Draco Malfoy
I’m on my way, honey. I’ll be there in 10 mins
Hermione
Draco, I don't think we would be able to attend tonight.
Scorpius won’t let go of me. I need to stay with him.
Draco Malfoy
Hermione, it’s about my family again, is it?
Hermione
I promise you it’s not.
Draco Malfoy
Well then, bring him with us
Hermione
What do you mean?
Draco Malfoy
Scorpius, bring him to the family dinner.
You do know the whole family loves him, right?
Hermione
Right, okay. I'll be waiting.
Hermione let out a disappointed sigh after she texted her husband. Things didn’t go the way she planned. She planned to use their only son, Scorpius, as a reason to avoid the Malfoy Dinner. However, it did not work out. The whole Malfoy Bloodline—except her beloved husband, Draco Malfoy—hated her. Hermione is a muggle-born, Draco is a pureblood, making their son a half-blood. It was all against the Malfoy (well, Black) Family principle, Toujours Pur—meaning, always pure.
Hermione’s mind suddenly took a trip down the memory lane, when Draco and she announced they were getting married. Their friends—Harry, Ron, Pansy, Theo, Ginny, and many others—congratulated them. Their friends were the one who helped them to keep their relationship a secret from the Malfoy-Black Family. The time finally came where they were at last, telling the big family they were getting married.
Lucius and Bellatrix were more furious than one could ever envision. They could not believe what Draco said to them. They called Hermione names, slurs, and other things that aren’t really pleasant to hear. Lucius took his son’s collar and banged him against the wall.
“You traitor!” He yelled at Draco, “I certainly did not raise this person.”
Draco’s body went wet, he couldn’t bear to answer his own father. Nonetheless, his father wasn’t wrong. He chose to marry Hermione, a muggle-born, instead of a pureblood witch. He understood the risks,—in fact so well that he wished he could erase his understanding—but he did it anyway. Hermione is the love of his life, she understood, loved, and made him feel like no one could. Draco would take this risk, he would leave everything he had behind, for her.
Years passed and they were blessed with a son, Scorpius Malfoy. Although Draco’s family were still bitter, they’ve learned to acknowledge the truth. The Malfoy Bloodline would die with Draco if they disowned him.
Hermione was aroused from her flashbacks when she felt a soft kiss on her temple and a stroke on her hair. It was her husband, Draco Malfoy.
“When did you get here?” Hermione asked.
“I just got here,” Draco responded. “Hey Scorpius, Daddy’s little boy. Daddy missed you so much.” He walked towards their son.
Hermione drew a slight smile, she was really happy seeing her small, happy family. As Scorpius got older day by day, she started to notice how much he looked like Draco.
Hermione approached her husband and son, placing her chin on her husband’s shoulder. Draco was holding Scorpius in his arms.
“We should get going, I’ll be waiting in the car.” Draco whispered, he didn’t want to wake up his son who was clinging onto him.
“Right, I’ll um, change into my dress.” Hermione answered as she expressed her lack of interest. For a split second, she had hoped that Draco forgot about the dinner and stayed at home instead. But as a matter of course, he had not. It was all just another one of her urges to avoid meeting the Malfoy Family.
Hermione went into the walk-in-wardrobe. She picked a dress that stood out the most among all of her other clothes. It was an oblique shoulder, elegant, a bit above the knee length, semi-formal, opaque black dress. The dress was obviously something she would not wear on a daily occasion because it was opposed to how she would dress. Draco got it for her for their first anniversary. Hermione looked exquisite in that dress. Afraid that Draco’s been waiting too long for her, she rushed out. She put on her white heels and brought a black clutch along with her.
Draco was already waiting for her outside of the car. He was looking at his phone but he raised his gaze when he saw Hermione. The way he sees her, she looks just like a dream, she was his whole world, his everything. Draco took a step forward, getting physically closer to his wife.
“You look exquisite, dearest.” He complimented. Hermione smiled, she always liked being complimented by others. As luck would have it, Draco Malfoy is extremely good in that field.
Draco opened the car door for her, she went inside the car. He then closed her door and went to the driver’s seat. Hermione connected her phone to the car. She turned on some music, she made sure that it was low since Scorpius was sleeping peacefully in the car seat.
Draco took Hermione's hand, “What’s the matter, love? Everything alright?” he asked.
“Certainly,” she answered bluntly.
“You don’t seem to be,” he reassured.
“Well,” she took a deep sigh, “I assume you know the answer, along with the reason.”
Draco looked at her, but Hermione was staring to the ground. He knew well enough that she never wanted to join him at this dinner, but he slightly forced her.
Did he feel guilty? Without a doubt, yes.
Did he understand that his family would most likely insult both of them? Yes.
But why did he decide to go anyway? Fair answer, he doesn’t know either.
“Hey, look at me.” he said softly.
Hermione turned into his direction, a faint smile of relief was drawn on his face.
