Hermione Granger wrote a book. Narcissa Malfoy read it, and now she wants a temporary separation from Lucius. Draco is not happy.
Be A Success
I really don't know how this plot is going to go. I got a basic idea of the story I wanted to create, but I'm filling in the details as I go along. So bear with me on time. I'll try to update regularly, but there is no guarantee. The banner is my own creation.
Encounters:
I do not own any of the characters. They all belong to the masterful J.K Rowling. I just enjoy creating my own plots.
"Three cheers for Hermione!" cried Harry Potter.
A chorus of "here, here" and "hip-hip hurray's" were shouted among their fairly large table. Hermione smiled shyly, thanking everyone profusely.
Hermione's first book, Be A Success, was finally being published. Having sold over half a million copies in Magical London alone, its author was recently acclaimed by Witch Weekly as "one of the most influential writers of our generation." Her book maintained the position of #1 Best-Selling Novel at Flourish & Blotts for a little over a month.
Hermione never suspected the enthusiasm people had for her writing. Be A Success had originally been drafted out as a kind of 'How To' guide on navigating the world of Hogwarts. She intended to write about how to balance social activities with academics and navigating the intricate class, blood, and house social barriers. However, it somehow developed into a quasi-feminist book for women in the Wizarding World–complete with advice on school, jobs, and relationships. She was very proud of the final product and pleased that so many people enjoyed her work as well.
In celebration of the success of her first publication, Hermione's friends decided to take her out to The Hog's Head Tavern. The group decided that the tavern was the best option since was located a block away from the more popular Three Broom Sticks, situated on the bustle that was High Street. Many in their group were still popular icons in the Wizarding World; they didn't want to attract an unnecessary crowd.
All of her close friends showed up for the celebration – her boyfriend Ron, Harry and Luna Potter, Seamus Finnigan, Terry Boot, Lavender Brown and her best friend Susan Bones, Neville and Ginny Longbottom, Dean Thomas, and George and Angelina Weasley. It was quite an affair.
"Goodness Hermione. I couldn't put the thing down; it was witty and humorous. I didn't quite expect that of your writing," Lavender exclaimed in her traditional backwards manner.
"Thanks Lavender." I think? Hermione never could figure out if she was being genuine or stealthily insulting her.
"I was particularly interested in your relationship advice," contributed Susan. "You mentioned often that you were happy; could marriage be in the cards for you two soon?" At this exclamation all heads turned questioningly towards the surprised couple.
Hermione turned to meet Ron's gaze. He kissed her cheek sweetly as she blushed. Luckily for them, neither of them had to address the question because of an unforeseen interruption.
A couple of moments earlier, Draco strolled into the bar. He immediately spotted Blaise at a center stool.
"What's good man?" Blaise asked, when he spotted Draco.
"Absolutely nothing," Draco exclaimed as he uncharacteristically slumped into the barstool. "A firewhisky," He said to the bartender.
Blaise chuckled. "Oh, fuck off! You wouldn't be any more pleasant if your parents were on the outs." Draco growled out.
"Possibly, but it's not a concern since both my parents are dead," Blaise replied smoothly.
"Come off it! Your parents have been dead since the second war. Let's try to stay current, shall we?" Draco said as only a single-minded, self-centered egoist could.
"Right, let's dwell on the fact that you're a child of a broken home now," replied Blaise with a hint of a smile.
Draco sulked over his firewhisky, "This isn't even remotely humorous, my parents are separating and all because some mudblood bitch published a damn book."
"Hmm. Well, that 'mudblood bitch', as you call her is sitting right over there. It seems as if she and her friends are celebrating," Blaise said coolly.
Draco turned his attention to the animated table at the back of the bar. "Fantastic." He chugged down the remainder of his firewhisky before he stood and made his way over to the table.
Blaise shook his head. He finished his drink before slowly following behind Draco.
"Isn't this a quaint affair?" interrupted Draco. "The fabulous fucking golden trio, complete with the mudblood Gryffindor princess, and their devoted posse!"
Everyone looked up at the blond, shocked by his abrupt comment.
"Watch it Malfoy. Don't say something your going to regret later," rebutted Dean.
"That is sound advice ginger," responded Draco. "Maybe you should direct it to your opinionated girlfriend."
"Excuse me?" Hermione exclaimed, baffled.
"No, I won't. You're a thorn in my side, an ache that won't go away," Draco said. "I can't believe anyone would publish anything you have to say. Your book is rubbish!"
Hermione furrowed her eyebrows in confusion. She had no idea why Malfoy was making such a scene or why he seemed to be overly agitated with her.
"Tell me Granger, when you started your book, was it your intention to destroy marriages or was that just a delightful unforeseen consequence?" Draco asked while looming exceedingly close to her face.
