the list... And they aren't exactly cheap, my dear!" She took his hands in hers. "One dress is more than enough–"

"Helen, just let me do it, okay? I can afford to buy the shop if I wanted to..."

"Is this...?" She sighed, but then she nodded. "Okay, but just this once. And I don't need you to buy the whole shop for me."

"Miss?" The shop assistant came into the changing area, carrying another dress in a dark burgundy shade. "This one might be what you're looking for."

Helen turned towards her with a smile; she squeezed Draco's hands before letting go to take the dress from the shop assistant. "Thanks. You can put the green one on the list as well..."

"All right. If you could hand it to me, I can put it with the other dresses."

Helen nodded and returned to her changing room with the dark burgundy dress in her hand. "Just a minute."

Draco could hear her wiggle out of the dark green dress, which had indeed looked good on her, with the colour accentuating her eyes beautifully as well as making her skin glow. Despite loving the fact that he could treat her to a set of nice dresses, he wasn't in the mood to fully appreciate the beauty today.

"Nice of you to help your–"

"We're not related, and the rest is none of your business," he said coolly.

"Oh. I just tho–"

In that moment, Helen pulled the curtain back once more, a broad grin on her face. "This is perfect!" The dress was a dream—it went down to her calves, the sleeves covered her elbows, and the cleavage was high-cut. With a smirk, she turned around, only to reveal a low-cut backside. It was hugging her figure in the right places, and the colour made her skin shine.

"Yes, that's the one," Draco said with an approving nod, unable to keep his eyes off her. "Perfect."

"Right? And it flows so nicely... So soft!" Helen twirled, smiling happily.

"I'll add this to the rest as well, then," the shop assistant said. "Anything else I can bring you?"

"No, that would be all," Helen said, stepping back into the changing room, only to return seconds later. "Wait, yes, there is something. I saw that you have a men's department–"

"Helen, no!"

She shot him a glare, not taking no for an answer. "This young man needs a bit more colour in his wardrobe. A set of new shirts in something else than just white, black, or green–"

"Helen!"

She came back out, reaching once more for his hands. "What's the matter?"

"I... Nothing."

"It's that letter." She squeezed his hand gently instead of a full hug in order not to crinkle the dress before it was bought. "Just let me return the favour, treat you to something nice as well. You've already done so much for me."

He nodded reluctantly. "Fine."

"Thanks." Helen pulled him down for a soft brush of her lips against his cheek. "I wished you told me about what's on your mind," she whispered when she let go of him.

"Not now," he replied and placed a peck on her forehead.

"Okay." She sighed. "Now, go find a nice shirt... I'll join you in a couple of minutes."

After a brief nod, he joined the shop assistant, who had made a few steps back for privacy, the green dress already in hand; walking away, he heard Helen fumble around in her things, followed by some beeping sounds.

"Val? Change of plans."

Redressed in her own clothes, Helen joined Draco shortly after in the men's department. "That doesn't look too bad," she commented when she finally reached Draco, who was currently checking a shirt with a pale blue shade in the mirror. "I would have never thought blue would fit you."

"You know that I prefer green and white, but I think this works too. It's subtle enough."

"Yes. It brings out your eye colour nicely." She came up to him and took over to close the last buttons, noticing the other shop assistant in the background with another set of shirts in hand. "Feeling a bit better?"

He nodded, his gaze fixed on his reflection in the mirror. "You talked to Val?" he asked. It had taken him a moment to realise that she had brought along her work phone, the cause for the beeping sounds. He had only seen it a few times at her place, as she usually kept it out of sight in her purse.

"Yes. I asked her if Tom could stay at her place tonight as well–"

"Why?" He reached for her hands that were resting on his chest to hold them; holding on to her like that helped him feel less as if his life was slipping from his grasp.

"Because I think I need to take care of you first, my dear. You've been like this for a few days now, ever since you received that letter about your parents."

"You didn't have to do this."

Helen simply smiled softly at his response. "Even Tom noticed, you know? He asked me if something was wrong between us when I put him to bed last night..."

"He didn't say a thing when we were playing after school. And I think he let me win on purpose."

Helen chuckled lightly. "Yes, it's his way of cheering you up," she said, leaning in for the briefest of reassuring hugs.

"Thanks. I'm sorry for ruining the afternoon." Draco wrapped his arms around her to keep her in place, relishing for the longest of moments in the comforting feeling of her prickling touch.