“I’m sorry, I never, I never wanted to burden you like this, I ju–”
“Incoming facetime from Harry Potter” that voice interrupted their conversation.
“Pottah?” Draco sounded a little irritated. Harry and he were never the best of friends. But Hermione and Harry have always been. Everyone knew how bitter Draco is to Harry but how close both of them were to Hermione. He couldn’t possibly put an end to their friendship, so he learned to be less bitter than he used to be.
“Do you mind?” Hermione asked.
“No. Just answer the call.”
Hermione raised her phone to answer the call, positioning it in front of her face.
“Hermione!” Harry greeted her, his voice didn’t seem to be in the most joyful mood. It sounded rather out of breath.
“Are you okay?” Hermione asked, concerned with her best friend. “Your voice sounds like you just ran a bloody marathon!”
“As a matter of fact, I just did.”
“Are you mad? Why are you running a marathon at ni-“
Draco let out a chuckle, “I don’t think he meant a real marathon, darling.”
“He’s right.” Harry corrected Draco.
“If so, what is it then?” Hermione asked again, still not acknowledging what he meant.
“James is running around the house and I-I can’t” Harry stopped talking, he took a deep breath.
“I can’t keep up with him. I can’t get him back to bed. Ginny usually deals with this but she’s still out of town.” He sounded relieved, being able to utter how he felt.
“Play a game.” Draco interrupted before Hermione could answer anything.
“Pretend that it’s a game,” he continued, “I usually pretend that it’s quidditch with Scorpius. I’m the seeker and he’s the golden snitch.”
“Very well, Malfoy.” Harry pondered. “Thank you, take care, both of you.”
“You too, Harry.” Hermione exclaimed. She ended the call.
They went back silent, it was only the music that could be overheard.
“I didn’t know you knew about this stuff.” Hermione started the conversation, trying to break the ice between them.
“I deal with Scorpius whenever you’re asleep. He’s calm whenever he’s with you.” Draco answered bluntly, definitely not what Hermione was expecting.
Once Hermione looked back forward, she saw an enormous, black, carved fence. She realized they had arrived at the Malfoy Manor. It has been a while since the last time she stepped foot here. Needless to say, it was not the best experience.
Draco fleed the car, opening the door for Hermione once again. He held her hand as they walked through the hall. Hermione’s other hand was held by Scorpius. They went to the dining room. Hermione’s face looked pale, she was rather terrified.
Draco stopped his steps, “Look, we don’t have to do this if you don’t want to.” He said softly to Hermione.
Hermione smiled, indicating that she’s fine. It was obvious that her smile was fake, but she didn’t want to worry him.
They got to the dining table, sitting on the left side. Draco pulled out the chairs for his wife and son. His parents, Lucius Malfoy and Narcissa Malfoy haven’t gotten there yet. Draco still held Hermione’s hand, he hadn't let go of it since they first arrived. A few minutes passed until the hosts finally came. The three of them stood up.
“Father. Mother.” Draco greeted as his parents came closer to them. Lucius gave a brief smile—quite unsure what that smile really meant. Lucius and Narcissa sat down, urging Draco, Hermione, and Scorpius to be glued back on their chairs.
Feast started being served on the table. Nothing odd. Roasted lemon chicken as the main feast. Scorpius fancied it, Draco cooks it on some occasions at home. The table was nearly silent the whole dinner, the only sounds that can be heard are clattering cutleries and Scorpius whining.
“So,” Lucius started a conversation, oscillating the moment. Hermione’s heart almost dropped, she was shocked to death. “How have you been?”
“Very well.” Draco answered.
“With all the knowledge I’ve taught you and the fortune I’ve left you, I presume so.” Lucius responded, sneering at him.
Draco tightens his fist and jaw, raging inside of him. Hermione held his knee, she wanted to hold his hand but it would be uneasy for Lucius and Narcissa to see it. Draco held Hermione’s hand below the table, removing hers from his knee, assuring that he’s okay.
Lucius never saw Draco as the son who excelled at Hogwarts again after he married Hermione. He saw him as the filthy bloodline traitor and nothing more. Lucius compromised Draco’s knowledge. He believed that every single good thing Draco had done or had, is owed to him.
“And you,” Lucius took a sip of his drink, “Mudblood?”
“I-“ before Hermione could answer anything, Draco heckled.
“It’s Hermione!” Draco raised his voice at his father. “Hermione Jean Granger-Malfoy.”
“Watch your tone, Draco.” Narcissa snapped at him.
“Draco.” Hermione held his hand tighter, hushing him.
“I wouldn’t let a smeared mud-“ Lucius’ words got cut off before he could finish it.
“Watch what you’re saying about my wife, Father.” Draco was enraged, he could not take it anymore. There was Hermione, her eyes darted around maniacally, looking for escape. Scorpius was crying out loud, scared of the loud voices.
