Disclaimer – I do not own Harry Potter, JKR does however the Bradbury's are my creation. Read and leave a review please.
Hermione POV – 23 December
Leaving the Hogwarts express with my trunks in hand, I stand at the entrance of the train station looking on ahead to the distance of rolling hills and winding streets. There is something very magical about this time of the year, writhes nailed to the front of house doors, children gathered in a circle singing their favourite carols below street lamps and of course the big bird everybody buys and eats for such a day. Christmas has always been one of my favourite traditions whether it is a muggle or magical occasion.
I pondered what Christmas would be like this year with my new family and what traditions do pure bloods have? That's right, last year right after the war had finished and the light side had won, I received an OWL right out of the woods claiming I wasn't who I thought I was, curiosity took over the cat but I decided to write back to the couple and inform them of their mistake. A few weeks later when myself and Draco Malfoy, the head boy, walked into our dormitory's living room, on the green love seat sofa sat Lord and Lady Bradbury.
A calming draught and a few raised voices later I accepted that I wasn't Hermione Granger the muggle born witch, but Hermione Bradbury a pureblood witch whom belonged to Slytherin parents. It took a lot of getting used to and I won't pretend everything was peachy in the beginning, but a few howlers and door slams later I think myself and my Grandparents are on some sort of understanding.
I corresponded through owls with my Grandparents over the duration of the year and in the holidays if my schoolwork permitted it I would return home to the sleepy town of Shropshire, my home that has had Bradbury's occupying the building for centuries, if I thought Malfoy Manor was grand then Bradbury Manor is fit for the gods.
Grandmother quickly got me into shape with such things as etiquette, fashion and how to socialize properly for social occasion amongst purebloods. Grandfather spent all his time with me in the Library and helping me brush up on my duelling skills in our specially constructed duelling cage.
"Hermione" I looked up to see a blonde haired young woman waving at me from the train station car park.
"Cassie, how are you" I walked over and wrapped my arms around the young woman.
"I'm well, you look amazing Hermione" Cassie held on my arms but took a step back to take a proper look at me.
"Shall we get going I don't want to keep my Grandparents waiting"
Cassie nodded and opened the trunk so I could place my trunks inside and then walked around the car to make the long journey back to the Manor.
Cassie is a squib who helps around the Manor and was appointed my pa from the word go. Something I find slightly weird about the smaller brown haired witch is that she is unable to do magic but yet she can apparate and disparate, I wasn't aware squibs were able to do such things or is it just her ?
"How are my Grandparents?" I asked as soon as we left the station, Cassie flinched slightly, 'rather peculiar' I noted silently
"Very well" Cassie kept her steely blue eyes on the roads that unfolded ahead.
I took a piece of Parchment from my bag unfolding it I re-read the letter from my Grandfather for what seems like the hundredth time.
Dear Hermione,
I hope this letter finds you well, the manor has been lonely without you and I honestly believe it has started to sulk with only myself and your Grandmother for company. I am so very proud you have graduated and the top of your class aswell, your parents would have been so proud to call you their daughter. I nearly cried when I read your last letter, just don't tell anyone of course, this weekend I will take you out to celebrate just the two of us. I shall see you when school finishes next week and you return home. Never forget how proud I am of you and remember I will always stick by your decisions. Until I see you again my only Granddaughter.
Yours
Richard Bradbury
Not an hour later we were entering the mile stretch gravel road to the Manor, high bushes stopped the views of the garden being looked at whilst driving up to the Manor, shame really because the gardens to the Manor are beautiful with flower beds and a maze filled with mini fairy's on the right hand side and on the left a tennis court and a quidditch pitch.
"Who's here Cassie" I asked looking at the Cars parked near the circle waterfall .
"Lord and Lady Malfoy and Lord and Lady Nott" Cassie answered before getting out of the car she slammed the blue door shut before stormily walking up to the front door, frowning at her unusual attitude I pick up my pace and enter the house after her.
"Cassie" I hissed and pulled her around to face me as we stood at the entrance hall.
"What I'm I missing?" I asked letting go of her arm.
"I'm not allowed to say miss" Cassie answered formally and left me standing dumbfounded in the hallway.
"Well don't just stand there gawping at the help Granger" I averted my eyes slightly to see Draco Malfoy was leaning on the doorframe to the living room with a tall brown haired boy next to him, both with fire whiskeys in hand and dressed formally.
"She's more of a friend to me and you know it Draco" I rolled my eyes and headed for the stairs.
"There you are Hermione, I thought you would never arrive this end of Christmas" Grandmother pushed past Draco and the young gentleman to kiss me on the cheek in greeting.
"Come we have guests" Grandmother added a slight order into the simple command.
"Grandmother, how very nice to see you, but may I please go get changed first" Grandmother frowned but sternly nodded her head.
I ran up the stairs and into my room, on my four poster bed was my trunks from Hogwarts with a red gown hanging from the drapes post covered in a clear plastic bag.
"Cassie" I rubbed my forehead in frustration as Cassie appeared with a 'pop'
"I'm sorry I was a bit feisty earlier … still friends?" I asked the younger girl.
