Murky Waters - Chapter Ten
Title: Murky Waters
Fandoms: the Harry Potter Universe
Rating: no one under 18. there will be sex and dirty language and whatever else i feel like tossing in here.
Warning: as i said, sex and dirty words.
Disclaimer: i do not own Draco or Lucius or Severus or... *wibbles* what do i own? i don't own Illiana. she belongs to Madam Shark. i do own Kendra, but that isn't saying much. not in the grand scope of things. all recognizable character from Harry Potter belong to the talent Jo Rowling and, as such, she has all the money. i have none of it. meaning, i make nothing in the writting of this. no money, no fame or glory. no... damn, why am i doing this again? oh yeah. right. the lovely, nice comments people leave me. and the adulation. um, is there any of that in this? no? bugger.
Author's Notes: this is probably still rough. and i don't know for sure that it was beta-ed. it may have been. but i doubt it. i'm pretty bad about having people look over my stuff...
Murky Waters: The Index
Chapter Ten: The Horror
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Audy and Nixie stared out the door at Illiana, their faces looking every bit as angry as they felt. She frowned momentarily, wondering if this was a figment of her over intoxicated mind. But, as they had opened the door for her, some thing told her that it wasn't a figment and she really was in trouble. ~Trouble, hell! You're in deep shit!~ She managed a rather sickly version of a smile and took a step toward the door.
Her head swam as the mass amounts of Dragon's Bite Ale did exactly that. It bit her, bringing on the first wave of darkness that denoted impending oblivion. She found out now why the barkeep at the Leaky Cauldron had given her that 'You Must Be Daft!' look before fetching her a pitcher. The alcoholic beverage had lain in wait while she enjoyed the drunken giddiness it brought, then crept up and made it's self known.
She managed a brief glance over her shoulder to note that the twins were standing as if nothing were out of the ordinary, as if they hadn't just over indulged in the most potent drink known. Fred and George looked like they were merely waiting at the door. She shook her head and turned back to the furious House Elves. They were glaring at her as any parent would a wayward child. She opened her mouth, intent on saying...... something intelligent sounding to them. Her brain never had an opportunity to come up with some thing. The Dragon's Bite Ale crawled up into her head and told her, in no uncertain terms, that it was time for her to take a well deserved nap.
Fred smirked while his mirror image easily caught the now unconscious woman in his arms. Lifting her up, he headed for the open doorway. Somewhere in the building, Draco was waiting. He was certain to get hacked at both Weasleys invading his personal territory. They were certain they'd find it most amusing. 'Right, I think this proves she's never had Dragon's Bite before. I think we should put her to bed,' George told his brother. Fred nodded wordlessly, his smirk growing ever wider at the idea that they could make some mischief here.
The pair of Elves, still silent but looking concerned, lead the way through the shop. One Weasley followed the other, trooping behind the two small creatures as they started up a flight of stairs. A light glowed softly on the floor at the top, reflecting the thin line that shone underneath the door that, when opened, lead into Draco's living room.
The blonde was sitting on a long leather couch, his head resting on the back of it. He had one arm thrown up over his eyes while the other rested on his thigh, a tumbler of watered down, amber liquid swirled about the remains of some ice cubes in his hand. Another figure sat in one of the matched chairs, watching Fred and George with an openly hostile look as they carried Illiana's body into the room. One of the Elves shut the door, a touch too hard. Draco groaned. 'Who in the name of Merlin was knocking at my door at this time of night?' he forced the words out through gritted teeth. He looked a touch ill, letting the two red heads know that the woman they carried was not the only one who had been persuing drinking as a serious activity that evening.
'Think nothing of it, mate,' George told him gleefully, waiting to see the look on Malfoy's face at hearing a Weasley inside his personal dwelling. 'We just brought Illiana back to you. Seems she got bitten this evening.'
'Bitten? By what?' the figure asked. It took the twins a moment to realize that they were looking at Viktor Krum. They grinned widely, loving the way this just kept getting better and better.
'Dragon's Bite Ale, mate,' Fred supplied as the two of them continued on, uninvited, toward the door on the wall that lead to the bedroom. Draco's arm fell from his face, allowing him to glare up at the twin terrors. They flashed a grin before disappearing into *his* bedroom. With Illiana. He stood, then moaned and thought better of it as his head whirled on him. He found himself, quite unintentionally, back on his bottom on the leather sofa beneath him.
After another moment of struggling with his woolly head, he pulled himself up off his arse and followed after Viktor into the bedroom. The twins were just laying Illiana out on the mattress, making her comfortable. Viktor stood by the edge of the bed, staring at her with worry in his eyes. Draco's gray orbs narrowed. 'You may leave. I will care for her now. I have seen her like this before, and I know what must be done,' he instructed the two Weasleys.
'As this is my house, and Illiana is my guest, I will be the one to care for her. The rest of you can bloody well get out,' Draco snapped irritably, making his head pound violently.
'What ever you say, mate,' George agreed. He and Fred turned for the door, stopping when they stood in the open portal. ' A heads up for you, Malfoy. You'll have to open the shop in the morning. Seamus is passed out at our shop. He had a bit too much of the Dragon, as well. Enjoy your evening.'
Draco clenched his teeth together in frustration, noting that Viktor had yet to move. The look on his face suggested that he had deep feelings for Illiana. The idea presented Draco with a very unsavory image of the two of them wrapped in each other's embrace, completely unclothed and sweaty. He growled in the back of his throat, wondering why he was suddenly feeling the smallest bit jealous over the thought. It was pushed to the side, though, as he was then assaulted by the picture of Illiana playing the center for a Weasley sandwich.
The snarl that left him was cause enough for Viktor to look at him, then step away from the unconscious form on the bed. The two men looked at each other a moment or two, then Viktor was heading for the door. ' I will come back tomorrow, when both of you are sober. We will talk then.'
Draco sneered at Krum's retreating back. He just couldn't bloody wait!
~*~*~*~*~
When Illiana woke in the morning, she found it had to have been someone else's idea. She didn't feel like her brain would subject her to bright, early morning sunshine that set her head pounding like an entire rhythm section's drum line. She groaned and rolled over, burying her face in the pillow. She would go back to sleep so she could rid herself of the hang over. She wished someone had warned her exactly why Dragon's Bite Ale was the strongest and what it could do to an unsuspecting soul.
