"Mother!"

Draco growled, his werewolf nature absolutely livid anyone would speak of his girl in such a manner. Honestly what era were they living in, the Middle Ages? He didn't care if Hermione had a prestigious pedigree, so why should they? Yeah, sure, they were just raised that ways, but didn't his happiness mean anything here?

Roxanne however had maintained a much calmer reaction. That seemed to be her general role among the family, laid back and easy going, calm and level headed, but still fun and adventurous when the time called for it. At least, that's how she liked to perceive herself.

"Where's the Narcissa I knew in Hogwarts? Life isn't all about etiquette and rules, you know."

She said evenly with a small shrug. Look who she was talking to though, a girl who disowned her own sister just for marrying a muggle born. At least she wasn't having a similar response with Draco.

"Was life ever about etiquette and rules for you, Roxanne?"

Lucius asked as he looked over to his sister. The answer he received, as he expected, was a firm shake of the head. Roxanne looked the part of a Malfoy, even carried herself in the same dignified manner, but her personality just didn't line up.

As he heard Hermione, he looked over to her and nodded once.

"Miss Granger."

Draco merely sighed, this was going to be a disaster, he knew it. His parents just were not up to the task of giving Hermione a chance yet.

Roxanne ignored the disapproving mannerisms of her brother and sister-in-law, she was used to it after all, and instead decided to try and strike conversation with Hermione, try and make her feel more comfortable.

"I haven't been a Malfoy for almost twenty three years, Hermione. Please, just call me Roxanne. Or Roxy, takes me back to days at Hogwarts."

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"Yes Draco?"

Narcissa asked softly, warmth in her usually ice blue eyes as she stared at her only son and child. Whilst she may not have been mother of the year, she'd never been taught how to raise a child, she did undoubtedly love her son and want only the best for him. She just found it hard to believe that the bushy haired girl-woman beside him was just that - the best for him. Whilst the girl may have been intelligent and set records as far as marks went at Hogwarts, as well as helped defeat Lord Voldemort as part of one of the Golden Trio, she clearly wasn't raised in or understood the intricacies and subtleties as well as tradition of Upper Class Pureblood Society.

Whilst she knew no one could teach her as well as she or Lucius could everything she would need to know to be a part of their son's lives, Narcissa wasn't sure it was even worth contemplating doing it for this woman. She just wasn't what Narcissa imagined for her precious Draco. Now, Astoria Greengrass was a nice girl, beautiful, and most importantly she was a Slytherin. Slytherins knew how to fit in and suceed in their society, they had all the skills required and could pick up such teachings of tradition as well as life in their society with ease. However this girl was a Gryffindor. They were reckless, foolhardy, and rarely thought anything through. They didn't even know the meaning of subtle or understand one word could have many meanings as much as what was not said could have many meanings as well. No, this Granger girl just wouldn't do.

Narcissa frowned again in Roxanne's way. Why was she even here anyway? How could she possibly catch up with her son with that woman around? Clearly Roxanne was going to ignore everything she was supposed to have been taught as part of their society and Narcissa refused to be around anarchy. Roxanne was like a bull in a china shop, and with Narcissa's nerves frayed enough without Roxanne around, she felt entirely too taxed with her around. Perhaps it would be best to invite her son over at another time. Preferably when Roxanne had returned abroad to wherever she had come from.

"Roxanne, I think its best if you go lay down and rest. You've had a long trip here and I know you must feel overtired from it."

She spoke, her voice whilst appearing cordial would alert anyone who could read between the lines that she was at her last straw. Narcissa never had recovered from having the Dark Lord in her home, and due to that was more fragile then ever. If it wasn't for Lucius sat at her side she knew she would have merely left the room by now and sequestered herself in bed.

Hermione felt like the 'piggy in the middle' and had no idea how to react. Especially since Lucius barely acknowledged her existence. Perhaps now wasn't the time to announce their engagement. She turned to face Draco and whispered softly into his ear.