"Oh, you can make up for it once we're home. I have my own ways of cheering you up, my dear. But now, let's try on the other shirt the assistant has for you..."

.

Saturday had Helen all nervous about the dinner invitation, going from being unsure about her dress to excited for the chance it presented. She kept fidgeting until they arrived at the Mistry's; Draco wouldn't admit it, but her restlessness provided a welcome distraction from his thoughts, only ever annoyed when she asked him if he was okay. He was okay, just worried.

"That is one big house," Helen whispered when they arrived in front of the Mistry's home, ready to ring the bell.

"All about status," Draco replied, chuckling. What would she say if she ever saw Malfoy Manor? The Mistry house was indeed impressive, but his childhood home was on a completely different level, and she would be gaping at the sheer size of it. Maybe one day she would be able to see it, but he doubted it. He still had to tell her about his heritage first. At least he now had an idea how to do it, and he had to do it soon.

"Well, hello you two!" It was Libby who answered the door. "Come in!" She was wearing a rather simple jumpsuit, again in blue; her hair was only casually bound together in a pony tail.

"Quite some place," Helen said when she came inside, awing at the interior, Draco following behind her.

"We try to keep it as simple as we can." Libby offered to take their coats to hang them up in the wardrobe. "Again, great dress."

"Draco insisted on buying it." Helen smiled in slight embarrassment and threw him a side-glance.

"You are spoiling her–"

"I'm not spoi–"

"You are. And I'm grateful for it." Helen pressed an appeasing peek on his cheek. "You know that."

"I'd spoil you even more if you let me," he replied in a teasing whisper.

"Now, let's meet the others." Libby let them through to the dining room, where Brandon and his parents were waiting, discussing some family matters over an aperitif—what looked like martini for the elder Mistry's and gin for Brandon.

"Mum, Dad, meet Helen and Draco," Brandon introduced them, motioning towards them in a welcoming gesture. "Welcome to my house..."

"So, that's the couple from New Year's Eve at the Imperial you keep talking about," the elder man said, a warm, amused smile directed at Brandon before he offered his hand to greet Helen. "Nice to meet you."

"Helen, this is my father, Thomas Mistry. And my mother, Michelle."

"And please, call me Thomas for tonight. No need for formalities..."

Helen smiled softly, her cheeks blushing, betraying her otherwise composed demeanour; Draco knew she was overly excited to meet the elder Mistry's, but she was professional enough to stay calm. "Nice to meet you too, Thomas."

"Draco, right? Quite an unusual name," Michelle said in the meantime with the same warm smile, offering her hand to greet him.

"I have heard that a lot ever since I moved here," he replied with a polite smile. "Thanks for the invitation."

"What can I offer you? Gin, martini, white wine?" Thomas asked when the exchange of welcoming pleasantries was done.

"Martini!" Helen said, her smile broadening while her hand searched for Draco's, only to give it a reassuring squeeze. "I've never really had one before."

Unlike Helen, Draco wasn't really in the mood for a drink—even less so for a whole dinner. But the evening was about Helen and a possible new job for her, so he would play along for her sake. It wasn't the first time he had to fake emotions. "White wine."

"To an interesting evening," Thomas said when he handed them the drinks.

"To an interesting evening," the others repeated, raising their glasses to a toast.

"So, Brandon told us that you were seated at the same table at the New Year's Eve ball?" Michelle continued, eyeing them both with benevolence. "You must have had quite a bit of fun then."

"Oh, we did." Helen nodded and took another sip from her Martini, trying to keep the pick out of her eyes. "It was a great evening!"

"You should've seen her dress, simply gorgeous," Libby said, putting her glass on the small table. "Which reminds me... I have something for you."

Everyone watched her leave the room, only to return moments later with an envelope in her hands.

"I don't think you got those..." Libby opened the envelope and handed Helen the first picture found inside. "Remember the photographer who made the rounds after your second dance? You were gone before he could write down which pictures were yours, so he asked us whether we wanted them as well."

"This is perfect," Helen whispered, showing the first picture to Draco beside her. It showed them on the dance floor, oblivious to their surroundings and moments before they kissed.

Draco nodded in agreement. For once, he found it perfect that the picture didn't move like wizarding photographs would—it was such perfect capture of that intimate moment between them. He would have to make a copy of it to keep with him.

"And such a gorgeous dress!" Michelle commented the pictures that Libby had handed her in the meantime, sharing them with her husband. "No wonder that the Warden's wouldn't stop talking about it when we met them at the ski resort a few days ago..."

