Upper Hand
His eyes snapped open the moment the floo roared, signaling she had left. Draco rolled onto his back and sighed, glancing around the room. This was nothing like the little bedroom Granger had when they were teens, back in her muggle home. A chill ran up his spine and tingled at the base of his neck. He'd only visited the Granger home twice; both times were under dire circumstances that left him feeling more of a burden to Hermione than any help. His hands came up to cover his face not wanting to see the bleakness of the current room. The walls were bare of anything but that single picture from their fifth year. The bedside tables had little but a book and from what he saw while she was getting ready, a few empty vials of dreamless sleep potion. Either way, it was quite obvious his witch was not the woman he had dreamed she would be while he was away.
Then there were the beauty charms he was sure she thought he’d not be able to see through. On the contrary, after watching his mother and Pansy use them so often in his younger years it was easy to find the telltale signs of one. The slightest blur under the eyes. A tinge of discoloration where the chin and neck met. Hermione seemed to be suffering and was unable to share it with him, and it made her words from last night all the more worse. He had made her suffer with his decisions…yet he couldn’t say that he regretted them. No. He’d made the right choice in the end. Eventually, she would see that. Once things settled, she would understand why he had put his foot down.
Before he could further sink into his thoughts, the wind was knocked out of him by something warm and furry. “Dammit.” He heaved as the warm thing started to yowel and chirp at him. “Yes, yes, I missed you too.” Crookshanks began to nuzzle his head into Draco’s hand. The two had created a bond in 7th year. While Hermione was on the run, Crooks seemed to imprint himself on Draco. Being half kneazle allowed the magical cat to slip easily in and out of places and hide more easily. Which helped Draco out immensely when it came to spying on the carrows, and keeping younger students out of the way of their wrath. Besides that, they bonded over their mutual worry and concern for Hermione. Finding solace in one another as her familiar and her human companion. “I hope you’ve been taking care of her. She seems…different.”
Crooks stood stiff and lightly dug his claws into Draco’s stomach, then hissed. Almost as if he was offended. ‘Of course, I was doing my part. You’re the problem.’ He could almost feel the cat's surge of annoyance at him.
Draco knew he couldn’t blame the cat though. It was he who had left. He wondered if that was really the reason Granger hadn’t pursued a higher position in the ministry. Surely their connection couldn’t have been found out so easily. Only 7 people knew of it. As of today 3 of them were dead and the other two obliviated. His thoughts drifted to the night he’d found out Madam Pomphrey and Professor -now headmistress- McGonagall had been obliviated.
25 June 1996
It was just past 3:00 am when Snape had finally stopped drilling into his skull.
“We’ll stop here and re-commence this evening at the manor.” Snap drawled.
Draco was squeezing his eyes shut against the throbbing pressure in his head. “Tch.” He sucked his teeth, something his mother would scold him for if he were to forget himself later. “It's been a week and I can’t even keep you out.”
He could hear Snap moving around his office. “As of right now, it's not about keeping me out, Draco. It’s about redirection, as I have told you many times before. You’re doing quite well, I didn’t even catch a glimpse of Mrs.Malfoy’s face this time.
Draco’s eyes snapped open and cut across the room immediately landing on his Godfather's back. “Do. Not. Call her that!” He ground out between his clenched jaw.
Snape ignored him. “I recommend you work on your false memories. The first being the night you bonded with Mrs. Malfoy. Dumbledor and I obligated Poppy and Minerva after dinner this evening.”
Draco, who was ready to correct Snape again, paused. Severus finally turned to him and brought over a pain potion for Draco’s headache. “It would be best if we kept the amount of people who know about your marriage small. They both agreed, Minerva was less thrilled about it however I'm a better occlumens.” He casually told Draco.
Draco swallowed the contents of the vile and passed it back to Snape. After a few breaths, his headache instantly went. “So you, dumbledore, and I can secure our minds, but what of Granger?”
Snape moved to sit behind his desk. “Not many people are as skilled with legilimency as the Dark Lord, Draco. Mrs.Mal-
“Granger!” Draco cut in.
“Mrs.Granger-Malfoy.” Snape corrected a slight twitch to the corner of his mouth, easily showing Draco he was being teased by his Godfather. “Does not need to worry, the likelihood of her and the Dark Lord coming into contact is low.”