"Perhaps we should leave and arrange a better time... Maybe dinner out or something..."

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'Don't "yes Draco" me, talking like that about Hermione.'

The wolf in him was angry, ready to snap. However Draco couldn't let that happen, not to his parents, not in front of his aunt, - who really was the only on in his family he felt supported him in the slightest bit - and certainly not in front of Hermione. Now matter how infuriatingly blue blooded his parents were, they were his parents nonetheless, and he was a werewolf. Anger and frustration were his enemies.

"Never mind."

He finally mumbled, speaking in a way that kept his teeth hidden. He could feel when they had sharpened just a few moments before, and that almost annoyed him as much as his parents were currently annoying him. More times than one would think, a werewolf, with the right amount of the right emotions, would shift outside of the full moon. Of those that did, most of them did this either three days before, or three days after the full moon, and all of them were required to stay in the holding cell for the entire week of the full moon. He would not be joining their number.

Leaning back in his seat with a silent sigh, Draco placed his hand over his eyes and slowly went through the calming methods he had learned from other werewolves willing to teach him back in his early days. It wasn't exactly good form, but of course it would be over looked. His mother still adored her baby boy and pitied his condition, and his father rarely went against her since the Dark Lord was killed.

"I'm fine, actually."

Roxanne responded to Narcissa's subtle hint for her to go away. Honestly, she hadn't seen her brother or nephew for a few years and now that she had received the chance to visit, she just wasn't 'Malfoy' enough for Narcissa. She considered staying just to spite Narcissa, but that wouldn't help much at all. She loved her brother, she wanted to stay in his life, in Draco's life, and if that meant molding back to high society to get on Narcissa and Lucius's good side again ... she'd attempt it, slowly. And if that meant leaving when her presence was obviously unappreciated, she supposed that would have to do.

"But, I do have a few more chapters of my team's latest project to translate before publishing can begin in Romania. Might as well do something productive while I'm here I suppose. I'll be in my room should anyone need me."

She sighed after a moment as she stood up. For a moment she locked eyes with her brother, though he broke contact before she did. Without another word, she exited the sunroom, though instead of heading to her room, or what used to be her room while she was still living in Malfoy Manor, she instead headed to a room similar to many others in the family homes of many pureblooded wizarding families, with a tapestry along the walls showing the Malfoy family tree.

Lucius seemed to relax a bit as his sister left. He was in a precarious position, for although he didn't agree with her in most things and openly objected to both her style of living and her way of raising her children, she was his sister. By all rights and purposes, at least in the old days, she was considered a Blood Traiter to their parents, but he had to remember that times were changing and that was no longer considered an appropriate way of thinking. Even when it was he couldn't find it in himself to cast her aside as their family had. He even helped her out for a while, but stress and strains grew over the last wizarding war, things just were not the same.

Draco sighed as he heard Hermione, looking over to her and letting his stress in the situation show on his expression.

"That's just it, 'Mione. There won't ever be a better time. There will always be something that will get them even more on edge, as if the fact that they still think you lesser for not being a pureblooded, wizarding, aristocratic socialite isn't enough."

He murmured to her, frustration leaking into his voice with each word.

"I think I just need to talk to them alone first. You can go talk to my aunt Roxanne, I really think you two would get along well, or head to my room and rifle through all my little secrets."

He suggested, managing a bit of humor in his voice as well as a small smile despite the circumstances.

"You can call on Mitzi to help you find your way through the house, she was my house elf when I lived here, still technically is. I always was fond of her."

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Needless to say 'cowardly' wasn't in Hermione's vocabulary, thus leaving the room wasn't an option. It felt too much like retreating, fleeing, for her to even consider it. Besides, how was Mr and Mrs Malfoy supposed to like her if they didn't spend any time with her? She really, really wanted them to like her and that wouldn't happen if she didn't spend time with them.