"But this one is another favourite," Libby said with an amused tone to her voice before handing the last picture to Helen.

"Oh God! I totally forgot about that!" Helen giggled when she saw the picture while Draco let out a small groan. "It's not so bad, my dear! You did laugh, after all, see?"

"Yes, I did," he admitted, his lips slowly curling up in a smirk. He remembered the moment now—Helen made funny faces to make him laugh until he did eventually crack up, and the photographer must have caught that exact moment.

When Helen showed the picture to the others, they all laughed. "Oh, you definitely had fun that evening!" Michelle said, chuckling.

That was when the maid entered from the dining room next door. "The dinner is ready to be served now."

..

After dinner, which had been an entertaining conversation about the New Year's Eve ball and the Mistry building company, Draco needed a break from it, wanting to take a step outside for some air.

He knew that Helen was enjoying the evening, based on her many chuckles and the way she had engaged in the conversation while he had mainly watched her, occasionally replying to a direct question by Brandon's mother, who had been curious about his background. Of course, he enjoyed the evening too, but he still felt out of place. The choking feeling in his throat didn't really help either, nor that he still feared everything would end sooner than he would have liked and against his wishes.

"Hey, there you are," Helen said in a soft whisper when she stepped out on the balcony where he was leaning against the railing. "Everything okay?"

He nodded.

She sighed and reached for his hand. "I know you're not exactly yourself tonight, you're a bit more quiet than usual."

"It's nothi–"

"It's not nothing, don't say that," she stopped him, worry coming through in her voice. "I know you didn't sleep that much last night, you woke me up several times. You kept murmuring in your sleep, and I'm sure you had a nightmare at one point."

"I'm fine."

She shook her head, her fingers intertwining with his. "It's still that damn letter, right?"

Nodding, he pulled her closer. "I'm just worried, that's all," he whispered when he wrapped his arms around her shoulder. "With my parents, it's not about whether they show up, but rather when. And I don't know what they will be like. I simply don't know what to expect, and I just want to keep you safe."

"It's going to be okay," she replied, her voice muffled by his dress shirt.

He wished for that to be true, almost aching for it. "I just can't get it out of my head."

"I know," she replied and looked up with a soft, reassuring smile. "But you know that I won't let you go that easily, right? I can put up a mean fight if I have to. And believe me when I say that you'd be worth it."

Draco chuckled at her resolve, feeling a small wave of relief rushing through his body. She wouldn't stand a chance against his mother, being a Muggle and all, but she still knew what he needed to hear—especially the part of being worth to be fought for. "Thanks."

"How about getting back inside? Libby said dessert would be served soon, and I'd like to have you next to me if they really want to talk about a possible job offer. I feel more relaxed with your hand in mine."

"I noticed," he replied, stroking carefully over her back. "And you're starting to shiver."

"It's January, so yes, I'm shivering."

..

The dessert had already been brought to the dining room on a dessert trolley when they made it back to the dining room, with Helen holding Draco's hand tightly in hers, both for his comfort as well as hers.

"Welcome back!" Brandon said in amusement while filling a set of tumblers with an inch of whisky each. "I'm afraid the view isn't that great at this time of day. You should come back in May with everything in bloom."

"That looks gorgeous!" Helen commented while taking her seat once more, licking her lips in anticipation.

"I wish I could say I made it," Libby said, blushing lightly, "but our maid makes just such a delicious cheesecake, I had to ask her for one."

"Now, to the business part of the dinner if you forgive me the expression," Thomas said when Brandon served the tumblers, placing one in front of each dinner participant. He smiled when he saw Helen reach for Draco's hand and then take a deep breath. "Don't worry, my dear. I do trust my son very much when it comes to people. I want to add that, in your case, he wasn't exaggerating. You're just as charming and intelligent as he said you would be."

"It means a lot coming from you," Helen said, her voice shaking ever so slightly.

"It's true," Brandon replied, leaning back. "Carlos had a very good hand in placing you at our table. He knows we're picky..."

"We've already talked quite a bit about your current job at the ball," Libby said, taking up the thread of the conversation. "From what you told us then, your skills and knowledge are what we are looking for."

"Oh God," Helen murmured, placing her free hand on her lips.

"As we've already told you, we're considering to restructure our IT department, and you would be perfect to head this project, as well as the department later on."

Speechless, Helen leaned back, her hand still placed on her lips. Her eyes wide in positive shock, she looked at Draco.