It would have been good had she not felt the need to get falling down drunk in the first place, but Draco had been a complete ass with her the day before. Not that she remembered much of the arguement any more. She knew they had argued, then she'd stormed off and found herself at the Leaky Cauldron. She could recall being joined by Seamus Finnagan, then the Weasley twins. They had talked and drank until she couldn't see straight. There was a vague recollection of brooms and the Irishman passing out. And her being met at the door by Audy and Nixie. Merlin's Toes!
Illiana bolted upright, ignoring the pain in her head. The Elves had greeted her at the door. Which meant that Viktor had to be there as well. Stumbling from the bed, she looked about wildly. The room was empty other than her and Draco's furniture. There was no blonde in the bed next to her. Nor did she hear anything about the flat to indicate anyone besides herself was there.
Cautiously, hand on the wall cautiously, she made her way out of the bedroom and stepped into the living area of the flat. It was empty. A small bottle sat on the bar, a piece of parchment propped up against it. She went over to it, sighing as she immediately recognized the sober up potion Draco had thoughtfully left her. She downed it in one gulp, hoping it would take away the effects of a night of indulgence. Then she looked at the note.
'Had to open the store.
Finnagan was too pissed to make it in.
D.'
Short and to the point. She smiled faintly as she remembered Seamus diving headlong into the pitcher she had gotten. The young man was probably regretting it this very moment. If he were even awake. Even as she had been reading the short note, the potion had gone to work. The hang over was nearly completely gone, allowing her to feel nearly human again. She was ready to head for the showers when a noise startled her. Viktor was just coming through the door, his face a blank mask. Audy and Nixie followed behind him. Draco brought up the rear.
' I thought you were working the shop?' she looked to the blonde at the back. He shrugged in an arrogant manner, then leaned up against the nearest wall, arms crossed tightly over his chest. She glanced to Viktor and the Elves, wondering what brought them here this early.
' I think we should speak, Illiana,' Viktor announced without preamble.
'Very well, as long as you can manage it without making a fool of yourself,' she returned. She moved to one of the chairs, taking a seat in it. She noted that Draco remained where he was. The spot gave him the advantage of being able to look over everyone in the room with only a few eye movements. Viktor blushed, but didn't say anything.
Audy and Nixie came to stand by Viktor, silently giving him their support. She frowned at them for a moment, then gave her attention back to the man they had come with. He sighed, taking a seat on the couch. After several moments of nothing but silence, Draco sighed heavily and spoke. 'Well? Someone say something. This is as interesting as listening to Hagrid extoll the virtues of a Blast Ended Skrewt.'
' I do not wish our friendship to end,' Viktor said forcefully, as if by saying it in such a manner, he could make it so. Illiana sighed and shook her head. He stared at her, waiting for her to say something.
' I'd rather not end our friendship, either. But you have to let me handle things myself. I took care of the man who hit me, but you didn't stop long enough to let me explain that. You went charging off, acting like a...... a.....' she sputtered, looking for the right word.
' I believe Kendra called him a neanderthal,' Draco supplied helpfully. She nodded at him before going on.
'You could have avoided that entire situation, had you only taken a few moments to listen to me. But you acted like an ass. I had every right to be angry with you,' she told him, keeping her tone cool and even. She wasn't quite ready to forgive him for his interference. And she would make him wonder if she ever would.
' I merely thought to protect you,' Viktor defended himself with a plausible excuse. Illiana sighed and glared at him, deciding he was being stubborn and thick headed.
'And I do not need you to protect me. If you do not believe me, ask Draco. He was here when I put Lucius in his rightful place. I don't think the man will ever try to force me to do anything again,' she replied. 'And tell me one thing. Why did you feel the need to bring Audy and Nixie with you?'
'Miss did not return with Viktor Krum, so Audy and Nixie had to see if Miss was okay,' Audy told her gently, although she could still hear a hint of anger mixed with his words. She smiled down at the Elf gently, pleased that he was so concerned over her welfare.
' I am staying in London for a time. To help out a friend as well as try to put my life back into some semblance of it's former self,' she said quietly. Draco wondered what she meant by the explanation. What friend did she have here? And why did she feel the need to put her life in order? Curious, that. And he just knew she wouldn't tell him, should he ask her.
'Miss doesn't want to come home?' Nixie asked, her lower lip trembling slightly. Her big eyes held sadness that Illiana could not ignore.
'Of couse I'll be coming home. Just not for some time. Things are still muddled, and I need some time to sort them out. Do not think that I wish to have nothing to do with you and Audy. You are my family, and I love you both. I just need to be by myself for a while.'
'Miss needs time alone, yet she's living with this Schlange!' Audy threw his hand out in disgust, somewhere in the general direction of Draco's lounging form. She didn't look up at the blonde, deciding she would deal with the inevitable questions and temper later. She smiled at the Elf's choice of descriptors.
'Er ist ein Drache, liebchen,' she told him, knowing that the Drache she spoke of would ask about that as well. 'At any rate, I am presently seeking lodgings of my own. I am merely imposing on Draco until I can locate a place to live.'
' I will worry about you here by yourself. You know you can come back home. It is empty there without you already,' Viktor spoke, his tone full of warmth. Draco studied the two of them as they stared at one another. For the moment, they both seemed obvlivious of him. It gave him time to wonder, not for the first time, just exactly what kind of relationship the two of them had. He kept from clenching his teeth together by uncrossing and recrossing his arms.
' I am fine here. I can care for myself, thank you very much. And, I do know a person or two here who could help me, should I need it. People who are excellent with hexes and curses. I will be fine, I promise,' she replied him. He gave her a look that told her he wasn't convinced. 'Draco, care to tell the lot of them about Kendra and Professor Snape?'
'Professor Snape is possessing of so much knowledge about Dark Arts spells, he could teach the Professors at Durmstrang a thing or two. And Kendra MacLeod is a sponge that soaks up all the information she can. She can quickly learn any hex or curse you give her, then cast it better than you would have ever imagined. Not a pair to trifle with, I assure you,' Draco's tone was dry, but the truth of his words was there for the room to hear. He looked completely disinterested by what was taking place.
