
Chapter 4
Draco,
I apologize for ignoring you, I’ve been very busy. I know I have much to respond to, but God Draco, I don’t care. Did you know?
Eagerly awaiting your response.
Hermione Granger
…
Dear Hermione,
Thank god that you’re ok. You are alright, aren’t you? You’ve been busy, fuck Granger, I know you were in an attack and I know you were hurt, badly. Please, I hate that I can’t be there with you, and now I don’t even get to know if you’re physically alright. I don’t care about you reading or responding to my letters, as long as you are alive and well and gods Hermione you have no idea how scared I was.
To answer your question, I found out when you sent that picture. That gorgeous picture of you and Harry after you got your tattoos. I saw part of the mark, and I just knew. I didn’t want to ambush you with that kind of information without being absolutely sure. Or maybe I was absolutely sure, and just in denial because I know you don’t feel like I do and that’s ok. I don’t really know Hermione, it’s all a blur, but I swear I had no idea before that photo.
But gods it makes sense, from what I’ve read soulmates are unexpected at first glance, but obvious once a connection is made. Hermione, our magic is the same, our power is the same. You’re brilliant, and beautiful, and everything I could’ve ever wanted, but didn’t even know I needed. And I know it’s soon, and right now I’m just grateful you’re alive and (hopefully) not hating me, but I think we’ve got something really good here.
Thank you, Hermione, for not leaving me, for keeping your word.
Grateful to you and the universe and all of magic,
Draco
…
My dear Draco,
First thing, calm down, I could practically feel your anxiety through the paper. I didn’t and still don’t want to worry you, but the attack was bad, Draco, very bad. They ambushed me walking into the ministry, and I don’t remember much, but my injuries were severe, apparently I was cruciod. I didn’t wake up for the first 5 days, and they kept me in Mungo’s for an additional 2 weeks for observation. I am pretty much back to normal now, though I do have a permanent auror detail. Don’t you worry your pretty little head, love, I’ll be fine.
Secondly, you don’t need to worry about me hating you, I don’t think I physically could. I didn’t hate you even during the war, and now, you’re right that we have something good and I don’t want to give it up. I’ve been wanting to ask for a while, but if I filed for a visit, would you sign off? I’d love to see you, provide you with some in-person conversation, maybe hold your hand. You are more than welcome to say no, if it would make you uncomfortable, but I think it’s time we formally reintroduce ourselves as soulmates friends.
P.S. I’ve never been to France, and I’d love to go with you.
P.P.S. Little black dress? I bought one in Slytherin green for tea with your mother, but now that I think about it, might be a little scandalous for afternoon tea, perhaps I’ll wear that one?
Yours too,
Hermione
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My Dear Hermione,
I am so happy to hear from you. I think this is the first time in the history of Azkaban someone has cried tears of joy in here. I am still worried beyond measure about your injuries, but grateful that you’re alright, or at least getting to be. Also, you called me love and I keep rereading that one word and I will do whatever it takes to hear/see it again.
I don’t think I could hate you either, for what it’s worth, but I am extremely glad to hear that the feelings are mutual. And gods Hermione, please come and visit, I miss you violently and I didn’t even know that was possible. I know I don’t look my best, and please understand I would have tulips for you if I could, but I still selfishly want to see you. I haven’t had a visitor yet, and I would love for you to be the first.
And gods, Granger, tempting me with a trip to France and seeing you in a scandalous dress? Maybe you did belong in Slytherin, you said that once, that you belonged in my house, how you got up to all kinds of mischief while I was ‘fussing with my hair.’ How did you like my hair, sweetheart? I’ll keep it however you like.
Yours,
Draco
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VISITATION REQUEST #139770
VISITATION FOR: MALFOY, DRACO, LUCIUS
REQUESTED BY: Hermione Jean Granger
PURPOSE: LEGAL, PERSONAL
STATUS: APPROVED
VISITATION APPROVED FOR 13:00-14:30
…
To My Hermione,
Gods, you just left, and love you are a marvel. If I thought you were beautiful in that photograph, you have no idea how truly stunning you are. Maybe it’s getting out of my cell, but I have a sneaking suspicion that it has nothing to do with that, and everything to do with you, but this is the most energy I’ve had in years. Darling, you have breathed a new life into me and I am so grateful, it’s time to ride the high so to speak, and finally, write to Theo and my mother. Finally time to prepare for the real world, I’ve got a beautiful witch out there to romance.
You said it had been a while since you had been properly wined and dined, and I have a few reactions. Firstly, you said it wasn’t Weasley, so someone else had taken you out, and bought you tulips Mhm? Who was this lucky man, and how did he manage to muck it up with you? Secondly, any wishes I should be aware of, how would you like to be swept off your feet, any gestures you’ve dreamt of experiencing, any fantasies I can fulfill?
Please, Granger, I’m at your service.