Draco scoffed and rolled his eyes. “You’re forgetting two things.” He held up his pinky finger. “First, Granger is a Gryffindor and makes it her business to solve every problem she runs into.” He then added his ring finger. “Second, she’s friends with that bloody speckled git, Potter. He’s how we got in this mess to begin with”
Snape nodded solemnly. “Though that is true. We cannot jump to conclusions, Draco. As of now, we don't even know why the Dark Lord has requested to speak with you. Now I suggest you get to bed, I don't think you’ll get much rest on the train, and tonight’s lesson will be much more intense.”
Jaw clenched in anger, Draco turned and headed for the door. Throwing it open he paused in the archway. “If something happens to Granger it will be your fault. Dumbledors as well, and I will make sure you both suffer for it.
That afternoon he found himself anxious and slightly annoyed. He’d run into Potter a few days before and was ready to hex the living daylights out of him for what happened to Hermione. He couldn’t very well say as much, but his father was a good excuse as any.
It chewed him up that the orphaned tosser was in a compartment with her. He couldn’t hate Potter more than he did now. If he could, he’d march over there and drag Hermione away from the dangerous little fu-
“Did you hear me, Draco?” A throaty yet whiny voice came from his left.
He closed his eyes and huffed. “What is it now Pansy, can't you see I’m trying to think?”
Thankfully Crabe and Goyal were hunting down the honeydukes trolley. Theo was nose-deep in a book, and Blaise had stolen away to the end of the train with some 7th-year Ravenclaw.
Pansy crossed her arms and pouted. “I asked if you’d be visiting me in Rome this summer?”
Draco looked out the window and watched the countryside passing by. He felt bad for Pansy. At first, he genuinely liked her in the fourth year. They had even spent last summer together. He knew it was mostly because his mother wanted him far away from the Death Eaters that would be in the manor. And Draco had taken full advantage of that and every opportunity Pansy had offered to explore his young hormonal desires.
He thought back then it would help get rid of those dreams he’d kept having about Hermione. Yet, even afterward he’d find his idol mind thinking about the night of the yule ball. By the time summer was coming to an end, he’d returned home. Where he’d seen those red eyes for the first time. He’d had nightmares for days and welcomed the sight of Granger's periwinkle dress the first it made its reappearance.
However, as the fifth year began he’d found himself quite put out. He hadn’t been able to ignore her like he’d done many times before. He hadn’t been able to use Pansy to take his mind off things, as she asked for exclusivity. He’d been a bit of an arse to her at first, explaining why their parents remind good pureblood girls to keep their knickers on. She’d slapped in the common room and didn’t speak to him for several months until Umbridge had instated the inquisitor squad.
He hadn’t apologized to Pansy until after he’d confiscated Hermione’s camera and gotten to know her. As they grew closer and she asked him about his relationship with Pansy he’d relayed the story of the common room to her. Granger with her big heart couldn’t help but feel sorry for Pansy, even if she had bullied her, and demanded he apologize, even going so far as to call his behavior disgusting and despicable. It had taken a lot for her to forgive him over something he and even his mates had laughed at. He had to make it right according to her. Snorting he shook his head. So much had changed in so little time.
“Well?” She grabbed his shoulder and shook it lightly again bringing him out of his thoughts.
“We’ll see…with my father being.” He paused and swallowed. “Away, I may need to stay and help my mother with duties surrounding the estate.” He knew that was unlikely but surely he couldn’t just say. ‘Sorry Pansy but I married but I got married last week and I don't think my wife would like us spending the summer together.’
Theo peaked out from his book, his eyes narrowed. “I heard from my father that Draco has a Visitor staying at the Manor.” He said emphasizing the vee.
Pansy short nose crinkled. “So what? Lady Malfoy is perfectly capable of handling everything on the estate. Any pureblood wife should be able to take care of things when her husband is away.” She simpered towards Draco while speaking to Theo.
The notion of what Pansy was insinuating wasn’t lost on them. She too would be able to handle an estate if the occasion should arise. Draco’s eyes cast back out the window. “He means that you know who is staying at the manor.”
He felt her tense up and straighten. “I’m sure my parents wouldn’t mind if you came with us.”
