Authors Note:
This is my first fanfic based around a Draco/Hermione pairing so I hope I do it justice. Please feel free to leave reviews telling me what you think/what you want to happen in the future.
Disclaimer: All characters/places belong to JK Rowling.
Chapter 1: "I have to marry.."
Walking through the hallways late at night was one of the many things that Hermione hated about patrolling, that and the fact she had to patrol with Draco Malfoy. The ignorant slytherin who had make her life a living nightmare since first year at Hogwarts, well that was until she punched him in the face.. Since then he hasn't been nearly as horrid as he usually was.
As Hermione walked past the empty potions classroom, she couldn't help the shiver that ran down her spine. Why did she have to patrol with Draco Malfoy? Thankfully as soon as news made it to him, he confronted her demanding that they were to split up during patrols so that he wasn't "burdened by her mudblood presence". Ugh she hated that word, Mudblood. Everybody's blood is the same, their all the same consistency and colour, why did he have to call her that every chance he got?
Hearing a thud from the inside of the classroom, Hermione glanced around checking the hallway around her before entering to find the cause of the noise. The classroom was pitch black apart from one lit candle near the desk at the front of the abandoned classroom. As she made her way towards the front of the classroom, her shoes echoing across the room as she walked, a sniffle arose from the quietness.
As she neared the desk, the faint silhouette of a person huddled over in the corner caught Hermione's eye, the candle light flickering as she neared. Making her way slowly over to the figure, Hermione bumped into the side of the desk. The once open books that lay across the desk, now scattered across the floor. The figure, now aware of her presence quickly turned to face the intruder. Wand drawn pointing at the faint silhouette of the schoolgirl, Hermione now caught glimpse of the figures face in the candlelight. Draco Malfoy. The faint tracks of tears staining his once flawless cheeks. His blonde hair tousled showing signs that he'd clearly been running his hands through it previously.
Upon seeing who the intruder was Draco lowered his wand, and sunk helplessly into the corner of the room once again. Hermione slowly neared him, crouching down in front of him she took in the sight in front of her. Draco Malfoy was huddled up in the corner of the room, his cloak slung across the floor, his sleeves rolled up exposing the ink of the dark mark, red raw marks ran across his arm, tear streaked face and tousled hair..
Hermione couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness for the boy in front of her. Draco once realising the closeness of the girl in front of him, glanced up at her. Tears welling up in his eyes as he saw what her eyes were focused on.. "I can't make it go away..".
Hermione stunned by his voice, quickly snapped her gaze away from the mark and up to his face, "Make what go away?".
Draco sniffed, "The mark, I can't make it go away.. I'm not him Hermione, I'm not my father. This whole time I've had to do what he wanted and say what I had to, just to make it through all the horrid things that my father and he would make me do but I can't do it anymore. I'm not him."
Hermione sighed softly, reaching up and cupping his cheek. Draco quickly shrugged away from her touch, Hermione not giving up cupped his face once again. Grazing her thumb gently across his cheek. "You're not your father Draco, I know that and you know that.. You don't have to do any of this anymore, it's over.. The war is over".
Draco glanced up at Hermione, before reaching forward and pulling her body towards him. Wrapping his arms around her waist, Draco found comfort in her touch, the warmth that her skin was offering to him made him feel so calm. Hermione shocked at his actions, awkwardly wrapped her arms around his neck. Who knew that it could feel so good to hug Draco Malfoy? Hermione shook her head before pulling back slightly, glancing down at the boy who was too wrapped up in the comfort that she had to offer to realise.
Draco must have come to his senses because moments later he pulled away and glanced up at her face. Noticing the closeness between their faces Hermione's face flushed a deep crimson. Draco's eyes flickered between her eyes and her lips. Hermione nervously nibbled on her bottom lip, completely unaware that Draco was now transfixed to the lip that was pulled between her teeth. A slight growl escaped the back of Draco's throat as he pulled her closer, "Hermione.." he whispered.
Leaning forward and closing the gap between them, he placed his lips on top of hers. Hermione couldn't help but notice the warmth and softness of his lips.. Who knew it could feel this good to be kissing Draco Malfoy?
"Hermione.. Hermione!" Ginny yelled, pulling the sheets back off the brunette girl currently huddled up in the bed. Gripping the curtains in her hands Ginny quickly opened them, turning back to the brunette.
Hermione let out a sigh before turning to the now furious ginger teenager standing in her doorway, "Ginny? What's going on?". Glancing over at the alarm clock sat on her bedside table she quickly came to the realisation of why her best friend was waking her up so abruptly, it was 7am. The Weasley's were heading into Diagon Alley before the teens had to board the train and head to Hogwarts to start another year. "I'm sorry Ginny! I completely forgot, give me ten minutes and I'll be ready to go".
Hermione now grateful that she had packed the night before, headed into the bathroom to get ready. This year was the chance for Hermione, Harry and Ron among the many others who took part in the war to retake their seventh year, Hermione now living with the Weasley's found it very warming to have her best friends so close. Before the war started Hermione transferred her parents over to Australia, obliviating their minds of all the knowledge that they had of the wizarding world and Hermione in general. Once the war had ended, Hermione decided that it might be best to keep them over there, away from all the troubles that the wizarding world may have to offer in the future. Their memories were returned and she writes and recieves letters from them regularly, telling them all about her day.
