Disclaimer: I own nothing and I won't repeat this
Author's Note: I had hoped to get a second chapter of What is Meant to be up today but this little ditty has been sitting on my phone for ages begging to be put up. It will probably only be 4 chapters of the actual bonding and fall out before Harry kills Voldermort, but fear not this will be a series. I just know I can pump out three more chapters minimum right now for this one and I don't want it to drag like WiMtb. Hope you guys enjoy.
Hermione woke with a start against a set of silk sheets.
"Shhh, my dear you're fine," a voice she didn't recognize whispered, it was soft and feminine as were the fingers that brushed through her hair. As her eyes adjusted she took in the room and the woman by her bedside. It was decorated in beautiful Victorian accents the large poster bed she lay in had to be at least a queen size the green of the rug it sat upon and the sheets that were wound around her were a give away she was still in Malfoy Manor. "You look like Jeannie," the voice came again, " my poor friend, you have her nose and her hair and most definitely her determination."
She focused on the face and gasped when she recognized Narcissa Malfoy sitting at her bedside.
"How? What do you want with me and how do you know my mother?" Hermione demanded albeit weakly.
"Your mother and I were playmates when we were girls. I, my dear, am the one who pried my sister away from you when I noticed the portrait of your grandparents screaming to get off there legacy. You don't know your mothers family do you?"
She shook her head, "My mother was in an accident in her teens and sent to live with a family friend she has no memories."
"She has no memories because she was obliviated. Your mother, Hermione, was a squib. You my dear are a descendant of the ancient house of Cromwell. You are a half blood for all technical merit. Jeannie was my best friend until her parents could no longer take the shame of a squib in the family and the danger it brought to them when rumours started to fly in the early 70's of his rise. They obliviated their child and sent her to live with a man and woman in Essex."
"Why am I here? Bellatrix was set on killing me for the information she needed." The question was one Narcissa knew was coming the second the child opened her eyes.
"Yes well, even dead your grandparents have some pull. You are the sole Cromwell heir, their two sons were killed in the first war for refusing the mark. Knowing you were Jeannie's I had to take you, there is however a catch. My loyalties lie in saving my son and now you alone, he has chosen to protect me as well instead of fighting for the light. I've claimed you publicly as a prize for my son, I'm aware of how barbaric it seems but he agreed if it keeps you safe then he will do what we must. Your friends have managed to escape and Draco fears that shortly there will be a battle to end it all. I will have to bond you to him to ensure that no other death eaters try to claim you or harm you in anyway." She explained, with each word Hermione's eyes grew wider
"Draco agreed to that?" The younger witch's question almost made her laugh.
"Dear as much of a prat as my son had been in the past, he does not wish for him to win this war. I believe it took the bravest witch he knew reduced to sobs but he had realized that the doctrines his father is so fond of and nothing but rubbish. "
"It was actually sixth year mother when he tasked me with a deed I could not complete." The voice came just after a crack.
"Darling you've returned." She smiled to see her son home and safe.
"Yes, it seems my future wife's friends broke into Gringotts and retrieved the cup so no worries on that part. They are safe by the way." He state turning to Hermione. "If you'd like we will both ready ourselves and you can preform the bonding mother."
"You realize what you're doing?" Hermione asked him, Draco only nodded. "Are you sure?"
"If Potter can't kill him, it will ensure your safety. It will also give you the power to save others under the guise of servants, mother has it all planned out. Considering my past indiscretions it's the least I can do." He stated walking to the wardrobe and picking out a suit. "I'm going to use the loo to freshen up, I believe mother has a gown for you in her room."
Narcissa nodded offering her hand to Hermione who took is cautiously.
"Did you think less of my mother when you found out she was a squib?" Hermione asked as the two witches made their way to Narcissa's chambers.
"Not really, but I had appearances to keep up. Should the young Potter boy fail I'll teach you all I know about keeping up airs, Merlin willing it won't come to that." She said pushing the door open to her large chambers.
The Victorian style continued into her chambers, there laid on the bed in all it's glory was a traditional bonding robe from the wizarding world. Hermione gasped, this wasn't just a joke the mother of her childhood tormentor had essentially sealed her fate.
"Willa." Narcissa called, " Please draw Miss Granger a bath, with bubbles, the vanilla ones. I believe if she's like her mother they are her favorite." The elf nodded and snapped herself to the adjoining en suite.
"This is all too kind Narcissa," Hermione said softly.
"Nonsense child, I'm essentially forcing you to marry my son, a boy who tormented you and your friends for the last 6 years. I'm not being kind I'm preserving what little I have left of the two things I feared losing most. My son and my best friend." Narcissa chided as Willa popped back in.
"If Miss Hermione would join Willa, she has drawn a bath with vanilla bubbles like Missus Narcissa asked." The elf smiled the most crooked smile.
"Good, good Willa, go on Hermione, Draco will be ready shortly but you take your time, a bride gets to be late a groom never." She smiled, as the young witch followed the elf into the next room, Narcissa mumbled to herself, " I couldn't save you Jeannie but I will take care of your girl, I promise."