However it seemed that Draco's wolf was far too close to the surface, far too protective over her, that he just couldn't stand to let her stay at the manor a moment longer. He made polite goodbyes of course and excuses despite Hermione trying to convince him they could stay. Before she knew it he had bundled her back to her - his - their home. She couldn't help but feel like a failure and helpless upon reviewing the entire evening. Was she ever going to get Lucius and Narcissa's blessing?

Between that evening and the next full moon Hermione tried often to convince Draco to set up another meeting for the four of them but either he was too busy or - the more likely option in her opinion - he didn't want her to be around them incase they upset her.

Sighing deeply, she ran a hand through her untameable, bushy, brown hair as she walked towards the 'cage' (as far as she was concerned that was what they shoved him in) that Draco was inside according to the receptionist for the building. To her relief he was there but she could already see that he was about to finish his transformation to Werewolf.

How could she tell it was him? Well, there was of course the ice blue eyes and striking almost white-blonde hair turning into fur.

"Draco?"

Now she was finally going to see how his wolf felt about her!

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Draco was still, save for the movement of his chest with each stabilizing breath he took. Even on four legs, his upper back was pressing against the top bars of the cage, his back legs bent too far for comfort.

A low growl rumbled in his chest as his senses sharpened and were assaulted with all the chaos of the full moon. And then, a piece of calm in the storm.

"Draco?"

The small voice that broke through all the snarls and barks of the other werewolves, the scent that stood out against all others.

His silver gaze slowly turned towards the front of the cage, staring at Hermione for several drawn out moments. With slow, purposeful movements, he started to move towards the front of the cage.

And that was when things went sour.

A yelp sounded from the young werewolf as he stumbled backwards. He held his right arm close to his chest as pain sparked through it. He glanced down at it in a panic, though instead of seeing the mark of a tranquilizer spell like he expected, all he saw was his own crimson blood marring his pure white fur.

Looking up again, he saw one of the guards and was instantly growling as he backed up until his back was pressed hard against the wall that formed the back of the cage. This guard was hated by all the werewolves, and it was a wonder he hadn't lost his job yet.

"What's wrong Malfoy, grumpy your attack was ruined?"

The guard sneered as he thrust the sharp spear like weapon towards Draco again.

Draco snapped, grabbing hold of the shaft in his jaws, he crushed it to cause the tip to clatter to the ground as the shaft splintered. Grabbing hold of the rest of the shaft with his dexterous paws, he tugged on it hard to bring the guard chasing against the bars of the cage.

Served him right.

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"Have you flippin' lost your mind?! What the bloody hell do you think you're doing?!"

Hermione snapped, spinning round in the same moment to face the guard as she whipped her wand out from its place in her arm holster.

"Stupefy!"

She added after a moment, having wanted to make sure he knew he'd done wrong before casting the spell. She watched him collapse onto the hard floor before turning to face Draco within the cage. As far as she was concerned the guard deserved whatever bruises and scrapes he got from his fall and more. She refused to feel sympathy for that man. The attack had been entirely unprovoked and she would not stand by whilst that kind of abuse existed.

Still on a high, or rush, from what she had just done Hermione decided she may as well go all out at this point. She would already be on the Aurors' list since she'd Stupified the Guard. Stalking closer to the Guard she checked his belt for the keys to the cells, and to her surprise - as well as delight - she saw he had a set of keys attached to his belt. Grabbing them she tried each key in Draco's lock until she found the right one.

With a deep breath Hermione turned the key, unlocked the door, and despite the fact she knew everyone she was close to would advise her against it, Hermione went inside the cell and locked the door behind her.

Her gaze met Draco's.

"Draco..."

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Draco was yet again staring at Hermione as she walked into the cage. So she wasn't upset he'd lashed out?

'Of course she isn't, you weren't in the wrong.'

He thought to himself, relaxing from where he had been pressed against the wall. His wounded arm still craddled against his chest, he slowly limped towards the witch standing unafraid in the middle of his cage.