Finished in the bathroom, Hermione headed back into her room changing into a basic pair of blue jeans with a blue fluffy jumper that her mother had given her for her 17th birthday the year before last. Hermione couldn't help her mind from wandering back to the dream that she'd had previous to being awoken by Ginny, Why was she dreaming of Malfoy? Shaking her head, Hermione tied her frizzy hair up into a bun before grabbing her wand and luggage and heading downstairs.
The smell of bacon enveloping the air as she walked into the kitchen where all the Weasley's were sat around the table. Harry sat next to Ron probably talking about quidditch or something. Mrs Weasley walked over to Hermione and hugged her, "Morning dear, would you like some breakfast?'
Hermione smiled at her, "Yes please Molly" she replied taking a seat next to Ginny at the table. After plating up some breakfast for Hermione, Molly placed the plate in front of her. Hermione smiled up at the woman, "Thank you so much Mrs Weasley".
"Oh nonsense dear, now eat up you all have a big day today" She replied, walking over to Mr Weasley.
The Weasley's along with Harry and Hermione tucked into their breakfast, the light chatter filling the room. Within a couple of minutes a loud thud could be heard echoing through the room, "That bloody bird, I swear he's getting worse" Ron mumbles, heading over to the window and taking the post off of Errol. After handing a treat to the owl, he returned to the table and handed everybody their letters.
"Hermione, there's two letters here for you" Ron said, handing them over before returning to his seat to open his letter.
After taking the letter from Ron, Hermione proceeded to open the letter.
Miss Hermione Jean Granger,
This year upon the return of students for their seventh year we have welcomed a new law into the state of the wizarding world, from today onwards all students aged 17+ will be required to take part in the new binded marriage law. We have taken into consideration your attitude and grades among multiple subjects as well as your personality and attitude towards other students. This new wizarding law is to bring together the equality of other houses, upon reaching our decision we have come across one suitable young man who will be well suited to yourself.
Your match: Draco Lucius Malfoy of Slytherin house.
Professor McGonagall
Upon reading the contents of the letter Hermione glanced up at the people surrounding them, a multiple arrangement of shock and surprise covering their faces. Glancing down at the other sealed letter in her hand, Hermione opened it and began reading.
Miss Hermione Jean Granger,
It is my greatest pleasure to announce that you have been chosen as Head Girl, I'm sure that this news comes as no surprise to many. Upon reaching Hogwarts and the welcoming feast, please meet me and the fellow Head Boy for further instructions. Please find attached your badge and I look forward to seeing you upon your arrival.
Congratulations Miss Granger.
Professor McGonagall.
A beaming smile appearing on her face as she turns to Ginny, "Gin, I got Head Girl!"
A squeal escaped the ginger as she enveloped her best friend in a hug, "Aw Hermione that's brilliant!"
Upon hearing the news everyone turned to Hermione and proceeded to praise her on achieving Head Girl.
Mrs Weasley cleared her throat before turning to her husband, "A marriage law? Can they really do that?"
Arthur glanced around at the teens sat around the table before turning to his wife, "Yeah they can Molly, they're old enough to fend for themselves now. If this is what the wizarding world thinks is for the best then we'll just have to go along with it".
Turning to Harry, Mrs Weasley asked him, "Harry dear, who have you been paired with for this marriage law?"
A flush appeared on Harry's cheeks as he glanced up from his letter to look at the woman who has been like a mother to him since he'd started at Hogwarts, before glancing at Ginny. Avoiding Harry's gaze, Ginny turned to Hermione to continue talking about becoming Head Girl in her final year. Harry cleared his throat before answering, "Cho Chang, Mrs Weasley".
Hermione looked over at Harry upon hearing the name of his pairing, "Harry, everything will work itself out. I'm sure you two will get along great after all the training for Dumbledore's Army that you did". Harry smiled at his best friend before nodding and turning to Ron.
"Who did you get paired with Ron?" He asked, once the question had left his mouth he couldn't help but notice the apparent look of sickness among his best friends face. "Ron? Is everything okay?".
Taking a deep breath before answering, Ron turned to Harry "I got paired with Pansy Parkinson". Mrs Weasley let out a audible gasp before turning to her husband, "What are they thinking pair our son with her? They don't even like each other, how will this work?" Arthur sighed, "They'll sort things out Molly, don't worry" a faint smile playing on his lips.
Everyone turned to Hermione, she took a deep breath before announcing to the table who her future husband to be was, "I got paired with Draco Malfoy.."
A gasp rang out among the table, "No way are you marrying that ferret 'Mione! They have to do something, they must have got it wrong!" Ronald shouted, his face turning red, a few shades lighter than his hair. Harry placed a hand on his friends shoulder, attempting to calm him down.
Ginny turned to Hermione and whispered, "Look at it this way, at least he's not that bad looking on the eyes".
Hermione shook her head, "I just hope he's not as bad as he was before the war, maybe he's changed.."
Mrs Weasley let out a quick shriek, "Oh dear, quickly lovelies grab your things, we're going to be late for the train!" After placing their dishes in the sink, everybody grabbed their luggage and made their way to the floo.
Hermione grabbed a handful of floo powder and made her way into the fireplace, "Diagon Alley" she yelled as she threw the powder down at her feet. One thought playing most at her mind, I have to marry Draco Malfoy.
A/N:
Let me know what you guys think, and I'll upload a new chapter as soon as I can,
DestinedByWolves.