Here is the next chapter as promised!


Chapter 3


"Hurry up Hermione! What's taking you so long?"

"I don't know what to wear!" Hermione wailed despairingly.

Helena entered Hermione's rooms, an amused expression on her face. Without another word, she gestured to another doorway, saying: "You don't think we would have let you come without stocking your wardrobe do you? Have a look, and try one on. It's just a family dinner."

Hermione gasped in delight as she pulled aside a curtain, revealing a dimly lit room. Indeed, there would have been no need for worry, with the spacious wardrobe she now owned. Looking much like a child who just woke up and realised that it was Christmas Day, she admired the full length mirror that hung to one side and started looking through the racks of fine clothing that lined the walls. After a moment, Hermione paused, a little shocked.

"This is all mine?"

Helena raised her eyes dramatically upwards and nodded.

"Welcome to the Savinis."

*~.~*~.~*~.~*~.~*

A few moments later, both girls descended down the stairs to the dining hall, ready to meet the guests.

Helena donned a look of complete politeness as they neared, while Hermione prepared herself for a night of thinly veiled insults (Malfoy) and sufficient awkwardness.

"Hermione!" Her mother called.

"I would like to introduce you to Sebastian and Ruth Zabini. This is my daughter, Hermione. Oh, and I hear you've met their wonderful son, Blaise, at school, dear?" Hermione smiled politely to Mr and Mrs Zabini, while nodding to Blaise, who Hermione was surprised to notice, didn't greet her with the usual haughty disdain. He smiled genially and seemed to disregard his previous attitude towards her.

"Hey"

"Um... hi Blaise."

"So how are you doing?"

"Alright, thanks. I'm just adjusting, think it'll take me a while."

"Hmm..", he agreed, but seemed to see someone he knew and called them over, "Oi, Draco!"

Hermione almost didn't recognise Malfoy until they were a few feet apart. He strode over, towering over Hermione. She noticed he didn't sleek his hair back anymore and his face had matured a little, diminishing his pointed chin and his high cheek bones more prominent.

I never really noticed, but he certainly does look handsome... Hermione shook herself mentally. What are you thinking? So what? He's still the same arrogant little-

"Hi Hermione!"

She looked at him in surprise. Did Malfoy just say hi to me? Without any sarcasm or mockery? Really? What's the world coming to? Hermione thought, then came to an answer. Does it really make so much difference if I am pureblood or not? Git.

"Um... Hermione, you alright there? Just spaced out for a second there." Blaise said, looking at her. "Well, I'm just going to get some more of this stuff. It sure is good!" He indicated the glass in his hand and walked off.

Malfoy smirked at her. "Enjoying yourself, now that you know what is to be a pureblood? A big change from being a mudblood bookworm, eh?" He sneered. "Don't kid yourself. I was just being polite. Not a good idea to make a bad impression on your new parents, is it?"

Hermione silently let out a breath. The old Malfoy was back.

"Shut up. You would think that, being a pureblood and all, you would have known I was one? Geez, it must have come as a big shock to you, when you found out that you've been mistaken for what, six years? Really, you should do a checkup on your bloodline. There seems to be some doubt."

Malfoy's face flushed angrily.

"How dare y-"

"If everyone could please sit accordingly at the table, dinner is to be served." The host, Hermione's father, announced as the guests began to look for their seats at the long dining table that stretched down the middle of the hall.

With a parting glare, Malfoy strode off to his seat beside his mother, Narcissa Malfoy.

*~.~*~.~*~.~*~.~*

Dinner was delicious. It had been magicked so that everyone's favourite dish was served, both on their plates and the courses.

Hermione had never eaten so much in her life. It didn't help when her plate kept refilling, tempting her again and again.

Presently, she saw her mother and father nod to each other. Her mother rose from her seat, signaling for silence with one elegant hand gesture.

"We have an announcement, one that may come a shock to of all you, especially our dear Hermione, who was reunited with us only this morning." Everyone clapped amiably, congratulating the Savinis. Hermione glanced up curiously.

"As we are all aware, it has been a pureblood tradition that our children are betrothed to each other from an early age, for the sole purpose of uniting our pureblood families. My husband and I have noticed that our Hermione will turn seventeen next week. This is the age when she is to marry, cementing the bond." Hermione stiffened. "I think it is in everyone's interest to know that before she was...taken away, Hermione was betrothed to-"

No... (part of me wants to stop here! :P but that would be just mean so...)

"Draco Malfoy."

Hermione reeled in shock. Her head snapped around, her eyes meeting Malfoy's own, who seemed equally shocked.

She stood up abruptly, well aware of everyone's eyes on her and turned on her mother and father, imploring.

"Mother. Father. Is this true? No. NO, this-this cannot be happening! Malfoy?! MALFOY?! Please anyone but him! .... And so soon! I am only seventeen! I-I..." Hermione uncharacteristically spluttered off.

There was a screeching of chairs as both her father, Dimitri Senior, and said Malfoy stood up as well.

...

Malfoy sat back down, obviously fuming. It seemed everyone else in the dining hall was shocked too, Blaise's expression would have almost been comical if not for the situation. He had frozen in the act of drinking from his goblet, the drink spilling out of his mouth and running down his neck. His eyes were wide and he looked thoroughly taken aback.

"First of all, I would like to apologise to my daughter, at the suddenness of all this, and that I completely understand your reaction. However, I would like to explain to everyone present, why it is imperative that Hermione marries so soon. We regret that she is to be taken from us so soon after our union, but it is necessary. A curse was put on all the pureblood families present that if tradition was not obeyed, misfortune would befall us all. The original intention was that both parties would be able to know who their betrothed was at the age of thirteen, so they could marry on good terms, but due to our predicament, that part was unfortunately unable to be carried out. So Miss Savini and Mr Malfoy should understand that there is nothing that can be done, therefore further drama is uncalled for."

There was a small commotion as Hermione swayed on her feet. A young man with dark hair rushed by her side and caught her before she fell.

Malfoy was left staring at his mother accusingly, who had the grace to look away. He raked his fingers through his hair, wearily.

Merlin... what next?


If you don't really understand the curse part, it will be explained further in the next chapter.

Hope you enjoyed that chapter. I really proud of myself for updating so soon each time. (like, everyday)

But, I have to go to music camp soon, so I am willing to strike a deal with everyone. :P

If I get more than five reviews, I will update two chapters before then.

Thank you to everyone who reviewed!