Draco closed his eyes and ran his right hand through his hair. “He has requested to see me Pans.” His voice was just above a whisper.
Theo had tucked his face back in his book. Draco knew he was still listening, however. If Theo knew Voldemort was in his home then that probably meant he knew he wanted to see Draco.
“Whatever for?” He could tell she was nervous.
He was too. He feared he would be facing the consequences of his father's failure. He shrugged. “Maybe he’ll crucio me since he can't get to my father and call it a day.”
Pansy stiffened further, then after a moment stood. “We need to tell Snape.”
Draco clasped her wrist and forced her down. “He knows, he’ll be around for dinner this evening.”
Pansy’s eye darted to Theo whose face was now so deep in the book, it should be impossible for him to read. She opened her mouth and then closed it again. Then sat down looking out the window just as he had moments ago.
Draco cleared his throat. “Don’t worry, Pans, I'll be fine. We’ll see each other soon. Things will be back to normal by next term.” At least he hoped they would be.
Present
Draco shook his head at the memory. If he’d known what was to come in that week he’d have never challenged the universe like that.
“Ouch!” He looked down to his stomach. He’d been mindlessly petting crooks, who had bitten. “What was that for?”
The kneazle perked up and looked to the window. Another owl had come. One he recognized. It had been far too long since he’d last seen the blondish-white eagle owl. Quickly he got up and opened the window. With a smile he greeted her. “Hello, Ursa, it's been a long time, hasn’t it?”
Ursa inclined her head towards him for a little scratch after he pulled the letter from her talons. After a few pets, he turned his attention to the letter. In dainty swooping letters, he read the initials. N.B. And his heart stuttered. Quickly he turned the letter over and observed a silver and green wax crest, it was the Black crest, instead of the Malfoy one he’d grown up seeing, Mother. He fondly thought.
He tore it open without hesitation and eagerly began to read. His mother had been forbidden from sending him letters in Azkaban due to her house arrest and the previous breakouts that had happened among those from his family. His eye scanned the page eagerly eating up each word.
My dearest Dragon.
Welcome home! Your presence has been greatly missed. I wish to invite you and my dearest Hermione for dinner this evening. We will be accompanied by Auror Potter and his wife, as he is in charge of my probation. Please be advised to be on your best behavior.
Signed, Narcissa Black
Former Lady Malfoy.
Draco chuckled. Of course, his mother had already handed everything off to Granger. He shook his head, no wonder she looked so tired. Working for the ministry and handling the Malfoy estate in secrecy was properly draining her, he guessed.
He retrieved his wand and accioed a treat for his mother’s owl, before sending off a missive confirming they would meet her for dinner.
Most of the morning Draco spent his time rifling through drawers, cabinets, and Hermione's closet. He tried for her office and found it locked and warded. Knowing his witch, he’d likely end up cursed if he tried to open it. Thus he found himself back in bed, closing his eyes ready to finally sleep when the floor roared. His eye snapped open and he grabbed for his wand. Silently he crept out of bed and down the hall, hiding his body from whoever had entered.
He heard a disgruntled sigh, one he’d come to miss over the years. Yet he still hadn't shown himself. Crookshanks skittered past him and into the room. He heard an “oof.” Signaling the furry orange thing had settled his weight on Hermione. She gave another sigh. “I don’t know what to do Crooks, this could get bad.” She went silent again, the only sound being her melancholy breaths and the pur that signaled someone was being petted. “I’ll have to have Lucius moved, reach out to Blaise about protecting any privacy rights, and somehow keep my job. And you know how Harry gets, once he believes something he won't accept being wrong.”
Finally, Draco stepped out. “Potter causing trouble already?” He had caught her by surprise, making her jump just slightly.
She held a hand to her heart and took a few calming breaths. “I thought you’d be sleeping.”
Draco glanced at the clock above the mantle. It was 10 am. He shrugged. “Mother sent an owl requesting our presence for dinner. Potter and his weaselette will be joining us.”
Hermione pinched the bridge of her nose. “Right, how could I forget? He’s also your mother's probation auror.”
Lifting a single brow Draco crossed his arms and leaned on the door jam. “Also?”