'You are still my friend, Viktor. That hasn't changed. I was merely angry that you, nor anyone else, would listen to me. Forgive me for taking that anger out on you,' Illiana smiled faintly. Viktor studied her for several silent moments before he nodded. The two of them smiled then. Wide, toothy grins that completely expressed how they each felt. He moved forward, enfolding her in a bear like embrace. She hugged him back heartily. Draco felt that strange twinge of some emotion attack him again. He shifted his weight from one foot to the other, waiting for the display of affection to end.
Illiana pulled back from Viktor, smiling up at him. She was glad to have their friendship's foundations firmed back up. After all she had been through, she would have found the loss of his friendship devastating. To know that he would still be there, should she need him, was heartening. The two stepped apart, merely looking at each other. 'Let us go to lunch together before I go back to Bulgaria. I would like to spend some time with my friend before I return home.'
' I would like that,' she nodded. Draco managed an unseen eye roll at the whole thing. She looked up at him and gave him a grin. ' I will be gone only for an hour or so. I would like to spend some time with Viktor before he leaves. Is it alright if Audy and Nixie stay here while I'm gone?'
' I suppose,' Draco agreed, managing to hold back the sigh he felt like heaving. This was getting to be a right pain in his arse, having people in and out of his flat as if it were the lobby of some inn. He leveled his gaze on the pair of Elves. ' I shall be downstairs in the shop, should you need me for anything.'
The four of them watched as Draco turned and headed for the door he had lead them up through. He left silently, giving Illiana a moment ot be alone with her makeshift family. She smiled at the pair of House Elves, then knelt down to hug them both. ' It's so good to see both of you. I cannot tell you how much I' ve missed you both this last month.'
' Audy and Nixie missed Miss, too,' Audy smiled at her, trying hard to hold back the tears he wanted to shed. Nixie didn't bother, merely allowed big, fat drops of moisture to leak from her eyes.
' I'll be back soon,' Illiana promised. 'Make yourselves at home until then.' The two Elves nodded, watching as she and Viktor headed for the door, intent on having their lunch before he left. Audy and Nixie looked about them, then got busy making themselves at home.
~*~*~*~*~
When Illiana stepped into the shop, it was to find Seamus Finnagan at his worktable, busy putting something together and minding the shop. She noticed that Draco was nowhere to be seen. When Seamus saw her, he gave her a grin, letting her know that he had suffered no ill effects from the Dragon's Bite Ale the evening before. He made a motion to the upper floor, letting her know that Draco was upstairs. She returned his grin with a smile and headed for the stairs that would take her to his flat.
She had enjoyed her lunch with Viktor, despite the interruptions of fans seeking autographs from the World Famous Bulgarian Seeker. He had gladly given each smiling fan an autograph, speaking with them soflty before the owner of the small shop they were eating in shoo-ed everyone away to give the two of them some privacy. They had spoken about nothing in particular through out the entire meal, then had said their good byes. Viktor was heading back to Bulgaria that evening, using a port key he had brought with for the occasion.
The living area of the flat had been spotless when she'd left only an hour or so ago. Now it practically sparkled. It seemed Audy and Nixie had taken her at her word and made themselves at home. She could well imagine that they had cleaned every square inch of the flat while she and Draco hadn't been present. The blonde owner of the freshly cleaned flat was sitting on his leather couch, staring at the wall moodily. A half eaten plate of some curry dish was sitting on the seat next to him, forgotten. She heard noises from the bathroom, telling her that the Elves were in the small chamber, giving it a good cleaning. 'Draco?'
'Back so soon?' he asked in a silky voice that was terribly reminiscent of his father's. She nodded wordlessly, moving to take one of the chairs.
'Viktor is on his way back to Bulgaria as we speak. I thought perhaps you and I should have a chat about our little fight last evening. Perhaps we should clear some things up,' she suggested lightly. He cocked a brow at her, responding with a silent question. ' I think perhaps that we both were out of line with our comments last night. You were right in the fact that I have no business asking you about Kendra. What ever happened between the two of you in the past is precisely that. The past. It has no bearing on me or the here and now. The same goes for my relationship with Viktor.'
'You're right. I have no business asking you about any of your past relationships,' he admitted. 'Just as mine have no bearing on what is happening today. Nor are any of your past relationships important to you and I.'
'We would do well to.....' she began, only to be interrupted when Audy and Nixie came out into the living area. The two wore satisfied expressions on their faces.
'This flat is now inhabitable for Miss,' Audy said with some authority. Nixie nodded her head in a completely arrogant way, crossing her thin arms over her chest. 'We will be on our way back to Bulgaria. If Miss needs us, all she need do is let us know.'
'Miss had better write us, or Nixie will make a point to come back here and see why she hasn't,' Nixie warned, her gaze moving over to look pointedly at Draco. Illiana held back the laugh, but couldn't contain the smile. It spread over her face like wildfire. She chanced a look at Draco and saw that he looked as amused by the situation as she did. In a flash, the two Elves were gone, leaving Draco alone with Illiana.
'Quite the fierce one, isn't she?' Draco commented, not able to hold back the laughter any longer. Illiana joined him, only able to nod her head in reply to his question.
When she could speak again, she looked him in the eye and managed a faint smile. ' I realize this is a somewhat new thing for you. It is for me, as well. If having me here is making you uncomfortable, I can always go and stay at the inn until I can locate a permanent residence.'
'There is no need. I rather enjoy having you here,' Draco admitted in a rush. While Illiana smiled happily at the statement, he had to wonder silently what his mouth had been thinking by admitting to such a thing.
'Thank you, Draco. It's rather nice of you to offer,' she said happily. The admission had surprised her. She had not expected Draco to admit to anything of a personal nature to her. Not in regards to whatever kind of relationship they were in. 'But I think we should.....' she paused, sighing in frustration.
'What?' he asked, watching her struggle to find the right thing to say.
' It might be best, no matter what kind of relationship the two of us are having or plan to have, that we remain exclusive to one another. Only for the time being. I will not question you about your friends, as long as you don't question me about mine. Does that sound fair to you?'
Draco thought about her suggestion for a moment. He had to admit he hadn't been pleased when she'd launched into her attack last evening. The argument had been pointless, from his perspective. And while he wasn't entirely certain that the two of them having a....*gasp*.... monogamous relationship was the thing to be done, it was a way to keep them from killing each other. He finally nodded his head, thinking he had to be out of his mind to be agreeing to such an arrangement. But it seemed as if the two of them would be together for an unspecified amount of time. Anything that would help keep the peace would be welcome. 'Fair enough, I imagine.'