“I believe there’s no need for me to stay at this dinner any longer.” Draco announced in a much calmer voice. He stood up and straightened his suit.
“Hermione, Scorpius, let’s go.” Draco pulled their hands and walked at a fast pace, away from the room.
“Draco!” Narcissa called out, in a pleading voice.
“Let him be.” Lucius responded and he stormed out of the room.
On their way back, Hermione was sitting in the back, trying to calm Scorpius down. When it seemed like that there were no more voices that could be heard, Draco peeked at the back. Both his wife and son were deeply asleep.
Draco took a deep sigh, “You fool, you should’ve never done this,” he murmured to himself. He hit his head with his hand. He felt so guilty and mad at himself. This all happened because of him. He ended up hurting Hermione’s feelings, again.
Draco slowed down the car. They have reached home. He carried Scorpius on his back to the nursery. He went back to the car to wake his wife, who is still deeply asleep.
“Hermione? Hermione?” He tries to wake her up, shaking her shoulder.
But there was no response. She wouldn’t wake no matter how hard he was trying.
At last, Draco decided to carry her into their bedroom instead. He laid her on the bed and removed her heels. There was her—Hermione, his wife, the love of his life, the person who meant everything to him. She was beautiful even in her slumber. Draco stroked her hair, kissed her forehead, and left the room.
He went to his study. A large room, filled with books at every corner. There was a large painting too, a picture of him with his little family. His desk was centered in the room, there was also a sofa below the enormous window. The view from the window was magnificent.
Draco took a book from one of his shelves and sat on his desk. Sacred Twenty Eight, the book he chose to read. Frankly, he didn’t know why he chose that book.
“Lumos”, Draco spoke as he pointed out his wand.
The lights around the room were turned on. The perfect amount for reading, as he describes. He placed his wand on the desk and started reading. He was so immersed in the book, not even noticing how much time he had spent sitting on his desk.
“Good morning,” a modulated voice came from across the room.
Draco lifted his gaze, “Good morning, darling.” He answered.
“Have you been here all morning?” Hermione asked, coming closer to him, “or all night, I suppose?”
“All night. I didn’t even realize it’s the crack of dawn already.” He chuckled.
Hermione wrapped her arms around Draco’s neck. He held her arms.
“I apologize for las-“ Draco cracked a voice.
“I would prefer to not discuss what had happened.” Hermione hushed him.
“Yes, I would too.” He responded.
Their moment came to a cease when their house elf appeared in front of them. Hermione immediately took her arms away from her husband, but he grabbed her delicate hands and wouldn't let her go.
“Good morning master and mistress. Breakfast is ready. Master Scorpius is waiting.” declared that creature in a high-pitched voice.
“Nomney, why did you have to interrupt my wife and me?” Draco muttered with a small groan in his voice.
“Forgive Nomney, mas-” the elf’s apology got cut off.
“There is no need to apologize, Nomney. I think your master needs to thank you instead for informing him before his son’s tears reach him, don’t you agree, Mister Malfoy?” Hermione inquired while crossing her hands.
"Good morning, sir and madam. Breakfast has been prepared. In a high-pitched voice, that creature announced, "Master Scorpius is waiting."
"Why did you have to interrupt my wife and me, Nomney?" With a little groan in his voice, Draco muttered.
The elf's apology was cut off as he said, "Forgive Nomney, mas-"
"Nomney, there's no need to apologize. I believe your owner should thank you instead for informing him before his son's tears reach him, don't you agree, Mister Malfoy?" Hermione enquired, her hands crossed.
Draco sighed and pushed himself out of his chair, "Right, I'm confident he does." Thank you very much, Nomney."
“Right, I’m certainly sure he does. Thank you, Nomney.”
“The pleasure is mine, master.” she said before disappearing again.
Draco and Hermione walked to their dining table to discover their son enjoying his breakfast whilst playing with Nomney. Perhaps, they became quite close due the time spent together. Working in the Ministry of Magic means having such little time to spend at home. Every second they spent together shall be treasured.
“Good morning, sweetheart. Are you enjoying your breakfast?” Hermione asked her son while taking her seat beside him.
“I did, mum! Nomney and friends always make the best food!” he exclaimed.
“Well, I suppose you should thank them then,” she told Scorpius while sipping her glass of drink.
“Thank you Nomney and friends! Thank you very much!” Scorpius said with a smile.
“Nomney is always happy to help!” the house elf answered.
Draco watched them having small conversations. He wasn’t as good as his wife when it came to talking to their son. He felt so guilty for doing so, but Hermione always assured that it was not his fault. Growing up with a very narcissistic and demanding father, he wasn’t even sure if he could ever be a good one. Nonetheless, that didn't stop him from constantly striving to be the best father for Scorpius. This exact moment, is to be treasured, for the rest of his life. His family and contentment in his life were all he ever needed.