Standing in front of her, he paused, watching her a moment before he hesitently stretched his neck out to gently nuzzle her cheek. A soft whimper sounded from his throat as he looked back towards the door. She wouldn't leave would she? He placed his muzzle on her shoulder and gently pressed down against it, wanting her to sit, stay, be with him.

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Hermione exhaled deeply as she watched Draco approach her. Of course it was still Draco. He had taken the Wolfsbane Potion and so the only difference was that he was in a Werewolf's body. As relieved as she was by that she couldn't help but feel strangely disappointed in a way.

After all she knew his inner wolf was the reason he realised she was the one for him, and she had really wanted to be able to interact with this inner wolf of his. It seemed it wasn't going to be happening today due to the Wolfsbane Potion being in full effect. Maybe she could convince Draco to not take it next time. It wasn't that she had a death wish. She was curious. She loved to learn, and honestly she wanted to see if the bond they had would stay as strong and have an effect on a Werewolf with his wolf in control.

"Draco."

She sighed softly as she slowly sat down on the ground as he directed her. She couldn't help but still feel angry at the Guard however. Just seeing Draco cradling his arm made her feel sad and guilty. She should have reacted sooner.

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Draco let a breath he hadn't realized he had been holding out as Hermione took a seat. Good, at least he could keep her close for a while longer.

For a few moments, he simply nuzzled her hair and neck, taking in her calming scent. Even though the anger from being attacked was ebbing with her proximity, the pain in his arm was getting stronger.

Stepping back a bit, he watched her carefully as he slowly shifted to be laying beside her, his head resting on her lap. It was comforting, and relaxing. He could remember times in Hogwarts where he would lay with his head resting in Pansy's lap as she played with his hair. That was long before Hermione and him were together though. It made him feel comfortable though, Hermione could understand that right?

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Hermione couldn't help but smile softly as she felt Draco nuzzle her hair and neck. She felt no fear since she knew it was just Draco and not his inner wolf. If it had been his inner wolf she would not have scared though but she would have felt slightly anxious and very curious. As it was she was relaxed and not feeling much at all but love for her fiancee.

She watched him intently as he laid down, taking notice of his wounded arm. She would have tried to heal it with magic but she knew from the Defense Against The Dark Arts class at Hogwarts that magic has no effect upon the Werewolf itself. She could not heal him and she felt very helpless as well as sad and a little bit guilty at that.

She did cringe a little as she remembered Malfoy - No, Draco! - used to lay in this position with Pansy. Whilst Pansy was a nice girl (albeit clingy) she was very materialistic and boy crazy - a lot like Lavendar Brown and the Parvati twins. Still, she wanted to stroke his fur anyway and so forced the memory of his Hogwarts days to the back of her mind as she stroked him.

"I wish I could heal you. That and meet your inner wolf. I do wonder if the bond we share would have any effect as to his behaviour. If I could just prove Werewolves aren't the Evil Villans everyone believes them to be then I could get them so many more rights then they have! Hell, they could officially and legally be an equal to everyone else."

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Draco looked up at Hermione with something resembling amusement upon his wolfish expression. Rant and rave all she wanted, it would take quite sometime before people treated werewolves as equals, legal issues aside.

A whistle from outside the cage drew his attention over to where the warden stood, holding out a chunk of raw meat in offering.

Yes!

It was so much harder to resist the desires of his wolf when he was shifted, even when he was more or less in control. He wanted to refuse, to stay were he was, but that wasn't happening.

Oh, what she must be thinking of us.

Draco wondered as he found himself walking closer to the door. The warden tossed the meat into the cage, and Draco was quick to snatch it from the air and tear into it with his poweful jaws. When was the last time he was even concious for this? He couldn't actually remember.

