I'm glad that this fanfic has positive reviews! I was kinda scared to publish it, haha but here you go! Chapter 2 :)
*Hermione POV *
I was nervous, to say the least. I checked myself out in the mirror. I wasn't one to care about how I looked but I did look good, better than usual. I put physical thought into my appearance today. My crazy curly brown hair fell around my shoulder in soft beach swept waves. I had makeup on for the first time in months. I was wearing a simple blue dress. I felt good about myself. It's true what they say if you feel good about how you look on the outside you slowly feel better on the inside. I took the elevator up to my floor and walked to my office and smiled at Byron.
"Morning Byron" he sent me a small nervous smile
"You look good, Ms Granger."
"Thank you, Byron. Do I have any mail?"
"Not as of now."
"Okay uh let me know if you need me." I walked into my office and sat down in my chair and took a few deep breaths. I knew what I was going to say. I had rehearsed what I was going to say. I went through the pros and cons. I didn't expect to feel this nervous. Time was going by way too fast, It was flying and I most certainly was not having fun. I spent 2 hours trying to focus on my case before giving up at exactly 11:27 AM. I got up and decided I'd walk to the cafe it was only 15 minutes once I got into muggle London. I walked out of my office, the butterflies in my stomach flying around much more viciously.
"Byron I have a lunch meeting." He nodded as I informed him.
"With . Your next meeting is at 2:00"
"I should be back well before then. It's just tea."
"Have fun!" I gave him a nervous smile before taking the elevator to the apparition point. I loved muggle London. It's where I grew up. Perhaps I'll visit my parents for dinner. I took my time walking to the cafe that Malfoy suggested. I took in the air and the small stores on my way to the cafe. My nerves were getting worse. Would it be a despicable thing to ditch the lunch date? Was it a date? Oh my god. I was really doing this. Hoo, pull your shit together Hermione. You can do this. You helped defeat a dark lord. You withstood torture under the hands of one of the most terrifying witches in the world. I can do this. I walked to see that Malfoy was already there, he was standing against the wall, reading a book. I couldn't help but smile at the sight.
"Hello," I said, he looked down and smiled at me before pulling out a bookmark from his pocket to hold his spot.
"Hey Granger, you uh you look pretty," he said with his signature smirk, I felt myself blushing and I really wish I had better control of my body.
" What book are you reading?" His smirk grew as I tried to change the subject
"It's just a compilation of research papers on the history of spells"
"Oh by who? You should read the one by Andy Dryer. It is just amazing."
"I read that one, I just don't know if I agree with his theory on Legilimens." I raised my eyebrow both impressed and curious.
"What don't you agree about it?"
"I'll let you pick my brain, once we get a seat?" he said his head nudging towards the office.
"Yeah, of course." I followed him to the cafe. He was right, it was a cute cafe. It smelled like coffee, the tables were round, the walls were a beautiful blue.
"A table for two, do you mind if we sit outside?" he asked me, I shook my head, it was beautiful out. I turned to look at our waitress she was pretty, her blonde hair up in a high ponytail, her hips swaying as she walked leading us to our table.
"I'll give you a few minutes to order."
"Thank you, sweetheart," he replied taking a look into the menu. She flashed him a flirty smile.
"Do you like pie?" he asked me very seriously
" I do."
"Good, they have amazing pie here. Do you want to share a blueberry and an apple?"
"Sure,"
"Cool, so Andy's theory on legilimens -"
"It's brilliant," I said interrupting him
"Simply brilliant, I mean to see inside another witch or wizard's mind"
"No, he makes it sound as if it's something you're born with Granger, anyone can perform the spell."
"Not as well, he makes a point, it's not about the spell. It's an overwhelming power, that takes a toll on the castor. He was implying that certain spells come down to those who are strong enough to accomplish them."
"You can build strength, and skill, the more you work on a spell. It's more about layers than the power you should read Barbara Steinfeld, she provides a great rebuttal to Dryer, I think you'd enjoy it. "
"Maybe I'll check it out."
"Are you two ready to order?" the blonde waitress asked,
"Yes, I'll have herbal tea, black."