'Very well then. Perhaps we could seal our agreement with a kiss or two?' she suggested in a low voice. He smiled at her, then patted the couch next to him. She stood, moving to sit beside him. He wrapped his arms around her, pulling her to him. She slipped her arms around his neck, bringing her face in close so that she could kiss him properly. He was happy to oblige her. His tongue dipped into her mouth, exploring the interior as if he hadn't been there before.
The two of them pressed together, Draco slowly pushing Illiana's body back until she lay upon the couch, his body covering hers. She could feel his erection as it gradually came to life against her belly. Her hands slid up, into his hair, completely messing it up so that it hung in his face in disarray. His hands came around, searching for her breasts. She groaned into his mouth, pressing her chest into his palms as they covered their intended destination.
'OY! Malfoy!' she had his trousers half undone when the voice rang out over the silence of the flat. Seamus Finnagan had rotten timing. Draco groaned, reluctacntly pulling away from her. Illiana pried her eyes open.
'Ignore him,' she insisted. He grinned and once again lowered his head. She greedily pressed her lips into his, her hands once again working at his trousers.
'MALFOY! Shag your arse down here now! I'm up to my bloody ears in customers!' Seamus bellowed. Draco pulled away, standing up this time. He was grumbling under his breath about the Irishman and what he would like to do to the sot. He began doing up the fly on his trousers, watching Illiana as her eyes darkened with anger.
' I'm going to hex that little git!' she seethed. He smiled, happy to know he was not the only one suffering because of the interruption. With a quick kiss, he turned for the door leading down to his shop. Her voice stopped him just before he reached the door. ' I think, as you'll be busy with your shop, I'll be heading over to Weasley's Wizarding Wheezies to properly thank Fred and George for their assistance last night.'
'As you wish,' Draco nodded, his face turned away so she missed the look that passed over it. His eyes darkened, looking like the sky on a wintery, over cast day. His jaw clenched before he spoke, and it took all his energy to say those three words without spitting them out at her. He exited his flat, taking the stairs slowly so he didn't stomp down them. He was firmly entrenched behind the counter when she sailed past him, her face looking for all the world as if she hadn't just been about to engage in explicit activities with him.
It was enough to make him want to retch. The thought of her going to see Fred and George Weasley had him seeing red. Which lead him to recall that the twins had red hair. Which once more gave him the vision of Illiana playing center for the two of them. Draco growled under his breath, wondering what had come over him. Hadn't she just stated that the two of them would be exclusive?
It wasn't as if she were truly his to be jealous over. And yet, he found he was. For what ever reason, he was jealous of her attention to the twins. He couldn't explain why he felt that way. In fact, he had never before really experienced the feeling. He had had plenty of women. None of them had aroused such..... emotions within him. It was both scary and rather exhilerating at the same time.
He looked up, noticing a couple at the back of the shop. They were looking over the toys Seamus made exclusively for him. They had their arms around one another. They constantly touched and smiled and did things that showed their feelings for one another. Nothing like he was used to seeing. His parents, while they cared for one another, didn't believe in such displays of emotions. And he hadn't yet had a truly meaningful relationship with any one woman. Illiana was as close as he'd come.
Surprisingly to him, her suggestion to move out had caught him in the chest with a peculiar feeling. He had been even more shocked when he'd blurted that he hadn't wanted her to leave. He couldn't explain what had possessed him to make the statement. He had only known that it felt..... comfortable to have her there with him. An odd sensation, to say the least, but it was an honest one. It was rather nice to wake up with her beside him in the morning. Something he hadn't really come across with others. Perhaps he had some sort of soft spot for her.
He smiled at the realization for a moment. Then scowled, when he recalled the way she had looked at Viktor. The way she had spoken so casually of visiting the twins after he'd worked at ravaging her into senselessness was most discouraging. It was as if his attentions had done nothing to her. The idea that she was immune to any part of his charm and considerable expertise had his mouth setting in a grim expression.
He sighed, wondering why he felt so angered over her seeming disinterest in him. It wasn't like he couldn't find anoher woman to bed. ~You're exclusive, you twit!~ his brain reminded him. He mutters some not so very nice things to the interferring muscle, then began using it to figure out how he would deal with this new developement.
He smiled, a uniquely Malfoy smile that was both sensual and devious all at once. up in his flat, in a small corner of his drawer, there was a folded piece of parchment. He looked around the shop, noticing quickly that there were only a small handful of people there. Nothing Seamus couldn't handle. He slipped from behind the counter, catching Finnagan's eye with a jerk of his head.He motioned toward the stair, indicating that he was heading up them. Seamus nodded, then went back to his task, his eyes left to watch over the shop.
The flat was silent, a perfect setting for this little act of defiance. If Illiana was going to be exclusively his, he would see to it. The spell Kendra had given him would be perfect for the task. he went to his dresser, pulling the drawer open with one hand. He reached to the back, his fingers closing over the folded parchment happily. He pulled it out from under his stack of *Wizarding Now* magazines. He would never live it down if people knew he read a magazine for people like Hermione Granger. The smartest of the Wizarding community. Not that he wasn't smart. Just not as smart as Granger.
Going out to his living room, he made a few brief preparations. He pulled his wand and cast a small spell to ward the door and his fireplace until he was finished with the spell. It wouldn't do to have Illiana burst in while he was in the middle of casting. Settling onto his couch, he unfolded the parchment, recalling the brief instructions Kendra had given him. If the red head was to be believed, Illiana would not know the spell had been cast until he activated some of the smaller, more interesting aspects of it.
He read over the words scrawled over the page carefully, making sure he was aware of every word before he spoke it. It wouldn't do to cast the spell and use a wrong word or phrase. Then the results could be disastrous. He only wanted to show her who was in control here. Not hurt her too badly.
Once he was ready, he began reading the words out loud. He could feel the rising energy that spoke of the building spell. He gave all his concentration to the casting, feeling the gathered energy slip away as he inserted Illiana's name in the proper place. He would wait for a while, then give her a taste of her own medicine.
A slow, deliciously wicked smile spread over his lips. He had a plan. He intended to enjoy this. Oh yes, he intended to enjoy this very much.....
end chapter ten.