"That's enough! Get him out of here," hollered Harry.
Dean and George forcibly escorted Draco to the door as he continued to rant and throw around obscenities. Harry got up to follow, as did Blaise. When they reached the door, Dean and George unceremoniously threw Draco out on his bum.
Blaise crossed his arms and leaned against the wall of the building, watching the scene play out.
"You might feel the need to be more diplomatic in your behavior Malfoy, considering I am your boss," Harry said contemptuously. "Speaking of work, I expect to see you bright and early Monday morning; you're going to have a lot case files to review."
He left to return to his party's table with Dean and George. Draco stood and brushed off his trousers.
"You certainly know how to make a night interesting," said Blaise.
"Someone needed to knock her down a few pegs," replied Draco.
Blaise shook his head and mutters a sound "grow up," before apparating on the spot. With a faint pop he was gone, leaving a still cross Draco alone outside the bar.
Three Days Ago
Narcissa Malfoy stood elegantly in the center of the one of the sunrooms on the first floor of Malfoy Manor. She was wearing a floor length silk black gown under a formal deep green dress robe with gold accentuates that assert nobility. Her long, straight blonde hair flowed beautifully down her back. Narcissa Malfoy was the epitome of pureblood regality.
"Missy!" she announced.
A house elf appeared after a faint pop. "Yes, Mistress," squeaked Missy.
"Be a dear and shrink that portrait; accio it to the carriage outside," she said, "I believe it will look lovely in the living room of the Chateau, don't you Draco?"
"Mother, what is the point of all this?" Draco asked as he massaged his temples. The blond was lounging on a chair near the fireplace watching his mother as she glided throughout the room. He was dressed semi-formally in black dress shoes, black slacks, black belt, and a dark green collared button down.
"Don't be so dramatic dear, its only a temporary separation," she responded. "You really should read Hermione Granger's book. She is quite insightful."
"I don't care about anything some know-it-all mudblood wrote about," he replied.
"Sweetheart, the war is over and the Dark Lord is gone; there is no call for being so vulgar," she said. "Besides, I think that Granger girl made some very compelling arguments in her book.
"In fact, she said that 'you can't expect to have a happy, and content relationship if you aren't happy and content with yourself. If you don't love yourself, why would someone else? Very insightful," Narcissa finished.
She put her hand on Draco's cheek affectionately, and smiled, "Don't pout sweetheart, it's unseemly."
Draco loved his mother greatly. Growing up he always felt that his father never appreciated his mother enough. He resented his father for constantly putting his obligations before his family's well being. Draco was proud that has mother finally found the courage to stand up to his father, and demand that he see her as more than just his wife. It was just frustrating that it involved her leaving Malfoy Manor; it seemed so drastic.
"I'm leaving now. I need to make sure that the house elves have everything in order at the Chateau," she announced. "Let your father know. And Draco, dear, do write and visit some time."
"Of course mother," Draco said as he kissed her cheek. "By the way, where is father?"
"He's in his study, brooding as usual…goodbye dear." And then she left with a smile.
Draco made his way through the long hallways of Malfoy Manor towards his father's study. All the curtains had been opened as sunlight flowed serenely through windows throughout the manor. It was a beautiful day - light and airy. The manor had been restored to its potential glory some time after the end of the second war. Long gone was the dark and damp atmosphere that once plagued every corner of Draco's childhood home. Magical portraits were displayed along fresh wallpaper. House elves scurried about arranging bouquets set out on various end tables. Draco found he could breathe in this atmosphere, but he wondered how all this would change with his mother's absence. Narcissa took care of the household. She directed the house elves work with decorations, floral arrangements, and successfully created a homey feel.
Draco entered his father's study without pretense, falling into one of the winged backed chairs conveniently located in front of his father's large ornamental oak desk.
"Has she gone?" Lucius asked.
"Yes; left only moments ago. You could still catch her if you'd like," Draco prompted.
Lucius leaned back in his desk chair. He was nursing a glass of scotch that he absentmindedly swirled in his hand.
"No need, she'll come back," Lucius said cryptically.
Draco observed his father with a critical eye. To anyone else his father would seem intimidating, arrogant. Lucius exuded a composed and calm attitude. However, there were a few subtleties that alerted Draco to his father's inner turmoil. For instance, the incessant tapping of his pointer finger to the head of his emerald eyed, silver and black snake cane indicated he was unsure. The tense posture he was holding suggests he was nervous.
Draco took these signs as clues that maybe a separation for his parents wouldn't be wholly beneficial, and because of that, he blamed this whole situation on Granger.
I hope you all enjoyed! Please keep an eye out for my updates. =D