He nodded and leaned towards her, placing a peck on her cheek. "Isn't that what you hoped for?"

"So, we only have a couple of questions regarding your education and your current work," Thomas continued, smiling at them.

Over the next few minutes, Draco watched Helen talk about her education and her diplomas; he was actually impressed by her achievements as it showed a great ambition, though she had never hung the diplomas anywhere in her place. By now he understood the very basics of her job, but he was still easily lost whenever she tried to explain the details. At least she was relaxing more and more the longer she talked, as she loosened the tight grip on his hand.

"So, as a last question," Thomas said, swaying his whisky tumbler in a playful manner. "What kind of expectations do you still have in life?"

Helen turned to Draco, her lips turning up into a big smile. "Over the last few months, I have had my life turned upside down, ever since I met Draco, so it's quite difficult to have any at the moment. All I can wish for right now is that my son is doing well in school and a job that I love and that I can give my best for. I have everything else."

Returning the smile, he saw the Mistry's exchange looks and nods. "You did great," he whispered and squeezed her hand.

"I feel like I forgot half of what I've done," Helen whispered back, unable to stop grinning.

"Helen," Thomas said, requesting their attention again. "We all agree when we say we would love to have you in our company in the position mentioned earlier. You would be a perfect addition."

"Oh God," Helen said, nodding fiercely. "This is a unbelievable opportunity you're offering, and... I mean, Head of an entire IT department!"

"Just say yes," Draco said, amused by her shocked reaction to something she had expected. "The rest will be sorted another day."

"Like the young man said, we will settle details another day, including the notice period with your current employer." Thomas leaned forward, sharing Draco's amusement about her reaction. "I am sure that you'll get a higher salary and probably rather flexible working hours, compared to your current employment at least."

"Did you hear that? A higher salary," Helen whispered, smiling as broadly as she could, and leaned towards Draco. "Thank you. It wouldn't have been possible without your surprise." She pressed a heartfelt kiss on his cheek.

"You don't need to thank me, thank them. They found you charming enough."

"True." She kissed his cheek once more, then turned her attention back to the Mistrys. "I'm sorry for my unprofessional reaction; I'm usually more composed than that, but it overwhelmed me more than I thought it would. Of course, I accept your offer! I'm so honoured that you considered me for this position..." She raised her tumbler for a toast. "To a new adventure."

"To a new adventure."

"Now, let's start dessert," Libby said, digging into the piece in front of her, "or my maid will think we didn't like it."

.

Despite Helen's best efforts, Draco couldn't stop thinking about the impending visit from his parents. He still appreciated all the things she did to cheer him up without pushing him too much to tell her why he couldn't get it out of his head. If only he could just pack things up and leave with them at his side, but he knew that it wasn't that easy. And it wouldn't be fair on her, either.

So, Monday, he found himself at his place again, visiting the room he had placed all his magical stuff in; he absentmindedly played with the wand in his hand while brushing over the books in the shelf that told him about what felt like a different age. It's been a little over six months since he moved here, and he felt like he had become a different person, having learned a lot about Muggles in general. Before that letter had arrived, he finally felt like he was in a good place, loved for who he was, not what he represented. He just hoped that Helen would take it well enough that he was a wizard, one who had done cruel things in the name of the War; he was only waiting for the weekend when Tom would be over at Daniel's to show her his world.

Still, he had better prepare himself for any eventualities in regards to his parents; he feared that they wouldn't hold back from hurting him or Helen to get him to come back, and he wanted to be able to defend himself in that moment. He pulled out his books on protective spells he still had from his Hogwarts years. A quick glance at the table of contents told him that there weren't any spells that completely fit what he needed, but the Muggle Repellent Charm might work with a few adaptations, though he would still need to ask Granger for permission to use this kind of magic in a Muggle neighbourhood.

It was frustrating. He still hadn't heard from her whether they had been successful in changing the wards to keep his parents from leaving the grounds of Malfoy Manor or about her finding the mole. He was stuck. Like a fucking sitting duck. Huffing, he placed the book on the small desk to work on it the next day, and instead Transfigured the settee into a mattress target after making the room soundproof. He wanted to practise a few spells, and this was the safest place to do so without being detected. But what he needed to practise first and foremost was Summoning his wand, preferably non-verbal.

"Stupefy!" he yelled, putting all his frustration and anger into the spell. Oh yes, this felt satisfying!

...