Thoughtfully yours,
Draco
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Dear Draco,
You’ve practically read my thoughts, seeing you was nothing less than perfect. I don’t care if you haven’t showered in 21 months or your clothes were too big, you were perfect, I feel refreshed and cherished and so so excited for the future.
And please Draco, I am a young, reasonably attractive, war hero, of course, I have been taken out on a few dates here and there. Ronald was never the type to take me out, and much of our (short) relationship was spent having very lowkey, homey date nights. I (regretfully) let Cormac Mclaggen take me out on a few dates, and he was too showy about it and didn’t care about dating me, he just wanted to be out with Hermione Granger. Honestly, the best date I’ve been on was sort of a one-off with Victor Krum. He thought about signing with Puddlemore so he spent some time in Britain and we briefly reconnected. Though we both agreed we were better off as friends, the date itself was lovely, he did buy me a beautiful bouquet and of course, paid for dinner.
All that to say, You have nothing to be worried about and there are still plenty of romantic and intimate experiences I am yet to have. What do I want? Well firstly, I would love to be shown off as me, not as the war hero, but as a witch out with a wizard, that delicate balance between Ron and Mclaggen. I want the small moments, I want someone to zip up my dress for me and tell me I look beautiful, have him secure my necklace clasp around my neck, and feel him behind me. I would love to go on a beach holiday, I always thought that would be the most romantic thing, quite sexy and scandalous as well.
I am so proud of you for trying to recreate some sense of normalcy, reconnecting with old friends, for preparing for your release.
Inspired by you,
Hermione
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Hermione darling,
I am still reeling from our visit, can you believe these rags were once fitting clothes? And as someone who has now seen you in person, I can confirm you are (much more) than reasonably attractive. While I didn’t love hearing about your history with Britain’s most eligible bachelors, I am glad to hear that the bar is set so low. Since you shared a bit about your past it’s only fair I tell you about mine. I spent most of my fifth year ‘dating’ Pansy, and though it was mostly a physical relationship, we did get close. Then there were talks of a betrothal between myself and Daphne Greengrass, so as a gesture of goodwill, we spent a bit of time together, before the battle. I don’t want to keep anything from you, love, but I don’t love admitting to you that several witches kept me company during the war. I don’t have much of a history with real romance, but believe me, Hermione, that is all I can think about with you.
I want to buy you endless gowns just so I can zip them up and then rip them off for you, I have the perfect necklace picked out for you in my head, I want to drown you in my family jewels. I promise you’ll get your beach holiday and a holiday to France, and wherever else you want to go. Use my ridiculous wealth to fuel your greatest desires. All of that was quite innocent, Granger, not that I’m complaining.
PS- you never answered about how you like my hair, or what kind of mischief you got into.
Yours,
Draco
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Dearest Draco,
I’m more than happy to share all of my mischief with you, even though a lot of it is more than just mischief. I rode a dragon out of Gringotts (the goblins still don’t like me), I kept Rita Skeeter trapped in a jar, and still to this day have several active (highly regulated and illegal) extension charms- so take your pick, Malfoy, what can I tell you about.
As for your past, it doesn’t upset me, Draco, maybe it makes me a little insecure, but I’m not upset with you in the slightest. We haven’t discussed our relationship standing now, so how could I be upset or expect any loyalty from years ago? Just putting it out there, I am not (nor do I have any interest in) seeing anyone else, we’ve got something good right here.
I especially can’t be upset with you over Pansy, I’m not sure if you knew, but she and I have quickly fallen together as friends. Pansy was held in the Ministry, not unlike your mother was, and we bumped into each other there. She was the first of the Slytherin lot to offer an apology and we’ve been friends since. Though she has shared some rather sordid details with me, and I would love your input, Malfoy.
And don’t you worry, I plan on putting the Malfoy gold to good use, funding various charitable organizations, of course; I would hate for you to waste your money on me, even if Pansy is insisting I need a new wardrobe. Sure, my initial thoughts were fairly innocent, but I promise they don’t stay that way, putting those out there first thing wouldn't be very ladylike, now would it? On an unrelated note, how do you feel about libraries, libraries, and lacy undergarments- because I have some thoughts about you, and those things may be involved too.
Lastly, I apologize if my responses start taking a bit longer because I am going back to work full-time tomorrow! I’ve largely been working from home and corresponding with my offices via post. I have gone back to the Ministry on several occasions, but tomorrow marks me going back to my normal (very packed) schedule. I have enjoyed staying home more often, but I’m anxious to get back to work! On Wednesday I’m giving a talk about muggle social programs and how we can integrate them into the magical world, and it feels like such a huge step, and it is a lot of pressure but it just feels right.
P.S. I always like your hair as long as it’s not slicked back.
(Romantically?) yours,
Hermione
…
My lovely Hermione,
Or maybe you’re not lovely? Keeping Skeeter trapped in a jar? How did you manage that one? I would love to hear more about your Gringotts escapades, I’m very fond of dragons you see, and you on a dragon, wow.