Hermione nodded. “He’s yours as well. This morning Harry, Kingsley, Robbards, Harry, Ron, Flemmings, and 5 other aurors ambushed me in my office. All my files were gone. I assume they are currently searching my office for ‘Dark Artifacts’ according to the missive from this morning.”
Draco crossed the room and stood in front of her, searching her face. “Would they find anything?”
Hermione's brow creased and she cocked her head to the right. “No.” She bit out. “Would you think I would keep anything of the sort?”
Draco shrugged. “We both know what you're capable of Granger.”
Hermione cast her gaze back down to Crookshanks. Trying to ignore the elephant he’d practically sidestepped.
Draco gave her a quick nod and sighed. “And what's this I hear about my father?”
He watched as her shoulders tensed and then dropped, almost as if she had relented to tell him the truth. “Robbard has been looking through his mind over the years. He hasn't found anything, though he’s been barbaric in his efforts. I was thinking he should be moved somewhere else, just until things calm a wee bit.” She sighed and rubbed a hand down the kneazle's spine. “And before you ask, I’m reaching out to Blaise as he has taken over as the Malfoy solicitor. I need to inform him that people are going to start digging up whatever they think they can find.”
Draco raised his brow. “You know Granger, it's not hard to tell when you're withholding or leaving out information. I know you too well by now.” He took a step closer to her, his eyes tracking the rise and fall of her chest. “That and your mind is practically screaming what you don't want me to know.”
Her nose scrunched and her jaw rolled in annoyance. “If you must know. Thanks to Denise Creevy's article. It’s assumed I’m under an imperious curse or some dark hex. They tried to have me assessed before I left. I told them I’d be reaching out to Blaise.” An oh-so-familiar sneer overcame the Victorian face Hermione had come to love. “Yes, I felt very much the same way. Nonetheless, it cannot be helped.” She grabbed Crooks moving him from her lap to the cushion next to her. Standing she dusted her lap off. “Well, I better get started. It won't take them long to finish with my office. I’ll be back soon.”
“I’m back now Granger, I can take care of it,” Draco said while flashing the ring she’d placed on his finger just the evening before. Not that he would admit it to her face, but she looked so tired. He wanted to start doing the heavy lifting for her.
She paused and chewed her bottom lip before speaking. “Not that I don't think you know what to do, Draco… it's just. It's better if go. I know all of the accounts, and I have all these contingencies already prepared. If you’d like I can go over them with you tomorrow seeing as I’m technically on leave from work. Why don't you rest? I’ll be back in time to go to dinner”
He crossed his arms. “What do you think I've been doing in Azkaban all this time? I’m done resting Granger. I need air, I need to do something other than be confined to another tight space.”
Her tongue poked her inner cheek and he watched as she rolled her jaw again. A clear tale of her annoyance. “Yes, all the time in the world to rest and not reply to letters I might add.” She sniffed while giving him a withering look.
Draco was the one to look away this time. After a few moments of silence and nothing left to say, she stepped into the heath of the fireplace and he turned his back to her and began heading for the bedroom as the flames engulfed her form.
As he threw himself back into bed he began to chastise himself. He could have spoken to her but he felt his choice was right. If he’d replied to a letter she’d be worse off than she was now. Running things as Lady Malfoy, still taking on responsibilities that weren't her own. He wondered where he’d gone wrong when his mind flashed with words and images that still made his stomach knot and curl.
His hands gripped her biceps tightly. His face sneered in hers. She looked so afraid, his brave lion had faced one of his aunts and even looked into the very red eyes that haunted him at night. And still, she hadn't looked as broken and afraid as she did at this moment. But this was the only way, he could be the binding of bond like a chain coiling tight and pulling at his heart and hers. “You won’t say a word to anyone! You won't so much as think of finding a way around this order Granger. You’ll keep your mouth shut about all of it until I say otherwise!”
It was like he could see her soul splitting again. As he’d finally broken her trust to never violate her trust in him.“You’ll do it because I fucking said so, Granger!”
Her face scrunched up as the invisible chain finally tightened around her. A sob burst forth that would haunt him for years in Azkaban. He knew it would be seeing as it was the last thing he would hear from her. There was no way she’d want anything to do with him now. It was for the best. He had to protect her future. She’d done enough and it was time for her to finally find happiness after all the shit she experienced at his hands.
