Sorry I was late with the update. It's cold and flu season where i live and I got hit hard by the cold bug. Thankfully I had chapters 1-5 already written when i first posted chapter 1 ^_^ so no extra work needed while I feel like death.
Draco was seated in the kitchen when Harry stepped through the flames with Hemione in his arms.
"Here, take her." Harry didn't wait for Draco to respond before he set a very upset Hermione down on his lap, "Keep her here. I'll be right back."
"Wait-" But Harry didn't wait. Before Draco could protest he was back at the Burrow and Draco was left holding an angry, drunk Hermione.
"That bastard!" Hermione tried to stand up but Draco hooked a hand behind her knees and tugged her back onto his lap sideways so he could see her face.
"Who's a bastard?" He asked evenly, his own anger rising. He was sure he already knew the answer.
"Ron!" She tried to stand again so Draco stood with her, an arm around her waist to keep her upright, "That bastard said I was a floozy."
Draco saw red for a moment but he was amused by her sudden outburst of colorful cussing and name calling that was directed at her former boyfriend.
"Ginny hexed him into the wall." She slurred a little and leaned into his side like she had forgotten why she had stood, "Harry went back to keep her from killing him. Can we sit again?"
"Of course." Draco sat and was surprised when she didn't take the chair beside him but opted instead to seat herself back on his lap.
"Everyone seems happy except Ron." Hermione leaned her back against his chest, "That could just be the Binding doing it's thing but he's refusing to go see Cho before the term starts up." She shrugged, "We were trying to have fun but Ron had to be a stick in the mud. He kept complaining and insulting-" she stopped talking and turned to looked up at him quickly, eyes wide.
"He kept insulting me?" Draco raised an eye brow at drunken witch in his lap, "That's not terribly surprising." he grinned and shifted Hermione back a little before his leg went numb, "He thought he still had a chance with you despite how you really felt about him and now, with the Ministry interfering he realizes he has even less of a chance. Some people are just thicker than others. He will get it sooner or later."
He felt nervous having her so close but in the state she was currently (swaying) in he wouldn't trust her to walk up to bed alone. So holding her close till Harry got back was his best bet at keeping her from tumbling and hurting herself. He tried to act cool and remind himself that she was going to be his wife. They would end up being much closer than this.
"Sorry I drank so much." she sounded more exhausted than apologetic, "I was having fun with Ginny and for awhile there I was able to forget this whole mess even existed."
"It is quite the mess, yeah?" he asked quietly when her head fell back against his shoulder, "But I hope you were able to truly enjoy yourself."
"I did." she giggled, "And at times I really feel like this may all work out."
"For all our sakes, I hope so." Harry said, dusting himself off as he stepped out of the fireplace and sat close to Draco. His eyes took in Draco's hands on Hermione's hips and the way she leaned back into the tall blond but his eyes were on her's when he grinned and announced, "Ginny hexed him purple and threatened to hex his cock off if he kept bothering you." Harry giggled and Draco realized they were both drunk. Hermione more so than Harry.
"Sounds like Gin." Hermione laughed and sat up straighter, making Draco very aware that he had changed back into his silk night pants, "I love her. I really do and I'm happy she can support us despite you two almost becoming a thing."
"She's more mature than her brother." Draco cleared his throat and spun Hermione so he could scoop her into his arms as he stood.
She squeaked out a surprised "whoa" at his quick movements.
"But it is late and you know what they say, Santa wont show if you're awake." Draco felt silly but Harry's grin made him smile, "Some BS about that fat judgmental jerk knowing when we are asleep and whatnot."
Draco carried Hermione up the stairs but set her down in front of the bathroom instead of her own door, "I'm sure you will be happy you used this now."
She wobbled in and Draco gripped Harry's hand. The Boy Who Lived had been holding onto the back of his shirt the whole climb up the stairs, "How bad was he?" Draco asked as he examined Harry's bruised knuckles.
"It's not the first time I've punched him over her." Harry shrugged, "Ron takes awhile to adjust to change."
"So I am seeing."
"You're doing rather well." Harry laced his fingers through Draco's when the blond didn't drop his hand, "I didn't think you would be ok with any of this."
"I'm not really use to being touched." Draco admitted as the door opened and Hermione smiled at them both, "But I will adjust."
"You weren't use to us being around in a friendly manner at school either." Hermione was still smiling, "But we wanted to be there with you- not for you, because we knew you would go all mean if you thought we were taking pity on you. We wanted you to know that you would be ok. You are not your past." she took his free hand.
"Ok, ok," Draco dramatically rolled his eyes at her, "I get it, I get it. You forgave me. Both of you did."
"And we were going to try to be supportive. I guess now we have no choice." Harry laughed as they wobbled as one to Hermione's door.