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Hermione frowned as she heard a whistle, her expression turning to disgust as the warden treated her Draco as nothing more then an animal. She was about to yell at the man and give him a piece of her mind when she felt the weight on her lap leave her. Her gaze flicked back to Draco as she watched him not only walk to the door but also snatch the meat out of the air and tear into it.

It just wasn't like her Draco. He had immpeccable table manners that a Finishing School would be in awe of. Then she considered the fact that maybe his wolf was getting the better of him at the sight, smell, and now taste of raw meat. She noticed he didn't pick up the meat to bring it to her like some animals did with their mates. Infact he was eating it already and he would probably finish it all. She did suppose though that as far as she had seen wolves - even in Packs - did fight for their share of a carcass. She supposed only pups or pregnant females were probably taken of first and she definitely wasn't a puppy or pregnant.

Her gaze snapped back to the warden and narrowed as she watched him leave. Once they were alone again Hermione slowly stood up, moving to Draco's line of sight again before she began slowly stepping closer. She didn't want him to think of her as a threat.

Noticing the blood around his mouth from the meat she couldn't help but smile a little and chuckle softly.

"You look like you need a good wash."

She mentioned, knowing she could at least produce a bucket of water and a towel with magic to clean her fiancee.

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Draco paused as Hermione came into his line of sight. His eyes flicked up to watch her as he slowly continued with his meal. As the last of the meat slid down his throat, he stood up straighter.

He growled at a mention of a wash, running his tongue over the bloodied fur for a moment before moving towards Hermione. He circled her, examining every inch over her with scrutiny.

What are you doing? Stop that!

Shut up, this is my time.

Not anymore.

Draco stopped where he stood and shook his head, pinning his ears back. Damn the inner wolf. He made everything so difficult.

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Hermione paused upon catching proper sight of Draco's lupine face. She immediately noticed a difference - besides the growling - as she realised his eyes had a slight amber glow now which he hadn't had earlier when he had been laid on her lap. Was this his Wolf? She felt her heart race as she watched the Wolf examine every inch of her body and couldn't help biting her lip, a clear sign of nervousness, as she wondered if the Wolf had changed his mind.

What if she wasn't good enough any more? After all the Wolf's instincts was what told Draco she was the one. What if the Wolf ended up deciding he had been wrong? This was Draco after all. He could do so much better then her (at least that was what she was told, constantly) and she did feel extremely lucky he'd chosen her. Well, that Draco and his Wolf had chosen her. She didn't know what she'd do if the Wolf rejected her.

Hermione had been about to reach out to the Wolf, hoping to communicate, when Draco shook his head and regained control. Disappointment filled her, and quickly Hermione tried to examine her memory of the brief moment the Wolf was in control trying to find if there was any sign of approval in his body language or gaze as the whole moment had happened so quickly.

She hated that, as well as felt heart chockingly guilty, that the idea to sabotage Draco's Wolfsbane Potion for the next Full moon popped up into her head. She pushed it away, knowing she couldn't be so awful and sneaky as to do something like that. She knew she would just have to wait and hope that her heart wouldn't be broken. She would have to hope the Wolf wouldn't reject her, and maybe she'd put off the wedding until she was sure the Wolf wanted her just as much as Draco did.

Forcing herself to pay attention to her surroundings, her gaze went back to Draco.

"Draco, are you alright?"

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Draco looked to Hermione and nodded, feeling bad for her having to go through that. Especially considering that, while he knew whatever the wolf thought or felt, she had no clue.

He was about to walk over to her, but as the warden came by again, he paused. His clothes were set down at the front of the cage, just inside the door. Draco looked above him to the glass roof where he could see the the sky paling in the first signs of dawn as the moon set.

With a sigh escaping his lungs, Draco moved towards the back of the cage where a blanket lay, able to get it around himself with a bit of maneuvering before he started the shift back to human.

He felt terribly self conscious as he drew the blanket tighter around his shoulders, his back to Hermione. He knew his fears were irrational, after all she hadn't left yet had she?

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