"Of course Hermione … just remember this evening I was always on your side" And with another 'pop' disappeared leaving me in my bedroom even more dumbstruck.
I changed from my robes and clothes into the red velvet and black lace dress; taking my hairband from my hair I let my light brown curls cascade down my back as I slipped my feet into some black kitten heels.
Grabbing my book, Pride and Prejudice from my bedside table, I walked downstairs to where our guests and my Grandparents were situated in the parlour. Everybody was too divulged into conversations to notice my entrance so I took a seat next to the door and opened my book.
"You can't sit there all night Granger" Draco purred into my ear that sent shivers down my spine.
"Now Draco, either you stop sneaking up on me or I will just have to fully body bind you for the rest of the evening" I looked up at him from the book and smirked.
"Hermione dear, bring your nose from your book and join the party" Grandmother sent me a pointed look and Draco helped me to my feet.
"Hey, if me and Theo have to be here then you do two … lighten up" Draco squeezed my hand lightly and led me over to where the adults and the young gentleman called Theo sat awkwardly.
"How's was your year" Grandfather kissed my cheek as I lowered myself into the chair next to his.
"Very well Grandfather, although I might have achieved higher scores if the Head boy wasn't forever gossiping in my ear" I smirked at Draco's pouting lips as a chorus of laughs sounded the room.
"I expected you to achieve higher scores this year" Grandmother said slightly icily whilst she sat and sipped her Earl Grey tea elegantly. I swear the term 'ice queen' originally referred to my Grandmother alone.
"Of course Grandmother" Grandmother nodded and began talking with Lady Malfoy.
"Take everything your Grandmother says with a pinch of salt my dear, she only wants the best for you" Grandfather patted my back gently
"I know Grandfather" I sighed and looked into my hands.
"So, Miss Bradbury what is it you plan on doing now you have left Hogwarts?" A man next to me asked suddenly.
"I'm sorry sir I didn't quite catch your name"
I accepted the tea from the floating tea tray and with a gentle flick of my hand it circled around the room once more.
"I'm sorry, so rude of me. My name is Aristaios Nott" Mr Nott reached for my hand and kissed my knuckles in greeting.
"Is it a tradition of your Family to have Greek names? Aristaios meaning Excellent and in Greek Mythology was the son Apollo and a mortal woman. Aristaios was born mortal but however it was Gaia that made him immortal" I babbled on as as Aristaios's raised an eyebrow.
"You know your Greek Mythology Miss Bradbury" Aristaios's said as Theo joined the conversation.
"Hermione is the brightest witch of our year Father, of course she has knowledge of Greek Mythology." Theo silently levitated his chair next to his Fathers and sat down.
"Theodore Nott" Theo reached his hand out for me to shake.
"Hermione Bradbury" I smiled and then looked at Aristaios "Gift of god?" I asked and slightly smirked
"Of course, Theodore is our only son" I nodded noticing the slight warning in his voice.
"Miss Bradbury, Miss Weasley is here to see you" Cassie announced at the doorway.
I smiled at the unexpected visit and excused myself from the room closing the door behind me to see Ginny stood in the hallway, her head in her hands.
"Ginny" I approached my red headed friend with caution, she looked up from her hands, her eyes were bloodshot and tears were still rolling down her face.
"Oh Hermione, the most horrible things has happened" I reached for Ginny's hand and led her into the dining room.
"What's happened, I'm sure it can't be that bad Gin" Ginny snorted and accepted my outstretched napkin.
"Mum and Dad have sold me to Blaise Zabini for marriage, a new marriage law is to be put in place next month and with Dad being high up in the ministry he caught wind of it before anybody else got a chance. I won't get to have my ever happily after with Harry, I have to marry Zabini … a Slytherin" I patted my friends hand gently.
"Blaise is a nice young man Gin; he will keep you well and want for nothing. I have met him a couple of times at Malfoy Manor, really good looking and his eyes …oh my they can make any witch faint and if it helps at least he was neutral during the war" I pointed out as Ginny looked up.
"I'm surprised your Grandparents haven't tried marrying you off yet Mione'" My hand reached my mouth, oh dear lord that's why …
"Gin, give me a few seconds and we will spend a little time together" Ginny nodded as I stormed into the parlour room guns fully loaded.
"You have to be kidding me Grandmother" Putting my hands on my hips I looked straight at her rather icily.
"Watch your tone young lady, we are doing what we think is best by you and we believe Mr Nott will be a fantastic Husband" I laughed loudly and glanced at my Grandfather who looked apologetic at me.
"Did you ever think to ask me what I thought of the subject? What if the marriage law never comes into place, then what? I will be married to somebody I don't love for nothing. I will not spend the rest of my life like that, I damn right refuse" I turned on my heel and headed to the door.
"Don't act like such a child Hermione" Draco shouted after me, I turned around and laughed as he stood up from the sofa away from his parents.
"That's rich coming from you Malfoy, it was only last week you cried your eyes out because you stubbed your toe" Draco reached for his wand the same time I had withdrawn my own.
"Hermione … lower your wand … you don't want to do something you regret" Ginny whispered next to me with her hand on my shoulder, I sighed and lowered it half way waiting for Draco to do the same act of forgiveness. Draco nodded sternly and lowered his wand down to his side.