"I'll have just plain black coffee as strong as you can make we'd like to share an apple pie and blueberry pie with extra whipped cream." I looked at him
"I have an extreme sweet tooth" he explained sheepishly
"That'll be all for now," I said with a smile, to the waitress who nodded and walked off.
"So," I said after a few moments of silence
"So" he repeated
"I assume you have an answer to my proposition."
" I uh I do, have an answer that is." he leaned forward
"Are you planning on telling the answer." I groaned and placed my face in my hands shielding myself from his stupid face.
"I am, I uh. Well, you see" I mumbled into my hands.
"Oh come on Granger, where is that stupid Gryffindor bravery of yours. Look me in the eyes and give me my answer." he was goading me, I knew it, he knew it, and it really shouldn't have worked because I was an adult and the house I was in when I was a child really shouldn't matter but it did. It worked I placed my hands neatly on the table spreading the tablecloth taking another deep breath before looking up to face him. The bloody git was enjoying this. He looked at me smugly. He knew the answer.
"I, I think we should," I said softly, biting my lips nervously as I looked at him. His stupid smirk morphed into a large smile.
"We should what exactly?"
"I. urgh you're enjoying this way too much."
"I just like understanding clearly Granger," he said with mock innocence
"I think we should get married." he leaned forward with a chuckle
"Let me hear it one more" I smiled involuntarily and leaned closer to him
" I think. We should. Get married." I said slowly, smiling as his smile grew wider and he leaned closer to me
"So you're saying yes."
"I am, saying yes, that is."
"That's great" he let out a nervous breath
"I really thought you'd say no."
"It made sense." we probably looked like idiots just smiling at each other. He grabbed my hand gently, his thumb caressing my knuckle softly.
"I'm glad, really."
"Surprisingly me too."
"Here you go" the waitress's voice bringing us out of the small trance we were in and we separated.
"Thank you, it looks delicious." she gave me a friendly smile,
"Let me know if you two need anything else."
"Will do," Malfoy said, after taking a sip of his coffee.
We ate quietly nibbling on the pies that were set in front of us. He was right they were amazing
"These are good pies,"
"Mhm," he moaned,
"The best pies, Granger," he said his mouthful with blueberry pie
"Very good Malfoy but not the best pies. There's a small bakery in Brooklyn I discovered on vacation. They have the best pies."
"Well, you're going to have to take me there someday, so I can be the true judge of that."
"Sounds like a plan Malfoy."
" Wow, uh we're gonna get married."
"We are, uhm I have a few conditions though. And after you hear them, if you back out I understand" I said, quickly.
"Lay them on me"
" Well, first uhm, I refuse to be the fool, uh the victim in gossip columns again, Cheating won't be tolerated. I promise you I'll make your life a living hell if you decided to step out on our marriage." he grinned widely
"I'm a Malfoy, Granger. We don't cheat. I promise you, you have my utmost loyalty. I'm yours." I nodded, cheating did seem taboo for him and his family. The Malfoys cared about how they looked to the public and a cheating scandal was definitely beneath them.
"Okay, um and well you have mine. But uh talking about cheating, I think we should talk about sex." I watched him cough on the sip of coffee he took.
"Um, what about sex, Granger?"
"Well uh, we're supposed to be together for what 8 years? It's impractical to think we would have sex just to reproduce. We are adults, we have needs, I think sex should be a regular occurrence." he looked at me in surprise, in all honesty, I was surprised with myself. I didn't expect myself to be so brazen but I also didn't expect myself to say yes to a marriage proposal from Draco Malfoy. He collected himself before replying to me
" Don't make it sound like a task granger, you and I can have a lot of fun in the sack," he said with a wink
"I'm sure we can."
"Any more conditions?" he asked, I nodded taking a sip of my tea
"Complete honesty, even about the stupid things. If you're out drinking tell me that instead of hitting me with it's late at work"
"Okay, complete honesty, have I ever told you that you're absolutely beautiful." I blushed again and he smiled
"Shut up, I'm being serious."
"So am I. you wanted honesty." I rolled my eyes and took a bite of the apple pie
"My career is important to me, I'm a little bit of a workaholic."
"That's fine, so am I"
"And um my muggle history matters to me. My parents are muggles and I'm very close with them."
