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Chapter 2
"Excellent," Lucius smiled broadly. Draco's expression mirrored that of his father. Obviously, the Malfoys were quite pleased. "Let me be the first one to welcome you to the family!"
"Not so fast, Lucius," Severus cut in. "The Act of Good Faith was agreed upon, yes, but let us take a moment and talk terms."
Hermione's face felt flushed and her chest tightened. Suddenly, the too-warm room felt stifling. She was getting married. She was getting married to Malfoy. She was marrying the Ferret! Well, sure – he had grown into his facial features as he aged and no longer resembled a pointy-faced rodent at all. But still! Hermione's brain was whirling at the turn of events. She did register that Severus had begun to advocate for her, for which she was grateful. She did not know if she could think straight at that moment. Next to her, Arthur poured a glass of cool water. She gratefully accepted it and began to drink. It really did help the constriction in her chest and she felt better able to attend to the conversation.
"Are you taking on the role of Miss Granger's intercessor, Severus?" Lucius asked, arching an eyebrow in that signature Malfoy way.
"I may well be, if she likes," Severus replied impassively. "After all, as she is Muggle-born, her family is not likely fit for the role."
"What is an intercessor?" Hermione piped in, having finished one glass of water in one go and started in on her second.
"Basically a marriage broker," Severus replied, turning to face the young witch. "As Lucius mentioned, most marriages in the aristocracy are arranged by the families. Some families use a professional intercessor, but for most, the father or head of the household would take on this role. They are usually quite well versed at contract negotiation."
Hermione considered this for a moment, her brows furrowing.
"Am I not well versed enough at contract negotiation to do it myself?" she questioned, honestly curious.
"Clearly you are," Draco smiled. "The past six weeks have proven that. Given the… intimate nature of these negotiations, however, people have found that a caring, concerned party, who has your best interest at heart best fills the role of intercessor. As the bride, you are too close to the situation and may not make the best deal for yourself, due to …personal feelings."
Hermione nodded. That made sense to her. Her own father was a Muggle of course, but also he was a dentist – not a businessman or solicitor used to dealing with contract negotiations. He would not be able to match the Malfoys and he would be lost regarding any magical components of the agreement. Arthur Weasley was very much like a father to her since she entered into the wizarding world. During the treaty negotiations, however, Hermione had noticed that he was not particularly shrewd and she had to think of what was best for her future. This was important. This was her life!
"I do believe Severus is the best choice to act as my intercessor," Hermione finally stated. She did notice out of the corner of her eye that Arthur looked a bit relieved. "I trust him."
Severus seemed to straighten up a bit at her statement. Hermione knew they had a rocky past when they were student and teacher. Once she learned of his role as a spy for the Order of the Phoenix, Hermione understood the façade he needed to construct. Severus sacrificed so much working as a double agent in this war as well as the last, so she did not begrudge him a bad attitude or snarky comments while he had to fill that role. She did trust him, as she said. He had not steered her wrong during the course of the treaty negotiations, Hermione did not see why he would start now.
"But the treaty is finished, right?" Kingsley put in. A hopeful look shone in his eyes. Hermione was a bit miffed, but acknowledged that he should be more invested in establishing a peaceful future for his people than he was in the stipulations of her marriage.
"Yes, Mr. Shacklebolt," Lucius nodded. "We agree to the treaty as it was last presented. The only addition we would ask is a line at the end stating that the Act of Good Faith for this treaty was agreed upon and that Miss Hermione Granger will become Lady Malfoy to seal it for all perpetuity. If no one objects to that addition, we have a binding pending treaty that we can put into effect."
"Pending?" Hermione questioned.
"Traditionally, a treaty isn't officially sealed, absolute and indisputable, until the Act of Good Faith is complete," Arthur gently informed the witch, his hand on her shoulder. He seemed to realize that she was trying to take in and make sense of a lot of new information.
"So we have a treaty we can start using, but it can still be revoked by either side until the wedding?" Kingsley questioned. He was good at getting down to brass tacks.
"Precisely, Mr. Shacklebolt," Draco replied. "But the treaty negotiations are finished. We can publicize the treaty immediately and begin implementing the terms tomorrow."
Everyone sat and contemplated what it meant for each of them now that they were finally finished. Kingsley was eager to receive the restitution from the Death Eaters and begin to rebuild the Ministry infrastructure. It was established that he would be the new Minister of Magic for the next year, until things were stable enough to hold a proper election. Arthur was to act as the Deputy Minister during that time. He was particularly interested in properly enacting the anti-discrimination laws and other programs detailed in the treaty. Hermione had imagined that she would be working on Arthur's staff and assisting with the new legislation and programs.