"Cassie" The brown haired appeared with a 'pop' taken in the tension in the room stood slightly behind myself and Ginny.
"Could you please prepare an overnight room for Ginny next to mine and please contact Blaise Zabini, this is important," Cassie nodded and dissaparated away
"Could myself and Hermione have a few minutes of privacy" Theo who was still calm rose from his chair and held his preferred arm out for me to take.
"Fine" I took his arm and showed him into the dining room.
"Tell me … how much is the dowry on … this sham?" I asked Theo as I sat down at the table and Theo took a seat across from my own.
"Nothing, this is the beauty of it. We get married and I move into the Bradbury Manor, you still get to continue your education and there isn't a time limit on conceiving children. There were the rules of your Grandfather"
Theo's facial features were still as natural as he reached for my hand across the table.
"I know this isn't ideal Hermione, I can't believe I'm saying this but you're not the only one who wanted love from a marriage, but I respect you and if we start with the little things we might surprise each other, merlin knows you would have preferred Draco but Lucius has someone in mind for Draco and is keeping it tight lipped until the matter is settled."
I stroked his hand with my thumb and smiled softly up at him.
"I … look I barely know you and what I do know I dislike, I'm a straight forward woman and I don't want this as much as you do, but I won't take you for a ride and I promise to stand by you, ok?" I asked as Theo nodded his head in agreement
"Who's idea was the marriage?" I asked pulling my hand away slightly
"Mine actually" I frowned at his bluntness and Theo continued.
"I only want the best, you have the brains, the beauty, you're not snobby for a pureblood, you know what you want out of life, I believe we will have very intellectual if not heated conversations and you're not afraid to speak your mind, I wasn't the only Death Eater … former may I add, to want you. I know for a fact Goyle and Crabbe Snrs were in touch with Lord Bradbury petitioning for you"
I sighed and rubbed my head with my free hand.
"I guess I got the best package then haven't I?" Theo nodded looking slightly taken aback.
"Shall we return back to the parlour?" I asked as I stood up.
"Lets" Theo offered me his arm again and this time I held onto it a bit more than previously.
"I'm sorry for ruining the evening" I addressed everyone as soon as Theo shut the door behind the two of us.
"Nonsense dear, it's an expected reaction" Narcissa piped up from next to my Grandmother.
"Theodore say goodbye to Miss Bradbury" Theo's Mother Demanded
"Goodbye Hermione" Theo kissed my hand and stepped back to stand with his parents.
"Theo I shall owl you sometime this week if I find the time from meddling Grandparents" Theo nodded from his place standing behind his Mother's chair.
"Oh and Dray, you still have my Hogwarts History, if you have ruined the binding of my book again I expect the latest addition for Christmas" I said over my shoulder as I shut the parlour behind me and Ginny.
"Blaise Zabini is here Hermione" Cassie addressed opening the front door.
"Today is never going to end" I whispered quietly to Ginny as she laughed slightly.
"Hermione …. Miss Weasley" Blaise kissed both of our hands in turn and stepped back slightly.
"Shall we go the library, I know for a fact we will not be disturbed at such an hour" Blaise nodded and followed closely behind the two of us walking up the stairs and corridors until we finally reached the library.
I set the fire in the room going and motioned for the two guests to sit down in the available chairs.
"I think I know why I am here" Blaise swivelled in his seat slightly so he could face Ginny
"Ginerva, just let me say before you shout and rave. I have admired you from school, your feisty attitude and your beauty is what draws me in. Around the same time I heard wind of this law I also heard a certain Golden boy had petitioned for Miss Parkinson. Weird? Yes I thought so two. The two of them had never said a word to each that wasn't an insult as far as I am aware. I also wasn't aware the two of you were no longer an item" Blaise stopped for a breather.
"I either wasn't aware you had split from Harry, Ginny?" I questioned and looked to the witch fiddling with her fingers.
"We had an argument the week before last, Harry became distant and said he needed space, I thought if I left him alone long enough he would come back to me, but he didn't" Ginny sighed unable to cry anymore.
"Hermione" Grandfather knocked and walked into the room.
"Yes grandfather" I looked up to see my Grandfather's hand rested on the door handle as he stood in Library.
"Cassie has prepared rooms for Miss Weasley and Mr Zabini if need be" I nodded and turned to the couple in front of me.
"If it isn't too much of a problem Lord Bradbury I wish to decline, I think it would be beneficial for Miss Weasley to spend the night at Zabini Villa" Grandfather nodded his head in understanding and escaped the room.
"Miss Weasley" Blaise stood up and offered his hand, Ginny still looking at her feet stood up and took his hand.
"Hermione thank you for your hospitality but we will be leaving now" I smiled and watched the two walk into the floo fire and disappear into green flames.
Sighing I left the library and walked to my bedroom. Closing my bedroom door behind me I banged my head quietly on the wood before settling into my routine of bedtime. Taking my gown off I placed it back on the hanger and slipped into some pyjamas. A simple cleansing spell and a few pages of Pride and Prejudice later my eyes began to slip were sleep took over.