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wanna catch up on all my stuff? check this link out. its got everything! The Ultimate ldf Fic Index
Fandoms: the Harry Potter Universe
Rating: no one under 18. there will be sex and dirty language and whatever else i feel like tossing in here.
Warning: as i said, sex and dirty words.
Disclaimer: i do not own Draco or Lucius or Severus or... *wibbles* what do i own? i don't own Illiana. she belongs to Madam Shark. i do own Kendra, but that isn't saying much. not in the grand scope of things. all recognizable character from Harry Potter belong to the talent Jo Rowling and, as such, she has all the money. i have none of it. meaning, i make nothing in the writting of this. no money, no fame or glory. no... damn, why am i doing this again? oh yeah. right. the lovely, nice comments people leave me. and the adulation. um, is there any of that in this? no? bugger.
Author's Notes: this is probably still rough. and i don't know for sure that it was beta-ed. it may have been. but i doubt it. i'm pretty bad about having people look over my stuff...
Murky Waters: The Index
Chapter Ten: The Horror
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Audy and Nixie stared out the door at Illiana, their faces looking every bit as angry as they felt. She frowned momentarily, wondering if this was a figment of her over intoxicated mind. But, as they had opened the door for her, some thing told her that it wasn't a figment and she really was in trouble. ~Trouble, hell! You're in deep shit!~ She managed a rather sickly version of a smile and took a step toward the door.
Her head swam as the mass amounts of Dragon's Bite Ale did exactly that. It bit her, bringing on the first wave of darkness that denoted impending oblivion. She found out now why the barkeep at the Leaky Cauldron had given her that 'You Must Be Daft!' look before fetching her a pitcher. The alcoholic beverage had lain in wait while she enjoyed the drunken giddiness it brought, then crept up and made it's self known.
She managed a brief glance over her shoulder to note that the twins were standing as if nothing were out of the ordinary, as if they hadn't just over indulged in the most potent drink known. Fred and George looked like they were merely waiting at the door. She shook her head and turned back to the furious House Elves. They were glaring at her as any parent would a wayward child. She opened her mouth, intent on saying...... something intelligent sounding to them. Her brain never had an opportunity to come up with some thing. The Dragon's Bite Ale crawled up into her head and told her, in no uncertain terms, that it was time for her to take a well deserved nap.
Fred smirked while his mirror image easily caught the now unconscious woman in his arms. Lifting her up, he headed for the open doorway. Somewhere in the building, Draco was waiting. He was certain to get hacked at both Weasleys invading his personal territory. They were certain they'd find it most amusing. 'Right, I think this proves she's never had Dragon's Bite before. I think we should put her to bed,' George told his brother. Fred nodded wordlessly, his smirk growing ever wider at the idea that they could make some mischief here.
The pair of Elves, still silent but looking concerned, lead the way through the shop. One Weasley followed the other, trooping behind the two small creatures as they started up a flight of stairs. A light glowed softly on the floor at the top, reflecting the thin line that shone underneath the door that, when opened, lead into Draco's living room.
The blonde was sitting on a long leather couch, his head resting on the back of it. He had one arm thrown up over his eyes while the other rested on his thigh, a tumbler of watered down, amber liquid swirled about the remains of some ice cubes in his hand. Another figure sat in one of the matched chairs, watching Fred and George with an openly hostile look as they carried Illiana's body into the room. One of the Elves shut the door, a touch too hard. Draco groaned. 'Who in the name of Merlin was knocking at my door at this time of night?' he forced the words out through gritted teeth. He looked a touch ill, letting the two red heads know that the woman they carried was not the only one who had been persuing drinking as a serious activity that evening.
'Think nothing of it, mate,' George told him gleefully, waiting to see the look on Malfoy's face at hearing a Weasley inside his personal dwelling. 'We just brought Illiana back to you. Seems she got bitten this evening.'
'Bitten? By what?' the figure asked. It took the twins a moment to realize that they were looking at Viktor Krum. They grinned widely, loving the way this just kept getting better and better.
'Dragon's Bite Ale, mate,' Fred supplied as the two of them continued on, uninvited, toward the door on the wall that lead to the bedroom. Draco's arm fell from his face, allowing him to glare up at the twin terrors. They flashed a grin before disappearing into *his* bedroom. With Illiana. He stood, then moaned and thought better of it as his head whirled on him. He found himself, quite unintentionally, back on his bottom on the leather sofa beneath him.
After another moment of struggling with his woolly head, he pulled himself up off his arse and followed after Viktor into the bedroom. The twins were just laying Illiana out on the mattress, making her comfortable. Viktor stood by the edge of the bed, staring at her with worry in his eyes. Draco's gray orbs narrowed. 'You may leave. I will care for her now. I have seen her like this before, and I know what must be done,' he instructed the two Weasleys.
'As this is my house, and Illiana is my guest, I will be the one to care for her. The rest of you can bloody well get out,' Draco snapped irritably, making his head pound violently.
'What ever you say, mate,' George agreed. He and Fred turned for the door, stopping when they stood in the open portal. ' A heads up for you, Malfoy. You'll have to open the shop in the morning. Seamus is passed out at our shop. He had a bit too much of the Dragon, as well. Enjoy your evening.'
Draco clenched his teeth together in frustration, noting that Viktor had yet to move. The look on his face suggested that he had deep feelings for Illiana. The idea presented Draco with a very unsavory image of the two of them wrapped in each other's embrace, completely unclothed and sweaty. He growled in the back of his throat, wondering why he was suddenly feeling the smallest bit jealous over the thought. It was pushed to the side, though, as he was then assaulted by the picture of Illiana playing the center for a Weasley sandwich.
The snarl that left him was cause enough for Viktor to look at him, then step away from the unconscious form on the bed. The two men looked at each other a moment or two, then Viktor was heading for the door. ' I will come back tomorrow, when both of you are sober. We will talk then.'
Draco sneered at Krum's retreating back. He just couldn't bloody wait!
~*~*~*~*~
When Illiana woke in the morning, she found it had to have been someone else's idea. She didn't feel like her brain would subject her to bright, early morning sunshine that set her head pounding like an entire rhythm section's drum line. She groaned and rolled over, burying her face in the pillow. She would go back to sleep so she could rid herself of the hang over. She wished someone had warned her exactly why Dragon's Bite Ale was the strongest and what it could do to an unsuspecting soul.
