The Nanny (Draco X Reader)

Reading

You skip down the corridor with some of your favourite classic literature tucked under your arm.

It's mid-October now and a rare afternoon off for you.

You've been meaning to visit the Manor's library for weeks now, hoping it compares to the ones at Hogwarts and Ilvermorny, though obviously on a much smaller scale, but you've not had the chance until today and you're so looking forward to doing some quality reading in what you hope is a beautiful environment.

Narcissa had somewhat reluctantly told you of its location when she had collected Scorpius from you at lunchtime.

You stop in front of the ornate doors and marvel at the engravings that cover them, scenes from the tales of Beedle the Bard and other wizarding stories, if this is just the entrance the room beyond must be absolutely stunning.

You close your eyes and feel blindly for the handle and open the door to step forward, hoping to recreate that perfect Beauty and Beast-esque library reveal.

You open your eyes and find Lucius Malfoy glaring back at you askance from a wingback chair, a book open on his lap.

"What on earth are you doing?" he hisses.

"Erm...Narcissa..."

"Mistress!" he interrupts.

"Madam," you correct, "said I could come and see the library, while she was taking Master Scorpius to visit her friends, but I'll erm, go back to my room."

"No!" he replies slamming the book he was reading shut. "You've already disturbed me, you may stay, I will go to my study, I assume you know that is strictly out of bounds?" he sneers.

"Yes, sir," you reply, as he gets up, "unless I develop a certain complex," you add under your breath.

"What?" he demands.

"Erm, nothing, sir," you reply realising he's the last person you want to explain that joke too.

His lip curls in disgust at you as he marches past towards the door. "Oh," he says turning, "I wouldn't read any books from the shelves, there are spells in some of them that are far beyond a witch of your background's understanding, and I don't want my grandson being disturbed by your screams from the nightmares they would induce," he finishes with a nasty smile.

"Don't worry, got my own books here, some of my favourite muggle writers," you reply cheerfully, holding up the stack that you carry.

His lip curls again and he slams the door shut behind him.

You breathe out in relief and look around at the many carved bookshelves that stretch from floor to ceiling, it's not a terribly big room but tall enough to require several spindly circular staircases plated in silver to reach the upper shelves, and yes it is an absolutely beautiful place.

You take Lucius' advice not to touch the books and settle yourself on a chair in front of the polished table that runs down the centre of the room.

Sitting back with a contended sigh you boldly slump down and put your feet up on the tabletop to relax.

The door to the library opens and another Malfoy stares in at you in surprise.

You haven't really spoken to Draco since the picnic and you flush with embarrassment in being caught in such a louche position.

"What are you doing?" he asks looking at you in bemusement as you swing your legs off the table and struggle back to an upright position.

"I was about to start reading, do you want me to leave?"

"No, I was looking for my father," he drawls coming further into the room. "What are you reading? You need to be careful with some of the books in here."

"Yes, your father did warn me," you grin. "It's okay these are all by muggle authors, I've read them all loads of times, so no chance of finding myself cursed."

"Can I see?" he asks.

"Oh, erm, sure," you reply and he takes the seat at the table beside you.

He gazes down at the three books you have placed in front of you. "What's this one about?" he asks pointing to the first of the books as you become rather conscious of how close his knee is to yours beneath the table.

"It's Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen, it's a romance of sorts, the heroine in it is obsessed with gothic novels but it's mainly about her relationship with a man she meets and how they can't marry due to his disapproving father," you explain.

"Oh, I know all about disapproving fathers," Draco replies dryly. "And that one?" he says pointing to the book you have lined up next to it.

"Tess of the d'Urbervilles by Thomas Hardy. It's a long story."

"Well, how does it start?"

"Erm... let me think... Tess goes to work at the Big House belonging to the people she thinks are her relatives," you begin.

"Big house? You mean like this manor?" He asks gesturing around.

"Yes, I guess so."

"And what happens?"

"Well, the son of the house..." you trail off.

"What?"

"Well he, erm, takes advantage of her."

Draco raises an eyebrow in reply, "And that's the sort of thing you like reading about?"

"No! It's just really well written," you retort flushing again.

"And what about this one?" He asks picking up the final book and reading the title, "Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte. What's this one about?"

"Oh, really complicated and convoluted plot," you reply quickly.

He looks at you dubiously and then turns the book over. "Jane Eyre takes up the position of Governess at Thornfield Hall, where she slowly develops feelings for her employer, Mr Rochester," he reads, the corner of his mouth twitching, "Hmm...sounds interesting."

"There's much more to-to the story than that," you stammer knowing that you are now the colour of beetroot.

"What happens in the end?" He asks still examining the book.

"I don't remember," you lie.

"You said you'd read these books loads of times?" he replies with puzzlement.

"Yes, but I forget bits."

"Fair enough," he shrugs, replacing the book and getting to his feet. "I better go and find my father," Draco adds as he heads towards the door. "Enjoy your reading, (NAME). Oh, and do let me borrow Miss Bronte's book when you've finished it, I'd be interested to see how that one turns out," he smirks.

The door clicks behind him as you gape after him, was that mockery or flirtation in his tone?

You turn back to the three books in front of you, feeling your composure return and open the battered copy of Jane Eyre.