At that moment, however, the implementation of the treaty was the farthest thing from her mind. She was focused on the unexpected turn her life had taken. She had not planned on getting married anytime soon. She did not even have a boyfriend! Now she was trying to wrap her head around becoming a wife and Lady Malfoy to top it all off. She was going to get married. She was going to have to live at Malfoy Manner. She would have a wedding. She would have a wedding night! Hermione blanched at the speed with which all this was happening.
Both Malfoys seemed to relish the new development, keeping their eyes on the soon-to-be Lady Malfoy. If Malfoys ever got giddy, which they did not, then the giddiness and anticipation would have been palpable. For his part, Severus appeared focused on what was going to come next. He had a lot of work ahead of him. There was an almost unfathomable culture divide between the quick-witted Muggle-born and those dyed in the wool pureblood aristocrats.
"It has been a long day and it is getting to be dinner time," Severus finally stated. "Let us break for the day, agreed?" At Lucius' nod, Severus continued. "Then the four of us can meet back here tomorrow at 9am. Arthur, Shacklebolt – your presence is no longer be required, as the rest of the negotiations will be personal regarding the marriage."
The group rose to their feet, Hermione still in a daze. She very much needed the time to clear her head and organize her thoughts. She was sure that she would come up with dozens, if not hundreds, of questions for the next day. In the past at the end of a day, everyone usually went their separate ways, knowing they would meet again to negotiate the next day. Today, however, they paused. Arthur and Kingsley took turns shaking hands with the Malfoys, everyone congratulating each other on a successful treaty and hopes for a peaceful future. The blonds then turned to Hermione and strode toward her. She had a fleeting thought that they were so beautiful, feline and predatory, as they made their way toward her.
"Get some rest tonight, little one," Lucius purred as he brought her hand up to his lips. Hermione briefly wondered at how soft his lips were as he brushed them lightly across her knuckles. "We know that mind of yours will be working overtime, but you must not neglect your rest."
"We do want you in good form tomorrow, Kitten," Draco smiled as he moved to stand close to her. Hermione noted that his body very lightly brushed up against hers and she shivered. He was very tall that close. Draco leaned down and pressed his lips to her cheek. As he pulled back an inch, he whispered, "And what a lovely form it is."
Temporarily dazed the by onslaught of Malfoy, Hermione had to take a few steps back, forcing Lucius to drop her hand. She had not realized that he had been holding it still. She suddenly felt too warm again and did not think it was the summer heat. She shook her head slightly and cleared her throat.
"Gentlemen," Hermione finally stated strongly, jutting out her chin. "I will see you tomorrow."
Severus just nodded to the smiling blonds and took Hermione's elbow, doing a side-along Apparition to Grimmauld Place. Hermione was sure her lack of focus put her at risk for Splinching, so it was safer for Severus to accompany her. Besides, they had things to discuss over dinner before facing the formidable blond duo the next day.
Hermione felt that familiar second of swirling nausea that always accompanied Apparition as she found herself staring at the front door to 12 Grimmauld Place. Her mind was so muddled that it took her a moment to recall that she had to open the front door. She gave a light tap on the door with her wand so the wards could recognize her magical signature and Severus ushered her in through the door.
"Hermione, you are going to have to snap out of it," Severus told the dazed witch in the front hall as she just stood there.
"I just…Severus, I don't…" Hermione had to take a deep calming breath. "I don't know what to do!"
"That is why I am here," he rolled his eyes. Hermione smiled at the childish gesture that was so like the teenagers he used to teach. "First, go upstairs and change into something comfortable. Then come back down and we will have dinner. After dinner, we will adjourn to the study where you can ask me all the myriad of questions you have spinning around in that brain of yours. And you will tell me what you want for yourself in this marriage so we know where to start tomorrow."
Hermione nodded and headed for her bedroom. Severus had organized the evening nicely for her, which she appreciated. Hermione always felt better when she had a plan, when she felt organized. Once in her room, she robotically stripped off her robes. She always wore dark, professional, tailored business robes to the negotiations because she wanted to appear sharp and formidable. Unfortunately, the robes were too hot. She preferred bright colors, soft fabrics, and comfort in her regular life. Slipping on a pair of very worn, comfortable jean shorts and an old Quidditch jersey from Victor Krum, Hermione walked to the bathroom. She washed the summertime grime from her face and hands. Hermione uncoiled her long curly hair out of the now messy bun she used to restrain the unruly locks. Brushing it out and weaving it into a thick braid was therapeutic. As each minute passed, Hermione felt herself moving past the shock of what happened and she began thinking of questions she wanted to ask Severus later.
Hermione entered the Grimmauld Place kitchen to find a haughty looking Severus sitting with an irritable Ronald Weasley. Kreacher, Harry's inherited house-elf, bustled around, putting food in bowls and setting the table. Hermione bit back her offer to assistance to Kreacher, as those never went over well with the grizzled old elf. While his attitude had improved significantly, he was still not a very nice elf. His madness appeared to have been caused by being left alone so long, with no company except several of the old Black portraits. Once they were removed and Kreacher had regular contact with real people, his sanity improved. He was also forbidden from speaking to any of the remaining house portraits, just in case.