It would have been good had she not felt the need to get falling down drunk in the first place, but Draco had been a complete ass with her the day before. Not that she remembered much of the arguement any more. She knew they had argued, then she'd stormed off and found herself at the Leaky Cauldron. She could recall being joined by Seamus Finnagan, then the Weasley twins. They had talked and drank until she couldn't see straight. There was a vague recollection of brooms and the Irishman passing out. And her being met at the door by Audy and Nixie. Merlin's Toes!
Illiana bolted upright, ignoring the pain in her head. The Elves had greeted her at the door. Which meant that Viktor had to be there as well. Stumbling from the bed, she looked about wildly. The room was empty other than her and Draco's furniture. There was no blonde in the bed next to her. Nor did she hear anything about the flat to indicate anyone besides herself was there.
Cautiously, hand on the wall cautiously, she made her way out of the bedroom and stepped into the living area of the flat. It was empty. A small bottle sat on the bar, a piece of parchment propped up against it. She went over to it, sighing as she immediately recognized the sober up potion Draco had thoughtfully left her. She downed it in one gulp, hoping it would take away the effects of a night of indulgence. Then she looked at the note.
'Had to open the store.
Finnagan was too pissed to make it in.
D.'
Short and to the point. She smiled faintly as she remembered Seamus diving headlong into the pitcher she had gotten. The young man was probably regretting it this very moment. If he were even awake. Even as she had been reading the short note, the potion had gone to work. The hang over was nearly completely gone, allowing her to feel nearly human again. She was ready to head for the showers when a noise startled her. Viktor was just coming through the door, his face a blank mask. Audy and Nixie followed behind him. Draco brought up the rear.
' I thought you were working the shop?' she looked to the blonde at the back. He shrugged in an arrogant manner, then leaned up against the nearest wall, arms crossed tightly over his chest. She glanced to Viktor and the Elves, wondering what brought them here this early.
' I think we should speak, Illiana,' Viktor announced without preamble.
'Very well, as long as you can manage it without making a fool of yourself,' she returned. She moved to one of the chairs, taking a seat in it. She noted that Draco remained where he was. The spot gave him the advantage of being able to look over everyone in the room with only a few eye movements. Viktor blushed, but didn't say anything.
Audy and Nixie came to stand by Viktor, silently giving him their support. She frowned at them for a moment, then gave her attention back to the man they had come with. He sighed, taking a seat on the couch. After several moments of nothing but silence, Draco sighed heavily and spoke. 'Well? Someone say something. This is as interesting as listening to Hagrid extoll the virtues of a Blast Ended Skrewt.'
' I do not wish our friendship to end,' Viktor said forcefully, as if by saying it in such a manner, he could make it so. Illiana sighed and shook her head. He stared at her, waiting for her to say something.
' I'd rather not end our friendship, either. But you have to let me handle things myself. I took care of the man who hit me, but you didn't stop long enough to let me explain that. You went charging off, acting like a...... a.....' she sputtered, looking for the right word.
' I believe Kendra called him a neanderthal,' Draco supplied helpfully. She nodded at him before going on.
'You could have avoided that entire situation, had you only taken a few moments to listen to me. But you acted like an ass. I had every right to be angry with you,' she told him, keeping her tone cool and even. She wasn't quite ready to forgive him for his interference. And she would make him wonder if she ever would.
' I merely thought to protect you,' Viktor defended himself with a plausible excuse. Illiana sighed and glared at him, deciding he was being stubborn and thick headed.
'And I do not need you to protect me. If you do not believe me, ask Draco. He was here when I put Lucius in his rightful place. I don't think the man will ever try to force me to do anything again,' she replied. 'And tell me one thing. Why did you feel the need to bring Audy and Nixie with you?'
'Miss did not return with Viktor Krum, so Audy and Nixie had to see if Miss was okay,' Audy told her gently, although she could still hear a hint of anger mixed with his words. She smiled down at the Elf gently, pleased that he was so concerned over her welfare.
' I am staying in London for a time. To help out a friend as well as try to put my life back into some semblance of it's former self,' she said quietly. Draco wondered what she meant by the explanation. What friend did she have here? And why did she feel the need to put her life in order? Curious, that. And he just knew she wouldn't tell him, should he ask her.
'Miss doesn't want to come home?' Nixie asked, her lower lip trembling slightly. Her big eyes held sadness that Illiana could not ignore.
'Of couse I'll be coming home. Just not for some time. Things are still muddled, and I need some time to sort them out. Do not think that I wish to have nothing to do with you and Audy. You are my family, and I love you both. I just need to be by myself for a while.'
'Miss needs time alone, yet she's living with this Schlange!' Audy threw his hand out in disgust, somewhere in the general direction of Draco's lounging form. She didn't look up at the blonde, deciding she would deal with the inevitable questions and temper later. She smiled at the Elf's choice of descriptors.
'Er ist ein Drache, liebchen,' she told him, knowing that the Drache she spoke of would ask about that as well. 'At any rate, I am presently seeking lodgings of my own. I am merely imposing on Draco until I can locate a place to live.'
' I will worry about you here by yourself. You know you can come back home. It is empty there without you already,' Viktor spoke, his tone full of warmth. Draco studied the two of them as they stared at one another. For the moment, they both seemed obvlivious of him. It gave him time to wonder, not for the first time, just exactly what kind of relationship the two of them had. He kept from clenching his teeth together by uncrossing and recrossing his arms.
' I am fine here. I can care for myself, thank you very much. And, I do know a person or two here who could help me, should I need it. People who are excellent with hexes and curses. I will be fine, I promise,' she replied him. He gave her a look that told her he wasn't convinced. 'Draco, care to tell the lot of them about Kendra and Professor Snape?'
'Professor Snape is possessing of so much knowledge about Dark Arts spells, he could teach the Professors at Durmstrang a thing or two. And Kendra MacLeod is a sponge that soaks up all the information she can. She can quickly learn any hex or curse you give her, then cast it better than you would have ever imagined. Not a pair to trifle with, I assure you,' Draco's tone was dry, but the truth of his words was there for the room to hear. He looked completely disinterested by what was taking place.