"I wouldn't expect anything less. I would love to meet them"
"Of course, and I suppose you want me to meet your parents"
"They aren't as bad as you think they are. They're good parents and will treat you with respect. I'll make sure of it. We can put a pause on the whole meeting thing till we're both ready. And have found our footing with each other"
"okay. I also think we should keep things a little lowkey. You know tell maybe close friends, family but do our best to say out of the press and all that jazz."
"That's fine uhm is there someone in particular that you don't want finding out?" I looked at him, I knew what he was asking me. He wanted to know if this was about Ron. Did I want Ron to find out? Did I care if Ron found out?
"Uhm no, there isn't anyone I don't want finding out. I uh just want us to be able to find our footing, I just want to keep you to myself for a bit." He nodded, he still looked unsatisfied.
"I'll tell my parents and uhm the Potters of course, and the Weasleys. Maybe Neville and uh Luna." He raised his eyebrows giving me a small insecure smile
"You don't have to."
"I want to, they're the important people in my life they should know" he nodded
"Uhm well, I guess my parents, the Notts and Blaise will know"
"Okay, Well those are my terms if I think of any more I'll let you know… do you uh still wanna marry me?"
"Yes Granger, I still want to marry you."
"Okay uhm do you have any terms?" he smiled
"Uh not really, just this might way in the future but uh if we do have children"
"Name them after a star? Yes, I think that's beautiful."
"How'd you know."
"Sirius Black told us about a few Black traditions.
"My mom always was fond of Sirus" I smiled
"We should talk about living arrangements."
"We can search for a place together, meet up with a realtor." he offered
"That sounds nice, um okay so we're good." he nodded
"That we are"
"I should probably get back to work,"
"Yeah, I'll walk you" I moved to take money out of my wallet
"Oh it's on me Granger"
"I'm not poor Malfoy, I can afford tea and pie" He smiled
"My mother would kill me if I let my date pay." I rolled my eyes
"How gentlemanly of you"
"I can be a gentleman when the time arises," he said, offering me his hand, I giggled before taking it and walking down muggle London to the apparition point. It was weird, a good weird. We stood at the apparition point.
"Oh I almost forgot!" he said taking a ring box out from his pocket
"This is yours, I had the inscription changed, it now says Felix Culpa, it means"
"Happy fault" I interrupted him with a smile, taking the ring box he handed me. It was the perfect saying for the situation.
"You don't have to wear it now, or ever but uh it is yours." I opened the box to look at the beautiful ring that was in it. I took it out and slide it on my left ring finger.
"I'll wear it, I'm in all the way." he smiled
"Can I take you out for dinner on Sunday? A proper date. I would say tomorrow but I'm not in town"
"Is the asking me out on a date"
"It seems that way."
"Ah Pick me up at 7" he smiled and leaned down and placed a small kiss on my forehead.
"I'll see you then." with that he apparated. I went back to my office buzzing, a new found high. I was doing this. I was gonna marry Draco Malfoy.
*Draco Malfoy*
I walked back into my office relieved. Fuck, I was gonna marry Hermione Granger. Holy fucking shit.
"Hey Lisa, how's the son?"
"He's good . I've left some papers for you to sign on your desk." my assistant gave me a warm smile.
"Nice, alright, could you tell to meet me in my office please."
"Of course."
"Thank you, Lisa, Feel free to send the staff home early tonight. It is a Friday after all." Oh, how I loved Fridays! She nodded and walked away to find Blaise. I sat in my chair with an uncharacteristic grin. Blaise walked in apprehensively
"Hey, buddy, how'd it go?"
"She said yes," I said quietly
"Oh my god? She said yes? Hermione Granger? The Hermione Granger?" I nodded at one of my best friends
"Holy fucking shit, Draco. Oh wow."
"I know, I'm gonna marry her. Sure it's not the way You want a yes but uh I think we can have something real."
"Yeah man, I'm happy for you. Hell if it took asking her out myself to get you off your ass I would've done it months ago," he said walking towards me with a playful grin, he moved to give me a hug which I returned
"Shut up Blaise" I mumbled. It's true, I've had a crush on Hermione Granger since I was about 15. I don't know what it was, maybe I enjoyed how smart she really was, maybe it was the hormones. She was refreshing and brave and hell she put me in my place and I kinda liked it. It was a silly crush, I obviously didn't have a chance with the whole death eater shit. After the war, she was with the bloody weasel.