The sobbing had rung in his ears until he felt himself being lightly jostled. His eyes snapped open. The room was dimmer and the sun looked to be setting. Hermione was sitting on the edge of the bed, her brows pressed together in worry. “Draco, are you alright?”
He slowly sat up and rubbed the back of his neck. “Don't remember falling asleep.” He mumbled. He gave her a good look. She was dressed in a dark burgundy almost brown dress and wore lipstick to match, her eyes lined and her cheeks lightly blushed. Her hair was in what he’d once been told were wand curls. “You look beautiful Granger. Finally, a nice way to wake up.”
She gave a small lift of her lips but again the frown returned. “You were saying sorry in your sleep.” She tentatively took his hands. “You know he can't torture you anymore.”
Draco snorted. “Don’t worry, this time I was torturing myself.” With that, he started to get out of bed and she stood with him. Watching as he went towards the bathroom.
Hermione glanced over the vanity mirror and took inventory. The dress was casually formal. Cuffi right at her shoulders, the neckline swooped right above her cleavage, and the skirt ending at her calves. It was appropriate enough for dinner. Something that would remind me that was not just the ministry bill and paper pusher but the lady of a great Estate. At least that's what Pansy had said when they had picked the dress out a few months ago. The color also complimented her tanned skin tone.
Speaking of Pansy. “By the way, Parkinson will be there tonight. She’s bringing Theo and Blaise will be there too.” She called over the shower. Draco didn't reply. She sat and waited for him. It seemed she was always waiting for him, waiting for him to speak was one she was used to but still hurt just as much as it had in her sixth year.
The water shut off and she heard the sink turn on. After a few minutes, he stepped out with just a towel around his waist. Damn him for managing to still look so good even after enduring the conditions of Azkaban.
“See something you like, Granger?” She looked up and caught his smirk. She felt herself blush and looked at their photo. “So why exactly are my old friends coming to dinner?”
Before she answered she pointed to a set of robes she’d picked up for him while out. She didn’t speak until after his pants and shirt were on, lest he began teasing again. Clearing her throat she looked him up and down. The tailor had done well and with just a slight resizing spell the robes would fit perfectly as he attached the silver chain of the cloak she spoke. “You look very much like Lord Malfoy.”
Draco arched his left brow. “Crazed and confused?” He chuckled.
She bit the inside of her cheek to keep from giggling, though she had no respect for her father-in-law, these days she felt bad sometimes thinking about the smoking abyss that was his mind. “I meant you look distinguished and ready to host a dinner at an estate in your name.”
Checked the mirror and used his wand to style and dry his hair. “So, 5 Slytherins and 3 Gryffindors all sit around for a dinner.” He phrased it like the start of a joke.
She smiled. “Blaise is there for business. He is to keep Harry from crossing legal boundaries. Pansy will be there because she’s one of my best friends these days. And Theois tagging along because he wants to entertained as he put it.” She rolled her eyes.
Draco narrowed his at her in the mirror. “I don’t understand, why are you close with all of them?”
She looked him dead in his reflected eyes. “Because they’re the only friends I have that don't demand the truth from me.” With that, she stood and started for the living room.
Draco cursed under his breath. The two of them needed to have a serious talk but as it stood now. There was still too much in the way. “Granger wait.” He followed after her. She was already at the floo slipping on her heels. They were lacquered red at the bottom. “Granger?”
She paused and he could see her face pinching up. “Call me that one more time, and I’ll finally have a day in Azkaban myself!” She bit out.
Draco threw his hands up. “What do you want me to say?” He ground out.
She shook her head. “Oh, I don't know. How about ‘I’m sorry Hermione I was wrong.’ Or ‘I’m sorry Hermione, I broke my promise.’ Hell, I'll even take. ‘I’m sorry I isolated you from your friends, then ignored you for four years!’ Any of those would be a great start.”
With his fist tightly at his sides and his jaw clenched and took a deep breath before biting out between his teeth. “I’m sorry I decided to give you your future by going to Azkaban for you, Grang-
A red hex missed him by just a hair. “Don't you dare claim you did that for anyone but yourself!” She growled while keeping her wand pointed at him as she stalked closer. “You’re just like your father! Selfish and cloaking it in self-sacrifice, leaving your wife to pick up the pieces while you're gone.” Her wand was now pointed at his neck, and as he looked down into her puffing chest and watering eyes he started to understand. She had been just as alone as he’d been in Azkaban. She was a prisoner in her world based solely on the last words he’d spoken to her before he’d gone in.