'You are still my friend, Viktor. That hasn't changed. I was merely angry that you, nor anyone else, would listen to me. Forgive me for taking that anger out on you,' Illiana smiled faintly. Viktor studied her for several silent moments before he nodded. The two of them smiled then. Wide, toothy grins that completely expressed how they each felt. He moved forward, enfolding her in a bear like embrace. She hugged him back heartily. Draco felt that strange twinge of some emotion attack him again. He shifted his weight from one foot to the other, waiting for the display of affection to end.
Illiana pulled back from Viktor, smiling up at him. She was glad to have their friendship's foundations firmed back up. After all she had been through, she would have found the loss of his friendship devastating. To know that he would still be there, should she need him, was heartening. The two stepped apart, merely looking at each other. 'Let us go to lunch together before I go back to Bulgaria. I would like to spend some time with my friend before I return home.'
' I would like that,' she nodded. Draco managed an unseen eye roll at the whole thing. She looked up at him and gave him a grin. ' I will be gone only for an hour or so. I would like to spend some time with Viktor before he leaves. Is it alright if Audy and Nixie stay here while I'm gone?'
' I suppose,' Draco agreed, managing to hold back the sigh he felt like heaving. This was getting to be a right pain in his arse, having people in and out of his flat as if it were the lobby of some inn. He leveled his gaze on the pair of Elves. ' I shall be downstairs in the shop, should you need me for anything.'
The four of them watched as Draco turned and headed for the door he had lead them up through. He left silently, giving Illiana a moment ot be alone with her makeshift family. She smiled at the pair of House Elves, then knelt down to hug them both. ' It's so good to see both of you. I cannot tell you how much I' ve missed you both this last month.'
' Audy and Nixie missed Miss, too,' Audy smiled at her, trying hard to hold back the tears he wanted to shed. Nixie didn't bother, merely allowed big, fat drops of moisture to leak from her eyes.
' I'll be back soon,' Illiana promised. 'Make yourselves at home until then.' The two Elves nodded, watching as she and Viktor headed for the door, intent on having their lunch before he left. Audy and Nixie looked about them, then got busy making themselves at home.
~*~*~*~*~
When Illiana stepped into the shop, it was to find Seamus Finnagan at his worktable, busy putting something together and minding the shop. She noticed that Draco was nowhere to be seen. When Seamus saw her, he gave her a grin, letting her know that he had suffered no ill effects from the Dragon's Bite Ale the evening before. He made a motion to the upper floor, letting her know that Draco was upstairs. She returned his grin with a smile and headed for the stairs that would take her to his flat.
She had enjoyed her lunch with Viktor, despite the interruptions of fans seeking autographs from the World Famous Bulgarian Seeker. He had gladly given each smiling fan an autograph, speaking with them soflty before the owner of the small shop they were eating in shoo-ed everyone away to give the two of them some privacy. They had spoken about nothing in particular through out the entire meal, then had said their good byes. Viktor was heading back to Bulgaria that evening, using a port key he had brought with for the occasion.
The living area of the flat had been spotless when she'd left only an hour or so ago. Now it practically sparkled. It seemed Audy and Nixie had taken her at her word and made themselves at home. She could well imagine that they had cleaned every square inch of the flat while she and Draco hadn't been present. The blonde owner of the freshly cleaned flat was sitting on his leather couch, staring at the wall moodily. A half eaten plate of some curry dish was sitting on the seat next to him, forgotten. She heard noises from the bathroom, telling her that the Elves were in the small chamber, giving it a good cleaning. 'Draco?'
'Back so soon?' he asked in a silky voice that was terribly reminiscent of his father's. She nodded wordlessly, moving to take one of the chairs.
'Viktor is on his way back to Bulgaria as we speak. I thought perhaps you and I should have a chat about our little fight last evening. Perhaps we should clear some things up,' she suggested lightly. He cocked a brow at her, responding with a silent question. ' I think perhaps that we both were out of line with our comments last night. You were right in the fact that I have no business asking you about Kendra. What ever happened between the two of you in the past is precisely that. The past. It has no bearing on me or the here and now. The same goes for my relationship with Viktor.'
'You're right. I have no business asking you about any of your past relationships,' he admitted. 'Just as mine have no bearing on what is happening today. Nor are any of your past relationships important to you and I.'
'We would do well to.....' she began, only to be interrupted when Audy and Nixie came out into the living area. The two wore satisfied expressions on their faces.
'This flat is now inhabitable for Miss,' Audy said with some authority. Nixie nodded her head in a completely arrogant way, crossing her thin arms over her chest. 'We will be on our way back to Bulgaria. If Miss needs us, all she need do is let us know.'
'Miss had better write us, or Nixie will make a point to come back here and see why she hasn't,' Nixie warned, her gaze moving over to look pointedly at Draco. Illiana held back the laugh, but couldn't contain the smile. It spread over her face like wildfire. She chanced a look at Draco and saw that he looked as amused by the situation as she did. In a flash, the two Elves were gone, leaving Draco alone with Illiana.
'Quite the fierce one, isn't she?' Draco commented, not able to hold back the laughter any longer. Illiana joined him, only able to nod her head in reply to his question.
When she could speak again, she looked him in the eye and managed a faint smile. ' I realize this is a somewhat new thing for you. It is for me, as well. If having me here is making you uncomfortable, I can always go and stay at the inn until I can locate a permanent residence.'
'There is no need. I rather enjoy having you here,' Draco admitted in a rush. While Illiana smiled happily at the statement, he had to wonder silently what his mouth had been thinking by admitting to such a thing.
'Thank you, Draco. It's rather nice of you to offer,' she said happily. The admission had surprised her. She had not expected Draco to admit to anything of a personal nature to her. Not in regards to whatever kind of relationship they were in. 'But I think we should.....' she paused, sighing in frustration.
'What?' he asked, watching her struggle to find the right thing to say.
' It might be best, no matter what kind of relationship the two of us are having or plan to have, that we remain exclusive to one another. Only for the time being. I will not question you about your friends, as long as you don't question me about mine. Does that sound fair to you?'
Draco thought about her suggestion for a moment. He had to admit he hadn't been pleased when she'd launched into her attack last evening. The argument had been pointless, from his perspective. And while he wasn't entirely certain that the two of them having a....*gasp*.... monogamous relationship was the thing to be done, it was a way to keep them from killing each other. He finally nodded his head, thinking he had to be out of his mind to be agreeing to such an arrangement. But it seemed as if the two of them would be together for an unspecified amount of time. Anything that would help keep the peace would be welcome. 'Fair enough, I imagine.'