"Go get some rest." Draco smiled, a habit he wasn't use to yet, as Harry leaned forward and kissed Hermione's forehead.
"Goodnight, 'Mione." Harry flushed.
Draco, not one to miss such an opportunity, did the same. He used the hand he held to tug her forward half a step before his lips pressed firmly against her forehead, "Sleep well." He let go of their hands and stepped back.
"Good night, Draco" Hermione smiled, brushing her hair away from her face, "Good night, Harry."
She wobbled into her room and closed the door with flushed cheeks and a smile.
"Good night, Harry." Draco smirked as Harry turned a deeper red before nodding and heading for his own room.
Hermione was already running when she finally woke up fully.
Harry was having a nightmare.
She didn't knock but she did grab the tall blond who was standing outside the other man's room looking uncertain as to what he should be doing.
"Harry." Hermione said gently, feeling woozy as she made it to the side of his bed. They had only gone to bed 3 hours previously and she had had a lot to drink. She was still tipsy, "You're dreaming. You are home and you are safe." she crawled onto his bed, taking his face in her hands as Draco watched, "There's no more war. There's no more Voldemort. Wake up Harry. I got you."
"Hermione?" Harry opened his eyes slowly and blinked up at her before pulling her to his chest, "Thank Merlin it was a dream." he sighed into her hair as the bed dipped and Draco placed a hand on Harry's knee.
"She's safe." Draco couldn't help the hollow feeling in his gut as he tried to comfort Harry. It wasn't something he was use to doing, ever. His mother was the only one he had been allowed to show emotions to and she had been his teacher on how to hide said emotions.
Harry scooted sideways, making room for Hermione beside him in bed. Draco raised an eyebrow as Hermione gestured at him and held the blankets back, inviting him in.
"It's just cuddling." She said, the light from the hall not quite bright enough to show just how red she was turning, "Nothing more. We will eventually be sleeping like this anyways."
Draco stared down at her, blanket still held for him, before nodding and sliding into the too small bed, "Should I charm the bed bigger?"
Hermione was trying not giggle at the absurdity of it all. If her memory of the previous evening/night held true, Draco had been kind, even sweet to her and Harry.
Who would have thought it was possible?
"Only enough to fit us comfortably." Harry said sleepily as Hermione snuggled into his side.
"Of course." Draco snickered and with a wave of his wand the bed extended by a foot all the way around. He was taller than they were and hated the feeling of his feet dangling over the end.
"You can snuggle up." Hermione said into Harry's shoulder but Draco knew it was directed at him.
"Cause this isn't weird." he laughed again, a small nervous laugh, "Do you and your friends usually pile into bed like puppies?" He finally decided to just put an arm across her, his hand landing on hers which was placed on Harry's chest.
"No." Harry snorted, "We've shared a bed when we were Horcrux hunting. It was after Ron left us in the forest of Dean." he sighed, all humor gone, "We were both scared and thought we had very little chance of making it out of the war alive. Now it's more about comfort, or it was. Now it's sorta something we should get use to doing more often."
Draco laced his fingers through Hermione's as she sighed.
"This Binding is making it hard to lie." Draco let himself relax against her, "Also being this close feels more natural than I thought it would be. Less awkward than I had anticipated as well."
Hermione and Harry snorted at the same time which made the blond laugh, a sharp bark of a laugh.
"You can't ignore how weird this is forever." Draco tried to point out but suddenly Harry was patting his and Hermione's joined hands on his chest.
"We already accepted you months ago. It will feel weirder once we're back at school and sleeping alone with silencing charms in place to keep from scaring our dorm mates." Harry left his hand on top of Draco's, "May as well get use to being close now instead of having the whole school watch our awkward fumblings."
"But it's not that awkward." Hermione said from between them, "I didn't believe it would be this easy after only a day and half. I just kept telling myself it was because I knew I could possibly find a way out of this Misitry law so I had nothing to really worry about but my theory has now become that the Binding, which is suppose to help progress a relationship between people who barely know each other, is somewhat too strong to be used on people who are either already friends or those who have spent a lot of time together. Any of the usual comfortableness that we normal would have felt has been dampened by the magic of the ceremony."
"We haven't had a ceremony yet." Harry sat up on his elbow to see his Matches better even if they were still blurry without his glasses.
"No, we haven't but the Ministry did. That's how we were paired." Hermione rolled onto her back, pushing into Draco as she did so, "Old magic reacts oddly in some situations and I doubt the Minister or any of the Wizengamot had really thought about the exact details of what they were asking the Magic of the ceremony to do."
"Huh." Harry plopped back on his pillow as he thought about her words, "I can see them doing that. They want a quick fix and yet they don't take the time to examine the intricacies of an ancient spell that may act differently in a time where people aren't forced to marry a near stranger every day."