Slowly he raised his hands in surrender, she had the upper hand at the moment as he was unprepared to duel his wife, Not that the thought had ever crossed his mind. Her wand faltered a bit, her eyes searching his. As his hands came to rest on her biceps, she stiffened and reinforced her grip on her wand and dug it into his neck. The last time he’d put his hand there he’d stamped the light out of the last flame and fervor she had left for life. He swallowed and slowly spoke, his voice murmured. “Hermione. I’m sorry, it’s done. You can speak about whatever you like.” Her bottom lip began to tremble. “I’m sorry I took your life from you. All I wanted was for you to have freedom and I snatched it with just one order. I’m sorry I broke your trust.”
Tears started to break free and her pants chest started slow but deepened with the sobs she refused to release. Her wand still didn't falter. “I don't believe you.” Her voice cracked as she whispered out the words. She froze as his grip tightened and she felt the warm weight of something being lifted off of her. The binding of his order the chain finally loosened and pulled back as if the magic was a tourniquet that finally got released.
Still, she shook her head. “All I tried to do was be a good wife and you punished me for it, every step of the way.” Finally, she stepped back and cupped her left hand over her mouth to keep her trembling jaw from allowing the wail that was urging to bubble out her chest.
“You didn't need to do any of that, Hermione. You didn't need me, you never truly have. You could have done anything else, helped Potter, fall in love with the weasel, and -
Again her wand pointed at him this time at his chest. “You bloody idiot! It was never about needing you! I wanted you! I didn't choose to be your wife lightly! McGonagall offered to get Ron and break the bond immediately after I woke up. She begged me and I chose you Draco, and I kept choosing you. Over and over, and over and still…it's like it was never enough to prove myself to you.” Dropped her arm limply. “Even when I had to prove my loyalty I did it, and you punished me for that.”
He stepped forward slowly. He knew she was a hairline trigger away from losing what little control she had left. “Gra- Hermione, it was never about you needing to prove yourself to me. I chose Azkaban because…” he swallowed as he inched closer, hand again raised to chest level. “I couldn’t watch you go in there and suffer more than you already had because I failed at being a Death Eater. You've beat me at everything, academically, love, the dark arts, and even at showing up for your spouse when they need you most.” His mind tried to show him the two times he’d seen her tortured but he quickly shook the thoughts away. “The least I thought I could do was give you your future back.”
Finally, he gently wrapped his arms around her. “I just wanted to be a good husband to you for once and I still mucked it all up.”
The last of her fight had left her at that, her wand dropped to the floor with a clatter and he felt her legs going with it and followed them both down. Her wail finally broke through and he tightened his hold around. “I’m sorry Hermione. I’m sorry.” He kissed her curls and tried to rub soothing circles into her back. There was so much more to be said between them, but there was no way it would happen without what had just happened.
Harry Potter felt uncomfortable. Though it wasn’t an unusual feeling for him, it was just something he hadn’t felt in quite some time. Especially here at Malfoy Manor. However, there were several reasons he found himself lightly pulling his collar from his neck. The first being that he’d made the faux pas of contacting Hermione’s parents. He’d honestly wanted to ask what they knew of her and Draco’s marriage, which then set off a chain reaction that resulted in him bringing them along to dinner that evening. On top of that, Ron insisted he tag along, just in case Hermione was under the imperious. That way it would be three against three he’d claimed. The other three reasons he was uncomfortable at across from him in the drawing room. Pansy Parkinson, who was filing her already sharp red nails. Occasionally she would pause and stare daggers at him like she was hoping to dig those claws in his face. The second was Theodore Nott who kept looking him up and down like he was undressing him with his eyes and would wink at Ginny whenever she caught him. Finally was Blaise Zabini whom he’d received a missive from this afternoon stating that any further investigations of the Malfoy family would need good cause and be done by the books unless the ministry wanted a hefty lawsuit against them. Finally, the last uncomfortable situation was Narcissa Malfoy…well Black. Whose fingers had begun tapping along her single white armchair facing the floo. She hadn’t intended this many people in her home, and on top of that she’d never met the Grangers before and they seemed keen to watch her every move.