'Very well then. Perhaps we could seal our agreement with a kiss or two?' she suggested in a low voice. He smiled at her, then patted the couch next to him. She stood, moving to sit beside him. He wrapped his arms around her, pulling her to him. She slipped her arms around his neck, bringing her face in close so that she could kiss him properly. He was happy to oblige her. His tongue dipped into her mouth, exploring the interior as if he hadn't been there before.
The two of them pressed together, Draco slowly pushing Illiana's body back until she lay upon the couch, his body covering hers. She could feel his erection as it gradually came to life against her belly. Her hands slid up, into his hair, completely messing it up so that it hung in his face in disarray. His hands came around, searching for her breasts. She groaned into his mouth, pressing her chest into his palms as they covered their intended destination.
'OY! Malfoy!' she had his trousers half undone when the voice rang out over the silence of the flat. Seamus Finnagan had rotten timing. Draco groaned, reluctacntly pulling away from her. Illiana pried her eyes open.
'Ignore him,' she insisted. He grinned and once again lowered his head. She greedily pressed her lips into his, her hands once again working at his trousers.
'MALFOY! Shag your arse down here now! I'm up to my bloody ears in customers!' Seamus bellowed. Draco pulled away, standing up this time. He was grumbling under his breath about the Irishman and what he would like to do to the sot. He began doing up the fly on his trousers, watching Illiana as her eyes darkened with anger.
' I'm going to hex that little git!' she seethed. He smiled, happy to know he was not the only one suffering because of the interruption. With a quick kiss, he turned for the door leading down to his shop. Her voice stopped him just before he reached the door. ' I think, as you'll be busy with your shop, I'll be heading over to Weasley's Wizarding Wheezies to properly thank Fred and George for their assistance last night.'
'As you wish,' Draco nodded, his face turned away so she missed the look that passed over it. His eyes darkened, looking like the sky on a wintery, over cast day. His jaw clenched before he spoke, and it took all his energy to say those three words without spitting them out at her. He exited his flat, taking the stairs slowly so he didn't stomp down them. He was firmly entrenched behind the counter when she sailed past him, her face looking for all the world as if she hadn't just been about to engage in explicit activities with him.
It was enough to make him want to retch. The thought of her going to see Fred and George Weasley had him seeing red. Which lead him to recall that the twins had red hair. Which once more gave him the vision of Illiana playing center for the two of them. Draco growled under his breath, wondering what had come over him. Hadn't she just stated that the two of them would be exclusive?
It wasn't as if she were truly his to be jealous over. And yet, he found he was. For what ever reason, he was jealous of her attention to the twins. He couldn't explain why he felt that way. In fact, he had never before really experienced the feeling. He had had plenty of women. None of them had aroused such..... emotions within him. It was both scary and rather exhilerating at the same time.
He looked up, noticing a couple at the back of the shop. They were looking over the toys Seamus made exclusively for him. They had their arms around one another. They constantly touched and smiled and did things that showed their feelings for one another. Nothing like he was used to seeing. His parents, while they cared for one another, didn't believe in such displays of emotions. And he hadn't yet had a truly meaningful relationship with any one woman. Illiana was as close as he'd come.
Surprisingly to him, her suggestion to move out had caught him in the chest with a peculiar feeling. He had been even more shocked when he'd blurted that he hadn't wanted her to leave. He couldn't explain what had possessed him to make the statement. He had only known that it felt..... comfortable to have her there with him. An odd sensation, to say the least, but it was an honest one. It was rather nice to wake up with her beside him in the morning. Something he hadn't really come across with others. Perhaps he had some sort of soft spot for her.
He smiled at the realization for a moment. Then scowled, when he recalled the way she had looked at Viktor. The way she had spoken so casually of visiting the twins after he'd worked at ravaging her into senselessness was most discouraging. It was as if his attentions had done nothing to her. The idea that she was immune to any part of his charm and considerable expertise had his mouth setting in a grim expression.
He sighed, wondering why he felt so angered over her seeming disinterest in him. It wasn't like he couldn't find anoher woman to bed. ~You're exclusive, you twit!~ his brain reminded him. He mutters some not so very nice things to the interferring muscle, then began using it to figure out how he would deal with this new developement.
He smiled, a uniquely Malfoy smile that was both sensual and devious all at once. up in his flat, in a small corner of his drawer, there was a folded piece of parchment. He looked around the shop, noticing quickly that there were only a small handful of people there. Nothing Seamus couldn't handle. He slipped from behind the counter, catching Finnagan's eye with a jerk of his head.He motioned toward the stair, indicating that he was heading up them. Seamus nodded, then went back to his task, his eyes left to watch over the shop.
The flat was silent, a perfect setting for this little act of defiance. If Illiana was going to be exclusively his, he would see to it. The spell Kendra had given him would be perfect for the task. he went to his dresser, pulling the drawer open with one hand. He reached to the back, his fingers closing over the folded parchment happily. He pulled it out from under his stack of *Wizarding Now* magazines. He would never live it down if people knew he read a magazine for people like Hermione Granger. The smartest of the Wizarding community. Not that he wasn't smart. Just not as smart as Granger.
Going out to his living room, he made a few brief preparations. He pulled his wand and cast a small spell to ward the door and his fireplace until he was finished with the spell. It wouldn't do to have Illiana burst in while he was in the middle of casting. Settling onto his couch, he unfolded the parchment, recalling the brief instructions Kendra had given him. If the red head was to be believed, Illiana would not know the spell had been cast until he activated some of the smaller, more interesting aspects of it.
He read over the words scrawled over the page carefully, making sure he was aware of every word before he spoke it. It wouldn't do to cast the spell and use a wrong word or phrase. Then the results could be disastrous. He only wanted to show her who was in control here. Not hurt her too badly.
Once he was ready, he began reading the words out loud. He could feel the rising energy that spoke of the building spell. He gave all his concentration to the casting, feeling the gathered energy slip away as he inserted Illiana's name in the proper place. He would wait for a while, then give her a taste of her own medicine.
A slow, deliciously wicked smile spread over his lips. He had a plan. He intended to enjoy this. Oh yes, he intended to enjoy this very much.....
end chapter ten.
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