"Finally, 'Mione!" Ron exclaimed. "We are starving down here!"
"Where's Harry?" she asked, sitting in the chair closest to Severus. Ron scowled at her choice of seats. He did not understand Hermione's friendship with the snarky Potions Master and for some reason always looked at them suspiciously.
"He'll be back any second. He just went to pick up some papers at the Ministry," Ron whined. "But this one," he complained, jerking his head toward Severus, "said we couldn't eat until you got here."
"That is the polite thing to do, Ronald," Hermione scolded, her eyes narrowed at her often rude, always oblivious friend.
Just as Ron began to look affronted by her criticism, Harry stumbled out of the Floo in the kitchen.
"There you are, Harry!" Ron exclaimed. "We've kept dinner waiting for you, so come have a seat."
As Kreacher transported the many steaming dishes to the table, Hermione glared at Ron and Harry joined the others. The roasted chicken with fresh summer vegetables, flaky salmon pie, green salad, and peach cobbler looked and smelled wonderful, but Hermione could not summon too much of an appetite.
"Congratulations, Hermione! You too Severus, I guess," Harry beamed from his seat across the table. Hermione stiffened at his congratulatory words. She wondered how he had found out about her impending marriage so quickly! "I ran into Kings and Mr. Weasley at the Ministry! They told me you all finally finished the treaty today. You must be thrilled. I know how much working on this has meant to you."
"Oh, yes!" Hermione knew she was blushing. She had no idea how she was going to tell her oldest friends about the Act of Good Faith. Ron in particular was going to explode. Harry, she knew would support her – he always did. "There is just one thing left to do before the treaty is set in stone, so to speak. But it is binding even now."
"Hey!" Ron interrupted. "How come you didn't tell me that you finished today?"
"You were too concerned for the state of your stomach for me to get a word in!" Hermione retorted. Ron just rolled his eyes, shrugged, and continued shoveling food in his mouth. She always suspected he ate like a starving man because he had to compete with so many others at home to get a fair share. It did not look like he was going to be growing out of it anytime soon.
"Kings was nice enough to make me a copy so I could read it tonight. It is going to be published in the Daily Prophet of course, but that won't be until tomorrow," Harry smiled. He waved his wand over the thick roll of parchment and created a duplicate he handed to Ron. "Here you go, Ron. Now you can read it, too! Given that Hermione helped write it, I am sure it is brilliant."
"You expect me to read all this!" Ron choked out, his eyes going wide. Hermione just turned away and started pushing food around on her plate. She had hoped she could wait to tell people about the marriage until the next day, after the initial meeting with the Malfoys. Surely then she would have more information. Now, all she could tell people was that she had to marry Malfoy. She would feel better having some details to use as a shield when the unpleasant comments and opinions started.
"Eat, Hermione," Severus cut in softly. "You will need your strength and your wits about you tomorrow."
"What is happening tomorrow?" Harry asked curiously. Hermione just watched him unrolling the treaty parchment and spreading it all out next to his plate.
"Tomorrow we are arranging a marriage," Severus calmly reported.
"Absolutely not!" Ron shrieked, toppling over his butterbeer as he went to stand. "Hermione you can't marry this greasy git! I will not allow it!"
"What!?" Hermione shouted and she bolted up from her chair, shocked at Ron's outburst. She knew he would explode, but he was way out of line. "Allow it? You will not allow it? In what universe, Ronald Weasley, do you have any right to dictate my personal life?"
Hermione's ire was rising quickly to meet that of the overly emotional redhead. Everyone at the table knew an angry Hermione was far more dangerous than a ticked-off Ron.
"Before you get yourself hexed, Mr. Weasley, you may want to hear the facts," Severus drawled, managing to sound bored at Ron's peril. "If you are going to make a scene and be a complete arse you may as well understand why first. Then Hermione can hex you."
"Why are you arranging a marriage, 'Mione?" Harry cut in. The concern and confusion showing on his face brought Hermione's rage down to a simmer.
"It is the last sentence of the treaty, Harry," Hermione sighed, gesturing to the parchment in front of him. Harry shuffled for a moment. Hermione knew he found the addendum when he eyes went wide and he paled significantly.
"You have to marry Malfoy for the treaty to be completed?" Harry managed to ask.
"Yes," Hermione sighed, sitting back down. She knew she looked defeated. She certainly felt that way and had no energy to sugar coat or spin the information to make it more palatable for her friends. "I have to marry Malfoy."
Hermione just sighed when she heard Ron fall out of his chair in a dead faint.
