Pride in a Name
Hermione walked into the shop on a mission.
Theo greeted her smiling, standing behind the counter as he'd been two weeks prior. "Back again so soon? What can I do for you?"
She frowned. "Your potions are good."
He furrowed his brow. "Thank you?"
She shook her head and began pacing. "No. They are very good. No side effects, long-lasting, they even taste good."
"Erm, glad to have another happy customer."
Hermione smacked the wooden countertop. "You don't brew this well, Theodore. We were in potions together for five years. You nearly blew up the castle when you tried brewing Draught of Peace with the flames turned up!"
Theo looked down his nose at Hermione. "I still stand by the fact that my copy of the textbook was missing that particular instruction."
"Very convenient, since your book was burnt," Hermione mumbled. "Regardless, you're not brewing these potions. Someone is a master brewer and deserves recognition. Who is it?"
"I resent that accusation. I've simply improved.”
Hermione rolled her eyes and walked towards the door marked 'Employees Only.’ She easily cut through the locking spell and opened the door to find Draco Malfoy, bent over a large iron cauldron that contained a perfectly brewed Wolfsbane Potion.
Theo ran behind her, yelling.
Malfoy looked between them, face inscrutable. "What do you want, Granger?"
"You see…"
"Spit it out. You barged in for a reason. Don't be shy."
"I didn't know it was you…but, oh fuck it. How do you make your Invigoration Draught so delicious?"
Malfoy laughed.
Hermione could admit the situation was funny. Laughter bubbled up from her belly.
Malfoy wiped tears from his eyes. "I can show you if you'd like."
For a month, Hermione visited the brewing room daily, learning his potion's secrets. But other questions went unanswered.
"Draco, why isn't your name on the door? Your potions are incredible. You deserve credit."
He added aconite to the cauldron. "I've spent all my life being told how great I am. It led me down a dark path. It's better this way."
"This isn't being prideful about your blood status or your stupid family name."
Draco's eyes were fiery. "The name Malfoy will never be on that door."
Soon, their brewing dates became real dates. A year after that, they were married. The day after their wedding, Hermione hung a new sign above his store:
"Draco Granger's Potion Emporium"