“Maybe they’re still having a reunion shag.” Theo piped up earning himself a smack to the arm from Pansy and one to the back of the bad from Blaise. “Ow! It's not my fault I'm still haunted by Draco’s dorm room wet dreams of the curly-haired.
“Finish that sentence Nott and you will be struggling to remember what ate for breakfast this morning.” A voice called from the floo just as the flames went up and back down.
Theo’s jaw clamped shut at the sight of said dorm mate. Draco stepped out and offered a hand to Hermione. The soot automatically vanished the moment they stepped out of the fireplace. The two did look a little rumpled and Hermione was a tinge red in the face. However, no one needed to know it was because of their fight.
Hermione glanced around and froze. “Mum, Dad, what are you doing here?”
Her mother stood up and looked quite cross. “When were you going to tell us you got married?”
Hermione opened her mouth and closed it again. She hadn’t exactly planned how or when to tell them. She wasn’t exactly able to, so it had never crossed her mind. “I-
Draco stepped forward. “I apologize, Hermione would have told you sooner, however part of our marriage agreement made it magically binding that she couldn’t speak of it.”
Roslyn Granger looked at Draco’s hand and then cast her eyes over to the three Sluthrins on the other side of Draco. “They knew.”
Pansy cut in. “She didn't tell me a word. I went and asked Narcissa.” She looked at the only other blonde in the room. Who’d yet to stand up.
Roslyn's brow rose.
“Mum, Narcissia knew because Lucius, Draco’s father told her. He only knew because he felt it in his magic.” I never said a word to anyone. Everyone had to find out on their own. Just like I’m guessing you found out through Harry.” Her eyes cut to the green ones that were avoiding hers.
Hermione’s mother huffed and sat back down, casting her eyes over to the fireplace.
At that, Pnsy finally hopped up and gave Draco a crushing hug. “Welcome home prat!”
Chuckling he patted her back. “Thanks, Pans.”
As soon as she let go Blaise came and shook his hand and clapped him on the shoulder. Good to see you again mate, I'm sure the Mrs. told you, but I look forward to working together in the very near future.” He said as his eyes pointedly looked at the three Gryffindor.
Draco gave a slight nod in agreement.
Next was Theo who threw his arms around Draco’s shoulders and first hugged him, followed by trying to kiss him on the mouth. Thankfully for Draco, he still had his seeker reflexes and had his hand up pushing Nott off. “Down, you beast!” Theo threw his head back in laughter and finally sat back down. “How much have you drank?”
Theo’s eyes twinkled as he answered. “None, I expect tonight to be very entertaining. Plus I like kissing handsome blokes now.”
Draco narrowed his eyes. “Yes, I've seen your exploits in the paper. For Merlyn's sake, have some standards and dignity, Theo”
He shrugged and flashed his smile. “Maybe I will when Potter goes through a midlife crisis and gets curious. Aye ole chap?” again he winked but this time at Harry who started to turn pale.
“That enough Mr. Nott.” Finally, a high regal voice spoke. The room grew quiet except for the crackling of the fire. Narcissa stood from her seat and slowly approached the standing couple.
Hermione took a step back as Draco straightened his posture. Narcissa took inventory of him, eyes casting in every which direction before speaking. “My dragon, you’ve grown.” She quietly spoke.
Draco nodded. “Yes, it seems like even Azkaban’s slop couldn’t stop it.”
His mother reached up and cupped his cheeks. She smiled, her eyes watering. “It's the Black genes. My father was very tall as well.” Her hands slid down to correct his collar and brush off invisible lint and possibly a few cat hairs.
Draco smiled. “Yes, you’ve told me mother. How are you?”
Her lips pressed firmly together and she swallowed a couple of times. With a sniff, she took a step back and turned. “We Should begin dinner.” Her voice cracked making it quite obvious, that she had not been well.
Draco turned to offer his arm to Hermione but she nodded her head towards his retreating mother. He smiled great fully at his wife and quickly moved to catch up with Narcissa and offer her his arm.
The rest of the Slytherins rose to follow them and as Hermione began to join them she felt someone clutch her wrist for the second time that day. She looked down and followed the hand, and thankfully this time it was her father.