"Do you think I should send the weasel a gift for screwing up?" Blaise chuckled as he sat down in the seat opposite to me.
"I'd wait on sending the moron anything."
"I'm taking her out to dinner on Sunday."
"Nice, you should probably make a reservation"
"Lisa?" I called out
"Yes, , she said peeking her head into my office
"Can you make a reservation for two at the Glass Palace under my name?"
"Yes, of course? A booth?" I nodded, she smiled and walked out.
"She put the ring on, I didn't expect her to put the ring on."
"It's gonna be weird to see your mom without that ring," I chuckled
"Yeah my dad was not so happy that my mom took off the family ring, she had to tell it was a tradition. My mom's a Black tradition means everything to her."
"So they know? That you asked Granger?"
"Yeah, I mean sure they weren't super happy but they love me, and will put up with anything I do"
"Including half-blooded children?"
"Yeah, they knew what the law was about and I mean they have changed. I mean my father is backing a Weasley in the election so."
"I still don't believe that Lucius Malfoy is backing Percy Weasley for Congress?"
"Is it really that unbelievable? I invested in George's company."
"Yeah but that's different."
"I guess, so uhm have you talked to Tori?" he smiled sadly at me
"Uh no, I have not, I miss her. And uh she refuses to talk to me so, there's that"
"I'm sorry, man"
"ah don't be. It's what it is. Let's go out tonight to celebrate your engagement. I'll uh call the boys, you can tell them the news tonight."
"Sounds good, uh but keep it lowkey, I don't want the world knowing before you know it's solid."
"Sure, and congrats man, seriously!"
*Hermione POV*
I had all of Friday to digest the news. I was surprisingly okay with my situation. At the beginning of the week, I was single, I was stressing about a law that is still ridiculous, I would've been taxed an amount I could not afford, and now I was suddenly in a very serious relationship, I was getting married to my childhood enemy, to avoid a ridiculous law and could potentially afford whatever I wanted. It was a big leap, a huge leap. A lot of feelings to figure out. I looked down at the diamond ring that was shining on my hand, it was odd to think that that this was my hand. My ring. This was weird. Odd. awkward. What if I really like him? Would we have something real? Was the date on Sunday night a formality on his part or did he want it? Do I feel like an insecure 16-year-old? Yes. I do. That's what Draco Malfoy does. I want to apologize to all the bimbos I looked down on in the papers for falling for his stupid charms because I have a sick feeling that I too will fall for the same charms. It was now the weekend and well I had to get my priorities straight. So I did what Hermione Granger did best, Avoid her imminent feelings, and make a list. I needed to get a few things done before my dinner date with Malfo- Draco. My dinner date with Draco. I should probably get used to saying his first name. I walked into my tiny kitchen and wrote out my to-do list for the day.
Saturday's To Do List:
- Grab Groceries for the week
- Buy Dad a Birthday present
- Tell Ginny and Harry about Malfoy?
- Tell mum and dad about Malfoy?
- Make something to bring for dinner
- Find something decent to wear on the date
- FINISH THE CALDWELL CASE IMPORTANT
This was easy enough. I'll start with my case. I worked on my case for a few hours, it was the most work I got done all week before an owl arrived at my window. I didn't recognize whose owl it was, I took the package the owl had delivered and noticed a note that was tied to it.
Dear Granger,
I'm in business in Germany today ( don't you worry I'll be in London in time for our date.) I saw this in the window and um thought of you. You don't have to wear it but I mean I think you'd look great in it. After all, red is your colour, love.
DM
P.S. A tip if you're ever trying to do business in Germany, stepping into a women's boutique to buy a dress doesn't bode well.
I read the letter over a few times. I felt a rush of warmth run through me. He thought of me. He bought me a dress, it was kind of cute. I placed the letter down to open the parcel. Inside was a beautiful cocktail dress in a deep rich red. The fabric looked rich. I guess this means I can cross one thing off my to-do list. I took a look at the tag that was still there. Oh, I needed to talk to Ginny. Immediately. I tore a piece of paper out of my notepad to quickly write him back,
Malfoy,
You're a moron for risking a business meeting for a dress. But it's beautiful and I will wear it tomorrow night. Thank you, I appreciate it. I suppose that means I'll see you repping that Slytherin green?