That evening, Helen came home with a broad smile on her lips, all excited to tell something. "Brandon and Thomas were in my company today," she started while still trying to get out of her coat.

"That was fast," Draco replied from the table where he was invested in another game of chess with Tom. It was a tough fight this time as both were close to winning now.

"Hello, sweethearts," she said when she joined the table. "My boss was completely surprised to hear why they were making a visit because he first thought it was about the contract we have with them already."

"And?" Draco asked, contemplating his next move.

"Hi, Mum! Homework is all done. Wasn't much anyway..."

"Good!" She watched Draco considering several possibilities, and then scrunched her face at his choice. "I think you just lost, my dear."

"Might be. I already won the first round anyway... So, how did it go?"

She sat down next to Draco. "My boss called me to his office, as he couldn't believe what they'd come for. I told him that it was the truth, and that I hadn't yet had the time to tell him about me accepting the offer to work for them. He was positively shocked. Stammered something about 'losing his best employee', but he couldn't refuse the offer Brandon and Thomas made to take me over."

"Sounds like you had a great day..."

"You've got a new job, Mum?"

She kissed Draco on the cheek and then nodded towards her son. "Fabulous day! Couldn't stop grinning. Still can't believe that it all happened because you wanted to treat me with that surprise for New Year's Eve..."

"When do you start there?" Tom asked curiously. "Tomorrow?"

"No, no, my dear. It's a bit more complicated than that. See, in my contract, it says that I would have to hand in my resignation a month before quitting the job, but they found a solution for that. I'm still surprised that the Mistry's would pay a takeover fee for me, but that's what happened. All I have to do now at my current job is prepare my files and clients for my colleagues to take over."

"So, you start next week?" Draco asked, wrapping his arm around her shoulders while watching Tom defeating his king in one final move, and the smuggest grin the boy could do.

Helen nodded excitedly. "This all happened so fast, I still can't believe it! It's like a dream come true!" She kissed his cheek again. "I invited Brandon and Libby for dinner on Friday to celebrate a bit."

"I won!" Tom cheered. "Now I'm hungry..."

"I'll see what I can make for dinner," Helen said, getting up. "I'm feeling like pasta tonight. Tom, you put the chess board away, and I'll prepare the dishes for you to put up. Draco, I might need some assistance in the kitchen–"

"Mum and Draco are kissing! Mum and Draco are kissing!"

"Cheeky bugger," Draco said in amusement, following Helen into the kitchen.

"You look better tonight," Helen said, once they were inside. "Though you were still tossing around last night."

"I feel a bit better, yes." Practising spells all afternoon until Tom was supposed to come back home had indeed helped with his mood as he could get his frustration out for once. "I'm sure I'll sleep better too."

"I do hope so, my dear." She pulled him down to tease him—first with her tongue brushing over his lips before she parted them for a deeper, longing kiss.

.

However, whatever plans Draco had, he got a violent reminder on Saturday evening how fragile luck can be, when a knock late at night interrupted him and Helen during a rare film night. It wasn't as if they were paying attention to the film, anyway, as Tom was already in bed, and they wanted to use the time alone for some making-out.

Helen sat in his lap and stopped her kissing in confusion when she heard the knock being repeated. "Who on earth would knock at this time of night?"

He shrugged and then pulled her back down to continue their kiss because right now he was much more interested in the feel of her lips against his than an impertinent neighbour. His hands had slipped underneath her top, happy to find that she wasn't wearing a bra.

But before they could continue, another knock was heard.

"Really?" Helen said in frustration, sitting up. "It was just getting good..."

"I know." He kissed her jaw. Her grinding her hips into his always had him aroused in moments, knowing how good she felt; he had been looking forward to having her undressed in a matter of a few more minutes and cherish whatever skin he could access.

Helen climbed off him when a third knock was heard, sounding impatient this time. "I'm going to check what they want, then we can continue."

Watching her walk over to the front door, Draco suddenly felt uneasy, and he couldn't shake it. Something wasn't right here because none of their neighbours would disturb them this late at night, even on a Saturday night. So, he got up and quietly Summoned his wand to be ready for anything.

"Oh, hello." Helen opened the door and found a woman on her porch she didn't recognise, clothed in black, but the same blonde hair as Draco, and a look of cold fury in her almost black eyes. "I think you've got the wro–"

"Where's my son? I know you're hiding him here..."

Draco immediately recognised the voice and jumped towards the door. "Helen, get out of the way. NOW! That's my mother!"

TBC