Chapter 2

"George, Narcissa and Draco are here. Please fetch Hermione. I think she's in my study."

Jane opened the door and hugged Narcissa; "How are you dear?" Jane asked little Draco.

"I am very well thank you ma'am. Where is Hermione?"

"She will be down in a few moments." Draco rushed inside to wait by the steps, his foot tapping impatiently against the marble floor.

"Please come in. I see Draco is impatient to see Mione again."

Laughing softly Narcissa replied; "Goodness Jane! He could not stop talking about her all day! I finally had enough at about noon and told him we are to have dinner with you tonight. You should've seen his little face when I told him. But he quickly made me promise to never hold such news from him again."

Both ladies laughed, amused, at Draco. But looked up when they heard the tell-tale click-clack of heels on marble. Hermione had worn her only dress, black lace with red polka dots, and her miniature heels her mother bought her for her aunt's wedding. Jane sighed with relief when she saw Hermione's face held not a single trace of make-up. George was coming down just behind his daughter, he was glad his little girl had finally started to make friends but he was a tad disappointed that it was with a little boy and not little girl. He believed it to be every father's worst nightmare.

"George dear, this is Narcissa Malfoy and her son, Draco."

"Sir, it is a pleasure to meet you." Draco and George shook hands.

"Quiet the little man you are, take care of my baby girl." He whispered the last part to Draco. Draco grinned and nodded his head, "You can count on me, sir!" It was as easy at that to get Hermione's dad to approve their impending nuptials, Draco couldn't remember why he was so nervous to talk to the man, and clearly he had good taste in future son-in-laws.

"And Narcissa, pleasure to meet you at last, my daughter has told me a lot about you."

"The pleasure is all mine George. And I hope the young miss has had only positive things to say about me."

"Oh yes. She asked me to thank you for your invitation for ice cream yesterday. She was most pleased."

The adults removed themselves to the nearest lounge area, but were still able to keep an eye on the kids.

"Hello Hermione. You look pretty." Draco took her hand and did what he's seen his father always does, kissed the top of her hand. Hermione blushed crimson and barely managed to squeak out a greeting in reply.

"How was your day?"

"It was nice; I finished reading Beauty and the Beast. Now I'm reading Sleeping Beauty."

"Oh? Is it about same girl?"

"No silly. This girl's name is Aurora and she was put to sleep for a hundred years by an evil witch but was saved by a Prince who kissed her awake."

"I think you really like reading books about magic and kissing."

Hermione's eyes lit up and she nodded hard once and smiled, "Yes I do. I wish to be able to do magic." Draco looked at his mother; she was in what appeared to be a deep conversation with the other two adults.

"You might be able to do it."

"How do you know?"

"I believe you will be able to. Try it. Do something magical." Hermione had a slight frown on her brow as she concentrated but nothing happened. Draco looked slightly disappointed but soon he had his smile back.

"It doesn't matter if you can do magic or not. I'll protect you by myself, always."

The rest of the night was spent eating a delicious meal and sweet dessert, talking about strange and random topics. Draco told Hermione about a letter he got from his friend Blaise, which said that he was coming to Malfoy manor next week for an extended visit and wanted to know if Hermione would like to meet Blaise.

It took Hermione a full minute before her parents agreed to the visit but a sleep over was strictly forbidden (by Mr Granger, of course). Again a time was set and the Malfoy pair made their way to the front door, "Dinner was lovely Jane, thank you. We had a wonderful night." After many pleasantries were exchanged and promises for future dinners made, Narcissa took hold of Draco's hand and apparated them to the Manor.

"Mother, I will marry her one day."

"She's here! She's here! Blaise come on!" Draco shouted with glee as he ran down the steps, he hasn't seen Hermione for almost three days, not since their second outing at the park. Draco skidded to a halt in front the heavy oak door, impatient for his father to open it.

"Now Draco, make sure you keep to your rooms. I don't want to have to Obliviate your little girlfriend."

"She's not my girlfriend father, she's my future wife." Draco stated confidently. A little shocked at his son's statement Lucius slowly opened the front door and was met with the site of a beautiful young woman holding the hand of a shy little girl. Hermione felt a blush blossom on her face when a strange man opened the door, definitely Draco's father.

"Hello Mr Malfoy, my name is Emma, I am Hermione's sitter. Her parents were called away on business yesterday and informed me of the visit. I was told you were notified of my coming in the place of Mrs Granger."

"Yes, yes the sitter. Please come in. Hello Hermione, I am Draco's father, Lucius."

"Hello Hermione!" Draco pushed past his father, he spared a single glace at the strange woman holding Hermione's hand but his attention was soon captured by Hermione.

Once again he took hold of Hermione's hand and kissed the top, his father looked proud at the display of gentleman-like behaviour his son was showing.

"Please come in, I want you to meet Blaise!" Draco dragged Hermione inside the house; Emma made to follow but was stopped by Mr Malfoy.

"Emma, would you care to join me and my wife for some refreshment, tea perhaps?"

"It would be my pleasure, Mr Malfoy."

"Would you care to tell me more about my future daughter-in-law?" Lucius asked calmly, enjoying the bewildered look that crossed the young woman's face.

"Excuse me?!"