"You're quicker than I gave you credit for, Harry." Draco sounded amused.
"Shut up, Draco." Harry swatted the other man's arm then laughed, "Do you even have a pillow over there?"
"On the edge of the one she's using but this hair is threatening to run me out of bed."
"Hey! It's not that bad." Hermione suddenly sat up so she could glare down at the former Slytherin while she quickly pulled her hair into a manageable braid.
"Yes, it is." both males responded, making her laugh.
"So as much as I wish I had a camera right now-," Some one was saying as Hermione slowly woke up. She was so warm and comfortable, "Ron will lose the rest of his cool if he walks in to see this."
"Ginny?" Harry's voice was warm across her ear and Hermione suddenly remembered where she was.
"Wand down, Blondie or I will hex your junk off instead of my brother's." Hermione sat up to see that Draco had gotten halfway up and had his wand pointed at Ginny.
"Geez, Little Red." Draco threw himself back on the pillow Hermione had just vacated, "Haven't you heard of knocking?"
"Door was wide open and Hermione's room was empty but in all seriousness it's almost noon and the rest of my family will be here in like 2 minutes." Ginny strode across the room and took Hermione by the arm, helping her climb out from between them, "Now let's get you ready-" Ginny froze and tilted her head, "I think I hear Kingsley talking downstairs."
"Shit!." Hermione flew past her friend and they could hear her opening the closet in her own room, "O no, o no, o no. Where's the grey sweater I had picked out?"
Back in Harry's room Ginny was just grinning as the boys moved slower than their female partner.
"I take it things are going well?" She smirked when Draco glared at her.
"I'm going to my room. Let me know when it's safe to come out." Draco stood and stretched.
"You can come down at any time." Harry grabbed his glasses and watched the rest of Draco's stretch before adding, "It's Christmas and this is your home now. You can do what you want but I think Hermione would be happy if you joined us."
"Harry too." Ginny added, "He would be happy if you joined us. He takes family very seriously."
Draco watched Harry shoot Little Red a look before he nodded, "Then I'll be down in 20."
Hermione had found her sweater and nice skirt and went downstairs to find that Ginny had been right. The kitchen and sitting room where filled with the entire Weasley family. Charlie and George embraced her, wishing her a Happy Christmas as she tried to undo her braid from the night before.
"How are you holding up?" Charlie asked her as he leaned back against the counter to make room for Bill to squeeze by.
"Hi Hermione." Bill smiled and Hermione waved before he headed for the next room.
"I'm ok." Hermione sounded surprised by her own words, as she ran her fingers through her curly hair, "Surprisingly this isn't as difficult as I expected it to be."
"Really?" Charlie raised an eyebrow as he summoned two cups of tea from the table.
"Really." Hermione added sugar and a dash of cream to her tea before saying, "Really really."
"See? No one believes that git could resist the urge to insult you at every turn." Ron stepped into the room and glared at her.
"And everyone thinks you're being a git for ignoring Cho's letter." George said with a slow shake of his head, "You do understand you probably don't want to start this important relationship off with her already hating you, right? That doesn't sound fun."
A hand suddenly gripped her shoulder and Hermione watched as Charlie and George went from smiling to wary and Ron turned purple- ish.
"There's tea?" Draco asked, dipping his head and kissing her hair as his eyes scanned the room till he found the tea pot and cups set out by the fire place. He didn't see the bewildered looks on everyone's face but Ron's. Ron looked ready to spit acid.
"Cream and sugar are on the table." Hermione said to the blond's back as he made his way over to the tea. He had changed into light grey slacks and a white dress shirt of which he had rolled up the sleeves. He looked formal yet relaxed.
And very good in slacks. Hermione had to force herself not to stare.
"What was that? It's been two days and you're letting him touch you?" Ron was a horrible color but he managed to keep his voice down.
"Going to have to get use to it sooner or later." She shrugged and watched the males looked at her in wonder for a moment, "Besides the Binding has made everything feel less forced or awkward and I'm guessing since Harry and I were already really close the Matching process only made our bond deeper."
"And Malfoy?" George asked before Ron could.
"Maybe the Binding is playing catch up and making me feel as comfortable with him as I do Harry to give both of my husbands a fair start in this mess of a Match." Hermione startled a little when Harry suddenly slid an arm around her waist and pulled her close for a hug, almost knocking her tea to the floor.
Draco snatched the cup out of her hand before it could fall, "Geez, man. Don't go wasting the tea. It's really good."
Harry smiled and stepped back a bit, only removing one hand from Hermione's waist, "O, there's tea?"
For the rest of the party Draco was a perfect gentleman to everyone and it drove Ron crazy.
"Presents!" Arthur called, "Time for presents! Everyone squeeze into the sitting room."