HG
P.S. Tip, Germans love their beer, invite him out for the night, getting sloshed I found is always a recipe for bonding ;)
I handed my note to his owl as well as give the snowy white owl a treat that I had reserved for Harry's Owl. I changed into a pair of muggle jeans and a t-shirt and flooed myself with the box holding this fancy dress to Potter residence.
"Harry? Ginny? Are you home?"
"Mione?" Harry walked into the living room I was standing in
"Hey, am I interrupting anything?" I asked as I placed the box down on the glass table
"Uh no, never! are you alright?" He moved closed to give me a hug, I wrapped my hands around his neck and savoured the safety I felt in that moment. He rubbed my back soothingly. Harry really was the brother I never had. In times when I felt I didn't have a family, he was always there. Standing by me no matter what.
"Are you sure?" I nodded, letting my head rest on my shoulder, he hugged me tighter sensing that I needed it.
"Oh my god, Look at the size of that rock!" I heard Ginny Exclaim, I groaned trying to hide my face in Harry's shoulder. I felt Ginny grab my hand from behind Harry.
"Hermione Jean Granger, you minx." She said with a giggle tugging at my hand. I pulled myself away from his hug to face the redheaded whirlwind. She moved my hand to show Harry the ring that was now on my finger. He let out a low whistle.
"Merlin, that is a nice ring," he commented
"That's kinda why I'm here" I bit my lip before flopping onto the couch.
"You said yes to Malfoy," Harry stated I nodded
"Well gush, Hermione. Let us know everything!"
"Uhm well I met him for lunch yesterday and I said yes. I gave him my conditions we uh talked it out. We're going to get married. Any questions? " they both nodded
"Um, maid of honour?" Ginny asked
"Obviously you, Gin"
"When?"
"Haven't picked a date, Harry."
"How much do you think that ring is?"
"I have no clue, but thinking about it makes me queasy Ginny. Cause I know I could probably fund a small country with this ring alone." I said tapping the centre diamond.
"Are you going to tell Ron?"
"UH eventually, I think I want to get my bearings with Draco before we make it this huge thing. I'm not having another relationship live in the limelight." They exchanged a look.
"He's Draco now?"
"It is his name, Gin. He's always been Draco"
"Well, are you happy with your decision?" Harry asked, his green eyes looking at me intently making it impossible to lie to him.
"I - i think so. I just think it'll take some time getting used to it all. I um I have a date with him tomorrow night."
"Are you still coming to brunch? Charlie is in town and I know you said last week you would stop by"
"I don't think that's a good idea, Especially now. I'll meet Charlie later this week for dinner. I would appreciate it if you would let me tell the Weasley's on my own. They should hear it from me"
"Just stop by for a few minutes, maybe even later in the day, Ron is usually gone by then."
"Uhm maybe I'll stop by before my date."
"What's in the box?" I sighed before moving to pull the dress out of the box. The dress was one of the main reasons I was here.
"Oh wow that's gorgeous, You would look great in it." It definitely was a pretty dress. It wasn't something I would pick out for myself of course. The length would short enough, it would end up right above my knees. The hemline was a deep V but it had lace covering exactly what it was supposed to. It was tight and form-fitting. It was something you needed an insane amount of confidence for. It was also something that was made by a very high profile designer.
"It's not really a you kinda dress, Mione," Harry said,
"You're right. Draco sent this to me as a gift. He wants me to wear for our date."
'That's sweet of him" Ginny said as she walked over to grab the dress to examine it herself.
"Oh, my Hermione this was by Angela Hudson."
"Yeah, this dress is more expensive than my fucking apartment. That's an insane amount of money to spend on fabric."
"Well uhm, you should get used to it, Hermione. He has an endless amount of money. That will be your life once you get married."
"Shhhhhh, don't say things that will freak me out, Harry. You should know better than that" He was right. I guess I didn't really do a thorough amount of thinking as I thought I did.
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