I’m glad you’re excited to go back to work; though I am still worried, both about your safety and the fact you are grossly overworked. But as long as you still have your security detail, and are reserving time for yourself, I am beyond happy (and proud of you), you’ll be the Minister before you know it. Tell me more about this talk. Which programs specifically do you think would benefit the magical world, prison reform anywhere on that list? Especially with all the charitable donations being made in your name, Hermione, please use my money and do some good in the world.
Or, and hear me out, I spend all of my galleons buying you whatever lacy underthings you want. Gods, Granger. The images you put into my head are sinful, you my darling, are a saucy little witch. But for your information, I happen to love lacy little undergarments, and am the Lord of the largest wizarding library in all of Britain, so please share your thoughts with the class, hmm. On another unrelated note, how do you feel about quiet alcoves during crowded balls? I have some thoughts about those things.
Lastly, Granger, Hermione, you are the only thing on my mind anymore. I know it’s extremely complicated- not just because of the fact I am locked in here for another 2 and a half years- because I’m me and you’re you, and I know it’s not going to be easy, but I’d love to give us a chance. I’m already yours, exclusively. And it’s not just because of the mark on my stomach. I would do anything for the chance to make you mine too, if you’ll have me of course.
PS- I’ve already written to Pansy offering to fund your new wardrobe and have her pick some things out for warm weather and sandy beaches.
PPS- I love your hair too, however you wear it.
All my love,
Draco
…
My Dragon, My Draco,
It is so wonderful to hear from you! I can’t imagine what it is like in there, but you are halfway finished with that place, and then you’ll be home. I am so happy and proud that you are preparing to step back into the world as the new Lord Malfoy, Draco, so proud. The Manor is much brighter these days, and I’m happy to report there is almost no trace of the Dark Lord anymore, almost.
Now my little Lord- I know you are grown now, but you will always be my little boy- I have begun to make arrangements for you. I know you are the head of the house, and I’m not sure how you are going to feel about this, but I need you to trust me, Draco, when I tell you this is for the best. The Greengrass’ are willing to extend another betrothal out to us, between you and Astoria. It is time to step into the future and usher in a new generation of Malfoys. I am telling you this so you have ample time to prepare yourself. I know it is going to be an adjustment, but this is your duty, Lord Malfoy, I expect you to do it well. I’ve had the solicitors draw up a preliminary betrothal contract, I’ve attached a copy for you, do let me know if you have any thoughts on it.
I love you, Dragon. I only want the best for you.
All my love,
Mother
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Darling Draco,
I am a bit offended, of course, I am still lovely, Skeeter deserved everything she got. I may have caught wind of Miss Skeeter being an unregistered animagus, and if you are going to be an unregistered, illegal animagus then you shouldn’t write pure offensive nonsense. Her animagus form is a betel, by the way, quite fitting if I say so. Riding out of Gringotts on a dragon is a much longer story, but that honestly might be the most daring thing I’ve done to date.
Being back at the ministry has been wonderful! I do still have a permanent auror breathing down my neck, but it is so so good to be put to work, I feel truly useful and visionary. The Department for Muggle program integration has so much potential, and so many areas to work with! My talk focused on my experience being a muggle-born and being thrust into this magical world with little explanation. How neither the muggle nor the magical world is inherently evil, and neither is better than the other, but there are aspects of the muggle world that we need. Draco, you can’t even imagine how much better our world could be, from elementary education to communication, to prison reform. Of course, this has put my curse-breaking mastery on pause, but I am so confident in the work I am doing I honestly don’t mind. I’m sure your pureblood Malfoy ancestors would hate the fact that their galleons are being used to fund programs for muggleborns, but you’re the one who so graciously offered them up to me, Lord Malfoy.
Speaking of your hundreds of millions of galleons, I do not need a new wardrobe, Draco. That being said, Pansy has an excellent eye and this is the best I have looked and felt in years. Though there weren’t any new panties in the pile of clothes she sent over, should I be offended once again? I’ve heard so many things about the library at Malfoy Manor, not that I don’t love the idea of sinfully defiling it with you, but you’d have to tear me away from your glorious selection of books first. I’m not sure if I’d be invited to any fancy galas with you, but Lord Malfoy, are you implying that you’d leave your event and risk getting caught just for a bit of fun? Just to rip whatever gown you’d bought for me off? Naughty, naughty Draco.
If I haven’t made it abundantly clear, I’m yours. I want you, romantically and exclusively. I don’t care how complicated it will be or what people say, I don’t care as long as I get you. Of course, I will have you, and I mean that I want it all -your past, your present, and your future.
P.S. Does your mark ever tingle? Or ache or burn? My scar burns sometimes, but lately, it’s been a different feeling with our mark. It doesn’t hurt, but God Draco, it’s aching for you.
Yours definitely and exclusively and romantically,
Hermione