There weren't enough chairs and Kingsley laughed as Bill jumped to his feet to give the Minister his spot on the love seat he had been sharing with Fleur.
"Thank you Bill but I can stand. Sit with your lovely wife." Kingsley handed everyone envelopes but when he got to Hermione he handed her a rather large package, "I know everyone had been anticipating something fun to celebrate the Holidays and instead they were Matched. To make it up to you all we are going to be throwing a ball for end of your school year, marking one year since Voldemort's fall. You have all been invited. Just send the rsvp in soon so the dinner's can be sorted out."
"And this?" Hermione asked, pointing at the box before her.
"O, well knowing you miss Granger I made a special stop at Flourish and Blotts and picked up the books you had ordered since I know they will not be open or sending out orders till after the 1st." Kingsley shook his head before adding, "I know you think there is a way to avoid this-"
"I've actually started to think there may not be." Hermione cut him off as Arthur started handing out other gifts. She was determined to enjoy her Christmas.
Everyone but Draco received a new Weasley sweater.
Everyone but Draco got a goody bag of gag gifts and sweets.
"Sorry Ferret, I guess no one thought to get you anything." Ron tried to start but Molly cut him short with a look as she turned to Draco.
"You have a fit build. Tall like Bill but red wouldn't really suit you. I'll have a green sweater owled to you in the next two weeks, Draco dear." Molly smile pleasantly.
"I would be honored, Mrs Weasley but please dont go to any trouble for me." Draco said sincerely and Ron started turning purple again.
"O it's no trouble at all. Beside you are going to be part of the Family." Molly announced earning Ron's glare.
"There are still my gifts!" Hermione jumped up and left the room for a moment, "Sorry," she reappeared with a bag of presents, "There were too many to put under the tree."
They were books. Nearly everyone got books from Hermione which made Draco grin.
Molly was thrilled with the Muggle cookbook and Arthur looked excited for the model car she had gotten him.
"Just follow the directions and it will be easy." she said to Arthur as she handed George a book on Muggle magic tricks and how they were done. Along with a book of jokes.
"Muggle magic and knock knock jokes?" George exclaimed as he hugged her tightly.
Bill and Fleur received a beautiful baby blanket Hermione had spent the last 4 months working on tirelessly. Charlie got a muggle puzzle that had a bunch of colorful dragons on it. Percy was given a journal and new quill set. Ron received the newest copy of the Cannons members book and a new Cannons jersey from her and Harry.
Ginny bounced over and held her hand out. She loved Hermione's gifts. There was just always something fun and charming about the muggle things she gave her friends.
"Hah well aren't you subtle." Draco laughed, making Harry snicker.
"Shut up, Draco. I always look forward to Hermione's gifts." Ginny smiled when Hermione placed a small box in her hand and then squealed when she opened it to reveal a golden hair pin in the shape of a feather.
Draco was surprised when Hermione then stopped in front of him and pulled out another 2 boxes but he tried hard not to show it as he could see Ron watching him closely from across the over crowded room.
One was for him and one was for Harry.
She had made Harry a pair of black knit mittens.
"I love them." He grinned up at her from his seat on the floor.
Draco found his box contained a very soft dark blue hat. Also handmade.
"It's incredible." He took it out and slipped in on, smiling at Hermione as the room watched, "And it fits perfectly. Thank you."
He had to force those last two words out. He really hadn't expected a gift and therefore had been unprepared for the emotion he suddenly felt build in his chest.
"You're welcome." Hermione beamed with pink tinged cheeks. She looked very happy at his reaction to the hat.
As everyone said their good byes Draco was surprised by the amount of friendliness the Weasley family was showing him. Well, excluding Ron, of course.
Molly had hugged him, an act that had left him speechless for a moment before he returned her hug, "Feel free to come by anytime, dear." she patted his cheek in a motherly fashion, "We would love to get know you better."
Arthur and the oldest of the Weasley sons shook his hand. Even Percy managed a handshake and a nod before leaving through the floo.
"Just remember, we will hunt you down and kill you if you do anything to hurt them." Ginny had informed him in a bright tone as she quickly hugged him and disappeared.
"Well that was just rude." Draco snorted as Harry burst out laughing beside him.
"Yeah, well it's true." Ron grumbled from the door way, his eyes had moved to Hermione who was picking up the plates left on the table and cleaning them off before placing them in the sink, "You hurt her I will hurt you."
"Cause, I would just stand by and let that happen?" Harry said with some annoyance. Ron was wearing on his patience.
"You do know I can hear you lot, yeah?" Hermione asked from the sink, a hand going to her hip.
"I would never hurt her or him." Draco started and held up a hand when Ron opened his mouth, "People change. Some of us even grow up and realize our mistakes before it's too late."
Ron mumbled something about gits and arseholes before stepping into the fireplace and disappearing from sight.