“Just a second love, your mother and I would like a word.” She nodded and waited until the 3 Gryfindors were out of sight as well.
“What is it?” She asked while sitting down in the seat her mother-in-law had just vacated.
Her parents looked at one another. “It's just, after speaking with Mr.Potter we gave Wallace a ring. We asked him what he knew about this Mr.Malfoy.” Her father began.
“You could imagine our shock when he informed us that he is one of the many men you wiped our memories to protect us from.” Her mother cut in.
Hermione sighed and glanced into the fireplace. “I know it doesn’t make sense, but if you'll trust me. We will explain everything tonight. No more secrets. I promise.” She tentatively looked at her parents. Her father seemed to accept that with a small but unsure smile. While her mother looked almost as angry as she did the night Hermione explained why she’d aged 3 years from what her parents last remembered of her.
When they finally joined the other guest she noticed something. Draco was seated at the head of the table. She expected to see Narcissa sitting at the end but the seat was empty. She frowned in confusion as there were only 3 chairs left. Draco stood and walked over pulling the chair she was staring at out for her. “The Lady of the house sits here. You are the Lady of the estate, right Granger?” His brows rose teasing her.
She swallowed and cleared her throat. “Malfoy.” She corrected him.
“My mistake.” He smiled as she sat down and he pushed her chair in. Her parents were seated next to each other on her right, followed by Ron, Ginny, and Harry. At the head was Draco and to his right sat his mother, followed by Blaise, Theo, and Pansy. A house welf dressed in several layers of silk blouses came floating several dishes into the room. The lids removed themselves and began serving everyone a helping on their own. Stopping at request. Of course, Ron's plate was piled high. Blaise who sat across from him looked disgusted. “Weasley if a single speck of that plate touches me I'll sue you for biological assault.”
Ron frowned and leaned towards Harry. “Can he do that?” Who in return shrugged.
After the glasses were filled with elf-made wine. The elf bowed. “Dinner is served.” She spoke in a squeaky yet jovial voice. It had been so long since so many people had been at the table.
Hermione smiled. “Thank you, Pippy.” You can take the rest of the evening off if you’d like.”
Pippy shook her head. “No miss, Pippy has made Master Draco’s favorite dessert!”
Draco paused his first bite in mid-air. Narcissa quickly spoke. “Draco, dinner first dear.” He chided him as if he were a child.
Causing all of his former classmates to snicker. Draco’s eyes slid over to his mother as he annoyedly finally took the first bite. At that dinner had finally begun.
Ron grunted. “Finally I can pick up my fork. What was that about?” His loud whisper could be heard around the table.
Pansy snorted. “It is called table manners. Old pureblood spell. No one can eat without the head of the table begging the meal first, usually the Lord of the estate.” She stabbed her fork into her salad. “But I wouldn't expect your family to have taught you any of the sort.”
Ginny gave her a sharp look. “Why are you here again Parkinson?”
Pansy smiled widely at the question. “Well of course I'm here as moral support for my best mate.” Her eyes slid over to Hermione.
Harry, who was already drinking his wine, coughed just a bit and spilled some down his front. Ginny quickly helped set his glass down and magicked the stain away while it was still fresh, all while patting his back.
With his mouth already full Ron replied. “It's got to be the imperious curse. There’s no way Hermione would ever be friends with you!” He pointed his fork at her.
“Ronald, you'll mind your manners at this table!” Hermione called out without looking up from her plate.
Pansy smiled and leaned back. “Honestly it didn’t take much convincing. She was lonely and so was I, now we're practically like sisters.”
Ginny finished chewing a bite and offhandedly threw it out. “I didn't know sisters shared coc-
Hermione slammed her fork down. “Fine. Let’s get this over with. Clearly, we can't have a peaceful dinner before anything else. Go ahead. Ask!”
The table was silent. The only ones still eating were Zabini who didn’t really care to know the story but was interested nonetheless. Narcissa had obtained the information in a very interesting way from her daughter-in-law. Draco who was shooting daggers into the rude gryffindors at his table. And Ron, who couldn’t help himself.
Finally, Harry cleared his throat and pulled a notepad and quill from the inner pocket of his robes. He pointed his wand at it and it readied itself for notes. “Start from the beginning.” he requested.